Rain song

Music for piano and string orchestra.

Artwork by Mark Stopforth: https://markstopforth.co.uk

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Infinite

What We Are

I’ve been mesmerised with the sound of Deaf Center since the very beginning. I think it’s been more than 20 years now since their Neon City EP was released on Type. This is way before I even knew that behind the project was a Norwegian duo who started making music together as friends. This is before I knew their names to be Erik K Skodvin and Otto A. Totland. Before I listened to, admired, and celebrated their solo works on here. And, before I met each one in person, and of course, before we naturally became friends. This is precisely why, when it came to launching Headphone Community and deciding on who I should profile there from the start, I reached out to Erik and his partner Monique Recknagel (who runs Sonic Pieces imprint) to pitch them this idea (it was actually when I visited their mi-so shop in Berlin). This is why Erik is the currently featured artist for the month of May on Headphone Community (join for just $1 for an intimate journey!), and this is why I am premiering this track for you today. It’s been another long period of silence for Deaf Center, but the two long-form pieces on Reverie clearly show that they have not put their collaboration on hold. If anything, it has only evolved into a hypnotic meditation on Otto’s keys and Erik’s strings, guitar, effects, and atmospherics, designed for a very deep listening session. The recordings actually come from a live performance in October 2024 in Rabih Beaini’s studio, Morphine Raum in Berlin, during the 15th anniversary celebration of Sonic Pieces. This is less of an improvisation and more of a dialogue between the two friends who haven’t spoken in a while. It is truly magical, and I only wish I could be there to experience it live.

In “Rev”, deeply effected piano motifs reverberate and echo in the depths of the room, evolving through looping and electronics into a blissful, mesmerising cloud of (dis)harmony. The sound is reminiscent of the 7inch “Vintage Well” mixed with the basic elements of 2011’s “Owl Splinters”. […] The immediate duality of the two performers has rarely been so strongly felt, Totland’s deep melodic feeling is underscored by Skodvin’s abstract ambience and processing. Dark versus light, loud versus quiet – this has always been at the core of what makes Deaf Center a special project.

TRACK PREMIERE : Deaf Center - Rev (excerpt)

Video: https://youtu.be/AfVQB4Bo_v8
First, a confession.
I don’t play Etude No.1 as fast as Mr. Glass indicated in his score. The honest truth? It’s a little too fast for me—and for Mme Bechstein, as I call my piano. But perhaps that’s part of the charm of this version: it’s a bit slower, more grounded. And in that space, something opens up. The dynamic expression has room to breathe. The tempo becomes a gently rising tide, like waking up slowly, aligning fingers, mind, and breath into harmony.

Admittedly, this is a rather personal interpretation. I’m not entirely sure Mr. Glass would give it his blessing. But then again, it is an etude—and I find this piece simply wonderful.

Over the past weeks, it has become something of a quiet companion in the early hours of the day. I’ve worked from the published score, gradually sketching my own notation to help understand how the sections interlock, how the pulse shifts and evolves. This slow discovery revealed a surprising depth—a kind of secret logic running beneath the surface.

There’s something endlessly captivating about Glass’s harmonic language. It’s modern, never cloying, and crafted with quiet intelligence. His use of subtle shifts—almost imperceptible at first—creates patterns that, through repetition, become almost meditative.

This recording isn’t about perfection or polish and not meant to compete with the many beautiful renditions already out there, performed on the most luxurious grand pianos. It’s my personal take—played honestly, on my own instrument, at my own pace. A moment captured in sound, without the pressure to impress.

If you’re a pianist—especially one still finding their way, as I am—I warmly encourage you to spend time with this piece. It has a way of revealing itself slowly, like light unfolding across a morning room. And perhaps, in its simplicity, you’ll find something of yourself reflected there.

I’d love to hear how this piece resonates with you. Leave a comment if you’d like to share your thoughts or your own experience with Glass’s music.

Yours truly,
Sebastian Morawietz

>> Video <<

Studio Diaries: Glass Etude No.1 – My Morning Ritual

Why couldn't I see it?

Vincent Sierp presents a luminous and stirring composition that blends cinematic elegance with expressive piano dynamics. Filled with energy and heartfelt nuance, the piece radiates movement and light. Released by the reflective neoclassical label ad21.

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Today we welcome Almira, a Polish pianist, composer, with her new release “Golden”, a piece that unfolds with poetic grace and emotional subtlety. Inspired by the radiant energy of femininity, "Golden" captures both the delicacy and strength that define the feminine spirit. Like sunlight in sound, Almira’s expressive phrasing creates an intimate space to pause, breathe, and feel. 
A luminous journey of resilience, beauty, and power, now available on all streaming platforms. ad21music.

Woman Muse Series

Golden

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Tom O'Dugash // Piano

All tracks composed and arranged by Doug Thomas

Produced, engineered and mixed by Doug Thomas 
Recorded, mixed and mastered at NOOX Studio, London

Artwork by Doug Thomas

www.dougthomas.co.uk

2025 © All Rights Reserved

Sheet music is available - info@dougthomas.co.uk

Take Five

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BBC SSO / Ilan Volkov

West Sussex Folk Material

Composer. Improviser. Performer. Producer. Teacher. Artist. Photographer. Writer. Founder of NOOX & Spiritual.

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