Noam Lemish: “Erlebnisse” (2021) CD Review

Pianist Noam Lemish’s new album, Erlebnisse, contains a series of solo improvisations, his first such album. “Erlebnisse” is a German philosophical term for experiences, both good and bad, that are felt deeply. The sixteen pieces on this album will take you on emotional journeys, and provide a space for contemplation on your own experiences and memories. Each of these tracks was recorded in a single take, capturing the moment, and giving the album an honest and intimate feel.

The album opens with “Erlebnis 1” (each of the tracks bears the same name, with a different number). This is a beautiful piece that at first feels delicate and innocent, but at times feels like it is looking at a darker place, as into memory that includes some mourning. Yet whatever pain is revisited doesn’t pierce us here, for the beauty seems to subdue it. Then “Erlebnis 2” swells and grows, overwhelming us, sweeping us up in its rolling motion. There is a pause nearly halfway through before the piano begins to pull at us again, like large waves that are coming toward us from a distance and are suddenly upon us. And then when the wave has passed, we are alone for a moment. “Erlebnis 3” is a short piece that has a sense of curiosity but also hesitancy.

“Erlebnis 4” begins in a darker, more ominous space, Noam Lemish playing at the lower end of the keyboard. This track moves slowly, as if with some weight upon it, emotional or physical. Shards of light do penetrate at moments, and then in the second half, the piece begins to build momentum, as if reaching toward something. Or perhaps we are being moved from behind, unable to stop, though not fighting it, perhaps curious where we will end up. Then “Erlebnis 5” has a different sound, and thus a different effect, as it begins, taking us into a place where we are strangers. We quickly let our own perspectives fall behind and become immersed in these new sounds and sensations and experiences. It becomes a powerful track. I love losing myself sometimes, especially in music, and this track in particular works well for that.

“Erlebnis 6” has a somber vibe from its start. There is a sense of loss, of loneliness, of weight. And then a corner is turned, perhaps, and there is a feeling of survival, of wanting to go on, or at least a willingness to try. From there, a beauty arises, something of the human spirit, gaining strength as it goes. There is hope. “Erlebnis 7” is a short piece that feels to me like a look through a broken window into a dark cabin, or perhaps a look out through that same window. “Erlebnis 8” begins as deep rumble, which soon breaks, and a softer voice takes over, a gentler caress. But that rumble continues beneath it, seeming ready to overtake it, though the softer voice is able to persist, at least for a time, until it is joined by the seemingly stronger wave, and the two journey together, perhaps needing each other to make it through, to make it across the strange landscape. There is a sense of power, if at times an unwieldy power.

“Erlebnis 9” has a contemplative feel as it begins, a mix of memory and longing. I imagine old photographs spread out in front of a lone figure, who at times chooses one to look at, but mostly has eyes closed, the photos and the lives depicted in them remembered vividly. Until finally that person is caught up in the memories, brought back to other times, as are we. Then “Erlebnis 10” is a short and rather odd piece, tentative and yet playful, like splashing paints onto a canvas to see what might appear. “Erlebnis 11” has a curious feel, like looking into a mirror and wondering just who it is that is reflected there. Is there a darkness within? Something unfulfilled comes to the surface, a reminder of what never was. And yet it is there, almost physically, looking back at you. “Erlebnis 12” begins with tentative steps into an unfamiliar place, and soon there is excitement and wonder, with firmer steps.

“Erlebnis 13” has a mournful quality, when there are no more tears to be shed and the house seems to be in perpetual twilight, emptiness greeting you from every corner. All that is left is to make peace with your own ghosts. Then “Erlebnis 14” has a powerful, striking opening. There is a feeling of loss of control within a somewhat chaotic world, but trying to maintain one’s direction and ultimately finding success. Before the end, this track becomes beautiful. As “Erlebnis 15” begins, it feels like standing back and looking at the beauty of the world, but feeling apart from it. But then something strong from within rushes out and you begin to feel your place in it all. In the concluding track, “Erlebnis 16,” memory and the present come together, and we are able to take a clear look at both as the shadows move across the room before everything drops into the darkness of night and forgetting.

CD Track List

1. Erlebnis 1
2. Erlebnis 2
3. Erlebnis 3
4. Erlebnis 4
5. Erlebnis 5
6. Erlebnis 6
7. Erlebnis 7
8. Erlebnis 8
9. Erlebnis 9
10. Erlebnis 10
11. Erlebnis 11
12. Erlebnis 12
13. Erlebnis 13
14. Erlebnis 14
15. Erlebnis 15
16. Erlebnis 16

Erlebnisse was released on November 12, 2021.