Mata and Grifone are a legend for the city of Messina (Sicily) to which I am very fond. Two giants who save the city through their love.
The composition dedicated to them is full of memories, of  ancient and epic atmosphere and dream.

Mata e Grifone ( Piano Day 2021)

Lable: Sonder house
Mastering: Case mastering

spotify link:
open.spotify.com/track/6J7M2LFGNX…NYRxKtu_FnDwMKmA

Photo. Jessica Lindgren Wu

Threads

In the middle of last year I couldn’t stop writing hymns for whatever reason… every piece I wrote sounded like a hymn, every song I wrote was based on hymn-like chord progressions. I suppose it was my own way of playing some peace into the atmosphere when it seemed society was coming apart. It can be hard to know how to respond to things as an artist, but I have a deep belief that creating can bring about its own kind of healing—healing not just for the artist but for those who listen (or watch) as well. 

It’s compositionally my favorite track on the EP—I took a traditional-sounding progression and expanded it into something with a modern-classical flavor. I also just love how insanely creaky and old this one ended up sounding… like one of the dusty, forgotten, and out-of-tune pianos I’ve played in so many churches over the years. It’s also the most fun to play!

Sojourn

An old hymnbook

❤️ Buy Here

Inspired by the poem "Winter Stars" by the American poet Sara Teasdale (1884-1933).

Winter Stars

I went out at night alone;
  The young blood flowing beyond the sea
Seemed to have drenched my spirit’s wings— 
  I bore my sorrow heavily.

But when I lifted up my head
  From shadows shaken on the snow,
I saw Orion in the east
  Burn steadily as long ago.

From windows in my father’s house,
  Dreaming my dreams on winter nights,
I watched Orion as a girl
  Above another city’s lights.

Years go, dreams go, and youth goes too,
   The world’s heart breaks beneath its wars,
All things are changed, save in the east
  The faithful beauty of the stars.

The Faithful Beauty of the Stars

Solstice

As part of the Piano Soundboard Facebook group, we were challenged to compose a piece that changed key four times. I really enjoyed this step out of my comfort zone & rather than just create the same motif & walk through different keys, I tried a few things that challenged me personally.

Change

Music/Arrangement/Production/Vocals/Lyrics by Achazia

Aina's lament

Fall Slips By

Dear Friends, it is useless, in my opinion,  to tell you about my state of mind and my soul in consideration of what is happening in Italy and other countries of the world. 
This impro  is dedicated to those who are fighting alone against the disease with a very heartfelt wish to heal.
 In it there is loneliness, it is true, but also some hope.
 Good luck to everyone and thanks to all the nations of our world who are helping us out.

Alone

Surge

River Mysticae feat. Kirsten Agresta Copely

Richard Hellgren is a Swedish composer and multi-instrumentalist, residing on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. His music is known for its minimalistic and contemplative character, often touching upon themes of melancholy and poetry. Richard's unique style of composition stems from his special relationship with his old Malmsjö upright piano, which he uses to create most of his recordings.
As a building architect, Richard draws inspiration from the creative process of composing music. He believes that both architecture and music revolve around the concept of space and silence, respectively. In his own words, "Architecture is about encompassing space and music is about encompassing silence!"
Richard's music has been praised by notable sources, with one reviewer describing his work as "hauntingly beautiful, with a melancholic edge that lingers long after the last note has played." His first EP, Ainigma, was released on the New York label Sonder House in June 2019, followed by his second release, Felt Transience, on the same label in October 25.
Richard Hellgren's unique approach to composition and his ability to evoke emotions through his music make him a rising star in the industry. His work is not to be missed.