Setting the frequency with intimate piano, Jonathan Grow takes us on an introspective journey with his new composition, Les Trois Vies de Marie-Laure.

With elegant and intricate key work, Jonathan channels his expertise and emotion into a dimensional piece that translates as “the three lives of Marie-Laure”.

The composition is less than four minutes long, and has three distinct moods, the debut is a lighter energy, the mid section is moodier and dramatic, as the final section lends itself to the vibrant energy akin to the opening.

A lot can be interpreted from this piece in terms of the human condition, the journey of life and the drama that ensues.

Speaking on his art, Jonathan Grow says, “I compose cinematic music to everyday moments. True, I also compose cinematic music to film and adverts, but I’m always writing to story. Much went into this relatively simple piano composition.”

Going into detail on the narrative of the composition, he expands, “I read the novel titled All the Light We Cannot See, and I was moved by the story of this small girl, Marie-Laure, who learned to navigate Paris without sight, then was tossed about by a world war. Turn-of-the-century neoclassical music figured prominently, notably DeBussy. I composed Marie-Laure’s life in three significant stages, and to do it I decided to use the style not of DeBussy, but of a contemporary who was also at the forefront of French neo-classical composition: Erik Satie.”

Jonathan continues, “This piece in its obvious Satie influence is both an homage to the composer and to the period, as something Marie-Laure might hear over the radio waves. Using variances in cadence, unsteady meter at times, and a light touch on the keys, I attempt to convey the uncertain moments of her story, and her utter dependence on others.”

The rising Franklin-based pianist continues, “The lead and follow dynamic of the waltz assists greatly, which is why I chose it as the prominent form. There is a sadness and a purposefulness that I tried to convey. Producers are in the stages of putting the novel to film. As one who deeply loves telling story, I could only hope to be involved in helping to tell such an important story.”

We are immersed by Les Trois Vies de Marie-Laure, which has been added to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and have been exploring the wider work of Jonathan Grow, including A Travers En Ville and Le Vol.

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