We previously featured Jordana Delgado for her stunning and intricate piano re-interpretation of Somewhere in My Memory, so when we heard that the talented creator was back with Seasons, which serves as “a journey through the colours of the year”, we couldn’t wait to listen to the record in full and share our experience! For reference, the EP features five tracks in total, each of them representing the seasons: Fall, Christmas, Winter, Spring and Summer!
The opus draws us in with Autumn Leaves, naturally an ode to Fall, setting the tone with moody piano arpeggios and the dramatic yet melancholic sentiment that the season has to offer. The piece reflects on the bittersweet emotions that accompany the transition from the warmth of summer to the cool, crisp days of Autumn. Delgado’s delicate touch on the keys evokes the image of leaves gently falling to the ground, each note resonating with a sense of nostalgia and the inevitable passage of time. The melody is rich in emotion, drawing us into a contemplative state where we can almost feel the cool breeze and see the golden hues of the autumnal landscape.
As the composition unfolds, it mirrors the gradual fading of daylight and the encroaching darkness that characterizes the season. There is a sense of longing embedded in the music, as if each note is a farewell to the vibrant life of Summer. Delgado masterfully uses the piano’s lower registers to convey the depth of autumn’s melancholy, while occasional higher notes break through like the last rays of sunlight before dusk.
Next up is Somewhere in My Memory, which opens with familiarity, precision, intrigue, and the deep emotion that has made this piece a beloved classic. Her rendition captures the essence of the original while adding a personal touch, making the music feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
As we listen, we are immersed in the timelessness of Jordana’s interpretation, from the dramatic bass notes to the delicate, ethereal finale. Those familiar with the tune will recognize it as the work of composer John Williams, originally featured in the soundtrack of Home Alone. Jordana’s intention with this piano reimagining was to “take her audience down memory lane, right to their childhoods,” evoking memories of “Christmas trees, lights, carols, and gifts; sipping hot chocolate by the fire; and the warmth of loved ones’ company.”
This brings us to The Cradle, tapping into the energy of Winter. The composition is innately inspired by the bold beauty of the darkest season, capturing its expansive, introspective mood. The piece evokes the potential ferocity of fall of snow, creating a blanket of sound as fierce as the snowflakes themselves. As the melody progresses, it reflects the calm and contemplative atmosphere of winter, with slow, measured rhythms that suggest the world at rest beneath a frosty veil. The composition also exudes a sense of comfort amidst the cold, like the embrace of a cradle, offering solace and reflection during the long Winter months.
This leads us to The Dancing Pink Flowers, inspired by Spring. The opus captures the essence of new beginnings and the soft emergence of life. The piece opens with delicate, uplifting notes that evoke the first light of dawn, as the Earth stirs from its winter slumber. As the melody unfolds, it reflects the delicate balance of growth and renewal, with epic slides and bright bursts mimicking the blooming of flowers and the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. The composition carries a sense of warmth and hope, embodying the quiet joy of spring’s arrival and the life that it nurtures.
Finally, we experience, Comptine d’un Autre été: L’Après-Midi which is originally by Yann Tiersen. Delgado’s hauntingly beautiful rendition remains true to the original, that subtly reflects the essence of Summer, though not in the typical way of bright, carefree days. Instead, it captures the reflective and bittersweet aspects of the season, evoking a sense of nostalgia for Summers past. The repetitive, minimalist melody flows like a gentle summer breeze, with its delicate rhythms suggesting the quiet moments of a warm afternoon when time seems to slow down.
The composition’s melancholy undertones mirror the fleeting nature of summer, where the warmth and light are tempered by an awareness of the season’s impermanence. As the piece unfolds, it draws us into a contemplative state, reminiscent of sitting in the late afternoon sun, lost in thought, as the day slowly fades.
We love the journey that Seasons takes us on and continue to immerse ourselves in the EP, as well as Jordana Delgado‘s wider discography, including her 2021 album, Rainy Times. We have also added her version of Comptine d’un Autre été: L’Après-Midi to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist!