NOTIONS OF HOPE released by piano and coffee records in 2023

‘a melodic fragment is repeated, ostinato-style, generally with a bleak-sounding harmonic language, often rising gradually up the keyboard, while other fragments rotate around them. It is like listening to a kaleidoscope, in that one musical idea is viewed critically from multiple perspectives, until it is fully understood’

Garreth Brooke, A closer listen

The pastoral view, the view into forests, mountains, and oceans, has kept alive a great, wonderful element of non mechanical response which one day can and will enter into concrete leisure; however, the access to it is, as a precapitalist one in a capitalist age, still largely archaic-romantic […] a utopian kind of restful land. 

E. Bloch, The principle of hope 

Mass society strives for growth. Growth in populations, growth in cities, growth in economies. The individual imbibes this intoxicating brew, and so dutifully strives for growth also – always looking ahead, always seeking more. Yet, modern society has been confronted with the confounding truth: Our world has little yield to further accommodate our voracity. Rainforests are declining, temperatures are rising, species are dying. This realisation of endless growth’s folly, and of the need to embrace what we have now finds expression in an arresting new album from Stockholm-based Spanish pianist Hara Alonso. 

A study in semantics as well as philosophy, Notions of Hope invites a meditative listen. Each of its deft, stark piano tracks explores a different, nuanced interpretation of the concept of hope, delving beneath our overt, sanguine associations with the word. Inspired by springtime walks in the forest and nighttime readings on secular faith from the likes of Bloch, Kierkegaard and Hägglund, the set documents – the passing of the seasons from darkest winter to delicate spring – the time of new beginnings. Green shoots and lingering sun. It also arrives soon after the start of a new year, when we author resolutions for how to improve our lot. Nature’s cycle and humanity’s ritual, both lulling us into complacency. Through her fragile piano keys, Alonso wordlessly urges listeners to consider the fragility of our world, and switch from a mode of hope to one of care. Care for surroundings, care for your actions, care for your world – in all its finite glory. 

In Notion 5, Alonso rises ever further up her piano, until it has no more keys to offer. The piece ends – as we all do – and we enjoyed what was captured before the end. 

SOMATIC SUSPENSION released by the label Eotrax in 2021

‘An examination of detachment and stillness. Full of unease. Deeply personal‘, A closer listen

‘Gloomy bubbling electronic power ambient’, Boomkat

‘Superbe’, Silence and sound

“Francamente uno de los mejores discos que han pasado por este espacio en los últimos tiempos, maduro y bello”, Fuido Rosa-Radio 3

Hara Alonso + Alba G. Corral at Facyl Festival 2021, photos by Alice Brazzit.

“Somatic Suspension” arises from a meditative process of introspection and inward listen. By opening my own intimacy, this work attempts to translate various somatic experiences into the sonic plane to access a more sensitive composition. The sonic matter is generated through the exploration of gestural repetition in a continuum biofeedback. A ritual of acceptance of the immanent ranging from the negligible to the immeasurable, from the quietude to the ecstasy. 

The piano used, an electroacoustic Yamaha CP-70, is a rare instrument with a piezo pick-up system, outputs, a built-in equalizer and a tremolo effect. It’s unique sound quality invoked the overall atmosphere of the album, sustained like a winter forest covered by scattered golden leaves. 

The digital processes accompany the piano dissolving its pure sound into a mesmerizing superposition of layers and glitches. 
Intimate melodies, minimal electronic beats and teared textures merge together echoing the memory of an uncertain future.” 

Written & produced by Hara Alonso. 
Mastered by Dominic at Declared Sound. 
Artwork by Néstor Torrens. 
Design by Goldmoth Media.

LIVE AT FACYL FESTIVAL 2021, photos by Alice Brazzit.

RITUAL PARA ACERCARSE [Quartet: Camila Nebbia, Susana Santos Silva, Elsa Bergman, Hara Alonso]

released September 30, 2022 

Susana Santos Silva: trumpet 
Camila Nebbia: tenor saxophone 
Hara Alonso: piano 
Elsa Bergman: double bass 

Recorded, mixed and mastered by John Chantler 
Co-produced by Alex Zethson/Thanatosis Production 
Co-released by Ramble Records and Tour de Bras Records 
Design and artwork by Carola Nebbia 
Recorded live at Fylkingen, Stockholm, Sweden, 2021. 

Released by Ramble Records & Tour de Bras

Pianoïse, released by Keroxen 2018

Pianoïse is the space where piano and electronics merge. An exploration between the harmonic and the atonal, the rhythmic and the textural.

The result is a sonic dance moving around the piano timbre extremes, sometimes tender, sometimes violent. Beyond genre, the sound palette is wide and eclectic, with elements of contemporary music, dance electronic and noise.

All compositions by Hara Alonso, piano & electronics

Mixed by Hara Alonso in Elektronmusikstudion EMS (Stockholm)

Mastered by Pau Paredes in Estudio Fluxus (Madrid)

Illustration by Lia Ateca.

Nowhere in between

Nowhere in between is where I composed these pieces. 
Made using TidalCycles, Max/msp and my own voice.