classical – Page 2 – Modern Mystery

Peter Calandra’s latest album, “Spirit,” offers a captivating blend of emotive piano compositions and ambient soundscapes, providing a sanctuary for listeners amidst the chaos of the modern world.

This brand new album consists of 10 original tracks as well as 3 re-imagined classics, reflecting Calandra’s journey from his teenage years to the present day.

The original compositions were curated from material improvised during the pandemic, recorded during Calandra’s Saturday Night Live Sets on YouTube. From these sessions, favorite pieces were selected to be included on the album, all of which are improvised. “Spirit” also features cover songs from Calandra’s earlier days performing in bar bands.

Each track on “Spirit” is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, with the album unfolding like a series of paintings. Layers of sound are carefully blended together.

Tracks such as “Joyful Light,” “Fading Memories,” and “Night Sky” show Calandra’s ability to convey deep emotions through delicate piano solos and ethereal textures.

A standout track on the album is “Layla,” where Calandra reinterprets this classic Eric Clapton song with serene notes and touches of gospel that bring a fresh perspective on the familiar melody.

Overall, “Spirit” offers a reprieve from the noise of the world, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its beauty and solace. Calandra’s musical expertise shines through in every composition, reflecting his diverse career spanning Broadway productions, film scoring, and composing for prestigious events.

Peter Calandra, based in New York City, is a versatile composer, keyboardist, and guitarist renowned for his contributions to various realms of the music industry. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Calandra has left an indelible mark through his prolific output and diverse musical endeavors.

Notably, Calandra’s expertise in composing extends to the realm of film, where he has scored over 100 films, bringing his distinctive musical touch to a wide array of cinematic productions.

Additionally, his compositions have graced television screens globally, with over 2500 pieces created for TV broadcast.

Calandra’s talent for crafting memorable theme songs has garnered widespread acclaim, with his compositions for network television, including the FIFA World Cup Theme for Fox Sports, The Special Olympics World Games Theme for ESPN, and the Invictus Games Theme for ESPN, standing out as for his versatility as a composer.

In addition to his work in film and television, Calandra has established himself as a prolific recording artist, having released 15 albums of original music.

Calandra has also graced stages around the world, serving as a keyboardist for iconic productions such as the original Little Shop Of Horrors, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, and The Lion King. His performances, both in theater orchestras as well as alongside esteemed artists such as NY Pops, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Aretha Franklin, further exemplify an ability to be versatile in genre.

Calandra shares his expertise as a teacher at the Aaron Copland School Of Music at Queens College, CUNY in New York City. Through his teaching, he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.

Keep up to date with Peter Calandra:

Website / Facebook / Spotify / YouTube Music / Soundcloud

Tara Novak, the classically trained violinist and composer turned pop artist, just released her new pop epic single, “A Place Called Purpose.” The song is a narrative like those of old Irish tales, Beowulf, or Hrolf Kraki, using music and lyrics in tandem to paint a picture of a tale about a brave female captain of a ship, with only her knowledge, intuition, and courage to guide her on the open seas as she races against time to her destination. She faces outward storms and inner doubts and ultimately comes out renewed in her belief herself. She is a true heroine, like all of us who face the many battles in life.

Musically speaking, she uses minor chords in the verses to symbolize the dramatic elements of the story, of the heroine facing challenges on her journey. The only major chords we hear are in the chorus, symbolizing the underlying message of hope, bravery, and courage. The use of the soft violin and ambient sounds in the beginning of the song gives a ghost-like feeling to the story, setting the scene and a melodic atmosphere.

Her classical training influenced the music for “A Place Called Purpose,” giving a unique touch to the pop genre that you won’t hear anywhere else. But she was also inspired by time. “Tick, tick, tick… the sound of a clock on the wall, always counting, always moving forward,” says Tara, talking about how clocks inspired the story. “But clocks used to measure more than just the passing of time: ancient mariners used a combination of a clock and the stars to calculate their position on the ocean. This song is an epic story of a girl alone with her ship, racing against time to find ‘A Place Called Purpose’ before the sun rises and once again hides the stars. Clocks tick and the orchestra sweeps the listener on their own journey, a perfect reflective soundtrack for the start of a new year.”

Listen here:

When you get a chance, listen to “A Place Called Purpose.” It’s a strong song with a powerful message of a heroine finding her own bravery and courage within herself.

You can find Tara Novak via:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // Twitter // YouTube // Spotify // Soundcloud