Angel Above My Piano CD

Recorded with some of the finest string players in her native Australia, this soaring, dramatic set of romantic piano compositions could inspire peace and meditation, but also, as in the case of "Dance of the Penguins," a sense of joyous celebration in the listener. Fiona Joy Hawkins took the instrumental world by (winter) storm when Angel Above My Piano was released, winning the NAR (the international New Age Reporter) Lifestyle Music Award for Best Piano Album, a category that also included legendary solo pianist George Winston. A worthy follow-up to her 2005 debut Portrait of a Waterfall, the collection also came close to the top of the NAR World Radio Charts. "Dance of the Penguins," "Flight of the Albatross," and the moody and contemplative opening track "Crystal Desert" combine to form a sweeping musical travelogue of Hawkins' incredible journey to Antarctica. She later engages in a heartfelt soul search via the orchestration and soaring piano of "Opus for Love," a three-part exploration of "Love for Winter," "Love Forever," and "Love in Spring" which was written in response to the passing of her grandmother. Other key tracks are "Watching the Wind," a reflection of the beauty of her garden and its Japanese maples; and "Thinking of You (Australian Lullaby)," which she composed with her father. Hawkins also includes her interpretation of the Bach piece "Preamble: Partitia No. 5" in deference to her years of classical piano training. In the cynical 2000s, it is hard to say that an album could be divinely inspired. But this spiritually transforming disc makes a strong case for faith in that possibility. ~ Jonathan Widran

Angel Above my Piano by Fiona Joy Hawkins Voted Best Piano Album in the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards 2006. Atmospheric and captivating, this romantic piano album takes you from the perfect ‘Hollywood movie moment’ to the extraordinary wilderness of Antarctica. Angel Above My Piano is a beautiful and emotional journey to landscapes you only dream of. This hauntingly stunning piano shows virtuosity and yet a delicateness of touch. Opening with Antarctic Interludes, Fiona Joy Hawkins brings to life the majesty, wilderness and wildlife of the Antarctic continent. Inspired after an expedition cruise on the Orion, she has captured the grandness yet fragility of a frozen and unique place. “This glacial world has given a sense of awe and privilege that will live with me for the rest of my life’.The grand orchestration and soaring piano of Opus For Love is soul searching. “This Opus represents the journey that spans the winter of our life, the heart-ache that we feel for those who have left us, and both the sadness and joy we feel when we look back to remember.Title track Angel Above My Piano brings to life the painting of an Angel that came in a dream,’The Angel’ marks time and signifies the strength we search for in times of need. She looks like someone you know but no-one you have ever met”.Fiona Joy Hawkins’ award winning debut album Portrait of a Waterfall charted at #1 on the New Age Reporter World Charts and was a finalist for the Best Piano Album in the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards for 2005. Track two \'Dance of the Penguins\' has achieved critical acclaim as a finalist in the MusicOz Awards for best Classical composition.Fiona also incorporates manuscripts of her music onto canvas to create bold colourful mixed media abstracts that allow the viewer to hear and see her music.Truly an album of ‘piano to dream to’, Angel Above My Piano by Fiona Joy Hawkins is filled with romantic melodies that are other worldly and will transport you to places you have never imagined. Listen, purchase and view paintings at fionajoy.com. Also available in most good record stores and i-tunes. Contact. www.fionajoyhawkins.com.au - see youtube video phenomenon at www.penguinwhisperer.com

Author: Fiona Joy Hawkins.

Arranger: Bruce Wheatley.

P