THINGS I COULDN'T SAY
London, 2019
After having started to play the piano autodidactically, it is through the minimalism of Einaudi and Arnalds that the British composer Laura Christie Wall developed her creative identity. Things I Couldn’t Say is her debut EP released with the Italian label Blue Spiral Records; it is an opportunity for the pianist to share some emotions that were until now kept silent and unphrased.
Before Light is a very lyrical piece that immediately reflects the Einaudi influence that the composer has mentioned in her album notes—one can really hear a similar approach towards treating very little musical material and expanding it gradually. Wall’s music appears as very spontaneous. The Space Between Us is crafted on a sparse arrangement that builds up and varies harmonic material through rhythmic treatment. Similarly, Alyssa’s Song is based on a simplistic melody that travels through different accompaniments and pianistic registers, and develops over time. Far from Love, comparably to the opening piece is based on a very discreet melody over a very sporadic structure that allows the music to breathe and flow. Finally—and surprisingly—Becoming is a piece tinted with new colours and unexpected musical choices; it differs a lot more from the previous pieces, and is as much of a closing piece than an opening one for future works from the composer.
Wall, who studies psychology has initiated a process of identifying similarities between both worlds; through her lyricism and emotionalism, the British musician proves that once more when feelings transcend words, the language of music imposes itself as the best medium of expression.