Nightbook [CD]

While Ludovico Einaudi is best known for his provocative, melodic piano works, heard everywhere from adverts to films, `Nightbook' creates a different feel, described as `musical meditation on the transition between light and darkness, the known and the unknown'. His use of electronic sounds, not so much heard in previous works, amplifies the use of the piano - his main focus- `projecting it like a shadow in all directions'.

The minimalistic style is still unmistakeably Einaudi, however. The haunting, beautiful melodies which define his work still permeate each and every piece, demanding attention and having an impact on a listener. Some tracks feature just solo piano, in others we also hear soaring cello passages which reach straight into the heart.

One track in particular, called `Lady Labyrinth', takes the listener through a powerful journey. A distinctive, repeated piano motif and sailing cello melodies create rich, dark harmonies, whilst a driving percussive rhythm urges the piece forward.

In contrast, other tracks soothe into a dreamlike state, with propulsive quaver movement - a widely used minimalist style- and eerie, whispering electronic sounds. These textures gradually build, creating an enormous sense of tension, which then slowly fades into a shadowy whisper. But Einaudi has mixed this new sound with some beautiful solo piano tracks to which you can easily sit back and let the lush chords and floating melodies drift over you - a clear change to some earlier intensity and emotion. It is clear why this album is described as contrasting light and darkness.

This album will affect any listener, with pieces that will stay in the mind long after hearing. The feeling and conviction with which Einaudi always plays is impossible to ignore. This collection is a gradual progression in his work - it is not the first time he has taken advantage of electronic sounds, however, it is the first time he has used them to such powerful effect, relying in earlier work more on acoustic instruments.

This music is for those who want to be taken on an emotional journey, guided through light and darkness, calm and intensity.

Amber Hartley-Watts

I was lucky enough to see him live in Edinburgh as part of the Nightbook Tour. The album is wonderful, there is not a track I don't like. A bit different from his other albums, but nonetheless wonderful. His piano playing reminds me of a gentle stream or babbling brook. Very calming and soothing - music for the soul to bring peace and solace.

I have been getting into piano music alot more in recent years.. all the soulless pop drivel nowadays does bore you after a while...

I have einaudi's echoes best of album and i really love that album... it's full of brilliant and soothing piano melodies... i was a little cautious buying this new album... i haven't any of his full albums and i thought maybe it would be too much of a good thing in ways... i doubted how a full album could all be of a similar quality to the tracks on the best of...

I was wrong!

This album is another fine collection of piano songs....

the theme of the album is darkness and light... and you do sense that..

soem tracks are a little eerie or moody in principo, eros and the tower are a little less enjoyable for me as they are more dark and sound like the soundtrack of movie at tense moments...
But the rest of the tracks i love....

Lady Labyrinth is genius... it's so bouncy and catchy ... the melody gets stuck in your head for hours.... I love too how Indaco recalls in the middle the melody of Lady Labyrinth but in a slower way.
The title track Nightbook is another soothing little number too that i especially enjoy
and the crane dance is a particularly relaxing number too that i enjoy...

All in all, if you like his other work, i would definetly recommend this.... if you are new to his music or are looking for a particulary soothing album, then i would recommend echoes by einaudi as a great introduction and then this too...

Relax and enjoy!