Decay Music (Obscure, 1976)
“Decay Music” by Micheal Nyman released by Brian Eno’s label Obscure. This album is focus on the musical term “decay”, tones extend and/or reduce when an instrument play, such as fingers are putting piano key, and strings of guitar are vibrating.
“1 – 100” is an over 27 minutes length song which is consist of piano backing of a root plus 4th or 5th might be modulated by reverb and delay, played rondomly by 3 to 10 seconds. And the sound swings between left and right stereo position by a mixing console or effect(s). This song almost repeats this pattern only. Piano attacks and decay structured a soundscape or sound environment. This song is a kind of Ambient Music or a true Ambient Music makes a space of sound. A very unique, conceptual and relaxing song.
“Bell Set No.1” is composed by the concept, but the content is far different. This song is consist of repetitions of ethnic bell instruments ring. The sound and its decay are discord. This song construct a mysterious and odd soundscape.
“1 – 100 (Faster Decay)”, track 1, “1 – 100” is made by slow down the tape half speed. This track is the original speed version.
The Piano (Virgin, 1993)
“The Piano” is a motion picture soundtrack for the same title movie and it features piano. But piano pieces on this album re-recording by Micheal Nyman himself. (Original versions in movie, were played by Holly Hunter, lead actress.)
“Big My Secret” is a beautiful, sorrowful also refreshing piano solo piece.
“The Heart Asks Pleasure First” is the representive work of Micheal Nyman. An elegant and sentimental piano piece has combination of Romantic Music, Minimal Music and English Traditional Music.
“The Fling” is happy and joyful minimal piano piece has a mood of traditional music.
“The Scent of Love” is a beautiful and elastic Impressionist piano solo piece.
“The Sacrifice” is a variation of “The Heart Asks Pleasure First” with passionate piano play.
This soundtrack contains elements of Classical Music from Romantic Music to New Age Music, Minimal Music and English Traditional Music. His career from experimental music to authentic classical works and his broad and profound knowledge about music shape into this fine soundtrack.
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