Olivia Belli: Daimon – Piano Concerto/Ithaca Suite

Description

Sony Masterworks is thrilled to announce the release of ‘Daimon’, the new album by Italian pianist and composer Olivia Belli. Known for her refined neoclassical voice, Belli draws inspiration from Bach, Chopin, Philip Glass, Arvo Pärt, and the worlds of art and literature. ‘Daimon’ takes its cue from Homer’s Odyssey. Belli was fascinated by Odysseus’ destined return to Ithaca and the idea that every life follows a journey toward its true purpose. This concept shaped her new piano concerto, recorded with string orchestra and influenced by Italian Baroque traditions. The concerto unfolds in three movements – ‘The Departure’, ‘The Journey’, and ‘The Return’. ‘The Journey’ forms the emotional core, reflecting both Odysseus’ trials and Belli’s own path through hardship and catharsis. Belli has performed at major international events such as Piano Nights in Amsterdam, the Montreal Jazz Festival, and the Steinway & Sons Piano Series at the Royal Albert Hall. Her works have been commissioned by artists including Mari Samuelsen, Gautier Capuçon, and Anna Lapwood. Following the concerto, the album continues with the ‘Ithaca Suite’, portraying the figures Odysseus encounters upon his return. Guest artists Raphaela Gromes, Eldbjorg Hemsing, and Jess Gillam join Belli in these musical ‘Rencontres’, highlighting her collaborative spirit. The album concludes with the ‘Sonatina for Nausica’, inspired by the princess who aided the shipwrecked Odysseus – a reminder, Belli notes, of the value of compassion in a world that often measures worth by success.

Tracklisting

Disc 1
1. The Departure (Olivia Belli) – Olivia Belli/Deutsches Kammerorchester
2. The Journey (Olivia Belli) – Olivia Belli/Deutsches Kammerorchester
3. The Return (Olivia Belli) – Olivia Belli/Deutsches Kammerorchester
4. Proci (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
5. Telemachus (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
6. Eumaeus (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
7. Penelopeia (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
8. Eurycleia (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
9. Laertes (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
10. Pax Athenae (Olivia Belli) – Various Performers
11. I. Semplice (Olivia Belli) – Olivia Belli
12. II. Andantino (Olivia Belli) – Olivia Belli
13. III. Allegretto (Olivia Belli) – Olivia Belli