Pavel Fomitchov The Personal Music Self-released (1999) Time: 40 minutes It may be uncool to use such a word, but Pavel Fomitchov's The Personal Music is utterly charming. The majority of this collection of beautiful, melodic, and whimsical instrumentals carries strains of medieval music along with fantasy textures. With titles like "Galadriel's song," "Hall of Rivendell" and "Death of Elvish King " it's no wonder that the songs sound the way they do. This is an excellent recordingfull of imaginative, warm and engaging electronic keyboard music.
When Pavel's CD arrived, I wasn't crazy about the CD's title, (although Pavel does a good job what it means in the liner notes). Then, when I read the song titles, I was instantly suspicious (being a huge Tolkien and fantasy fan). Many artists have attempted to capture the lure of fantasy, elves, and other elements of fantasy in their musicand most have not risen to the occasion. Have no fear with this release, though. All the others are now firmly in second place, thanks to Pavel.This musician has left his magic touch all over this recording. The music fits the song titles like a suit of mithril (Tolkien fans, remember mithril?).
From the mysterious beauty, via harp and recorder, of "Galadriel's song" to the subtle majesty and high spirit of the harpsichord-laced "Halls of Rivendell" to the softly enchanting "Lullaby of Falling leaves," the album unleashes one gem after another.
The first nine selection are subtitled "Music of the Elves," while the last five cuts are listed as "The Elements." These last five are unlike the first nine, as they tend to be less medieval-textured. But, they're still all winners, full of engaging, creative synthesizer songsmelodic and perfectly executed. "Nomad's Heart" and "Ghost of the Wind" are haunting while "French Vanilla" is uptempo and carnival-esque.
"The Personal Music" may not be the catchiest album title, and I hope that it doesn't hurt the album's sales appeal. The music contained on this CD is the equal of any EM of its type (melodic and structured, as opposed to ambient) that I have in my collection. Pavel is definitely an artist to keep a close watch on.
He's heading placesguaranteed!
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