" Accidental Etudes" , Milana Zilnik, composer, pianist
May 23, 2014 marks the release of the sixth cd " Accidental Etudes" written and
performed by Ukranian born Ottawa artist/ pianist /composer Milana Zilnik, and produced
by husband Artyom Tchebotaryov.
In an attempt to categorize the style of Milana who states her influence ranges
from Bach to Keith Jarrett, listeners are treated to a distinctive combination
of jazz and new age ( correctly self -identified as additionally blended with
rock and classical), presented in a modest swirl of rhythmic and melodic
intent. One of these two former elements is predominant in selections, with a
minimalistic approach to showcasing melodic or rhythmic germs throughout.
Clean lines, innocence, integrity and naturalness grace the cd as a whole.
Most obvious always is the rhythmic lead with intentional off - beat accents,
uneven beat combinations (3+3+2 is a favorite), and a strong improvisatory flair,
which suggests jazz. In fact, the albums' soundtracks happened as spontaneous
" one-take, no preparation recordings".
The fleeting images described in each vignette provide a snapshot of color,
provoke a mood, stir an emotion, or bestow a thought, which causes me to attach
the tail new age to these abstract listening gems.
New Age Music is defined as achieving " a contemplative state", and " music
intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism". Milana's
newest compilation strikes me as spiritual, heartfelt, relaxing, artistic,
decidedly inspiring.
It is interesting to note that each selection promotes only one mood and color
to the end, which is a tip of the hat to Bach and the Baroque.
Listeners will enjoy 18 tracks in a variety of simple keys. Thus said, tonal
ambiguity sometimes resounds as the third is often missing as in track 18,
"Out of the Dark".
The parallel motion of the encouraging and sanguine "Out of the Dark" and the
open 4th's and 5th's of this choice is a signature of minor keys on the cd, a
supportive nod to the Impressionists. Listen also for this in track 3 " Winds
and Tides", track 8 " Heart of Stone", track 11 " Rushing for the Fortune", and
track 14 " Rocking the Waterfall", for example.
The dark, serious, and somber " Winds and Tides" is highly rhythmic with the
3+3+2 coupling encased in a narrow intervallic range, while the atmospheric "
Heart of Stone" also of the same rhythmic plan, opens as a soliloquy in a more
melodic fashion, interspersed with harmonic color.
" Rushing for the Fortune" tends toward optimism and brightness, with
affectionate rhythmic motives permeating the parallel fourths/ fifths. The busy,
moving, and repetitive " Rocking the Waterfall" again with a narrow melodic
range, places a descending waterfall motive in the spotlight, heralds the bass,
and highlights a falling minor second followed by a fourth, another choice of
Milana, disintegrating to quiet approaching the end.
Personal favorites include the carefree, cool and breezy " Dare to be Me" (track 4), in a consistent motion of triplets and syncopated styling,
https://milana.bandcamp.com/track/dare-to-be-me
and the appropriately titled "When I am in Love" (track 12), bathed in a melting emotional melody and lilting rhythm.
https://milana.bandcamp.com/track/when-i-am-in-love
Other tracks include the pleading, determined and earnest" I Won't Give up" ( track 6), and the dramatic, mysterious, dark and aggressive " The Madness Within" (track 7).
" Dancing With Hades" ( track 13), washes over one calmly with nostalgia and beauty,
https://milana.bandcamp.com/track/dancing-with-hades
while the touching " Waltz of a Dying Candle" (track 17) spills warmth, wanting, and purity.
Overall, this appealing cd showcases fine ideas ripe for growth, and is likeable in its' simplicity; of common keys, technical demands, melodic range, and common rhythmic and harmonic inclusions, as well as in its' repetitive and motivic stance. Charm exists in modesty and purity.
Feel the sincerity within Milana's creations and experience her journey by listening, for this music owns substance and depth stemming from the personal stamp of emotion given each selection.
I invite you to join the 35,000 faithful online followers, as the cd that becomes more engaging with successive hearing is well worth the purchase!
Sally Rowsell, M. Mus, pianist and teacher, Ottawa Ontario
2014 , May. all rights reserved. no part may be reproduced or changed without
permission of the author.
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