Heart To Heart is an outstanding album of ten original piano solos by Ovidio De Ferrari, an award-winning pianist/composer currently residing in Dubai. In 2010, De Ferrari was appointed to the position of conductor of the Dubai Chamber Orchestra, and he made his debut in 2016 with his own The Ovidio Chamber Orchestra. He is an alumnus of the Faculty of Arts, University of Chile, where he studied Music Pedagogy and earned a Masters Degree in Composition. He founded Ovidio Music Institute in 2000 and serves as its main teacher and director. Ovidio De Ferrari performs throughout the Middle East each season and recently became an official Bluthner Artist and ambassador for the Middle East.

Ovidio De Ferrari has recorded several albums before this one, but Heart To Heart is my first experience with his music. I think I’m falling in love with it! Melodic, heartfelt and played with a very expressive touch, the music is rich yet not overly complex. There is plenty to engage more sophisticated listeners without becoming inaccessible to those who prefer less challenging music.

Heart To Heart begins with “Ara,” a lovely, flowing piece that drew me in right away. It begins very gently and sweetly, gradually building to a more intense theme before returning to the peaceful opening theme. “Quintessence” is a bit darker and more somber while remaining breathtakingly beautiful. It starts out slowly and very soulfully, changing in the middle to a faster, graceful tempo with a compelling melody that reaches into your heart. “Serenade” is a favorite. The melancholy melody and rolling broken chords will get your attention, but the openness and honesty of the emotions expressed stay with you long after the piece has ended. The soft tranquility of “Sublime” feels much like lying in the grass on a warm spring afternoon, just letting the warmth of the sun soak into your soul. “Ruby” has a somewhat more classical style - dynamic, swirling and optimistic. Also a favorite, it would make a beautiful romantic movie theme! I also really like “Mobius.” Like some of the other pieces, it begins at a relaxed tempo and gradually builds intensity and a swirling energy as it progresses, ending abruptly. “Breathing” is as effortless as, well, breathing! “Little Angel” expresses innocence and a sweet playfulness. Quiet enough to be a lullaby yet fascinating when actively listening to it, I love the chord changes and the flowing rhythm of the piece.

Guaranteed a spot on my “Favorite Albums of 2017” list, Heart To Heart is a wonderful introduction to the music of Ovidio De Ferrari - I can’t wait to hear more! The album is available from Amazon and iTunes. Very highly recommended!