Olexandr Ignatov’s ninth album, Just Close Your Eyes, is an evocative and immersive journey through sound, exploring the emotional depths of solo piano composition with a distinctly modern touch. The album, featuring fourteen original compositions and four carefully chosen covers, is a testament to Ignatov’s ability to fuse classical tradition with contemporary cinematic sensibilities, creating a body of work that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The album begins with Honor Him (Slowed + Reverb) [Soft Version], a collaborative piece written by Hans Zimmer and Olexandr Ignatov. This opening track sets the tone for the entire album, introducing us to a world of melancholic beauty and poetic grace. The slowed and reverberated arrangement enhances the ethereal nature of the piece, making it an exquisite prelude to what follows.
First Touch immediately transports us into a state of serene introspection. The delicate glistening of the keys evokes the feeling of stepping into a moment of revelation, where every note becomes a breath of fresh air. Ignatov masterfully balances complexity with simplicity, allowing the music to speak with an eloquence that words cannot match.
Reflections continues this journey, weaving intricate arpeggios into a structure that is both dynamic and deeply expressive. The subtle tempo shifts create a sense of movement, like ripples across the surface of a still lake disturbed by a gentle breeze. The cinematic build leads to a crescendo that feels like a moment of catharsis, a release of pent-up emotions in musical form.
Vacant, composed by John Ro Myung and Jordan Rudess, introduces a more meditative, somber quality. The addition of orchestral strings enriches the emotional landscape, heightening the cinematic essence of the album. Here, Ignatov allows space to breathe, using silence as much as sound to convey depth and contemplation.
With Awakening, the mood shifts toward optimism. The rippling, delicate keys are reminiscent of springtime renewal, where light breaks through the darkness, and the world is born anew. The piece feels like an embrace of hope, a signature motif throughout the album.
Longing is where Ignatov’s emotional storytelling reaches one of its most profound moments. It is music that speaks directly to the soul, evoking an almost tearful yearning. This piece could seamlessly accompany a cinematic moment of great emotional weight, reinforcing the overarching narrative of the album as a film for the heart and mind.
Will I See You Again? stands out as the most dramatic piece so far. With deep, moody bass notes and mid-range arpeggios that swirl like an emotional storm, the piece masterfully builds tension and release, embodying the uncertainty and intensity of reunion and separation.
Moments offers a reprieve, its structure carefully crafted to bring a sense of peace and continuity. It’s no wonder this piece has resonated with so many, garnering viral success on Instagram and streaming platforms. Its charm lies in its effortless elegance, where every note feels like it belongs, creating a musical experience that is both refined and heartfelt.
Childhood Dreams incorporates an astral string arrangement that adds an extra layer of depth to the composition. There is an innocence and nostalgia here, a return to simpler times, evoking images of endless wonder and unbridled imagination.
This leads us to Growing Up, which marks a shift, introducing a sense of complexity that mirrors the inevitable trials of maturity. The cinematic drama is palpable, as if telling the story of someone evolving, learning, and embracing the hardships and triumphs that come with life’s journey.
Last Summer Days brings forth a feeling of tranquility and golden-hour reminiscence. This piece is a sonic painting of sunlit memories, a reminder of fleeting beauty and the passage of time, making it an ideal soundtrack for contemplation.
The inclusion of Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4 by Chopin is a highlight, bridging the past and present with a piece that carries a universal emotional weight. Ignatov’s performance honors Chopin’s timeless melancholy, demonstrating his deep understanding of the composer’s poetic grace.
I Remember You follows in the spirit of reminiscence, carrying the weight of longing and nostalgia, while also embracing the moment. There is a purity to its melody, an echo of the album’s overarching emotional depth.
Next is The Darkest Hour, which introduces a shift into moody introspection. True to its name, it is one of the heaviest pieces emotionally, yet it retains a thread of optimism – one that suggests that even in darkness, there is light waiting on the horizon.
Morning Bliss counterbalances this mood, bringing a sense of renewal. The rising arpeggios and warm tones create an almost transcendental experience, akin to the first light of dawn breaking over a quiet landscape.
Threads of Thought is perhaps the most introspective piece on the album, a composition that embodies the act of deep reflection. It is a meditation on the self, an internal dialogue expressed through the ebb and flow of notes, reminding us of the power of music to navigate the labyrinth of our thoughts.
Last Goodbye serves as the perfect penultimate track, carrying cinematic intrigue and emotional resolution. It is a farewell that lingers, much like the final scene of a poignant film, where the music tells a story that words cannot fully capture.
Finally, Autumn Leaves, originally composed by Joseph Kosma, brings the album to a graceful close. This timeless melody, performed with tenderness, serves as a gentle descent back into reality, leaving the listener with a sense of closure and satisfaction.
Just Close Your Eyes is an immersive, deeply emotional experience. Ignatov has created a world where music transcends mere notes and becomes a living, breathing entity. Through his meticulous craftsmanship and boundless emotional depth, he has once again proven that the piano is not just an instrument, but a vessel for storytelling, reflection, and human connection. This album is a testament to the enduring power of melody and its ability to move the soul.
We have added Moments to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to explore Olexandr Ignatov’s wider discography, including his 2018 album, Piano Scenes.