Dustin O’Halloran – Lumiere

By now, we can safely speak of a “school of composers”, creating neo-classical, romantic, sometimes melancholic chamber music (sometimes with some electronic elements too): people like Max Richter, Johann Johannsson, Sylvain Chauveau and the like.
Music that sounds like the soundtrack of a movie you want to see just because of the soundtrack…

Dustin O’Halloran  is no ‘newbie’ in the genre. He wrote the scores for Marie Antoinette (2006) and An American Affair (2010), and has released two “Piano Solos” albums on Bella Union.

With this new release “Lumiere“, Dustin O’Halloran definitely settles firmly between the masters of the genre!

Not only because of some of the contributors: Adam Wiltzie (Stars of the Lid, guitar), Peter Broderick (violin), Johann Johannsson (mix) and the ACME Ensemble (who also played for Grizzly Bear, Nico Muhly, Matmos, Max Richter, Hauschka)….but mainly because of the beautifully balanced compositions, the subtle dynamics of the string arrangements and the piano solo parts. 
Sometimes, you can even hear the piano moan from sheer delight.

It’s a bit early to talk about ‘favourite albums’ 2011, but in fact I think they can hardly get any better than this one! 

“Lumiere”  will be released on february 28 by Fat Cat/130701 records

Dustin O’Halloran – Fragile N.4