The Music

Nearly all the repertoire the Melanthium Ensemble performs is written by pianist and composer Lew Richmond. Lew has this to say about his musical compositions for Melanthium:

I began writing music for this unusual blend of instruments over three years ago, and since then have produced over fifty pieces, some for live performance and others as part of a film or video soundtrack. Although I am classically trained, I write in a variety of styles that we like to call “Chamber Fusion.” This eclectic blend includes tangos, settings of traditional Americana and spirituals, jazz-inflected tunes, and blues-inspired melodies, as well as deeply emotional classical pieces. “Anna’s Lullaby,” an audience favorite, is just a simple tune but it always resonates with listeners. I am a melodist, and melody is the core of what I create. I also have the ability to compose very quickly for a particular setting or mood, a facility that comes in handy when writing for film. People often say that my music seems unusually visual, and I do often picture a scene in writing a piece, as in “Mountains and Rivers.” Some of the music is inspired by folk tales or myth. “The Selkies Rise” is based on the legend of the half-seal, half-human spirits of Irish lore. “Mushroom Rings” and “Circle Song” were inspired by picturing elves or pixies dancing around a mushroom circle.

Aside from my original compositions, there is very little existing repertoire for our unusual combination of keyboard, trumpet, violin, string bass, and percussion. (For a specific projects, we can add other instruments or vocalists as needed).  That is one of the many ways Melanthium’s sound is distinct and unique. My fellow musicians are top-notch; I feel privileged to work and play with them, and I join them in looking forward to growing and developing this new musical adventure.