Piano Phase Project: Sound Meditation Album Review

Formed in 2019, Piano Phase Project is composed of pianists Monika Lozinskienė and Anna Szałucka (Poland/UK) an international collaborative duo who aim to present piano music in an innovative way, conceptually combining classical works with other art forms. Piano Phase Project creates original piano arrangements, composes new music, and collaborates with filmmakers, visual artists, jazz musicians, and electronic music producers.

Piano Phase Project

Their debut disc, Sound Meditation, was born out of their artistic movie of the same name, filmed in the forests of Western Canada in 2023. Inspired by the mystical artistry of Lithuanian composer and painter M. K. Čiurlionis, whose 150th anniversary of birth is celebrated in 2025, they created a new arrangement for piano four hands of his symphonic poem “In the Forest” (Miške).

This new arrangement is preceded by two of the most beloved works in the piano four-hands repertoire – Debussy’s charming Petite Suite and Ravel’s Ma Mere l’Oye (Mother Goose) suite. By programming these pieces alongside Čiurlionis’ In the Forest (Miške), the piano duo takes listeners on an atmospheric, evocative and impressionistic journey through the delicate dreamlike worlds of childhood and fairytales to the mysterious, spiritual and contemplative landscape of a great forest.

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis

Composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911) had a deep relationship with nature and symbolism, as is evidenced by his poetry and paintings, some of which are included in the album booklet. His symphonic poem In the Forest (Miške) was composed in 1901 and shows the influence of Sibelius and Lithuanian folk music. Although a fantasy, it has a clear narrative progression, culminating in a grand closing statement.

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis: Creation of the World IX

Piano Phase’s arrangement for four hands captures the symphonic textures of the original version while also highlighting specific details, such as delicate figures in the treble in the opening section. The sense of forward motion is ever-present, but there are moments of repose too, making the final statements all the more dramatic. It’s a vivid, colourful transcription, masterfully performed by Piano Phase, and it contrasts well with the pieces which precede it.

Debussy’s Petite Suite, intended for amateur performers, specifically younger pianists (though not without its challenges!), is a charming work which is given a sensitive, joyful treatment by Piano Phase. There are some truly lovely moments, such as the contrast between the gentle swaying barcarolle motif in the opening movement (En Bateau) and the crisp, lively articulation in its middle section.

C. Debussy – Cortège (Retinue): Moderato from Petite suite

Ravel, whose 150^th birthday was also celebrated in 2025, drew inspiration from 17^th-century fairy tales for his Ma Mère L’Oye suite. Written with simplicity in mind to appeal to young listeners, the music is rich, precise and textural – from the tender naivety of the opening Pavane to the playfulness of Petit Poucet, the exoticism of Laideronnette, Impératrice des Pagodes and the contrasting characters of Les entretiens de la Belle et de la Bête to the shimmering Le jardin féerique, Piano Phase are alert to the shifting moods and soundscapes, creating a deeply expressive, magical journey for the listener.

In addition to programme notes, the accompanying CD booklet contains poetry by Victor L Wooten, Monika Lozinskienė and Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, together with some examples of Čiurlionis’ Symbolist paintings, all of which contribute to the atmosphere of this fine recording.