Allen Constantine - Opus'85 (2023) [Official Digital Download 24/48]

Modern and classical facets: This week sees the release of "Opus'85", the new album by Romanian composer and pianist Allen Constatine. When it comes to combining modern classical music with cinematic structures, the work certainly represents a true jewel in this musical field. Giving classical music an immersive contemporary veneer is probably something every composer aspires to in their career. Some have mastered this art from the depths of their soul, and Allen Constantine belongs to this group of people. His albums are always something special, they often have a unique selling point in the interpretation in the applied music area of neoclassicism.

Allen Constantine is a contemporary composer, music producer and sound designer with a focus on film and media. His versatile compositions span a range of musical styles and reflect his dynamic approach to creative expression. Throughout his career, Allen has worked as both a music composer and sound designer, lending his expertise to renowned companies. His last album "Louder than Words" was released almost exactly a year ago, followed by the EP "Dream States" in March this year. In general, one can say that his music is inspired by artists like Jóhann Jóhannsson, Max Richter and Ólafur Arnalds. So you can already see which path the Romanian musician is taking with his works. Possesses heart-warming melancholy as well as euphoria

The new work "Opus'85" is again such a timeless sound art in which one could fall head over heels in love. Deep romanticism that always sets the music genre apart from all the others. On the album, classical nuances are combined with a modern touch in a very soulful way. Partly marginally, the electronic substructures are worked into the sound framework, breaking through now and then with contemporary nuances. Very emotive, these have been integrated as a cinematic narrative to underline the mood and aesthetics of the classical instruments, such as piano and string arrangements. The tempo and agogic are kept quite variable and dynamic, the new work from the pen of the Romanian composer possesses heart-warming melancholy as well as euphoria - like a glimpse into the soul of the composer, who perfectly brings the world of emotions closer to the listener. Deep and bright pitches, a warm and comforting carpet of sound flows through the album, full of colour tones that sometimes form orchestral sound cathedrals.

Wrapped in the aforementioned cinematic sound frames, which elevate "Opus'85" to an almost timeless level. The music draws on many metaphors as reference points, the album with its 10 pieces offers enough space for the listener's own interpretation of the compositions. Gentle or contemporary, all facets are almost covered. Even though all pieces are composed to a fairly high standard, "Opus'85" contains a few very special pearls. For example, the delicate and very catchy pieces "Sway" and "Equilibrium", shine with highly melodic playing on the violin. The piano-based track "Opus 85" is another candidate to find a new home in many playlists. However, one will notice, as the album progresses, the modern aspects increase more and more, on par with the classical note they then culminate in tracks like "Dust" or "Reminiscence".

"Opus'85" by Allen Constantine was a positive surprise. Balanced neoclassicism, modern layers and romantic melancholy are the anchor points on the new work from the Romanian. The heart and soul, with piano, strings and electronics are certainly deeply touched, the passion is clearly felt. Especially the beginning of the album is a timeless component that can still shine in a few years. Release is Friday 18 August 2023 via the ExoPAC Recordings label.

Tracklist:
01. Origins
02. Sway
03. Equilibrium
04. Momentum
05. Opus'85
06. Eclipse
07. Faded
08. Reminiscence
09. Dust
10. Limitless


Thanks to the Original customer!