MICHAEL HOPPE
The Unforgetting Heart
(p) (c) 1998 Real Music
11tks/44mins

I would like to reveal to you one secret. Of all the CDs released by Real Music, which I have heard (here I have to admit that in fact I did not hear all CDs by this company, I have heard most part of these for sure) - there were not any uninteresting or weak album. Every CD has a perfect sound, its own special idea. The debut album of Michael Hoppe is not an exception.

Saying "debut" I mean, that "The Unforgetting Heart" is the first album by Michael Hoppe, which was released by Real Music. This very respectable musician already has released some solo albums. I could mention here "The Poet" - Romances for Cello, "The Yearning" and "The Dreamer" - Romances for Alto Flute and "Quiet Storms" - Romances for Flute and Harp.

The main characteristic feature of "The Unforgetting Heart" is deep tenderness and sincerity. One can say that this is a conversation coming from the heart of the musician. And one more thing: music of Michael Hoppe is very beautiful. It is really elegant. Celtic melodies and fine delicacy of baroque are interwoven with the music.

Besides Michael Hoppe (music, piano, keyboards) in the record of "The Unforgetting Heart" took part two musicians. These are Tim Wheater - flutes, penny whistle and Harold Moses - viola. Their accompaniment introduces the feeling of freshness and amazing lightness in the music of Michael Hoppe. In general, sound of the album is quite in the style of Real Music. It is perfect, not without aesthetics, delicate, very soft and beautiful. It is not surprising: executive producer of "The Unforgetting Heart" is the president of Real Music - Terence Yallop.

I can say about the album compositions that they are the one whole. The beginning and the end unite: heading theme of "The Unforgetting Heart", performed as a trio, end the CD as a piano solo by Michael Hoppe. The sources for album compositions were various events. For example lullaby "Southern Dreamer" was inspired by the news of birth of a child of Michael's friends, "Jude's Theme" was evoked by a story by Thomas Hardy.

New Age fans, don't miss this CD! "The Unforgetting Heart" will be adornment of collection of the most strict music lover.

Serge Kozlovsky