Reflections (Timo Andres, Conor Hanick, and Sufjan Stevens album)

Reflections
A colorful kaleidoscope pattern
Soundtrack album by
Timo Andres, Conor Hanick, and Sufjan Stevens
ReleasedMay 19, 2023 (2023-05-19)
Length24:31
LabelAsthmatic Kitty
Timo Andres chronology
The Decalogue
(2019) 		Reflections
(2023)
Sufjan Stevens chronology
A Beginner's Mind
(2022) 		Reflections
(2023) 		Javelin
(2023)

Reflections is a 2023 ballet soundtrack by Timo Andres, Conor Hanick, and Sufjan Stevens.

Reception

The Spill Magazine's Joseph Mastel rated this release 3.5 out of 5, writing that it "manages to be both bold and creative and often shows the impressive range that the piano can have", but also criticizing that "it is not as mesmerizing or spectacular as some of Stevens’ older albums".[1] A brief overview of the best events and media of the week from The Guardian included this album as one of four recommended to readers.[2] A brief review of new music for The New Zealand Herald by Peter Baker includes the recommendation that the "performances are vibrant and beguiling as they weave impressively through these technically challenging compositions".[3] In NPR's All Songs Considered, the hosts chose this album as one of the best of the week.[4] Writing for PopMatters, Alex Brent rated this release a 5 out of 10, calling it "wonderfully performed" music that does not break new ground and cannot stand apart from its original context of the ballet.[5] BBC Music's Freya Parr rated this 4 out of 5 stars, writing that "both pianists passing tightly woven melodies between one another at a sharpish tempo" that makes for "a vibrant, highly energetic listen".[6]

Track listing

  1. "Ekstasis" – 3:04
  2. "Revanche" – 5:20
  3. "Euphoros" – 3:15
  4. "Mnemosyne" – 3:28
  5. "Rodinia" – 5:52
  6. "Reflexion" – 2:58
  7. "And I Shall Come to You Like a Stormtrooper in Drag Serving Imperial Realness" – 6:34

Personnel

Chart performance

Reflections debuted at the top spot of the British Specialist Classical Albums Chart.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Mastrel, Joseph (May 19, 2023). "SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SUFJAN STEVENS, TIMO ANDRES, CONOR HANICK – REFLECTIONS". The Spill Magazine. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "From Beau Is Afraid to Sufjan Stevens: a complete guide to this week's entertainment". The Guardian. May 20, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  3. ^ Baker, Peter (May 26, 2023). "What We're Listening To: Heady House Music, Sufjan Stevens & Other Things You Need To Hear". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
  4. ^ Powers, Ann; Touros, Cyrena; Moody, Tarik; Hilton, Robin (May 19, 2023). "New Music Friday: The best releases out on May 19". All Songs Considered. NPR. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  5. ^ Brent, Alex (June 14, 2023). "Sufjan Stevens' 'Reflections' Soundtrack Is Impressive If Vague". PopMatters. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  6. ^ Parr, Freya (July 11, 2023). "Sufjan Stevens: Reflections". Classical. BBC Music. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  7. ^ "Official Specialist Classical Chart Top 30: 26 May 2023 – 01 June 2023". Official Charts Company. May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023.