Winter's Thaw

This morning I took a walk and am once again amazed at the transformation of light and warmth that comes upon the land as winter begins to fade. It's been a powerful winter of snow and cold here in Iowa. Now the snow is melting and the sun is bright. Today is the fourth day of warming, and I am so thankful. It warms the heart and changes the mood to one of gratefulness. It's not yet spring: there aren't any blooms, no new grass, and no baby animals and birds. Yet there is a hope in the warmth that fills me with a restrained joy like a deep drink from a warm cup of excellent tea.

The piano music for today, then, is titled "Winter's Thaw." Calm, minimal, beautiful, quiet joy.

Peace,
~Bill

Piano CD announcement

On March 26, 2011 I'll be releasing my first CD in years:  tentatively titled Piano Songs.  The CD is a collection of some of the best pieces I've created at the piano in the last five years.  Some are simple songs without words; others are the result of improvisations; still others are versions of pieces from movies and other projects I've worked on -- all deserve a published place.

Back in late summer I decided to record this CD partly because of the new concert grand piano at the university where I teach, and partly because it is simply time to share this music on a larger scale.  I'm excited to be collaborating with Renee Meyer Ernst who has agreed to provide the artwork and do the graphic design for the CD cover, and Lars Rehnberg who is doing the recording.  

Here's a sample of a piano song that will be on the CD.  It's called "On the Horizon," and was written in honor of our current president at St. Ambrose University, and I performed it live at her inauguration.  What style is it?  I'll let you decide.  Please listen and comment, and subscribe to this blog if you'd like updates on this project.





Peace,
~Bill Campbell