I was recently listening through the catalog of one of my favorite artists when one of her compositions struck me in a way that I must have missed the first time. The artist’s name is Pauline Frechette, and the song that made such a strong impression on me is called “An Intimate Story”. This composition struck me with such power that I felt compelled to share my experience here with you.
“An Intimate Story” begins with a beautifully fragile emotion. There’s an uncertainty in the notes that seems to express life’s more contemplative and reflective moments. From the very beginning the listener is invited to relax into the unrushed and meaningful flow that this composition offers. As the song builds, the emotion intensifies and the deep and personal feeling Frechette is trying to communicate becomes clear. For me, listening to this song was like being surrounded by a mysterious mist. Frechette introduces subtle images that draw the listener in but at the same time creates tension by not revealing everything all at once. There is nothing predictable about this composition. As the song progresses the feeling Frechette is trying to express becomes more and more clear and fascinating. Although “An Intimate Story” is a brief two minutes and eighteen seconds, it offers a space that one can lose track of time completely. It really took me away and I feel confident it can do the same for you.
Some of the most emotionally impactful moments of this song come from very simple, uncomplicated playing. This is one of the many reasons I love Frechette’s music and respect her as an artist. While listening, one can sense that Pauline is expressing something real and not just showing off how talented she is. The counterpoint harmonies that Frechette employs cover the keyboard, and every note seems to come directly from her soul. This is not an artist attempting to dazzle you with shallow grandstanding. This is an artist offering genuine meaning and connection from one heart to another. Although Frechette’s talent and technical skill are self-evident, what makes her a great artist is the central intent of what she creates, namely an authentic emotional experience for her listeners.
The production for “An Intimate Story” consists of a single piano. The sound of the recording has a rich depth that supports the emotional purpose of the composition. The blending of room and close-range microphones gives the piano a large sound while maintaining a closeness that adds to the personal nature of the piece. Frechette has always produced world class recordings and “An Intimate Story” is no exception.
As a writer and lover of music I take great pleasure in sharing exceptional work with my readers. I hope you find as much enjoyment in “An Intimate Story” as I have. If you’d like to learn more about Pauline, you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you’d like to listen to Pauline’s incredible music you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold.