Brian Crain’s Spring Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 were composed for piano and orchestra.
Both symphonies were recorded in the spring of 2005 at CNSO Hostivar Studio in
Prague, Czech Republic, with 52 members of the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra.

Brian Crain's newest CD "Spring Symphonies with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orch." is pure pleasure of the highest order.
It's a tour-de-force of lush instrumental backing for Crain's creative keyboard musings in the classical vein.
Be prepared for contemporary romantic music to sooth your inner animal nature.
It's cinematic, poetic & a great nighttime listen by candlelight.

How's that? I love this one...
Capt. Christopher 91.5FM WTUL

Review of "Spring Symphonies"
by David Hunt, Conductor

Composer and pianist, Brian Crain’s latest CD Spring Symphonies is an inspiring evolution for one of the areas most popular and prolific rising stars. Spring Symphonies contains two separate symphonies (four movements each) with a piano solo between, simply entitled “Piano Solo”. This CD (Brian’s 10th) was recorded this spring at CNSO Hostivar Studio in Prague, Czech Republic, with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, one of the finest, and busiest orchestras in E. Europe.

Brian’s Spring Symphonies remind us what we love most about orchestral music. If you are a current fan, you will love this natural evolution of Brian’s impassioned music. If you are not familiar with Brian Crain, you’re about to discover a true gem right here in the Inland Northwest, who is already internationally popular.

Spring Symphonies has the intensity of Barber’s Adagio, the wit of Gershwin’s Rhapsody, the harmony of Beethoven and Brahms the space and reflection of Faure and Debussy. In the full experience of being human in a changing, busy, and conflicted world, what is it that connects us and offers us hope for our individual and collective survival? Brian’s music joins those few artists, musicians, and writers who dare to resonate the empathy and vision we all desperately need and seek. This CD is a heart-opening affirmation of our “humanness”, touching those special places in our private hearts and memories generally reserved for our dreams, prayers, and life’s transcending experiences.

Like Ennio Morricone, Brian’s motifs paint larger than life - human images in this new musical genre. His harmonies are constructed with lush melodic layers. Brian’s provocative, delicate touch on the piano - his restraint - is a virtuosic style unique in the instrumental music world. You will find a near perfect balance between orchestra and piano on this CD, and the Czech performers each offers the best in their instrumental field.

To many of Brian’s fans, his music is a necessary staple - like bread, or rice. Spring Symphonies offers a satisfying fullness - for the heart of the listener. Brian’s music is destined to become a modern musical staple for us all.

Human history is rich with incredible musical works from, now deceased, composers. Do yourself a big favor and listen to Brian Crain’s Spring Symphonies CD while Brian is alive, and while you can enjoy getting to know him and his music

Review by Michael Debbage Solo Piano Publication

In 2004, Brian Crain took the opportunity to reflect on his recording portfolio by revisiting his catalog and re-recording with a string quartet. Apparently, this was one small step toward the giant leap that Crain has made here. The great adventure is that his latest recording includes a collaboration with the 52 member Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. This progressive statement comes without the backing of any recording label and yet the results are grand and magnificent.

In a short two-year period, Crain has gone from the synthesized string arrangements of the 2003 Sienna to organic warmth of the quartet arrangements on his retrospective release last year. This time around Spring Symphonies, despite all the risks and investment is not only a heroic but equally bold and successful creative step. Crain not only collaborated with a full orchestra, he also traveled to the Czech Republic which was probably a huge financial risk taking into account that the project comes with no label backing.

Considering the creative use of an orchestra, the classical influences are obvious and are even reflected in the title of the compositions that are also divided into two symphonies. The intermission comes courtesy of the one stripped down track appropriately entitled “Piano Solo”. The tempo is slow and the mood very somber giving the album its most philosophical and reflective moment. Otherwise, the remainder of the album makes full use of the orchestration made available to Crain who continues to emphasize the melody line that he repeats over and over with additional embellishments from various members of the orchestra. Though Crain maintains his own identity his blending of classical movements along with memorable memories brings to mind the musical comparisons of Tim Janis. The tearful strings of “Andante Affettuoso” are about as powerful as the vapors of an onion to the naked human eye.

Also most memorable is the opening movement “Andante Cantabile” that is arousing and emotive. Countered by Brian’s piano bridge brings the listener to the early realization that Spring Symphonies has something very special to say. Though not quite as complex, it would be daring to compare this album with David Foster’s Symphony Sessions and the equally remarkable Skyline Firedance of David Lanz. Again, keep in mind that these two talented artists created their epics with the backing of major recording labels. Crain still managed to pull this feat off without the same assistance.

Frankly, all of the movements are for the lack of a better phrase, very moving. But one specific mention should be given to “Allegro Maestoso” that has a stunning piano bridge that returns the listener to a luscious string overture. It is simply wonderful, as is the entire 49 minutes and odd seconds of this ambitious and audacious album.

Brian Crain has shown the ability not only to create and compose but do so on a grand scale whether it comes with major label backing or not. This artist will not be stopped and is starting to secure the word of mouth that is far overdue. However, Spring Symphonies is so superior to anything Crain has done that the only negative aspect is how does he follow up on this tour de force? However, this is a great quandary to be in.

A New Light on the World
RJ Lannan New Age Reporter

Lighter than a filmscore and entirely more soothing than dirge-like Old World classical music, the new album, Spring Symphonies with the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra by Brian Crain is sure to please a myriad of different audiences. Yes, there are definite classical elements to all the works, but there is the contemporary addition of lightness, flow and musical imagery. Complimentary speaking, the music is reminiscent of Tim Janis’ work of which I much admire. Crain however, uses more elegant orchestral backgrounds and it is all good. The album is separated into two components, Symphony No. 1 and Symphony No. 2. My only disappointment was that Crain used Italian terminological labels for his pieces instead of titles, but I will soon remedy that. Forgive my liberties.

In Symphony No. 1 taking a cue I think, from Impressionist composer Claude Debussy, the first track Andante Cantabile is the waking of the earth after its long winter sleep. The Awakening (my title) features resonant horns and elegant woodwinds that herald the rebirth of nature. The crystalline beauty of snow melting and the return of warmth to the earth that signals the beginning of verdant growth are present in this powerfully flowing tune.

Allegro Maestoso or Lively and Majestic is all motion and growth. Twigs grow from every branch, leaves sprout from every twig, and from between two leaves are the first buds of spring ready to swell with the rain and the sun’s glorious warmth.

Piano Solo, the title of the fifth movement, in any language is the coming of the rains. As the skies darken, the first clouds thicken and boil and suddenly, the first drops of sweet spring rain plunge to the ground. They plop to the earth and dissolve into the dirt. Nurturing, cleaning, feeding everything it touches. The resulting puddles tell that the earth has had its fill. It is rather a sad piece really, but its suggestion and beauty more than make up for its tone.

In Symphony No. 2, Andante Affetuoso is the dramatic dance between euphonic violin and tender clarinet as the slow, sumptuous orchestra swirls about in the background. The spring winds have come to call. Some gently, while others briskly blow the new formed leaves and delicate flower petals all around. One can only be made stronger by the outcome. This is an excellent track and one of my favorites on the album.

Soothingly slow, Adagio Appassionato is a walk through verdant landscapes. It is the fresh green grass of the pasture, the bees buzzing from blossom to blossom and the sun smiling as a benevolent god. It is the flowers smiling back in gratitude. Another favorite.

For a finale Brian offers us Allegretto. It is every new morning in May you have ever experienced. It is the sun breaking through the morning mists and giving life to the day and the sweetness in the air. It is the bird on the wing high above your tallest dreams. It is the sound of the earth as it gives us promise and hope. Just like every spring.

This album is very graceful, soothing and great for creativity sessions or just for dreaming. Like Vivaldi, I would hope that Brian goes on to cover the rest of the seasons. The title of this essay, A New Light on the World, is taken from a comment of a 14 year old fan that wrote Crain and said that after hearing and playing Brian’s music, it gave him a new perspective, a new light on the world. As far as this writer is concerned, this music has done its job. Thanks, Brian.