ODG063 : John Franek / La Mer dans le ciel

Cover art by A.L.

ODG063 : John Franek / La mer dans le ciel

John Franek is a pianist and composer who continuously searches for and creates new sonic expressions within the acoustic and electronic worlds.

Though classically trained from a very young age and mostly composing now modern classical pieces for piano solo, string quartet or full orchestra, John Franek has been since a long time a fan of electronic music. He has composed 4 electronic concerto and many small electronic pieces, going from pure drone music to pure ambient tracks. 

John premiered his Concerto for Keyboard & Strings with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey on July 10th, 2016 with Maestro Robert Butts conducting and with John as the soloist.  Since then he has also performed in the baroque orchestra’s summer chamber music series as a soloist, performing works across genres; including his own works as well as Mozart’s piano sonata no.8. John has performed across New Jersey and has had premieres across the east coast as well as Europe. John has released three albums, two under the pseudonym Exordium and one with his piano duet Helix 2. 

In an exclusive interview with Rider news about his work and accomplishments, John stated that, “There’s that invisible string that connects all of us”, and he still strives in his music to shape sound in a way that will similarly shape the listener’s, broadening their understanding and appreciation of the sound world.

“One of the great pleasures of conducting is discovering great young artists. Working with John Franek has been one of those great pleasures. Musically, he breathes with the music, bringing it to life and interpreting the very heart of the work. His compositions are rewarding to me on several levels – most notably they are emotionally very moving and satisfying…They are works one wants to hear – and in my case conduct – over and over." 

     Maestro Robert W. Butts, Conductor- Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey

La Mer dans le Ciel is a completely ambient album in the Eno tradition. The best way to enjoy it is to play it quietly like it is a part of the place where you stand.

John Franek

You can visit his site here.

Digital release on the 3rd of February 2017.

Track listing:

1: Coquillage nuage

2: Bisou d'eau

3: Parapluie

4: Sillage

5: La fille polaire

6: Serein

7: Plutôt pluvieux

And in Bandcamp: