Seiji Endo: Piano Pieces Collection II

Dec 06, 2024

Piano Pieces Collection II is pianist Seiji Endo’s follow-up to his 2021 release Piano Pieces Collection. Continuing in the same mood and mode, Endo plays solo piano music of his own hand, compositions that are infused with his motivation to move and support listeners through his music. Although the two recordings are separated by a few years, it wouldn’t be too far off to consider this sequel the second half of a double-album record.

Where the previous collection was packaged in a tranquil shade of blue with several songs referencing the color, this album moves from aquamarine to a deeper pink in deep magenta or fushia. This choice contrasts nicely but still conveys feelings of calmness with added luxury, romance, and introspection. The color may be most directly related to track #5 which refers to a pink or peach-colored light, and possibly #13 “Aldeberan”, a reddish giant star, as well. The cover art also strikes a similar pose as the previous album, with the subject dressed with elegant confidence and chic style but in a different imagined setting… traveling, perhaps? But as before, the woman is completely absorbed in the music to the extent that all else seems to disappear.

As the title indicates, these are relatively short pieces played on solo piano. Endo masterfully sketches his direct ideas through comforting tunes for two to four minutes apiece. The longest song, #9 “Erica”, is six minutes long and feels like two pieces nested in one another, the middle section being an enchanting Endo-esque waltz nestled between two ornate bookends of prismatic arpeggios.

Compared to the previous album, the songs are slightly longer here. The titles still reference themes that are quite poetic and personal, exploring feelings of gentleness, wonderment, and sentimentality. As before, the music is mostly slow-to-medium tempo with subtle rubato or swing touches and a few lightly groovy songs for catchy variety. Like a stained glass window of harmonious connection and pure feeling, as the first Piano Pieces Collection ends with hope and appreciation, this II also closes in a positive mindset with #15 “True Happiness”.