When Evening Falls

Tom Salvatori and Iris Litchfield (Artist), Salvatori - Litchfield (Composer), n/a (Conductor), Classical Guitar; Grand Piano and Cello (Orchestra), Tom Salvatori; Iris Litchfield; John Catchings (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Salvatori Productions
• ASIN: B000PWR07E
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290,317 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Autumn Colours

2. Sleepy Eyes Lullaby

3. Breath of Spring

4. Guitar Lament

5. Nature's Serenade

6. Reflecting Absence

7. Songs of Hope

8. Majestic Interlude

9. Gentle Breeze

10. Church Song

11. Carousel

12. Labyrinth

13. Come Stay a While

14. Quiet Reflections

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From MainlyPiano.com, October 4, 2007

By 

Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: When Evening Falls (Audio CD)

"When Evening Falls" is an utterly charming collection of original solos, duets, and other ensemble works by pianist Iris Litchfield and guitarist Tom Salvatori, often accompanied by cellist John Catchings. The cover artwork gives you a clue that you are beholding something exceptional, and you are. Iris Litchfield is a classically-trained pianist who recently began composing for the piano after retiring from teaching math in England. It is interesting to note that the demo tape she sent to Salvatori Productions was recorded on an upright piano with a squeaky pedal and a ceiling fan humming overhead. Tom heard something special in the music and worked hard to find a studio in England with a good grand piano (a 1934 Steinway D) for Litchfield's first studio recording. The final take of her music brought the grown men in the studio to tears, and it's easy to hear why. The music is not overly complex, but is honest and heartfelt, with a slight touch of innocence - truly a fresh voice on the music scene. Litchfield has released CDs in Europe, but "When Evening Falls" is her first release in the US. Tom Salvatori is also classically-trained, and his guitar pieces are equally moving, with their gentle, straightforward messages. Catchings adds just the right contrast to the piano and guitar, and brings a soulful quality that only comes from a masterfully-played cello. "When Evening Falls" will definitely be on my list of favorite CD's for 2007!

A haunting piano solo called "Autumn Colors" opens the CD. Fall often evokes feelings of melancholy as nature prepares the world for winter. Those feelings are captured perfectly in this piece, and it wonderfully sets the tone for the album. Next is the first duet, "Sleepy Eyes Lullaby," a soothing, caressing piece for guitar and cello. "Breath of Spring" is a quiet duet for piano and cello, full of hope and optimism. "Guitar Lament" is a gorgeous guitar solo that seems to tell a story. "Nature's Serenade" is a sweet and graceful piece for all three musicians. Very simple and uncomplicated, it suggests warm sunshine and a gentle breeze - lovely! "Reflecting Absence" is a stunningly beautiful piece for guitar and cello. Comprised of several movements that range from slow and reflective to more impassioned and emotional, this seven-minute masterpiece is worth the price of the CD alone. (I can't imagine that the studio guys didn't need their hankies for this one, too!) "Carousel" is mostly a piano solo, but Salvatori comes in for two of the verses, bringing additional charm to this warm, happy little piece. "Labyrinth 2" contrasts the smooth, deep cello with the bright finger picking on guitar, creating an aura of intriguing mystery. The piece ends rather abruptly, intensifying the mystery. "Come Stay a While" is like a hug from a long-lost friend. Violin and viola are added to the piano and cello, making this a chamber piece that overflows with emotion and love.

I can't sing the praises of "When Evening Falls" enough. It is simply one of the most beautiful CDs I've heard in a year of unusually good instrumental CDs. Sure to be a favorite for a long time to come! I give "When Evening Falls" my highest recommendation!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic, November 16, 2008

By 

Roberta H. Matzke "DVD Mania" (Edgerton, Wis USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When Evening Falls (Audio CD)

I am so impressed with Iris Litchfield , Tom Santorini. Hope ther are more coming.

5.0 out of 5 stars To listen over and over again, December 12, 2008

By 

Abraham Bensoussan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: When Evening Falls (Audio CD)

Thoughtful and mature original contemporary compositions, expertly arranged, that bring to the surface deep emotions. Beautiful performances, complemented by excellent sound recording and mixing. Overall, a work which is obviously the result of talent, love of melody, care and meticulous attention to detail in composition, arrangement and production.

Meaningful notes and fine sound reproduction blend to provide pure joy to the listener. You will listen to this CD over and over again.

Highly recommended.