Epitaphs and Portraits by Craig Urquhart

author: Kathy Parsons, Solo Piano Publications “Epitaphs and Portraits” is an elegant, highly emotional collection of original piano solos that came about from years of coping with the loss of friends and colleagues from AIDS. Dedicated to the Bread and Roses care home in Connecticut, ten of the fourteen pieces are titled “In Memoriam” followed by someone’s initials. Some of the pieces are mournfully sad, and others are more celebratory of a special person’s life - all carry a sense of healing. Although the theme of the album sounds depressing and heavy, the music is well-balanced, placing a lighter piece after a heavy, dark one. Well-known as a composer of classical art songs, Urquhart’s composing has evolved into more of a contemporary classical/new age style with a unique and very powerful voice. “Epitaphs and Portraits” is an outstanding collection that makes me wish I had known about Craig Urquhart’s music several years ago. It’s never too late, however, and I highly recommend this album to those who enjoy and appreciate solo piano at its most personal and heartfelt. ℗ 2002 Heart Earth Music