Val Giamo | Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes Review

by Illiam Sebitz

In Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes, pianist and composer Val Giamo weaves a narrative theme that delves deep into emotional and musical complexity. Through the delicate interplay of Giamo’s melodies, listeners can explore themes nuancedly. Giamo’s work balances emotional depth and meticulous attention to the technical aspects of composition and performance, demonstrating her understanding of musical theory and her ability to translate complex emotions into sound.

“Let Us Find A Place” sets the tone with its contrasting textures and harmonic interplay, where the foreboding bass line and the restless right-hand figures create a sense of unease and longing. The piece’s journey through a harmonic shift in the B section, lightening the mood with hopeful melodic patterns, showcases Giamo’s deft handling of tonal balance and her skill in using dynamics and cadential figures to paint a vivid sonic picture of searching and discovery.

In “An Abandoned House,” the moving arpeggio patterns support an exploratory and hopeful motif. Giamo’s harmonic progression is an essential character here, as she introduces surprising turns that provide both comfort and intrigue. Her phrasing—marked by crescendos, decrescendos, and subtle tempo changes—enhances the narrative quality of the composition, inviting listeners into a space of wonder and introspection.

“Far Away From Home” revisits the bass motifs from the album’s opening, underpinning a melodic motif that weaves through chordal structures with a light, explorative touch. Giamo’s use of dissonance and resolution, alongside her exploration of intervallic colors and spaces, speaks to a deep understanding of harmonic texture and its emotional impact, crafting an introspective and subtlety romantic mood.

The cello’s introduction in “We Are Two Rivers Joined” marks a pivotal moment in the album, as its warm tone melds with the piano’s arpeggiated figures to create a sonic landscape of unity and flow. The counterpoint between the cello and piano in the B section, enriched by harmonic pulses, demonstrates Giamo’s sophisticated approach to composition, highlighting her ability to create complex, moving sections through the interweaving of melodic and harmonic elements.

“Words Are Gone As Waves” exemplifies Giamo’s skill in layering and textural contrast. A steady andante pulse provides the foundation for a climbing romantic melody. The development of counterpoint against the main theme reflects a thoughtful approach to composition, where Giamo’s refined touch on the piano and her use of emotional coloring elevate the piece into a communication of emotion.

In “Look At Me,” Giamo explores the theme of uncertainty and transcendence through harmonic twists and a nuanced use of rhythm. The piece’s dynamic shifts and the strategic pauses between phrases build an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation, further demonstrating Giamo’s command over the emotional and technical aspects of musical storytelling.

“Cold Hand But Warm Embrace” explores the juxtaposition of mystery and intimacy, with the piano and cello engaging in a dialogue that moves between the contemplative bass figures and the melodic simplicity of the upper register. This composition highlights Giamo’s ability to create narratives of connection through musical conversation, emphasizing the transient yet profound nature of human contact.

“Against The Silence” stands out for its dramatic use of intervallic tension and contemporary harmony, adding new dimensions to the romantic melody that flows above. Giamo’s approach to motivic development—crafting short motifs in dynamically rich ways—engages the listener’s senses and showcases her advanced compositional style.

In “A Picture Of You” and “I Remember To Forget,” Giamo’s classical roots are evident in the lyrical counterpoints and the nuanced handling of dynamics and harmonic turns. These pieces underscore her ability to navigate the classical and modern classical palettes with ease, offering a richly layered listening experience that bridges past and present.

The album concludes with “Three Minutes Left,” revisiting themes and motifs with variations that encapsulate the journey. Giamo’s passionate performance encapsulates the essence of the album—its exploration of motifs, characters, and emotions, brought to life through her expressive and evocative playing.

Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes balances the technical and emotional depths of musical composition, offering a window into Giamo’s soulful exploration of the human condition. Her meticulous attention to detail, from the nuanced use of dynamics and tempo to the sophisticated interplay of melody and harmony, makes the album a lovely listen in the contemporary classical music genre.

Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes

Release Date: December 29, 2024

Label: 1120895 Records DK

About the author

Illiam Sebitz

Born and raised in a picturesque European village, my fondness for music began during my formative years, when the charismatic tones of the recorder first filled the halls of my primary school. This early fascination escalated into my lifelong pursuit of embracing the melodious charm of the flute; I have even spent time refining my skills at a music conservatoire. As a seasoned music connoisseur, I find myself captivated by the multifaceted world of music. I enjoy writing music reviews to better enable me to explore genres as diverse as world, rock, jazz, classical, folk, and film music, each offering a unique auditory journey that enriches my life and intellect.

In my spare moments, you'll likely find me meticulously crafting my latest woodworking project, sharpening my skills with flute etudes, or inventing tales of fantasy through the art of creative writing. My eclectic interests and expertise harmonize to create a symphony of passion and curiosity that resonates within every aspect of my life as a music enthusiast.