An original song dedicated to my dad, Warren, who led our family in memorizing this psalm when I was a boy.  It's based on Psalm 103:1 "Bless the LORD, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name."

Bless The Lord

A beat with an energetic drum rhythm, combining punchy kicks and sharp snares, while a smooth, inspiring piano melody floats over it, evoking creativity and freedom.

SympHop

Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest works of world literature. Its complexity, beauty, and profound exploration of theology and philosophy have solidified its lasting impact on Western culture.

Dante created a vivid depiction of the afterlife in this monumental work that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike. The epic series of cantics which makes the Commedia is a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the poet Virgil and his beloved Beatrice. Through vivid imagery and allegorical characters, Dante weaves a narrative that explores themes of sin, redemption, and the human experience.

The work inspired many composers to create musical adaptations based on its themes and characters. Among them are Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, and Igor Stravinsky.

The Dante-Symphony (No. 10) by David Ezra Okonşar is another example of how Dante's Divine Comedy continues influencing artists across different mediums. These musical interpretations bring a new dimension to Dante's timeless masterpiece, showcasing its enduring relevance and impact on creative expression.

The symphony takes the audience on a journey through the depths of hell, purgatory, and heaven, using a unique blend of instrumentation and orchestral colors to capture the emotional intensity and spiritual journey of Dante's work. By blending classical music with modern instruments, the Dante-Symphony by David Ezra Okonşar offers a fresh perspective on the iconic narrative, captivating audiences with its innovative approach to storytelling through music.

The composition has three main movements (hell, purgatory, and paradise) and seven or nine sub-movements, following the subdivisions ("circles") of the Divine Comedy's hell (9), purgatory (7), and heaven (9) sections. Additionally, the composition incorporates a wide range of instruments, both traditional and electronic, as well as vocal styles to enhance the narrative and emotional impact.

The pitch-class organization of the symphony is as follows:
4 Main ("key") pitches are set for each movement. These are heard in isolation at the beginning and end of each movement. The "key" pitches are I. Cantica 
(inferno): C, C#, F#, B; II: Cantica: (purgatorio): D, F, Bf, E and III: Cantica (paradise): Ef, G, Af, A.
For each movement, 2 or 3 of these are repeated in the pitch universe, thus reducing the number of usable pitches out of 12. Reused pitches are I. Cantica: 
Inferno {C, F#}; II: Cantica: Purgatorio {F, Bf, E} and III: Cantica: Paradiso {Ef, G, A} . Cantica: Inferno {C, F #}; II: Cantica: Purgatorio {F, Bf, E} and III: 
Cantica: Paradiso {Ef, G, A}. Reusing pitches in this way creates a sense of unity and cohesion within the movement, and the 'absent' pitches give the 
section its own distinctive sound color, engaging the audience in a unique musical experience.

Three "leitmotifs" are present throughout the entire symphony: the "Dante-Theme," "Virgil-Theme," and "Beatrice-Theme." These leitmotifs are woven into the fabric of the symphony, representing the characters and themes from Dante's Divine Comedy. The repetition of certain pitches and motifs helps to guide the listener through the complex structure of the piece, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

The Dante Symphony (No. 10) by Okonşar is a masterful example of programmatic music. Drawing inspiration from Dante Alighieri's epic poem, Okonşar's use of leitmotifs and unique orchestration techniques creates a rich tapestry of sound that transports the listener into the world of the Divine Comedy.

III. Prologue to Paradiso - Cantica: Paradiso - Epilogue to Paradiso

II. Prologue to Purgatorio - Cantica: Purgatorio - Epilogue to Purgatorio

I. Prologue to Inferno - Cantica: Inferno - Epilogue to Inferno

"Old Soul" waltzes through time with a mischievous wink and a vintage hat tip. This jazzy piano-driven track tells the tale of a young heart beating to an antique rhythm – like grandfather clocks in a smartphone world. Taking a playful bow to Yael Naim's "New Soul," but spinning the concept on its head, the song captures that delightful disconnect of feeling like you've borrowed memories from another era. With vocals channeling Michael Bublé's smooth sophistication and a bouncing piano line that could've escaped from a 1920s speakeasy, "Old Soul" invites you to slow dance between centuries. For anyone who's ever felt like they were born in the wrong era, found more charm in vinyl than playlists, or just loves the timeless art of storytelling through song. So dust off your bowler hat, wind up the phonograph, and let's get delightfully old-fashioned together!

Old Soul

Death's Awake – The Jeremias Langsämmer Ensemble
A four-part classical chamber music piece, Death's Awake explores the profound journey from darkness to light, weaving elements of sorrow, contemplation, and ultimate transcendence. Each movement unfolds like a passage through the cycles of mourning and renewal, blending rich, evocative textures with hauntingly beautiful melodies.

Part I – Awakening in Dissonance
The piece begins in a state of unrest. A mournful cello cries out over a backdrop of discordant strings, evoking an eerie tension. A lo-fi, distant piano echoes in the background, its fragmented notes like fading memories. The harmonies are jagged and unresolved, shifting unpredictably, as if death itself is stirring. The movement is haunting and immersive, leading the listener into the abyss of uncertainty.

Part II – Shadows and Light
As the darkness settles, a hushed stillness takes over. The cellos, now subdued, breathe deeply in somber unison, their tones carrying a quiet yet growing warmth. The piano emerges from the mist, no longer distant but more melodic, its notes like glimmers of light breaking through the gloom. The harmonies, though restrained, begin to suggest the first traces of hope, as if dawn is approaching but not yet fully realized.

Part III – Echoes of Memory
A shift occurs as the piano takes center stage, unfolding a mellow, introspective solo. A lo-fi harp enters, its delicate plucked tones shimmering like raindrops on glass. Pizzicato strings dance around them, creating intricate movement and rhythm, as if life itself is beginning to weave back together. The interplay between instruments is intricate yet restrained, capturing a sense of quiet contemplation and acceptance.

Part IV – Ascension and Light
The final movement is a cathartic release, as the strings swell with newfound strength. The piano, no longer hesitant, soars with uplifting melodies, harmonizing with the ensemble in a triumphant yet tender resolution. Hope surges through the music as dissonance dissolves into radiant harmonies, evoking the warmth of sunrise after a long, restless night. The journey is complete—death has awakened, not as an end, but as a transformation into something luminous and eternal.

Death's Awake [Classical | Chamber Music]

"Dancing Keys" is a high-spirited instrumental jazz piece that invites you into an intimate evening at your favorite jazz club. With light-footed piano work that skips and twirls across the keys, supported by the warm embrace of an upright bass and the gentle pulse of brushed drums, this piece captures the joy of spontaneous musical conversation. A companion piece to "Old Soul," it shares the same vintage heart but lets the instruments do all the talking. The piano leads this melodic dance, with fingers flying across octaves in playful bursts while never losing their delicate touch. Perfect for late-night listening, quiet contemplation, or bringing a touch of jazz club magic to your day.

Dancing Keys

videoclip YT https://youtu.be/xv3xxOiuxC0 
La ginestra, fiore del deserto (Giacomo Leopardi)
Qui sull'arida schiena                                
del formidabil monte
sterminator Vesevo,
la qual null'altro allegra arbor né fiore,
tuoi cespi solitari intorno spargi,                        
odorata ginestra,
contenta dei deserti.
....
E tu, lenta ginestra,
che di selve odorate
queste campagne dispogliate adorni,
anche tu presto alla crudel possanza             
soccomberai del sotterraneo foco,
che ritornando al loco
già noto, stenderà l'avaro lembo
su tue molli foreste. E piegherai
sotto il fascio mortal non renitente                      
il tuo capo innocente ....

Ginestra

On the Misty Coastal Path, for Piano Solo, is a piece of profound reflection. My favourite place to be is always the deep countryside. I often find that quiet walks in the countryside can be the most powerful way of getting to know oneself, one’s life experiences, and even one’s soul. Thus, this music is of quiet reminiscence, nostalgia, memories, and all the thoughts that can come in and out of one’s head in peaceful solitary moments. What will you find on the misty coastal path? Be sure to let me know! If you have enjoyed this music please be sure to like this track and follow me for more! I am always composing and sharing new music. Thank you!

On the Misty Coastal Path - For Piano Solo

Biografia
Simone Tango, nato nel cuore di una città d'arte, Firenze, ha sempre trovato ispirazione nelle melodie che la vita quotidiana offre. Cresciuto in un ambiente ricco di cultura e storia, ha sviluppato una profonda connessione con il linguaggio universale della musica sin dalla giovane età. Fin dai primi passi nel mondo della musica, è stato evidente che era destinato a trasformare le sue esperienze e le sue riflessioni in composizioni evocative. Ispirato dalla natura, dalle stagioni e dalla vita stessa, ha intrapreso un viaggio creativo per tradurre le emozioni umane in suoni coinvolgenti. La sua formazione musicale è stata variegata e include periodi di studio presso prestigiose istituzioni musicali e maestri rinomati. Durante questo percorso, ha affinato la sua abilità pianistica, coltivando uno stile che abbraccia la varietà di influenze culturali e musicali che ha incontrato lungo la sua strada. La sua firma musicale si distingue per la capacità di catturare l'essenza della vita e della natura. Le sue composizioni sono come dipinti sonori, ricchi di sfumature e profondità emotiva. Le melodie ora dolci e coinvolgenti, ora appassionate e travolgenti. Le sue esibizioni sono vere esperienze emotive, in cui il pianoforte diventa un mezzo per comunicare senza parole, trasportando il pubblico in viaggi sensoriali. Con la sua musica, riesce a creare un ponte tra il mondo interiore e quello esterno, offrendo un rifugio per l'anima in cerca di bellezza e significato.
******
Simone Tango, Cell.3792636905
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLNAdQuBs8nNCbyFd24Ot4g
Simone Tango Cell. 3792636905 Cell. +39 3393358356

Using God's gift of music via the piano to uplift & encourage others.  The piano videos for all of my music can be viewed on my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@JWDafoeMusic

Thanks for listening & supporting!

Xak Stahl: Sonic Alchemist and Storyteller Extraordinaire

Xak Stahl is a boundary-pushing artist who transforms life's complexities into captivating musical narratives. His unique sound—a fusion of indie folk, electronic, and alternative influences—creates an immersive experience that resonates with the soul. Each composition is a journey, inviting listeners to explore the depths of human emotion and the heights of musical innovation.

Introducing Zoé Le Fleur: The Voice of Enchantment

Elevating Xak's sonic landscapes is the mesmerizing Zoé Le Fleur. Her voice, a perfect blend of ethereal lightness and raw power, brings an extra dimension to tracks like "Ce qui est juste" and "Heartbeat High." Zoé's performances transform these songs into anthems of the heart, her dynamic range perfectly complementing Xak's intricate compositions.

From Personal Struggle to Universal Resonance

Xak's musical journey is one of transformation and resilience. Early works like 'Neon Dreams' and 'Rising Through the Darkness' showcase his gift for turning personal challenges into universal themes. His latest opus, 'Major Arcana,' is a bold exploration of life's archetypes, with each track inspired by a Tarot card, beginning with the adventurous spirit of 'The Fool.'

A Multifaceted Artistic Vision

Beyond music, Xak is a visual artist and storyteller, weaving rich narratives across multiple mediums. This interdisciplinary approach infuses his music with a depth and complexity that invites repeated listening and deeper exploration.

Join Xak Stahl on a sonic odyssey that challenges perceptions, touches hearts, and celebrates the transformative power of art. Each track is not just a song, but a world waiting to be discovered.

I'm an Italian beatmaker and music producer with a deep passion for rhythm, sound design, and musical experimentation. My background as a drummer has greatly influenced my approach to beat-making, allowing me to blend grooves with sound in a unique way. I use a combination of drums, synthesizers, and samplers to craft a sound that bridges the past and the future. I studied in Milan, where I took a specialized course in music production and sound engineering, gaining the technical knowledge to support my artistic vision.
My influences span from the timeless grooves of old-school music to the power of modern 808-driven beats, and I aim to strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and innovation. I have a true love for piano melodies, intricate rhythms, and cutting-edge sound design, always striving to push the boundaries of music while connecting deeply with my listeners.

Composer/Pianist. I live to paint with sound.
MM-Yale School of Music

Home of These Guitars Say Sorry, Jeremias Langsämmer, Laxá, Siegfried Siegfried Jünger, The Dark Messiahs.
Singer Songwriter | Post Rock | Classical |  Ambient | Dark Jazz |  

Support my work at https://www.patreon.com/tgss from $1 month. Thanks for your support.

Purchase my music on Bandcamp https://theseguitarssaysorry.bandcamp.com/

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.

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