Different But Still Amazing...
Bubbles | United States | 01/31/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've loved Craig Armstrong's work all the way back to 1999 when I heard "This Love" on the Cruel Intentions soundtrack (an amazing album btw as well). I purchased "Space Between Us" and have been enamored with it ever since...I've bought two copies of my own and even have my mother hooked on his music. "As If to Nothing" was sort of a let-down for me because it just seemed to lack some of the elegance and ingenuity that made "Space Between Us" so very amazing.
When I found out that Mr. Armstrong was making another album but that it would be a pure piano album, I just about melted! Violin and piano are my two favorite instruments but since I play piano, I could not wait for this album. And it does not disappoint!
All the tracks standout in their own unique and new way, even some of the songs now being re-done without orchestrial accompaniment. However, a few tracks just take my breath away. "In My Own Words" is one of the most haunting and breathtaking piano compositions I've ever heard...brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard it and this has become my favorite composition of his after "Laura's Theme" held that spot for so long. "Weather Storm" sounds just like falling rain during a thunderstorm as it opens and it just continues to have that "flow" to it throughout the song...spectacular. "Leaving Paris"...WOW! What can I say about this song?? It is tied with "In My Own Words" for being my favorite composition by Mr. Armstrong. The emotion you can feel coming from the piano and the composition is beautiful. And "Morning Breaks"...who can truly forget this piece of work as it played in Romeo + Juliet (at the time I didn't know who did the song). But being able to conjure that moment in the film just from the beauty of this composition on the piano makes me want to wake up in the morning to something as beautiful as this. "Laura's Theme", my former favorite composition by Mr. Armstrong, is still a strong favorite of mine and is just as haunting, if not more so, than its first appearance on "Space Between Us"...one of the most beautiful and haunting songs ever produced. "Glasgow Love Theme" from Love Actually sounds just as amazing here. "Childhood 2" is a song that just conveys what it is like to be a child and grow up with all around you that just goes in thousands of directions (hence the layering music effect). More importantly, for me this song really has a way of conjuring up images of my own youth that I can vividly see again and experience. The hidden track after "Sunrise" truly shows what a master of music Craig Armstrong is from the crescendos to the light airy playing, all within one piece of music.
As a work done purely on piano by the composing artist only, this is hands down the best. "Space Between Us" gives a picture of his genuis in creating full orchestrial masterpieces but "Piano Works" seems to take at least me closer to seeing who Mr. Armstrong really is since it seems there's even more emotion (if that's possible) that flows out of each of these pieces. Highly recommended.
"
Gorgeous music
L. Kabzinski | 01/30/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard Craig Armstrong on Quiet music which plays in my area on Sunday mornings. While I was only able to hear pieces of the album before purchase, it was one of my best. The music is haunting and beautiful. Wonderful to listen to while driving. I intend to purchase more of this man's music."
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1
