Fresh on the heels of his highly acclaimed chart-topping CD,
Reconstructed,
Isadar gifts us with a sparkling new album of holiday-themed
instrumental music for solo piano, entitled
"O Christmas." Given the
proximity to his recent release, one might assume that this one was
quickly produced, but in reality
O Christmas has been 7 years in the making. Various
circumstances including other recording projects, a segue into the
field of video production, and a cross country move from NYC to the west
coast and later back again, created delays with the completion of the
album. But as they say, "good things come to those who wait."
One of the most interesting things about this album is the fact that
the selections are traditional Christmas songs, yet some were chosen
because they are less well known, or "off the beaten path" as Isadar
characterizes them. This follows the pattern set by his 1999 Christmas
album "In Search For The Meaning Of Christmas," yet this new CD mines
even deeper in its quest for interesting and unusual choices.
The album begins with a track called "Good Christian Men." Steeped in
history, the song dates back to 14th century Germany and its Latin
title was originally "In Dulci Jubilo" before it was translated into
English in the 1800s. Isadars interpretation creates a lively and
festive air that makes a perfect portal to the recording. The
high-spirited mood continues on the next song, "Teddy Bears Picnic,"
which although not technically a Christmas song, has been interwoven by
Isadar with "March Of The Toys" to tie it in with the holidays a
clever arrangement of these intriguing melodies. One of the more
well-known carols on the album is "O Christmas Tree" and is sure to have
listeners humming along with its familiar refrain.
A
track entitled "Still" is an innovative rendition of the classic
"Still, Still, Still" which Isadar has put his own spin on, or as he
jokingly puts it "jazzed up shamelessly." No such liberties were taken
on the classic "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," however. This song provides a
showcase for Isadars accomplished grand piano work, featuring lush
left hand arpeggios creating a strong foundation for his more delicate
right hand melodies to dance upon a powerful and moving combination.
Another of the less well known, yet equally inspiring tunes is a Puerto
Rican carol entitled "Song Of The Wise Men." It has been said that:
"Christmas is, above all, a childrens holiday, and many hymns are
addressed to children, reminding them that the real reason for the
sugarplums and Christmas trees is the celebration of the birth of the
Christ Child." This theme is well reflected in Isadars choice of "O
Come Little Children," based on a carol from the 1800s.
Among my favorite tracks on the album are the wistful strains of
"Greensleeves 2012," which Isadar interprets with elegance and grandeur
and also pays homage to Liz Sto
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