With so many people engaged in a sometimes life-long search for that which defines them, showcases their abilities, or gives meaning to their existence, it is a blessing to realize at a very early age that one has a particular calling. This allows them time to nurture that talent as they grow, so that by maturity, they are ready to blossom in their chosen field. Such a fortunate one is Michael Dulin, who in his earliest years found his resonance in music. As time went on, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance, and later furthered his musical studies at the prestigious Julliard School in New York. In addition to being a finalist in the Carnegie Hall International Piano Competition, he has won numerous awards and his music has placed high on the charts as well as being licensed internationally and used in radio, television, theatre, and film.
While firmly rooted in the classical genre, Michael draws sparingly from new age music, and his resume even includes a stint as a touring keyboardist for the legendary Motown group, The Temptations. You could probably count on one hand the number of Julliard trained classical pianists who have filled a concert hall with the strains of “My Girl” or “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.” Now that’s what I call versatility.
However, the source of his creative inspiration is evident in his extensive discography as well as on this album. “Timeless ll” finds Michael interpreting the works of such composers as Bach, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, and Saint- Saens. I use the word “interpret” because rather than play these famous works exactly as they were composed he has chosen to add a slightly more contemporary air to the arrangements, although with obvious deep reverence and respect for the original. While grand piano is the primary and prevailing voice on this recording, light touches of strings, organ, and other non-piano sounds enhance the music in a supporting role. Not adverse to occasional use of instruments of the digital persuasion, a synthesizer might be found reflecting an ethereal texture in Moonlight Sonata or adding a bit of doubling here or there. However, once again, the classical piano provides the context in these compositions with other instruments complimenting with subtle accents.
It has been seven years since the release of the original “Timeless” CD, but as they say, “good things come to those who wait.” In this stunning follow up, Michael Dulin provides the listener with one virtuoso performance after another evoking a wide range of emotional response as the music unfolds. In an interesting offering, pianists who are intrigued by his music and wish to explore it on their own can purchase sheet music from his various albums which is available in PDF format at his website, where there are also audio samples from his CD’s to listen to.
Lovers of this kind of music can be grateful that Michael Dulin followed his passion early in life and nurtured his God-given gifts to share with the world. I’m certain we’ll be hearing a lot more from this talented artist in the years to come.
