Anam Cara

Anam Cara is a beautiful little piece by music2work2 that makes you feel good. The piano is the only voice in this session, which has an upbeat, uplifting tempo. The clear notes of the piano bring to mind simplicity and even a sense of purity.

Having traveled over the past several days, spending a lot of time driving in a mixture of wintry precipitation, listening to Anam Cara, the imagery that now comes to mind is that of the snowflakes as they danced through the air. Sometimes large flakes, sometimes tiny ones, they fell softly, gently, making everything around look pure, clean and bright. The snow was so beautiful to look at, but unlike the pleasant feeling I get when listening to Anam Cara, driving in the snow was treacherous and anxiety producing.

The Duel 2007

In music2work2’s The Duel, the piano and strings almost seem to be in a competition themselves. The rhythm of the strings is much faster than the slower tempo of the piano. The competition is not mean or one of anger, it seems that in this piece, each voice is more “doing its own thing” although occurring at the same time, in a harmonious way.

It makes me think of the conflict that goes on in human beings between good and evil, or doing what is the right thing as opposed to doing the easy thing. I think this is a common struggle, seen in practically all areas of ones life. It may be easier to give up when times get rough but commitment and integrity or courage keeps you fighting. It may be easier to do a job half-way but honor and pride push you to doing your best and giving your all. Listening to The Duel, the prominence of the piano at the end  and ending on the high notes, indicates to me that the good or right is victorious in the struggle. Hopefully that is the result in most cases.

Beautiful

Beautiful by music2work2 definitely bears the correct name. The combination of strings and piano produce a melody, with mixed tempos, that is indeed beautiful.

One image that is evoked for me by this piece is of a sunrise. The rays of sun slowly begin to peak through the darkness as the sun rises above the horizon, heralding a new day. Beautiful is one of those musical pieces that make you feel good. It is a reminder that each new day is a gift to be celebrated and treasured.