Salonnières is a fascinating collection of fifteen piano solos, ten of which are classical pieces and five that are Elizabeth Naccarato’s original compositions that were inspired by the classics. All fifteen pieces were selected for their peaceful and immersive qualities, and all are very accessible. This is Elizabeth’s eighth album and the second one that I’ve reviewed (following her 2022 release, A Southwest Story). The title comes from the Enlightenment era in France when a woman known as a “salonnière” would host parties in her home that included musicians, artists, writers and other creatives who would facilitate stimulating and inspiring conversations and discussions. Some of the greatest composers and pianists (and other instrumentalists) of the day performed at these gatherings, and I’m sure some of the works on this album were played in those situations. The classical composers that are included on the album are Frédéric Chopin (2), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1), Felix Mendelssohn (3), Johannes Brahms (2), Enrique Granados (1) and Robert Schumann (1).

A Texas native, Elizabeth Naccarato started piano lessons at the age of six and won her first competition three years later. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The University of Southern California and performed solo classical piano throughout Texas as well as on the West Coast. She began composing after moving to the Pacific Northwest and released her first album, Jarrell's Cove, in 1995.

Salonnières begins with Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 1 in Bb Minor, Op. 9 #1,” one of my favorites of his many nocturnes (night songs) both to play and listen to. Warm and soothing, yet vibrant and soaring, it’s a great start! “The Kiss” is the first of the Naccarato originals and expresses both deep tenderness and exhilaration, inspiring visions of dancing on a puffy white cloud. The second movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata #14 in C minor provides an interesting contrast in styles with the first two pieces on the album. “Friends and Lovers” is the second Naccarato original and is light and upbeat, expressing happy feelings of ease and contentment. Felix Mendelssohn composed many shorter pieces he called “Songs Without Words,” and the next three pieces are from that series: “Confidence,” “Regrets” and “Contemplation,” all beautifully and expressively played. Brahms composed the next two pieces - “Fantasien, Op.116: No.4, Intermezzo in E Major” and “4 Klavierstücke, Op. 119: No. 1, Intermezzo in B Minor,” and both demonstrate Brahms’ quieter, more pensive side. Elizabeth’s “And of the Affections” moves gently yet with a purpose. “Andante Spianato” is an Italian musical term meaning "smooth and even," describing the tranquil, flowing style Chopin often used as an introduction to his brilliant "Grande Polonaise (Op. 22)” - very calm and dreamy! Elizabeth’s “Valldemossa” is my favorite of her pieces, moving freely and very expressively. Granados’ “Spanish Dance No. 2” is much darker, with smoldering passion and deep emotion. I really like this one, too! Robert Schumann wrote a series of shorter pieces called “Scenes of Childhood,” and “Child Falling Asleep” is included here, reflecting the peaceful innocence of young children as they gently give in to slumber. Elizabeth’s “The Poet Speaks” brings the album to a warm and uplifting close - ahhhhhhhhhh…

Many people say they don’t like classical music, but Salonnières just might change their minds! It’s fascinating to listen to a collection of piano solos that span around 250 years and yet play so well together as a group! The album is available to stream and download on Amazon, and can be streamed on various platforms including Pandora and Spotify. Check it out!