Today we tend to consume music. It is reduced to mere background noises, something that’s just “there” – uninspired and unimportant. When listening to Gabriele Saro’s album “SensationS” it struck me how inspired music, on the other hand, always demands attention. It requires active listening. “SensationS” is a profoundly existential collection, filled with songs that touch your soul. It is both poetic and romantic. In short; a sensation that you don’t want to miss.
Gabriele Saro was born in Spilimbergo (Pordenone, Italy), and he lives in Villalta di Fagagna (UD). From an early age, he showed a great predisposition towards music. He has a scientific A levels and a Bachelor Degree in Business Economy, a Diploma in Violin and a Master of Music in Film Composition. Other albums by Saro are “Sunset I” (2011), “Sunset II” (2011) and “Passion” (2012). He won Silver Medal at the Global Music Awards in 2017.
Morrow
The album opener is called “Morrow.” It is a fabulous piece, perfectly balancing gratitude for what you have received with hopes of what tomorrow might bring. It is a feeling we all can relate to. Saro is accompanied by Andre Del Piccolo (piano) and Franceso Pinosa (violin). The neo-classical sound is terrific, and “Morrow” sets the atmosphere for the whole album.
You can listen to “Morrow” in the beginning of this Magic Piano episode – and later you get to hear “Contrasts” and, in the end, “Liberty”:
This first part of “SensationS” is all about capturing the essence of a positive emotion. What do you feel when you finally have a moment of stillness after a busy and rewarding day? I bet it is pretty close to what “Stillness” describes. It is a time to catch your breath and reflect on the day. It is a beautiful song; the violin and piano become one, capturing the moment.
Bliss
A feeling of utter joy is not something that comes easy. The song “Bliss” starts slowly, carefully laying the foundation. It suddenly stops before we are rewarded with a very satisfying conclusion. I like the hint of melancholy. The only thing certain about bliss is that it is not going to last. The song seems to say that you have to enjoy happiness and pleasure while it is there, and not worry too much about the future.
Luckily, the good feelings don’t end there. The next song is called “Merriment.” It is a fascinating and quite hard-hitting piece – which seems to involve running, hiding, and sudden outbursts. The recording is flawless, perfect in every way. “Enchantment” is a delightful song, making you enjoy the here-and-now to the fullest. It is one of my favorites on “SensationS.”
Contrasts
At this stage, the album shifts gear. The next piece is called “Contrasts.“ Saro uses the whole spectrum, the highs and lows. It is impossible not to be amazed by the level of creativity and quality of the presentation. The song fades nicely into the next while describing an entirely different feeling; “Regrets.” It is not a pleasant sensation, but it is an important one. I like how Saro uses silence and how it too tells a story.
We do, however, not bury ourselves in regrets. “Accord” is a magnificent song, and in a few seconds, the hard feelings are gone with the wind. Notice the many twists and turns. The theme, which is repeated in the end, is fabulous – a masterpiece! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking for the replay button. “Accord” is beautiful beyond words.
“Torments” brings us back to earth. The almost 7 minutes piano piece tells of struggles and hardship. It is a potent ballad, sentimental and romantic at the same time. Saro’s playing is truly inspired. “Chills” continues in the same atmosphere, now backed by violin.
Nostalgia
Nearer the end, we are introduced to an even more complex sensation: “Nostalgia.” Looking back, everything is seen in a sentimental light. It is painful and wonderful at the same time. The sad and yearning melody captures the very essence of nostalgia. The mood gets lighter with “Gracefulness.” It is a feel-good song with a touch of elegance.
I’m very impressed with the three songs that round off the album. “Delicacy” is a thoughtful piece, reflecting on the intricacy of life, while “Liberty” is a triumphant song with a beautiful build-up – as if indicating that liberty doesn’t come cheap. “Serenity” continues where “Liberty” left off. It is a joyous kind of serenity, a feeling that there’s not a cloud in the sky and that the future is filled with opportunities. It is a worthy album closer.
In conclusion: Nothing beats music that makes you feel alive. “SensationS” by Gabriele Saro is that kind of music. It is a rock-solid collection of songs that moves our innermost emotions. Looking at the cover, you might think that the album is mostly about love and romantic feelings, but it is much more than that. “SensationS” seems to confirm Alphonse de Lamartine’s famous quote: “Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends.” It might sound like a cliché, but Saro’s music comes straight from the heart. It is, in short, a sensation.
Score: 95/100 – See our scoring policy
For more information and music samples, visit gabrielesaro.com