Awakening is the latest CD and sheet music folio from St. Louis composer Richard Egan. I very much enjoy this new collection of Egan’s original piano pieces. The cover art by Isabel Shirey is quite pleasing. The opening piece Into the Forest is a monoharmonic meditation on B-flat major that reminds me of George Winston. The Early Crocus is a simple, bittersweet waltz. Rainy Day Stroll is a pensive two-step in D major. Strains Written During a Pandemic is a sparingly-syncopated rag in the ominous key of F minor.
These are just some of my favorite selections from Awakening. Both the CD and sheet music for Awakening can be purchased at richardeganmusic.com
Brandon Byrne is a ragtime composer, performer, and scholar. Max Morath said of Byrne, “Brandon’s unique compositions display unparalleled gifts and hidden virtuosity. His music reflects the past and challenges the future. His playing will touch your soul.” For a full list of his compositions, please visit his website.
