Pianist Gives Listeners a 'Musical Wine Tasting’ with New Classical Album

If you’ve ever enjoyed a well curated wine tasting, you’ll understand the appeal of Barron Ryan’s newest solo piano album, '5 Flats'. While classical albums are often organized by composer or type of composition (etudes, waltzes, etc.), this album is united by a less conventional theme: key signature.

Like a musical sommelier, Barron has carefully selected pieces from ten composers across multiple eras and countries, each written in the key signature of five flats. Though each piece is distinct, their shared musical base showcases the incredible variety that can be created from the same seven-note musical palette.

This unique method of organizing a classical album offers a few key benefits for listeners. Composers have often used five flats to write music that’s particularly warm, soothing, and lush. “When you hear multiple pieces written in the same key signature, you can begin to notice subtle differences in how composers write. The similarity of the key offers a common base from which you can examine the differences with more clarity.” says Barron.

A classical pianist by training, Barron has strayed as far away from the traditional repertoire as a concert pianist could manage. His previous recordings featured more jazz and ragtime than classical. His own compositions have been inspired by infusing popular styles like 80s rock, funk, and calypso into classical formats. But with '5 Flats', his fourth solo piano album, he’s returning to his roots.

“It was important for me to revisit this music that I’ve both celebrated and struggled with,” the pianist relates. “I performed music by these composers from elementary school through my undergraduate years, but I also was rejected from famous music conservatories playing this kind of music.

“Recording this album was a way for me to embrace both the joy and the struggle I’ve had with conventional classical music. Having explored other styles, I came back to this repertoire with renewed confidence and a fresh perspective.”

Get the new album HERE.