Featured Track: “Missing You” (Coming Soon)
Featured Track: “This Majestic Land”
Featured Track: “Prairie Moon”
Across the Years
HAIKUS
by Brett Brady
Review by Kathy Parsons
Across the Years – The Orchestral Music (48 minutes) is an amazing and inspiring compilation of eleven of Michael Hoppé’s orchestral works from the past twenty-four years. I have been a huge fan of Michael’s music since I started reviewing it back in 1996 and I have to say that his albums never disappoint – not even a little bit! From solo piano to piano with flute (Tim Wheater), piano with harmonica (Joe Powers), piano with cello (Martin Tillman), poetry and prayers set to music, film scoring and so much more, Michael Hoppé’s is one of the most respected names in contemporary music. We did our first interview back in 2003, and I commented that Michael’s music is often melancholy. His reply really sums his approach to his music:
“I have to play, record, and compose music which moves me, and happiness, in musical terms, doesn’t cut it at all. I don’t like jolly music. Most of my music really is internal – it’s heart music. It’s reflective and evocative. If it has a sense of melancholy at times, that’s what I’m really moved by.”
The title track is the newest piece on the album and has also been released as a single, as have several other tracks. The others have been included on various other albums including Solace (2014) and Nocturne in Blue (2023). For this album, five pieces were recorded by The Prague Symphony, three by FAMES Orchestra, and three by the Cape Town Philharmonic. The mastering and re-mastering are incredible, and the tracks transition from one to the next seamlessly. It truly is an amazing album and will likely stand as one of Hoppé’s best of the best.
Across the Years begins with “This Majestic Land.” Both stately and passionate, the music brings visions of wide-open spaces, snow-capped mountains, and mirror-like bodies of water. The remastering of “Romance For Violin and Orchestra” makes it sound like you’re in the same room as the musicians – stunning! “Renouncement” has been a favorite for a lot of years and still goes straight to the heart. “Beneath Mexican Stars” sets the mood for a romantic dance in the moonlight – simply beautiful and very dreamy! “Nocturne in Blue” is the title track from Michael’s 2023 album and touches the heart deeply. A very expressive cellist carries much of the melody with the full support of the orchestra – very moving as well as cinematic. “Missing You” is one of my favorites on the album. Poignant and full of longing, it is truly “achingly beautiful.” The title track brings the album to a close with feelings of nostalgia and reflection – the perfect ending for a perfect album!
Across the Years – The Orchestral Music is a richly-rewarding album whether you are a long-time fan of Michael Hoppé’s music or a newbie. You’re in for a real treat either way! The album is available to stream or download from Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes as well as on streaming platforms including Pandora and Spotify. I give it my highest recommendation!
July 4, 2025
