One of the joys of reviewing music is finding a selection of favorite artists and musicians I might not have heard otherwise. Although I can’t choose just one favorite artist, Michael Hoppé would be very high on the list! He is one of the most-reviewed artists on MainlyPiano.com with reviews going back to 1996 and interviews as early as 2003. Many of his albums have included artists such as Tim Wheater (flute), Joe Powers (harmonica), Martin Tillman (cello), Giuditta (vocals), choirs and full orchestras, and Tenderly Together’s ten tracks feature a variety of instruments with and without Michael’s piano and keyboards. Several of the pieces are featured two or three times with different arrangements and instrumentation, but the album doesn’t feel at all repetitious. It’s a beautiful collection that includes a photo of Michael and his wife, Monica, on the cover looking quite “tenderly together.”

The album begins with “Tenderly,” arranged for sax (Justin Bellairs) and orchestra (conducted by John Walton). This gorgeous piece evokes images of romantic slow dances and moonlit walks on a peaceful beach. The first arrangement of “Missing You” is a heartfelt piano solo with some synth strings in the background. This poignant piece has also appeared on some previous albums, so it must be one of Michael’s favorites, too! “Together” is a haunting duet for piano and violin (David Mendoza). Smooth, gentle and unabashedly romantic, it’s a very easy piece to get lost in! The first version of “Snowflakes in Moonlight” is for solo celeste with some string washes in the background - tranquility set to music! The relaxed and dreamy “You Never Know” is for English horn (Lisa White) and orchestra (also conducted by John Walton). The second arrangement of “Together” is a duet for harmonica (Joe Powers) and piano, and I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a harmonica piece I’ve liked more than this one! The second arrangement of “Tenderly” is for wordless vocals (Amy Walton) and orchestra (John Walton) and again evokes images of elegantly-dressed dancers in a big ballroom with the lights dimmed. The second arrangement of “Missing You” has flute (Santiago Ruiz), birds, and keyboards with occasional thunder in the background - very poignant and overflowing with longing. The second version of “Snowflakes in Moonlight” is for violin (David Mendoza) and piano - elegant and deeply emotional. The album closes with a solo piano version of “Tenderly” - the perfect ending for a truly outstanding album!

Longtime fans of Michael Hoppé (like me!) will love these new arrangements of some old favorites, and if you are new to Michael’s music, it’s a great sampling of some of his best work (to date!)! It is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. I give Tenderly Together my highest recommendation!