The artist Sufjan Stevens is widely known for composing the Call Me by Your Name soundtrack. In May of this year, he released a piano instrumental album titled Reflections, which is the perfect introduction to classical music of the modern era. With a mere length of thirty minutes, the album manages to take advantage of the different styles that can be achieved using only a piano.
It’s stereotypically thought that classical music peaked in the late eighteenth to the early nineteenth century. But in reality, classical music is still being created and produced today.
For instance, Reflections was written as a ballet album and even debuted at the top spot of the British Specialist Classical Albums Chart. On October 6th of this year, he also released an album called Javelin which falls under a more indie genre of sound. This further highlights Stevens’ effortless ability to incorporate piano classically and for lyrical writing as well.
Sometimes, instrumental music invokes the personal emotions of the listener, since there are no lyrics to follow a feeling with. Instead, the listener is allowed to find meaning in what is expressed by instruments. For Reflections, its dramatic and energizing theme provokes a flow of feelings. It causes a reflection of these feelings, as the name suggests. Its versatile take on classical music is what makes it so unique.
What makes classical music particularly special is its ability to express the ideas of the artist without the use of words. The composition is more crucial to getting a message across than regular music. An absence of lyrics makes hearing music a more interesting experience.
With this album, it can be relistened to because it takes meaning in how you interpret it. Its third song titled “Euphoros,” which in Greek means “carrying something well,” does exactly this. The build-up of a chord progression at the end is so lively and beautiful to listen to.
So take a listen to see what the album makes you think of!
