Daimon
Sony, 2026
10/10
The pianist and composer Olivia Belli is joined by Raphaela Gromes, Eldbjørg Hemsing, and Jess Gillam for this first piano concerto full length.
“Proci” starts with Gromes’ warm cello and Hemsing’s animated violin that interact with much exploration, and “Semplice” follows with pretty keys that are heartfelt and radiate tremendous beauty.
In the middle, “Telemachus” pairs the bright keys and quivering violin via much intrigue in its mesmerizing capacity, while “Eumaeus” offers a minimal approach that’s strong on ambience thanks to Gillam’s strategic sax.
Getting close to the end, the sublime grace of “Eurycleia” has the keys swirling around the wind in wonder and awe, and “Pax Athenae” exits with the strings and keys interacting with much care and melody.
Belli takes notes from Johann Sebastian Bach, Frédéric Chopin, Philip Glass and Arvo Part, and inspiration from Homer’s Odyssey, which provides the groundwork for this stunning body of work that lacks pretense, touches on melancholy and hope and displays plenty of relatable emotions for a neo-classical masterpiece.
Travels well with: Gabríel Ólafs- Polar; Erland Cooper & Scottish Ensemble- Faded Landscapes