Artist: Frank Clare: Piano

Single: ‘Die Apotheose;’ Video Released: April 28, 2023; Featured on the Album ‘Admiratio Magna,’ Released: January 4, 2023; Producer: Clare

Leading a transient lifestyle can powerfully influence people to feel as though all of the places they’re lived are a part of them. But at the same time, it can also influence their belief that they come from nowhere. That’s certainly the case for instrumentalist Frank Clare, who started piano at the late age of 15, in order to form his own sense of identity and feeling that he belonged in a set community.

The musician and his family moved every several years when he was a child and teen, as his father was in the army. Clare connected with playing and composing classical songs during his adolescence, and settled into the musical community, where he felt the most comfortable.

Now, as an adult, the composer has released his seven-track debut album, the neoclassical piano-driven ‘Admiratio Magna.’ The record is diverse in the sense that it not only tells his stories that are universally relatable, but also satirical. One of the most enthralling entries on the album is its penultimate tune, the Americana/jazz-inspired ‘Die Apotheose.’

The new record is inspired by Clare’s appreciation for 19th century classical music, as well as his love of philosophy, science and mindfulness. While crafting ‘Admiratio Magna,’ the pianist, who settled in Prague in 2016 as he’s of Czech descent, also reflected on his personal history. He further took motivation from the past events that surround him in the Czech Republic’s capital city.

The composer has noted that he doesn’t sit down to specifically write music; instead, when an idea is sparked in him, he develops it over time, much like all historical occurrences. As a result, he delivers a truly immersive, powerful experience with ‘Die Apotheose.’

The song, much like its fellow entries on Clare’s first album, ponders significant themes. He delves into the continuous cycle of new creation while also pondering how external forces influence a person’s spirit. His dedication to his craft of contemplating life decisions shines through his true depth of originality and uniqueness in his classical piano notes.

Despite ‘Die Apotheose’s almost 13-minute runtime, the artist took great care to only play only what’s absolutely necessary to transmit his desired effect. Inspired by German classical music, the track is foreboding and dramatic. It’s a grand piece that explores the need for people to balance embarking on a journey of transformation while also remaining true to their history and themselves.

Like its composition, the music video for ‘Die Apotheose’ is set in a regal ambiance that speaks of centuries of musical tradition. Clare’s elegant orchestral arrangements are played on a sophisticated piano in a room that’s reminiscent of the Victorian-era. Images of the instrumentalist, shot in varying states of intimate, reflective and translucent cinematography, playing on the piano are interwoven with colorful pieces of abstract art. The video succeeds in reflecting the tune’s message of people’s need to embark on a path of transfiguration as they search for their place in the world.

Much like its fellow entries on ‘Admiratio Magna,’ ‘Die Apotheose’ is an sonically and thematically epic, dramatic and immersive experience for established listeners and newcomers to the neoclassical Piano genre. The record’s penultimate track and its accompanying music video resonate with a profound depth of emotion. The song is a dramatic masterpiece, as it signifies the need for people to embark on drastic changes in their lives, while also embracing their histories.

For more information on Clare, visit his official website, as well his Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube pages.