OHNomad, the creative alias of composer Owens Huang, delivers a profound musical experience with his latest release, “The Awakening”. A ten-movement suite performed by pianist Chi-Jo Lee, the single offers a series of evocative piano pieces that trace a soul’s journey from reflection to illumination. Minimalist textures, Eastern tonalities, and intricate emotional depth define each composition, creating a meditative landscape where listeners can explore transformation not only through sound but through the spaces between notes.
Huang’s musical vision was shaped by unconventional experiences, from backpacking adventures across India and Tibet to a professional life as a hedge fund manager. These diverse influences imbue his compositions with a unique blend of classical, jazz, metal, and Eastern elements, reflecting both personal introspection and a broader engagement with global perspectives. “The Awakening” exemplifies this synthesis, drawing inspiration from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition while unfolding as a modern meditation on consciousness, existence, and the infinite reflections of the mind.
Each movement in “The Awakening” carries distinct emotional and philosophical weight. Beyond the Cycle contemplates creation and dissolution, inspired by Buddhist philosophy: all appearances are illusory, and form is emptiness. The piece evokes the journey of a stone through fire, water, and elevation to a mountain peak, illustrating the oneness of all things. In contrast, River Lethe draws on Greek mythology, transforming the underworld’s stream of forgetfulness into a meditative exploration of memory and oblivion. Alternating between whole-tone harmonies and pentatonic melodies, the work mirrors the soul’s oscillation between forgetting and remembering, crafting an experience that is both timeless and tender.
Huang’s collaboration with Chi-Jo Lee, who previously performed works like Places of Origin and Danielle, adds another layer of artistry to the suite. Lee’s virtuosity, described as “impressive grace” and delivered “with brio and apt abandon,” brings a nuanced touch to Huang’s intricate compositions. Recorded at Allegro Recordings and engineered by Grammy Award-winner Matthew Snyder, the performance captures every subtle inflection and tonal shift, emphasizing the suite’s hypnotic and contemplative qualities.
“The Awakening” is not just a musical work; it is a philosophical journey. The suite invites listeners to confront multiple layers of self, consciousness, and universality. Each note is deliberate, each silence charged, offering moments of reflection that transcend traditional piano composition. Through this work, Huang communicates a vision of transformation where music becomes both a vessel and a mirror, illuminating the unseen dimensions of thought, memory, and perception.
In essence, OHNomad’s “The Awakening” is a compelling fusion of cultural influences, technical mastery, and introspective narrative. It challenges listeners to engage actively with sound and meaning, offering an immersive experience that lingers long after the final note. With this release, Owens Huang continues to expand his distinctive voice in contemporary classical music, using piano as a bridge between inner worlds, philosophy, and the infinite complexity of human experience.
Connect with OHNOMAD on
English