Search - Clara Ponty :: Clara Ponty

From Wind and Wire, Issue 6

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 01/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clara Ponty's debut album fully demonstrates this new artist's tremendous power as both composer and pianist. At first, I had a hard time getting into the music (it seemed too remote), but it was well worth the time and effort to get inside the music and discover Clara Ponty's depth and warmth. This is not easy-listening or pop piano music - there are very strong classical elements (I hear Debussy's influence in many of the pieces) as well as jazz and improvisational qualities. Listeners who enjoy having music unfold and reveal itself over many playings will thoroughly enjoy the ride here. Clara Ponty has obviously had extensive classical training, and her playing is amazing is both its virtuosity and its subtlety. The CD opens with "Romance", which was co-composed with Clara's father, Jean-Luc Ponty, and has a wonderful grace and dancing, flowing quality. In her liner notes, Clara describes "Glimpses of Paradise" as "passing through a prism, a falling spectrum of colors" - a perfect depiction of bright and fleeting bits of color and light. "Mind Spin" is a light and rhythmic abstraction highlighted with a simple percussion background - one of the jazzier pieces. "Jeux d'Oiseaux" and "Sunrise Prayer" contain both classical and jazz elements, and are light and impressionistic tone paintings. "Whispering Winds" opens with ambient sounds that fade out as the piano gently enters - this piece is really lovely. "Reminiscence" is my favorite - "a passionate tale of a breaking heart" - it is slow, delicate, and painfully beautiful. "Melancholy" and "Reflections d'Amour" are sad and introspective mood studies. "Mandarin Dream" opens with piano, and expands to include African percussion - it becomes the most improvised of the pieces. "Fifer's Tale" closes this very impressive CD on a light yet bold, carefree note. More, more!"

A Rare Jewel

Kathy Parsons | 08/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was looking for some new age music and just happened to pick up this album. But this music goes beyond just the new age genre, a rare jewel indeed. Clara Ponty's classical background serves her well as she composes and performs this fresh new music. At times one can hear the spirit of a Brahms intermezzo, sometimes a hint of Ravel or Debussy, sometimes Schumann, and yet even sometimes a hint of Michael Jones. But this music is really none of these. It is Clara Ponty's music. Her compositions and performance reflect not only musicianship, but an indication of a kind of peaceful beauty that most of us can only dream of. They will sound as clear and fresh 50 years from now as they do today."

5 stars are not enough for this hauntingly beautiful music!

greengables | WV, USA | 06/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD on a whim, and I'm so glad I did. One is tempted to compare Clara's composition and performance to that of Michael Jones or David Lanz, but in fact Clara transcends the "New Age" label. Some of this music is almost Chopin-esque in its simplicity and beauty; her classical education at Interlochen Arts Academy shines through. I love every single selection on this CD, but my favorite is Reminiscence, so aptly named and so very moving. Thank you, thank you, Clara, for your beautiful, impressionistic music, and your highly skillful, interpretive playing. This CD is a treasure!"