The Dancing Pianist Arturo Mayorga
Arturo Mayorga does not literally dance while playing piano, but if he were to attempt this feat, I am certain it would be as graceful and dignified of what was apparent in his first album Cascades, in the New Age Classic piano category.
In addition to his talents as a composing musician, Arturo is nationally ranked in the competitive sport of Ballroom dancing, where Waltz, Tango, and Swing are scrutinized before watchful judges who watch for the accepted criteria of a dancing couple locked hand in hand.
Now with a concert piano as his partner, Cascades embraces the identical movements found in classical dance by having a choreography timed with proper speed, motion, and balance.
While judging this debut album for myself, I became aware that the 10 songs of varying moods left me feeling they were a personal revelation of his emotional thoughts put to music.
Like so many musicians, a parent’s considerate gift of a musical instrument at an early age is what began his interest in music. Arturo states that it was at this early age that he realized the impact of what one person playing an instrument could have on another. Continuing music through high school then college, his studies were in math and science, but composing music was also on his mind, starting the framework songs for the Cascades album during this time period.
Starting in the first song position is Sunrise. This mid tempo piano and violin duet sets the standard for a graceful heartfelt ballet, where each timed movement is balanced by the piano melody considering violin takes a second seat by following the lead. There is much emotional content felt, since a melancholy feel is present, lending to a touch of sadness, yet adding character and definition, leaving a beautiful image of what you have just heard in your mind.
While judging this debut album for myself, I became aware that the 10 songs of varying moods left me feeling they were a personal revelation of his emotional thoughts put to music.
The Last Night of Winter aligns well with the piano’s duo partner in allowing violin to take the lead in portion of the melody during this faster paced song, where full 360 degree rotational dance pivots, and those brief stationary pauses always see during pivot turns, can be pictured in your mind if you try.
The title song Cascades is a true champion in freestyle, where a faster tempo piano promenades with every rise and fall in piano key note steps, reaching the full height in posture, rhythm, and speed. Violin then connects with the melody posturing in a more formal manner while piano strokes sweep along the keyboard at a dizzying pace. The positive upbeat piano movements seem to sweep you off your feet at critical moments, leaving you breathless at the finish.
Arturo is very successful by engraving a full range of emotional content and movement into his classic orchestra style music. Knowing his background in dance, one can easily imagine themselves sitting in the audience watching Arturo in motion while listening to his music and from where I am sitting, he appears to be a winner.
Visit the dancing pianist dressed in black at arturomayorga.com
Arturo Mayorga - Cascades (2009)
※ "Cascades" Tracks Listen ▶ [ Click..!! ]
Cascades review by Kathy Parsons (MainlyPiano.com)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Kathy Parsons from MainlyPiano.com was kind enough to review Cascades. Here is what she had to say:
Cascades
Arturo Mayorga
2009 / Arturo Mayorga
47’29”
“Cascades” is the debut recording from pianist/composer Arturo Mayorga. Most of the ten tracks are piano with keyboard orchestration and embellishments, and several indicate a strong influence from Yanni. There is a variety of moods in the pieces - some are soft and romantic while others are darker and more powerful - indicating that Mayorga has a good range of styles. “Cascades” is a very strong debut even though it is a little heavy on the synth strings.
“Sunrise” begins the album with a hushed sense of mystery. As the piece evolves, it becomes more colorful and melodic while maintaining a mood of calm optimism. The title track picks up the tempo a bit. The left hand plays a flowing accompaniment to the lovely melody while gentle percussion and string washes in the background add dimension. “Painting on Silence” has a very strong influence from Yanni’s “In My Time” era - graceful, smooth, and melodic. “Lone Walk” is a favorite. Darker and more melancholy, this one reminds me of Dax Johnson in places. Piano, strings, and percussion are evocative and moody. “In-Side Change” is also on the dark, pensive side, and voices join the instrumental mix. It’s a beautiful piece, but I’m not crazy about the solo violin (keyboard). “Nocturne No. 2” takes a more classical turn and is solo piano. I really like “Secret Life,” which also has hints of Yanni. Upbeat and rhythmic, it is one of the more joyous pieces on the album. “Water Dance” is another favorite. A bit more ambient for the first two minutes, the haunting flute casts a quiet spell. Then the piano comes in, swirling and dancing. Eventually, the flute returns along with strings, creating a joyous celebration.
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
6/18/09