Magical Moon
The moon has been a source of inspiration throughout history. Numerous composers and poets, from past to present, have created works that capture the moon's mystical, romantic, and serene qualities, reflecting the moon's enduring power to captivate the human imagination. This is what the brilliant pianist Carl Petersson aims to showcase through the Magical Moon project. This musical, celestial journey combines and juxtaposes much-loved music from the past with lesser-known gems, as well as newly composed works, which includes especially commissioned pieces.
This unique undertaking highlights how the moon has been a rich source of inspiration for composers over the centuries, whether evoking romance, mystery or simply a sheer awe of nature.
C. DEBUSSY: Clair de Lune
In this new transcription of Clair de lune, from Debussy’s song cycle Quatre chansons de jeunesse, Carl Petersson translates Debussy’s youthful setting of Paul Verlaine’s poem into a purely pianistic version that preserves the song’s harmonic translucence and lyrical restraint. The piece evokes the poet’s gentle moonlight, where “sad and beautiful masks pass by to the sound of lutes and muted mandolins”. Composed between 1882 and 1884, it reveals Debussy’s early engagement with Symbolist poetry and his sensitivity to verbal nuance. Petersson’s transcription captures the song’s evanescent atmosphere and shifting tonal colours, allowing the pianist to evoke the fluid dialogue between voice and accompaniment integral to Debussy’s conception.
ALEXINA LOUIE: Moonbeams
Alexina Louie (b. 1949) is a renowned Canadian composer celebrated for her ability to blend melodies with rich textures and a strong sense of atmosphere. Composed in 1993, the evocative Small Beautiful Things: No. 6, Moonbeams is a solo piano piece that captures the tranquil and shimmering essence of moonlight. Through delicate, intricate melodic lines and subtle harmonic shifts, the work invites listeners into a space of quiet contemplation and intimate reflection. Carl Petersson’s sensitive touch emphasizes the work’s poetic and reflective qualities, allowing each phrase to float gracefully while maintaining a quiet intensity. Moonbeams, with its timeless beauty and artistic depth, is a luminous example of Louie’s contribution to contemporary piano repertoire.
REN GUANG: Coloured Clouds Chasing Moon
Ren Guang's Coloured Clouds Chasing the Moon (彩云追月, evokes an emotional journey deeply resonant with the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival, capturing its themes of family reunion, thanksgiving, and harmonious connection. The music mirrors the festival’s symbolism of the full moon as a representation of unity, and reunion among loved ones, even across distances. Composed in 1935 for Chinese instrumental ensemble, the piece was transcribed for solo piano in 1975 by Wang Jianzhong and this arrangement is considered a significant work in Chinese piano repertoire.
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK: Song to the Moon
Antonín Dvořák’s most famous aria, Song to the Moon, from his opera Rusalka, is here beautifully brought to life by pianist Carl Petersson, from Matthias Dobler’s transcription. The iconic melody, rooted in Slavic fairy tales, captures the water nymph Rusalka’s heartfelt plea to the moon in shimmering lyricism and Romantic spirit. Petersson’s refined touch and poetic phrasing vividly evoke the piece’s emotional depth, making this recording a captivating and intimate piano tribute to a timeless operatic masterpiece.
JOE HISAISHI: Confessions in the Moonlight
Joe Hisaishi’s Confessions in the Moonlight comes from the iconic Studio Ghibli film Castle in the Sky soundtrack. It has a delicate blend of wistful emotion and serene melody, showcasing Hisaishi’s signature minimalist style that has captivated audiences worldwide. Perfect for piano lovers and fans of cinematic music, Confessions in the Moonlight evokes a magical atmosphere that transports listeners to a dreamlike world under the moonlit sky.
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Moonlight Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
Our Magical Moon project would not be complete without Beethoven’s iconic Sonata. The first movement, Adagio sostenuto, is loved for its haunting, almost otherworldly atmosphere—a delicate yet powerful musical narrative that Beethoven himself described as a “sonata quasi una fantasia,” The title "Moonlight Sonata" was coined after Beethoven's death by the German poet and music critic Ludwig Rellstab in 1832. Rellstab likened the effect of the sonata's first movement to the impression of moonlight shining on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, pictured on the cover. Known for his emotive and technically masterful performances, Carl Petersson brings a fresh, deeply expressive voice to this timeless piece.
JORDAN NOBLES: Selene Suite
Known for creating spatial music filled with an “unearthly beauty”, Nobles’ Selene Suite is a meditative collection of five movements, each inspired by lunar landscapes. With the sustain pedal held throughout, sounds dissolve slowly into one another, creating a floating, timeless atmosphere. The work ranges from calm and quiet tension, through intensity and warmth, to a vast quiet sense of space.
NANCY TELFER: The Silent Moon
Nancy Telfer (b. 1950) is a Canadian composer, choral conductor, and music educator. The Silent Moon is a beautifully crafted piano piece from her evocative “The Sun and the Moon" cycle. It captures the serene and mysterious glow of moonlight with gentle melodies and flowing harmonies. Its accessible technical demands make it ideal for intermediate players aiming to enhance their musicality and touch sensitivity.
ROBERT & CLARA SCHUMANN: Mondnacht
Mondnacht, the fifth song in Robert Schumann's (1810-1856) song cycle Liederkreis, Op. 39, is considered to be an exquisite example of the German Lied. Clara Schumann (1819-1896) transcribed Mondnacht for solo piano after her husband’s death. Her transcription allows the poignant piece to be performed without vocals, showcasing the piano's intricate accompaniment and melodic elements in a standalone format. This transcription has become a vital part of the piano repertoire, showcasing both the brilliance of Robert Schumann's original work and Clara's legacy as an accomplished artist in her own right.
MAREK PASIECZNY: Serenitatis
Serenitatis was inspired by a visit to NASA's Space Center in Houston where composer and guitarist Marek Pasieczny (b. 1980) touched a 3.8-billion-year-old lunar rock from the Mare Serenitatis region, brought to Earth by the Apollo 17 crew. Serenitatis embodies the moon's gravity through fluid harmonies and dynamic rhythms. Pasieczny uses mostly minor chords to create a rich tapestry of sound that evokes the moon's shades of grey, silver, and black. The piece draws on the lyrical qualities of nocturnes, reminiscent of Chopin, while also showcasing virtuosic energy that ascends from the piano's lowest to highest registers. Commissioned by Carl Petersson, and recorded for the first time, Serenitatis invites listeners on a musical journey to the moon, capturing its essence through a unique blend of harmony and motion.
NAOKO IKEDA: The Silver Boat
Naoko Ikeda's The Silver Boat is a captivating piano composition that reflects her signature blend of Japanese cultural elements and Western musical influences. Born and raised in Sapporo, Japan, Ikeda has been deeply immersed in music from a young age, beginning her training in singing at four and piano at six. Her compositions often draw inspiration from her childhood experiences and the diverse musical environment fostered by her family, which included classical, jazz, and popular music. The Silver Boat is characterised by flowing melodies that evoke images of serene landscapes and tranquil waters. It exemplifies Ikeda's ability to merge traditional Japanese scales with Western harmonies, creating a soundscape that is both familiar and exotic.
LEOPOLD GODOWSKY: Borobudur in Moonlight
Leopold Godowsky's (1870-1938) Borobudur in Moonlight, a movement from his Java Suite, transports listeners to the mystical ambiance of Java's ancient temple under the ethereal glow of moonlight. Composed in 1922, this piece encapsulates Godowsky's experiences during his travels in Indonesia, where he was deeply influenced by the local culture and the enchanting sounds of gamelan music. In Borobudur in Moonlight, Godowsky masterfully weaves a tapestry of sound that evokes an atmosphere of serenity and introspection. The delicate interplay of harmonies and textures reflects the haunting beauty of the ancient Buddhist temple from the 9th Century. The music captures a sense of stillness and contemplation, reminiscent of Borobudur’s stones bathed in silvery light, while simultaneously hinting at the transient nature of existence.
LEO LIVENS: Moonbeams
Leo Livens (1896–1990) was a distinguished English composer and virtuoso pianist noted for his contributions to piano music in the early 20th century. Moonbeams, published in 1912, exemplifies his lyrical style and ability to evoke imagery through music. The piece is characterised by its delicate melodies and expressive harmonies, reflecting the pastoral and evocative traditions of the time. With its cascading lines, Moonbeams showcases Livens' talent for creating miniature compositions that combine technical finesse and emotional depth. His highly promising career was cut tragically short by mental illness.
GABRIEL FAURÉ (arr. Mel Bonis): Clair de Lune
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) composed Clair de Lune in 1887 as part of his Deux mélodies, Op. 46; a lyrical piece originally intended for voice and piano. Mel Bonis (1858-1937), a notable French composer, made this arrangement for solo piano which captures the essence of Fauré's work. Her version emphasises the delicate melodies and rich harmonies, allowing the piano to convey the serene and introspective moon-inspired qualities of the original work. This adaptation not only highlights Bonis' artistry but also makes Fauré’s music more accessible to a wider audience. Carl Petersson offers a beautiful rendition of Bonis' arrangement, celebrating the romantic spirit of late 19th-century French music while bringing new life to this timeless classic.
MAREK PASIECZNY: Max’s Lunar Lullaby
“I composed this miniature at the piano, spontaneously, while improvising. My son was then barely six weeks old. My intention was to create a piece as delicate, modest, and pure as possible, yet also joyful, warm, and brimming with hope. The miracle of new life and that fleeting moment, captured and held within the notes of a small lullaby."
- Marek Pasieczny
“One evening, I found myself playing this soft, beautiful motif in the tranquillity of my home. As I played, the nearly full moon cast its gentle light into my living room, creating a serene and magical atmosphere that resonated perfectly with the music. It was one of those rare, unforgettable moments where music and nature harmoniously converge.”
– Carl Petersson
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in Lund, Sweden, CARL PETERSSON graduated from the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen with degrees in piano and pedagogy under José Ribera. He studied with renowned pianists Pnina Salzman and Nikolai Petrov at the Tel-Hai International Piano Master Classes. In 2013, Carl earned his PhD from the Music Academy in Kraków, Poland.
Petersson has performed in Canada, the United States, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, France, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Israel. He has collaborated with notable conductors, including JoAnn Falletta, Kerry Stratton, and Peter Gülke, and has played with prestigious orchestras such as the Buffalo Philharmonic, the National Czech Radio Orchestra, and Krakow Philharmonic. He is frequently invited to perform at international music festivals, including Music and Beyond in Canada and the International Chopin Festival in Antonin, Poland. Petersson inaugurated the Beethoven Festival in Teplice with a gala concert featuring the Teplice Philharmonic and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra chorus.
Carl’s discography includes piano concertos by Friedrich von Flotow with the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra and Leopold Godowsky’s Java Suite, on the Sterling label. His 2015 recording of Percy Grainger’s edition of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, coupled with Helge Evju’s Piano Concerto based on sketches by Grieg, received considerable acclaim. Further recordings include world premieres by Danish composers and a popular album of Burgmuller’s Etudes, also on Grand Piano, and two acclaimed recordings with music by Beethoven for Naxos. His most recent albums, Reflections and Triptych for Solo Piano, present Works for Piano, Guitar and String orchestra by Danish composer Lars A. Bisgaard, in world premiere recordings.
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