Search - Michael Hoppe, Joe Powers :: Nostalgie

From MainlyPiano

Kathy Parsons | Florence, OR United States | 09/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Nostalgie" is a shimmering new work from Grammy-nominated pianist/composer Michael Hoppe', following in the tradition of Hoppe's earlier "The Yearning," "The Poet," "Romances For Solo Piano," and "The Dreamer." If you are not familiar with those masterpieces, shame on you! All of those albums except "Romances For Solo Piano" are collaborations with Hoppe' on piano and keyboard with flutist Tim Wheater (The Yearning and The Dreamer) and cellist Martin Tillman (The Poet) that include gorgeous booklets of photographic portraits taken by turn-of-the century photographer E.O. Hoppe', Michael's grandfather. Those portraits were matched with each of the pieces of music and include biographies of those pictured or some of their poetry. Nostalgie is a collaboration with Joe Powers, a harmonica virtuoso, and this time the photos are matched to the music itself (only a few are portraits this time) with a brief note about each piece by Michael Hoppe'. I was surprised to hear that Hoppe' was working on a harmonica album since his music has such a strong classical influence, but from the first notes of the opening piece, you realize that this is no campfire harmonica player, but someone who thoroughly understands his instrument and has mastered it beyond all expectations. The melancholy character of Hoppe's music is a perfect match to the harmonica's mournful tone, making Nostalgie another masterpiece in this series.



"Prairie Moon" opens and closes the album, and is a new piece that has already gone through a series of incarnations. This first version is for harmonica and light orchestration, including guitar, and has a very strong "Americana" flavor. One senses vast open spaces and a sense of solitude. The closing "bonus" track is a more orchestrated arrangement on keyboards, which hints of Hoppe's promise to have this music performed by a "real" orchestra for his next album. Yum! "Bella (for Bette)" is a stirring portrait of a close friend. With a bare minimum of notes, Hoppe' and Powers say so much! "Melancholie" appears twice - once as a piano solo and again with piano and harmonica - both utterly poignant and graceful. "Vern's Turn" first appeared on Romances For Solo Piano, and the addition of harmonica makes it an even more compelling tribute to a lost best friend. "Waiting For You" is classic Hoppe' - quiet elegance with a strong feeling of nostalgia or longing. "Verdiana" was inspired by the music of Verdi, and appears once as a cello piece and later with violin (both without harmonica). "Tears and Roses" was originally composed for guitar, but then put away. Joe Powers makes this heartbreaker his own - an amazing beauty! "Sigh" is almost all harmonica with a minimum of string accompaniment - an outpouring of emotion and passion. "Coming Home" is an exquisite duet for harmonica and piano.



You might have noticed that I didn't mention any favorite selections from this album. That's because they are all so beautiful that it's impossible to choose. Michael Hoppe' has been one of my favorite artists since I fell in love with "The Yearning" more than twelve years ago. He continues to explore different avenues for his music while keeping the quality at an amazing level. "Nostalgie" is sure to be on many Top 10 lists for 2009, including my own, and I can't recommend it enough."

Review of Nostalgie-Romances for Harmonica

Susan H. Ruzicka | Cookeville, TN | 08/31/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have all of Michael Hoppe's works. "Nostalgie" is a masterful collection of Michael's brilliant compositions in conjunction with Joe Powers and his harmonica. The entire collection touches the heart. "Nostalgie" resonates within you. It is more than just a collection of beautiful music, it is a journey of the heart. This combination of evocative melodic harmony united with the haunting tones of the harmonica creates a powerful vision of peace and hope expressed through the power of the music. I love this collection. In addition, the Deluxe thirty-six page booklet containing thirteen turn-of-the century photographs from famed photographer E.O. Hoppe, Micheal's grandfather add another powerful dimension. Bravo Michael!"

Another beautiful musical journey

Charlotte Del Rose | Los Angeles, CA | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album is very soothing like the lovely photographs on contained in the notes. Each photograph is so perfectly echoed by the pieces. They are wistful and haunting. They can be subtle and evocative. The harmonica has a very American of gentler older times feel to it. Things songs are like sitting in Mr. Hoppe's living room and having him play just for you. Someof the tracks are bittersweet, yearning, moving and complex. They can also be full and rich. The pieces with strings are like the instruments singing to each other. And the next to last track is majestic, full of hope and evocative of open vistas. I would recommend it highly to lovers of this type of music."