Reflections At the Piano is the debut solo piano album by Italian pianist/composer Daniele Pagliuca. Self-taught as a pianist and as a composer, Pagliuca’s music is influenced by classical composers such as Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Liszt and by contemporary composers including Ennio Morricone, Philip Glass, and Michael Nyman. The ten original pieces on the album are warm, romantic and melodic and were inspired by emotions and life in general. The three contemporary composers that Pagliuca mentioned as influences are film composers and Pagliuca’s music often has that kind of cinematic feeling - powerful and very expressive without being overly flashy. Very beautiful and a pleasure to listen to, I hope this is only the beginning of a long and successful music career for Daniele Pagliuca!

Reflections At the Piano begins with “One Song for You,” a gentle love song obviously inspired by someone very special. The melody is strong enough to support lyrics, but none are needed to convey the tender message. Also very melodic, “The Hidden Truth” is more poignant and bittersweet. “The Day” is ambient and descriptive, beginning very quietly and building while intertwining a variety of musical themes as a day progresses. I really like this one! “Continuity” is another favorite. Warm and in constant motion, the simple melody conveys a lot of emotion. “Dilemma” is a really interesting piece in that it cycles freely through a number of mostly minor-key themes that are often pensive with a hint of mystery, becoming more joyful as the piece nears the end and abruptly stopping. At just over six minutes, “Controcorrente” is by far the longest of the tracks as well as the most dramatic. In the early passages of the piece, Pagliuca uses the deep bass of the piano to great effect where the music seems to express a difficult struggle as well as strength and determination. Sometimes more delicate and even mournful, and other times powerful and passionate, this excellent composition ends with a peaceful resolution. Love it! “Studio N°1” and “The Encounter” go in a very classical direction - also favorites.

Daniele Pagliuca has graced the world with a very promising debut in Reflections At the Piano! It is available from Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. Check it out!