Pianist Claudia TAO is set to launch her debut classical piano album, “NIRVANA”, featuring the works of Philip Glass. A contemporary classical music collection, “NIRVANA” will be released in May and made accessible across over 150 digital platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify.
“NIRVANA” intertwines the themes of liberation, peace, and happiness, acting as a deep dive into Glass’s captivating oeuvre and reflecting Claudia’s unique interpretation of his compositions. The solo piano album, lasting approximately 50 minutes, is presented as a cycle — beginning with an “Opening” and concluding with a “Closing”. This format provides a sense of continuity and completeness that aligns with the nirvanic theme and echoes a common artistic approach in Philip Glass’s compositions.
The album art, a collaborative effort between Claudia and artificial intelligence (AI), features visuals generated by AI (AIGC). This unique blend of music and technology infuses the project with a distinctive character, enhancing Claudia’s talents and showcasing the innovative fusion of art and cutting-edge technology.
“NIRVANA” is set to encapsulate a range of emotions through pieces like “Satyagraha”, a reflection on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, and “Dance from Akhnaten”, embodying the powerful spiritual expression of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. Claudia’s unique interpretation of Philip Glass’s compositions seeks to impart the essence of his musical spirit to listeners worldwide.
The album skillfully embodies Claudia’s artistic vision and creativity, presenting a broad spectrum of Philip Glass’s work through her own personal lens. Inspirations range from Glass’s earliest opera “Einstein on the Beach” to his film-score pieces from “The Hours”. The latter eloquently capture the strength and beauty of womanhood, reflecting the narratives of the film’s characters.
Claudia’s “NIRVANA” marks a new chapter in her lifelong relationship with the piano. Despite her extensive experience, this debut album reveals her novel approach to piano playing, touching on themes of time, space, humanity, nature, history, and the universe. It’s her hope that “NIRVANA” will not only deepen the appreciation for Philip Glass’s compositions but also challenge the usual perceptions linked to his music.
For more information on Claudia and her forthcoming album “NIRVANA”, visit her official website.
