Monday, April 6, 2015

On Easter Sunday 2015, The Light Will Shine In The Darkness


Introducing Composer/Pianist Chadwick Himsl and his debut contemporary classical piano solo album "The Light Shines in the Darkness" to be released April 5, 2015. Chadwick has come back to his first love after a long absence from music, putting together an album that has heart. Of special mention is the composition Newtown (in 3 movements). While the name brings to mind a terrible tragedy, far from being depressing or melancholy, and consistent to the theme of this album, we are lifted above it. Light shines out of the darkness and leaves the listener full of hope. In the artist's own words, "After the events of Newtown, I just felt like I needed to do something as a father. I thought of my own three boys with my oldest just a year younger than the kids at Sandy Hook. I thought I may not be able to change the world, but I can honor those kids through my music."

Also of note is the last piece on the album, "A Place Beyond," which was actually written when the composer was in college back in 1995. Chadwick Himsl: When I wrote this piece in college, I was quite happy with it, but I never thought anyone would hear it beyond the walls of the university. Technology has brought me to the place where my dreams of being a composer can become a reality. I am delighted to be able to share this piece with the world, especially because this is a piece I dedicated to my father.

The title track, "The Light Shines in the Darkness," is inspired by the biblical account of Genesis 2-3 and John 1:5: "The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light... "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." True to the description, the first part of the piece is arguably dark with foreboding, irritable notes. But the darkness is short-lived as light enters in. Strings penetrate the darkness with a single note. The composition ends with a beautiful melody that the artist attributes to his outdoor wind chimes on a windy day.

Chadwick Himsl: I love the imagery of this event and the message it conveys. Things can be completely dark both literally and figuratively, but the tiniest amount of light cannot be stopped. It is a message of hope in a dark world. "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6.

The Light shines in the Darkness

Track listing:
1. The Light Shines in the Darkness
2. Newtown I: Faith Is the Substance of Things Hoped For
3. Newtown II: Remember the Children
4. Newtown III: Beauty for Ashes
5. Love Is Patient
6. Nostalgia
7. A Place Beyond

Soundcloud Audio Link (promotional use only):
http://soundcloud.com/chadwickhimsl/sets/the-light-shines-in-the/s-mUDZL

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/nO3GBV6ZR8I

Purchase and Licensing Info (Available April 5, 2015) :
Digital Download: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/chadwickhimsl
Licensing and biography: http://www.chadwickhimsl.weebly.com

Media Contact:
Chadwick Himsl
Tel: 323-841-4252
Email: chadwickhimslmusic@gmail.com

http://www.mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=182215

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