Pictures: Wilding plays Wilding

James Wilding's forthcoming CD on the filia mundi label will feature solo piano works played by the composer. The theme is "Pictures" - works inspired by images real and imagined.
Inspired by a Zimbabwean stone sculpture of a maternal spirit, Nehanda Remembered uses quartal chords to represent the solid stone and the nurturing mother.
Watch these excerpts from a recent recital of other works that will appear on the album:
Spiritual beauties swimming among the waves are depicted in Water Nymphs; they are mysterious and ungraspable beings
​The Last Archangel uses its thick dark harmonies to suggest the poignant dying away of the most beautiful things. Also known as "Nocturnal Etude," it is built on a persistent three-against-two rhythmic background, that drives a plaintive melody and creates an atmosphere of sublime melancholy.
Follow along with the score:
​(free download)

Escher String Quartet performs Homeland Portraits

The premier of Homeland Portraits was given by the Escher String Quartet on the opening concert of Tuesday Musical's main stage season: Prelude! 130th Anniversary Party, Concert & Extraordinary Experiences! at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, Ohio. This piece reflects the nostalgic thoughts and experiences that are connected to any place that we call home.  ​
Watch the Preview:
Watch the full videos:
People Gathering is an image of a busy colorful market, or a family reunion, or a religious ceremony. It takes place anywhere in the world, in any place that any person calls home. The people I visualize in this movement are related to all of us, are one family.
Open Plain depicts the stillness of a broad landscape, a calm beauty stretching to the horizon, and clouds always changing shape. It is a tribute to the magnificent places on our planet, places reflected by the awe and wonder in the eyes of every person speaking of his or her home.
Fire is inspired by the homely warmth of the living-room fireside, or the adventure of the summer campfire, or the frightening rage of a bush-fire. But most of all, it is a portrait of the fire within: the creative spirit that lifts all of us.
Follow along with the score:
​​(free download)

Homeland Portraits Reviewed ​in Cleveland Classical

MIKE TELIN
​21 September 2017
... “People Gathering,” a rhythmically driving, perpetual motion frenzy ... “Open Plain” unfolds with a slow, simple motive ... “Fire,” an exuberant dance of celebration...
Read more here.

The Making of Homeland Portraits

Watch a film of the compositional process:

Kaupo Kikkas Photography

New artist photos from award-winning Estonian photographer Kaupo Kikkas

Watch Videos of Recent Compositions

I have always loved the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.  In celebration of his 150th birthday, I wrote a new piece called "Bells", which is inspired by the grand melody in his fifth symphony.  
This is the second of my seven etudes, all of which are explorations of pianistic and compositional technique.  I recorded it at Steinway Hall in Cleveland on a beautiful model D.