Solace by Michael Hoppe

MP3 Clips:

Solace

Pie Jesu

$16 plus $2.50 S/H per CD

Review

"The search for solace involves a difficult reconciliation of conflicting emotions, pitting one’s need to grieve at odds with a heavy-hearted realization that life, however diminished, must go on. Using an audio palette of grays and dark blues, Michael Hoppe offers Solace as a balm for the soul during such times, "where the dark clouds in life give way to the glow of eternal hope and peace."

The clouds never fully lift during the 12 tracks of Solace, which appear to progress in a stages-of-mourning manner. The effect can be moving, even lovely (particularly the grand orchestral opener, "The Majestic Land," one of four splendid selections involving the Prague Symphony -- recorded remotely via an Internet link, of all things).

The prevailing mood is melancholy but not quite maudlin; two angelic arias ("Pie Jesu," which Hoppe had written for the memorial service of his wife’s mother, and "Lachrymosa") are tearless, reverent expressions that aspire to the divine.

The closing moment of "The Parting," a retooled but otherwise ordinary composition from 1986 that involves Vangelis, finally yields a sense of closure. For those in a state of bereavement, Hoppe’s Solace may offer you comfort."

-- Terry Wood,
Amazon Editorial Review

MP3 Clips:

Sanctus

Agnus Dei

Lux Aeterna

$16 plus $2.50 S/H per CD

Review

Michael Hoppe continues his tradition of creating profoundly emotional music that comes from the heart and goes deep into the soul of the listener. Hoppe's compositions are polished to shimmering perfection with his background keyboards, but it is the voices of soprano Heidi Fielding and tenor Dwain Briggs and Martin Tillman's soulful cello that bring the music to life. The other instrumentalists are Chris Bleth on oboe, Bernadette Allbaugh on clarinet, and Alyssa Park and Lilly Hayden on violin, each adding his or her own sensitive touch to the music.

Created as a follow-up to Hoppe's 2003 Grammy-nominated CD, "Solace," "Requiem" offers "wings for the passage of the soul." I expected this album to be very dark and a bit depressing, but it is instead incredibly serene and full of hope. In Hoppe's own words,"I wanted "Requiem" to embrace intimacy, peace, and serenity, and although it is not a complete setting of the Missa Pro Defunctis as stated in the Catholic liturgy, I have used the Latin text I felt represented these characteristics."

Obviously not party music, this is a CD to transport the listener to a place of peace and healing. Very classical in structure and approach, the one word I would use to describe "Requiem" is "stunning." The beauty and grace of the music are absolutely amazing. In a recent email, Michael Hoppe mentioned that he thinks this is his best work, and I would have to agree. His fourteenth release to date, "Requiem" is another masterpiece from one of my very favorite artists. I give this CD my highest recommendation.

--Solo Piano Publications