Golden Autumn 4
Composed and Performed by Fariborz Lachini
Autumn 2008
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Liner Notes
Compositions that transcend the seasons
Simply saying that Fariborz Lachini's new album "Golden Autumn 4" is turning over a new leaf (so to speak) doesn't come close to truly doing the composer justice. Try a new, fresh collection of more of the exquisitely crafted, evocative melodies that both critics and fans have come to eagerly expect from the composer.
But even that's a description that seems deceptively simple, really. In the way the author Raymond Carver has long been described as a minimalist (somewhat incorrectly) in his writing work, Lachini's music has sometimes been given the minimalist label, but in reality, his musical oeuvre works on levels that run much deeper. Composer Philip Glass has long been given a similar minimalist designation, but those with musical background and knowledge who have studied his work know he is much more than that. Such is certainly the case with Lachini; he is truly a composer that's an entity in and of himself. And while he's frequently tagged as minimalist, what he's really doing is work that's beyond the years and scope of many of his musical peers.
One has to wonder how Lachini can put together the seamless instrumental pieces time and time again with a seemingly bottomless talent for creating fresh work every time. The clues may very well lay in his varied background. The Iranian-born composer first found success in music in his twenties, when he wrote hits for several Persian pop stars. After a stint studying at the Universite de Paris, his musical direction took a bit of a turn. Lachini learned to use an assortment of Middle Eastern instruments in his work and started to use them in film scores.
After creating and releasing the "Golden Autumn" series beginning in the '90s, it quickly became apparent that this wasn't a series that was produced in a vacuum-"Golden Autumn 2," for example, was released right after of the intensity of the Iraq-Iran war and reflected the unrest of the era. And now, with the release of "Golden Autumn 4," it's apparent that the compositions he's still creating are more than simply pieces that can stand on their own-they have now evolved into cinematic, epic pieces that somehow manage to reflect the world as it is today, tempestuousness and all, in every bit of its tumultuous glory. And we have Lachini to thank for that.
--Stephanie R. Myers, New York City, August 2008
Golden Autumn 4 Reviews
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"Golden Autumn 4" is the newest installment in Iranian/Canadian pianist/composer Fariborz Lachini's celebrated series of solo piano albums. "Golden Autumn 1 and 2" were originally released in the 1990’s and #3 came out in 2006 and was my introduction to Lachini's work. Along with his solo piano pieces, Lachini has composed film soundtracks for many years. He is a major artist in Iran and the Middle East, and is rapidly gaining an ever-expanding audience in the Western world as well. After launching a successful musical career in Iran writing songs for pop singers, Lachini’s musical studies took him to France. As a result, his music is influenced by several cultures and speaks to all who are willing to listen with an open heart. Much of Lachini's music sounds simple, but the emotional complexity is what really communicates. The music is classical in structure, but leans toward a so-called "new age" sensibility, focusing on the emotional content of the music rather than flash. Most of these fifteen pieces are on the melancholy side; some are reflective and some are dreamy - all are exquisitely beautiful.
The CD begins with "Forever Autumn," a graceful and pensive waltz that sets the mood for the album. The percussive quality of the piano makes it the perfect instrument to describe the many different faces of rain. "Raindrops" seems to yearn for a sunny day; or maybe it is simply lost in thought, mesmerized by the falling rain. The flowing and elegant "Whisper In the Wind" is one of my favorites. It could have been written as one of Mendelssohn's "Songs Without Words," and contains elements of that composer’s wistful sadness. I love "Moonlight Memories." Dark and mysterious, it reaches deep into the composer’s soul, telling a profound and meaningful truth. "Lonely Leaf" reminds me a bit of Kevin Kern at his most introspective - delicate and subtle, yet very passionate. "Days Gone By" is tender and nostalgic, and has such a strong melody that lyrics could fit. "Sunlight Through the Mist" has no hard edges and glows like beams of light finding their way through openings in clouds or fog. "Reflections" is very dark, indeed. Feelings of longing and regret run deep and tug at the heart. "A Leaf's Caress" is as warm and gentle as the title suggests. Like most things of beauty, it is tinged with sadness, but this is one of the lighter and sunnier pieces on the album. "Autumn Theme" ends the CD on a bittersweet and pensive note that lingers with the listener.
Fariborz Lachini has had a tremendously productive and inspired year. "Golden Autumn 4" is much lighter and more soothing than his "Requiem," which was also released very recently and is more classical. If you are new to Lachini's music, this is a great place to start! If you are a longtime fan, you won’t be disappointed. This CD is a real beauty and is available from www.lachini.com, amazon.com, iTunes, and cdbaby.com. Very highly recommended!
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
10/18/08
Much of Lachini's compositions are classic in a timeless sense, as though they were created in a different era and simply communicated in recent times to Lachini by a muse living inside a piano. "Forever Autumn" is slightly different, however -- an easy fit into nearly any contemporary movie soundtrack, for example, especially one that happens to have an extended goodbye sequence at the end. The ease with which he manages to tap into not simply emotion -- but collective experience -- is, as usual, pretty incredible.
Stephanie R. Myers
2008-06-03
The sheer emotion conveyed in "Forever Autumn" is breath taking. This piece is gorgeous and is sure to become a favorite for fans. It is impossible to be in the presence of a Lachini composition and not feel an assurance, a slight excitement and most peculiar, an overwhelming appreciation for the music. The listener will feel privileged to hear the musical story unfold before their ears. The casual yet classic essence of this song proves it to be the ideal tune for any occasion. Lachini has outdone himself.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
"Raindrops" captures the scenario of a mysterious love interest. It spawns thoughts of an unfolding drama that has been experienced to some degree by most seasoned lovers. This piece evokes thoughts of a love that is forbidden or somewhat restricted. A beautiful pain is projected and every note is felt and resonates with the listener. Serving as somewhat of a musical diary, or a novella made for the ears, Lachini shows off his awesome skills of unflinchingly displaying emotions and proves his excellence in the areas of romance and pain as he ties them together perfectly in this tantalizingly somber song.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-06- The sparkling composition of "Whisper in the Wind" speaks volumes about Lachini's genius. The sheer musicality that the listener is allowed to indulge in is breath taking. a sprawling revelation of tender and heartfelt emotion, is an understatement for this light and effective piece. This song proves to be compatible with any scenario and stirs about a nostalgia that only a master of music such as Lachini could conjure up. The realm of calming notes and atmospheric melodies set a tone similar to that of a new love. Slow yet exciting, this piece captures many emotions and is projected and presented with a virtuous patience that further compliments it?s beautiful and darling sounds. This piece is sure to be enjoyed.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-06
Once again, Lachini has managed to regale listeners with a story using only a melody. "Moonlight Memories," I imagine, involves the quick approach of winter while the leaves are just beginning to turn colors. Lachini has completely mastered this art of creating a perfect aural picture -- and for that reason, would be easily at home substituting Thomas Newman in any kind of film score.
Stephanie R. Myers
2008-06-03
"Moonlight Memories" holds an ambiance of tranquility that evokes placid thoughts of nature and verdant surroundings. This song speaks to the soul and gives a reassurance to the listener. It holds the type of virtuosity and lulling effect, that thoughts of a sweet grandmother begin to pop up into the mind. This song serves as a morale booster and allows the listener to think over the things they have to be grateful about. This song is amazing and the listener will feel a peculiar emotion of gratitude and thankfulness for the privilege to hear it. It is a twinkling and well played piece of raw emotion yet it holds a polished tone that will be appreciated and applauded by all who hear it.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-06
"Morning Dews" immediately displays Lachini's versatility for it is completely different from his other works. It initially projects an uplifting mood that is maintained throughout the duration of the piece. It has almost a feeling of triumph around it and could easily be fitting as the background music of a lovely bride walking down the aisle. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of Lachini's skills is his ability to capture every phase of romance, not as a mundane story, but as a lively and thought provoking musical epic. This piece is beautiful.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-06
"Lonely Leaf" has a different feel to it. The mood and tone reflect that of jazz and allows the listener to relax and frolic in their situation. This song promotes happiness and proves that Lachini is not just a classic pianist, he can dabble with the likes of any genre. This song is exciting for the reason that it explores something new and not only does it prove that Lachini is blessed with a great skill it is exciting because like classic piano, Lachini conquers this style of play.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08- Lachini plays "As Dusk Falls" with such a genius standard of excellence that he captures the attention of the listener immediately. The serene imagery displayed is unparalleled and has a unconventional wisdom about it. Surely it is unusual to refer to a song and having wisdom but it must be inferred that the work has some type if intelligent virtuosity when it can adapt so effortlessly to any mood you happen to be experiencing. The song is pretty and maintains a element of realism all while allowing the imagination to drift. This song is beautiful.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
Fariborz Lachini must be an exhausted man. Considering the time, effort and patience required to create such masterpieces on such a large and consistent scale has to be draining. To produce such beautiful music with a wonderful nostalgia must require a tact, a tenacity, and an uncanny sense of self that few artists today exhibit. "Bare Branches" has a classic appeal that promotes the action of relaxing. The style, elegance and flair that seep from this song prove Lachini to be a musical force and individual fit be respected by the masses.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
Frankly, you'd probably have to be a robot not to feel anything from listening to Lachini's instrumental pieces. It doesn't matter if you're familiar with piano-based compositions or not -- Lachini is so easily accessible as a musical artist that you're drawn in immediately. "Distant Dawn," of course, is no exception -- the piece builds and builds and musically, shines brightly -- but, unlike that age-old cliche, never burns out and fades away.
Stephanie R. Myers
2008-07-18
"Distant Dawn" captures the essence of beauty in it's entirety and unflinchingly delves into a complicated realm of emotions and transforms them into a compact musical success that can be appreciated by any patron of music, whether they be novices or seasoned listeners of music of this genre. The listener is allowed to really experience the true essence of the song and for that Lachini deserves an accolade for his eye opening stylizing and heart felt notes.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
Gentle is the name of the game here in Lachini's "Days Gone By," which again manages to be contemporary -- almost evoking modern jazz -- and classic simultaneously. This piece feels like a true eulogy for the season -- the kind of eulogy that evokes happy memories of past times, not the kind that's a funeral simply trumpeting an end. It's a Golden Autumn indeed in the world of Lachini, where those who are lucky enough to be paying attention are in for some of the best modern classical pieces around.
Stephanie R. Myers
2008-07-18
A twinkling piece of musical prose is "Days Gone By". It shines and further supports the notion that Lachini is one of the best. It too, like so many other of his beautiful creations could fit the scene of a picturesque romantic situation. Lachini solidifies the statement that he is a classic in a modern era. This song has such a rich simplicity and a soothing nature surrounding it that the most hectic and stressed of individuals would have to pause and reflect amongst it's captivating musical splendor. It has a simple melody and is played with a virtuous playing, that music of today is lacking of. Lachini does it again with this piece.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-06
"Words to Say" establishes a standard of opulence right from the start. Lachini utilizes his incomparable skills to convey a serene depiction of love once loss. This song serves as a beautiful example of how the happenings in life can seem to cause your demise but when viewed or in this case heard, from a different perspective, the trials and tribulations are sometimes not so bad. Lachini serves as somewhat of a mediator and his music serves as somewhat of a counselor for the weary.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
Soul warming heart felt "Sunlight Through the Mist", evokes thought and is tantalizing to the ears. Lachini conveys a romantic scenario and enraptures the mind and subtly speaks to the romantic in all of us. The casual beauty that is projected in this composition speaks volumes about his persistence and chameleon-esque ability to adapt and reform to the style and mood of current audiences. This song is simple and wonderful and sure to be enjoyed by all who listen to it.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
"Reflections" provides the listener with a picturesque outlook on romance. Lachini takes his time with this one. He masterfully builds this piece note by note and provides the listener with an unparalleled musical experience. In this song, Lachini captures the emotions of a complex entanglement of sadness and gratitude for a partner. This song is a masterpiece and being the wonderful composer that he is, Lachini makes it easy to imagine and visualize the scenario being expressed. Music is what you make of it but a great song begins with the composer and it is safe to say that Lachini holds up his end of the bargain with this song.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
It has been stated that revenge is a dish best served cold but Lachini proves that beauty is a emotion and aesthetic best conveyed and projected through music, with this sprawling exhibition of splendid musicality. "A Leaf's Caress" has a moderate tone that is fitting to any occasion and further shows off Lachini's rare knack for displaying emotion through his songs. The tone and progression of the piece is light and enjoyable but allows the listener to reflect on past and current situations. This song is amazing.
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08
The spirit of "Autumn Theme" allows the mind to wonder and truly adapts to the listener and their situation. The relevance of this piece is profound and to say that this song is above average would be a vast understatement. This piece contains a timeless chivalry that speaks to the heart and warms the soul, all the while pleasing the ears. While listening to this song the notion that escapism is beautiful can be solidified
Ebony Moore
2008-07-08