Danaë Xanthe Vlasse - Trilogies

Danaë Xanthe Vlasse

Trilogies
self-released; 2017

​3.9 out of 5

By Dan Weston 

There is a level of talent in music that you have to have to appreciate even if you aren’t fan of the style. I did enjoy Trilogies by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse but even if I didn’t I would appreciate the level of mastery on piano. 

She is an MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher with a degree in piano performance and over a decade of teaching experience. As a composer she is the recipient of a long list of awards including but not limited to Radio Music Awards, Global Music Awards and the Prestige Music Awards.

Her accomplishments go well past that. Let it be known she is a decorated artist who has a good amount of music. According to the artist Trilogies offers a collection of new works for piano in the style of the great 19th century romantic tradition. Even though there aren’t lyrics there are themes that she wants to imply with the music. There are twelve songs which each split into four subsections of three songs. 

The first three songs are “Fantasies” which “tell epic stories” and deal with “succumbing to madness, facing the unknown, defying death and overcoming great internal obstacles.” I have to be honest I’m not sure how the meaning is supposed to be conveyed besides a preamble similar to the one I just stated.

Either way the songs are gorgeous piano pieces expertly recorded. “Nocturnes” explores different night-time landscapes and this felt a little more palpable. There is an elegant, stillness to the music that could be perceived that way. “Petite Valses” is closer to a lullaby while “Préludes” celebrates the scenes of daily life. 

I was thinking about the concepts while listening to the music. I appreciate the idea but often just found myself embracing the music and feeling very relaxed. All the tracks felt comforting to me. Yes there are powerful, dynamic moments but there was a meditative type quality to the music.

​There is no questioning the talent of Danae Xanthe Vlasse. Even if solo piano pieces aren't your thing I think you will have reverence for the skill displayed here. Recommended.

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