The baroque and pre-baroque music form Pavane is characterized by its slow and stately tempo. It is a piece that is typically written in duple time and has a ceremonial feel to it. The Pavane is often accompanied by a slower harmonic rhythm and features a repetitive melodic structure. Its origins can be traced back to the Renaissance period before evolving into a popular dance form in the Baroque era.

Grave and solemn in nature, Pavane has been the vehicle for many important composers throughout history.  For example, composer Gabriel Fauré's Pavane in F# minor is a well-known example of this music form, with its melancholic melody and elegant tempo capturing the essence of a courtly dance. The piece has been used in various settings, from royal ceremonies to modern-day concerts, showcasing the enduring popularity and versatility of the Pavane. Orlando Gibbons composed one of the most famous Pavanes, "The Lord of Salisbury."

"Secret Pavanes" by David Ezra Okonsar for piano solo are a modern interpretation of this classic dance form. It features complex harmonies and intricate rhythms that pay homage to the traditional Pavane while adding a contemporary twist. Meditative and reflective, "Secret Pavanes" invites the listener to embark on a journey through time and emotion.

It is composed as 16 solo piano pieces each capturing a different mood or atmosphere. 

The pieces range from hauntingly beautiful to energetically playful. Okonsar's innovative approach to the Pavane has garnered critical acclaim. For example, in the piece "Secret Pavane No. 5, Silent Figures Move In The Night" Okonsar incorporates dissonant chords and shifting dynamics to create a sense of tension and release, reminiscent of a modern-day struggle. In contrast, "Secret Pavane No. 10, Dreams To Keep" features flowing arpeggios and delicate melodies that evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, akin to a serene moment in nature.

A very unique solo piano album, "Secret Pavanes" blends the complexity of modern musical language with the simplicity and natural beauty of the baroque era.

Emerald Forest (6 Suites for the Solo Piano) LMO-Records60-comp-2024-01

XI. Hidden Truths (Secret Pavanes, 16 Pieces for piano solo)

David Ezra Okonsar, Belgian pianist, composer, conductor and musicologist was born in Istanbul, Turkey. He studied piano, composition and orchestration at the Brussels Royal Conservatory and musicology at the Istanbul Technical University. His primary teachers were J. Cl. Vanden Eynden and Alexis Weissenberg for the piano and Madame Jacqueline Fontyn for composition. He is laureate of numerous international piano competitions including the Gina Bachauer. Besides his international concert career he is a prolific composer and music writer.