Introspection (Studio Album)

Album Credits

Composer: Alan Griffiths, Pianist: Evgeny Ukhanov, Recording and editing: Allan Neuendorf at Burwood Sound Studios, Piano Technician and tuner: David Farrell. Mixing: Craig Field at Underwood Studios, Mastering: Joseph Carra’ at Crystal Mastering, Post Mastering: Adrian Akkerman at Incubator Studio, Photography: Jackie Clements www.jackieclementsphotography.com

‘The music ebbs and flows, rising to pitches of excitement, then lapsing back into melancholy. That is scarcely an unusual expressive combination, but it is achieved with great skill…’
(News Weekly)

Liner Notes

Track 1 – Reverie II

Composed in 1990 when Alan was 23 years old, he later dedicated this piece to his late younger brother Michael who passed away in 2016.

‘… Reverie I, II and III, … outstanding examples of the great compositional balance of virtuosity, simplicity, fragility and drama that Griffiths achieves in Introspection.’
(Cut|Common Magazine)

Track 2 – Rhapsody & Fantasia

‘Rhapsody & Fantasia effectively contrasts angst with sweet reminiscence’
(Fanfare Magazine, New York)

Track 3 – 3 Meditations

Track 4 – 2/3rd Fugue

‘the piece is tripartite, the outer sections of which are fugal, encasing a gentler central span that is non-imitative.’
(Fanfare Magazine)

Track 5 – Reverie I

‘… Reverie I, II and III, … outstanding examples of the great compositional balance of virtuosity, simplicity, fragility and drama that Griffiths achieves in Introspection.’
(Cut|Common Magazine)

Track 6 – A Touch Of Tango

‘The wit of A Touch of Tango is wonderful’
(Fanfare Magazine)

Track 7 – Reverie III

‘… Reverie I, II and III, … outstanding examples of the great compositional balance of virtuosity, simplicity, fragility and drama that Griffiths achieves in Introspection.’
(Cut|Common Magazine)

Track 8 – Motif & Variations

Track 9 – Till We Meet Again

‘Originally intended as a farewell to listeners, the 1991 piece Till we meet again took on a different tint when the composer’s brother died. Its mood links to that of the first piece on the disc, Reverie II, as if a journey has come to a satisfying end.’
(Fanfare Magazine)

Includes Digital Booklet

Album reviews

…great compositional balance of virtuosity, simplicity, fragility and drama…

Cut | Common magazine (Tasmania)

…can move easily from one mode of expression to another seamlessly…

Fanfare Magazine (USA)

It works marvellously.

Facts and Arts

…Griffiths really has developed his own style…

Canberra Critics Circle

…it is achieved with great skill…

News Weekly (Melbourne)

‘The over-all impression of this album is of pleasant ambient music but with a special depth of harmony and melody, impressive pianism by Ukhanov, and linkage of selections.’

30th October, 2017, Michael Johnson, Facts and Arts

‘… it’s full of wonderful solo piano music.’

25th August, 2017, Madeliene Roycroft, Australian Sounds, 3mbs

‘Reverie I, II and III, three works interspersed in the program, were outstanding examples of the great compositional balance of virtuosity, simplicity, fragility and drama that Griffiths achieves in Introspection. This is not an easy task for solo piano music.’

July 30th, 2017, Chloe Sanger, CutCommon

‘Introspection, a cycle of works for solo piano, reveals intimately yet accessibly Griffiths’ adventurous spirit and heartfelt thoughts. We believe his music will touch both seasoned music-lovers as well as newcomers to the exciting world of classical and art music.’

June 29th, 2017, Scintillations Music

‘In support of composers we present Alan Griffiths’ debut album ‘Introspection’.’

April, 2017, Beleura House & Garden, Mornington

‘Al Griffiths music is sublime. Ranging from thoughtful, meditative and reflective to highly intense and colourful, Griffiths takes us on a journey of his heart and life with every piece he composes.’

March 31st, 2017, Sharon Peers | Course Director, Filmmaking Summer School, University of Melbourne

‘So an album with more of its heart in the history of classical music than the title might suggest, and – given just how many ambient albums are out there these days – the better for it. … this is really interesting stuff… I’m going to recommend this album’

February 2, 2017, Graham Reid, Elsewhere & Radio Live 106 FM New Zealand

‘Griffiths has established a unique compositional voice on this fine recording. It is a major achievement to realise such a cohesive work. A superb release’

Dec 21, 2016, Dr. Tim Nikolsky, Editor Australian Jazz Real Book

‘4 out of 5 stars. Griffiths really has developed his own style. There are the occasional hints of the influences, but he can be confident in calling all of his compositions uniquely his own.’

Dec 6th, 2016, Clifton White, Canberra Critics Circle

‘The music ebbs and flows, rising to pitches of excitement, then lapsing back into melancholy. That is scarcely an unusual expressive combination, but it is achieved with great skill. The pianist is Evgeny Ukhanov, whose touch is delicate when required, ferocious when needed. Ukhanov’s tone is liquid, even luminous, and the precision of his attack is flawless throughout. His sensibility seems to perfectly match the composition… This is a fine first recording by Griffiths. He has established himself as an accomplished composer and his introspections justify close listening.’

Nov 5th, 2016, David James, News Weekly

‘Introspection deals with the ethereal, the intangible and the ineffable.. As an abstract visual artist classical music is indispensable and central while I work. Griffiths debut album is deeply moving and inspiring, my new work a large Diptych will be based on this album, and in particular Reverie I, II & III’

October 2016, Agneta Ekholm, Melbourne