Review : Ludovico Einaudi – In A Time Lapse

I discovered Ludovico Einaudi by chance whilst listening to the in-flight music flying to America back in 2007. The tape didn’t say who the particular track was by or its title. Once back in the UK, I emailed the airline who provided me with the relevant information, the track being ‘Divenire‘. Within a couple of weeks I had collected his whole released collection. I have since seen him play live in concert and you’ve heard many of his tracks being used by television companies around the world.

This new release, ‘In A Time Lapse‘, certainly maintains his high standards set by previous works. To support it there’s a full-scale UK tour too, which I am hoping to catch. ‘Corale‘ slowly enters the fray, a string driven piece that wets your appetite. This is soon followed by the title track ‘Time Lapse‘ and those familiar piano notes can be heard. There is a new element here too, that sounds like a heavy toned electronic guitar which slices through the underscore. Next we have ‘Life‘ which chimes away slowly until the violins kick in, this is so majestic throughout. ‘Walk‘ too plays with the sparseness of sound to great effect using the piano to make an impact. The mature vibes of ‘Discovery At Night‘ is a particular highlight in this set. One of those tunes that gradually becomes more powerful as it waltzes through your mind.

‘Run‘ seems to be the follow-up to ‘Walk‘, and as you expect it plays at a slightly faster pace. Where Einaudi scores over many is aptitude to deliver the perfect note. This string arrangement competes with the classical masters from over a hundred years ago. With ‘Brother‘ the song seems to resemble a train slowly leaving the station only to pick up speed as it advances. Michael Portillo’s ‘Great Train Journeys‘ producers take note. The clinical subtle chimes of the xylophone help to make ‘Orbits‘ sound unique within this collection. ‘Two Trees‘ is a lovely laid back piece that’s just a pleasure to hear it sway slowly in its movements. Strange sounds from a synthesiser emit within ‘Newton’s Cradle‘, only to be replaced by his piano. Then from nowhere it ignites in a chorus of sound, just like an apple gaining speed as it hurtles to the floor.

We’re nearing the end of this album yet it there are still gems to be heard like ‘Waterways‘, which for me is classic Einaudi, so grand and regal as it progresses. The Steinway comes into its own here aided superbly by some lovely strings. In a similar light ‘Experience‘ uses his ability to make a theme feel light, I do think that the Penguin Cafe Orchestra may feel he’s touching on their territory, but that’s fine with me. What makes ‘Underwood‘ feel so rich is the solo violin part as it reaches out to break free of the stillness. Another jewel in the crown comes with the finale track, ‘Burning‘. It sparks and warms you up as it begins to galvanise your senses to listen to the master at the keyboard. A master-class by one of the best 9/10.