Golden Autumn 4 is the newest installment in Iranian/Canadian pianist/composer Fariborz Lachini’s celebrated series of solo piano albums. Golden Autumn 1 and 2 were originally released in the 1990’s and 3 came out in 2006 and was my introduction to Lachini’s work. Along with his solo piano pieces, Lachini has composed film soundtracks for many years. He is a major artist in Iran and the Middle East, and is rapidly gaining an ever-expanding audience in the Western world as well. After launching a successful musical career in Iran writing songs for pop singers, Lachini’s musical studies took him to France. As a result, his music is influenced by several cultures and speaks to all who are willing to listen with an open heart. Much of Lachini’s music sounds simple, but the emotional complexity is what really communicates. The music is classical in structure, but leans toward a so-called “new age” sensibility, focusing on the emotional content of the music rather than flash. Most of these fifteen pieces are on the melancholy side; some are reflective and some are dreamy - all are exquisitely beautiful.

The CD begins with “Forever Autumn,” a graceful and pensive waltz that sets the mood for the album. The percussive quality of the piano makes it the perfect instrument to describe the many different faces of rain. “Raindrops” seems to yearn for a sunny day; or maybe it is simply lost in thought, mesmerized by the falling rain. The flowing and elegant “Whisper In the Wind” is one of my favorites. It could have been written as one of Mendelssohn’s “Songs Without Words,” and contains elements of that composer’s wistful sadness. I love “Moonlight Memories.” Dark and mysterious, it reaches deep into the composer’s soul, telling a profound and meaningful truth. “Lonely Leaf” reminds me a bit of Kevin Kern at his most introspective - delicate and subtle, yet very passionate. “Days Gone By” is tender and nostalgic, and has such a strong melody that lyrics could fit. “Sunlight Through the Mist” has no hard edges and glows like beams of light finding their way through openings in clouds or fog. “Reflections” is very dark, indeed.” Feelings of longing and regret run deep and tug at the heart. “A Leaf’s Caress” is as warm and gentle as the title suggests. Like most things of beauty, it is tinged with sadness, but this is one of the lighter and sunnier pieces on the album. “Autumn Theme” ends the CD on a bittersweet and pensive note that lingers with the listener.

Fariborz Lachini has had a tremendously productive and inspired year. Golden Autumn 4 is much lighter and more soothing than his Requiem, which was also released very recently and is more classical. If you are new to Lachini’s music, this is a great place to start! If you are a longtime fan, you won’t be disappointed. This CD is a real beauty and is available from lachini.com, amazon.com, iTunes, and cdbaby.com. Very highly recommended!