Now playing on M.P.R Ambient is the track entitled 'Passages of Time' by Belle Chen.
Release date: Feb 16, 2024
With a distinctive combination of piano melodies and evocative synths, pianist-composer Belle Chen's soundworld straddles acoustic and electronic realms. Having experimented with found sound in an extensive crowd-sourced project during the pandemic, and created classical dedications – such as Lullaby for Edward, a tribute to Edward Elgar – Chen's new album Ravel In The Forest is a compelling collection of original music with subtle references to woodland adventures and French impressionism.
The 2023 recording – Chen's debut release on the Platoon label – sees the composer develop her love for immersive audio, invoking striking images and stirring the imagination through her playful pieces.
Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Chen grew up in Australia and New Zealand before moving to the UK. She's just as influenced by travel and people as by her classical training, and her music spans multiple genres. In fact, it's difficult to pin-point Chen's style – surely the sign of an interesting artist – which adds a pinch of exciting, biting electronica to the lush, sometimes minimalist melodies, of post-classical pianism.
Like the French composer whose name is referenced in the new album 'Ravel In The Forest' – Chen gives importance to the space between notes. 'I like how impressionism provides just enough information,' she says, 'My music implies; I like to leave room for the audience to fill in their own lines.'
Belle Chen performs across the globe and on November the 18th 2024 will be in London performing her latest album ‘Ravel in the Forest’ in live immersive audio. Please see our new 'Gigs & Event' listing for details.
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