AT NIGHT, ALONE, WITH YOU continues the deeply personal journey that has defined my previous solo piano albums, RINASCITA and SPRING WILL COME. Like those earlier works, this album serves as a diary of my emotions, reflections, and life experiences — this time centered around the transformative experience of fatherhood. The nights I spent awake, cradling my newborn daughter, are not just metaphorical; they were the literal, sleepless nights that inspired these compositions. The use of a felted piano (sordina) throughout the album evokes an atmosphere of tenderness and intimacy, as if each piece were a lullaby, gently composed in whispers so as not to disturb my sleeping child. This approach not only reflects the sweetness and fragility of these moments but also captures the exhaustion and deep need for rest that comes with new parenthood. AT NIGHT ALONE WITH YOU is a deeply introspective project that traverses the landscape of human emotion, from the shadows of solitude to the warm embrace of companionship. This journey unfolds over 24 neoclassical solo piano tracks, each a step on a path that begins in darkness and moves toward connection and light.
At Night
This EP takes the listener on a deeply introspective journey that begins in the quiet stillness of night. At Night, the first track, captures the haunting beauty of loneliness, setting a contemplative tone for the exploration of the self. Dusty Photograph continues this theme, evoking the nostalgia and bittersweet emotions tied to past memories, flickering like old, forgotten photographs. As the night deepens, Winding Path represents the internal uncertainty and hesitations of life’s journey, where doubts and fears must be faced. Finally, Reflection offers a moment of introspection, where the listener is invited to confront their own choices and identity, completing a night of soul-searching and self-awareness.
Hand In Hand
A subtle shift occurs in Hand in Hand, where connection, whether real or imagined, starts to take form. The single introduces the idea of companionship, even if it’s felt in memory or longing. As the EP progresses, Deep Inside takes the listener further into the heart, exploring hidden fears and unspoken emotions, acting as a confrontation with the self. This necessary self-reflection leads into Falling Leaves, a track that symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change, with moments falling away like leaves in the wind. The EP closes with Embers, where hope begins to stir once more, symbolizing resilience and the quiet persistence of life despite its challenges.
Concept
My journey has been one of navigating the complexities of a new life — a winding path that requires finding a new balance with my partner, family, and friends, while also forging a relationship with my daughter, who has reshaped my world. Tracks like Falling Leaves and Silent Embrace hint at the emotional challenges, the incomprehensible cries, the doubts, and the external pressures that accompany this profound life change. Yet, in these moments of deep reflection, I recognized a need for transformation — a need that is personal but also universally shared. Whether through the introspective solitude of At Night, the nostalgic reverie of Dusty Photograph, or the eventual resolution found in With You, my music continues to resonate as a tool for personal growth, inviting listeners to explore their own emotions and relationships.
This focus on music as a means of personal development and human connection has been a consistent theme in my work. AURORA, recorded in the Chapel of the Holy Grail, explored the re-connection with the inner self, while SPRING WILL COME, composed during the first lockdown, offered a bridge between the inner and outer worlds, urging attentive and patient listening. Even RINASCITA (Rebirth) shared this intimate and personal journey, transforming private reflections into universal experiences through the piano. Each album underscores my belief that music can and should be a pathway to personal growth, the improvement of human relationships, and a better connection with the world around us. AT NIGHT, ALONE, WITH YOU is the next step in this ongoing exploration, where music becomes a reflection of life’s profound moments, guiding us toward a place of wholeness and connection.
The Piano
AT NIGHT, ALONE, WITH YOU was recorded on a late 19th-century Weber upright piano, a cherished heirloom in my family. This historic instrument, rich with character and history, was lovingly restored specifically for this project. The piano, with its intricately crafted mechanics and age-old resonance, brings a unique depth and warmth to the music that modern instruments simply cannot replicate.
However, recording with such a venerable instrument presented its own set of challenges. The Weber piano is highly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which made maintaining consistent tuning and tone a daunting task throughout the recording sessions. Yet, despite these difficulties, I was committed to capturing the piano’s authentic voice, believing that its distinctive sound was essential to conveying the emotional depth and nuance of the album.
The effort was undeniably worth it. The Weber’s voice is unmistakable — its timbre carries the weight of decades, a certain rawness and soul that can only come from an instrument with a rich history. This singular sound became the heart of AT NIGHT, ALONE, WITH YOU, adding an irreplaceable layer of intimacy and authenticity to the music.
Tonal Symbolism
Across the 24 tracks of AT NIGHT, ALONE, WITH YOU, I have woven a subtle yet profound tonal symbolism that mirrors the emotional journey of the album. The project begins in the dark and somber key of C minor, a tonal choice that evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection. As the album progresses, the music gradually ascends, culminating in the radiant key of C major. For me, as a pianist, C major is not only symbolically “bright” but also visually “clear,” as it is associated with the white keys of the piano — creating an intuitive sense of openness and light.
Each track within the album is carefully set in its own key, with the tonal centers of the compositions deliberately chosen to enhance the narrative. In the first half of the album, the fundamental tones are predominantly oriented downward, symbolizing a descent into the depths of the soul. This descent reflects a journey into the inner abyss, reaching a point of ultimate solitude and introspection.
As the album transitions into its second half, the tonal centers shift upward, suggesting a gradual ascent and emotional resurgence. This rise symbolizes the path out of darkness, moving toward a state of renewal and connection. The journey culminates in the bright and complete resolution of C major, representing a sense of wholeness — both with oneself and in the company of others. The tonal architecture of the album thus not only guides the listener through an emotional arc but also serves as a harmonic metaphor for the transformative power of music.