Classical works are an inexhaustible source of creativity in any direction. When used properly, even familiar classical melodies weave harmoniously into contemporary space, carrying the beauty and peace that their creators embedded within them.

This has been proven and vividly demonstrated by Stefan Lovin—a composer and pianist from Romania. Classical music has lived for centuries, yet interest in it never wanes, and the reason is rather simple—it contains energy that works across all eras. Stefan Lovin exploits it to the fullest. He takes melodies created in completely different epochs and adapts them for people who listen to music on the tube, at the gym, at home over a cup of coffee.

This approach works because he understands the essential point—music must speak to people in their language. The modern listener wants to feel connected to what they hear. When a classical foundation becomes enriched with contemporary presentation and cultural context, magic happens. The listener thinks—yes, this is mine, this is about me, this is about my world. Stefan Lovin’s music works as a bridge between generations. And that, frankly, is brilliant.

2025 has been quite productive for him. His forthcoming album “Heaven Shines Like Silver” (tentative release date: 12th December 2025 on PhotoMaterial Records) sees Stefan Lovin setting himself the goal of exploring dialogue (and its possibilities) between innovation and tradition. Here, Stefan demonstrates genuine understanding of the moment. He chose Christmas themes for this experiment—a time when people are particularly open to beauty and harmony. Christmas itself is built on dialogue between ancient traditions and modern life. Each year we reproduce old rituals, but each time they sound anew.

But now we turn to the album “Traditional Romanian Songs (Live)”. Here Stefan Lovin has distinctively reworked Romanian carols and classical melodies, adding his own contemporary vision. “Today, a Light Has Risen Upon” captivated with its intriguing combination, which I haven’t encountered before. It contains simultaneously solemnity, grandeur, and moderate lightness that doesn’t disturb the overall atmosphere but merely “dusts off” unnecessary pomposity. It needs no words (they would be superfluous), as they might destroy the magic created by the melody. One can only remain in admiring silence. Because this is a live version, everything sounds live here, creating the illusion of being present at some important event—a wedding or award ceremony taking place outdoors on a sunny day. The delicate piano parts add a touch of magic one doesn’t want to part with. After the track concludes, a gentle sadness remains in the soul, as the musical magic has ended.

“Sun in Heaven, Sun Below” is the complete opposite of the first! It’s fast, light, and one could even say audacious—slightly provocative, inviting a more emotional dialogue. The entire melody is dialogue itself. Whilst listening, one can distinctly imagine two people discussing something important, trying to defend their viewpoint, casting aside fears and doubts… The track compels movement through the strength and energy embedded within it. It’s simply impossible to ignore or dismiss as something insignificant. It forces one to address problems or tasks that have long accumulated. This happens because the emotional force leaves no possibility of remaining seated.

“Heaven Shines Like Silver” literally turns the soul inside out through pain, dark predetermination, and despair that nothing can be resolved, that there aren’t enough strength and possibilities to eliminate problems. These feelings are emphasised by piano passages—quick as autumn raindrops—and darker organ insertions. Such a combination creates a distinctive atmosphere, allowing one to dive into one’s soul, to see one’s fears, grievances, and scars left by past relationships… and to allow oneself to accept them, mourn them, and decide how to live further without this soul pain that tears the heart apart. The piano technique is astounding. Stefan feels the instrument on some intuitive level. He extracts from the keys sounds that reach the most hidden corners of the soul.

“Behold, the Carolers Come” carries a completely different mood and even mental message. It’s sorrowful and might bring tears. But its message is entirely different from the previous composition. One hears requests and pleas for something. Because of this, the track grips and rivets attention literally from the first seconds, not releasing until the very end.

“Magi from the East” oh… It’s full of lyrical notes, yet not “tear-jerking“. Stefan Lovin managed to preserve that fine line where melody stirs the soul but there’s no need to shed tears. Piano passages interweave intricately: from powerful ones, like cries of despair that attract attention, to quiet and smooth ones, like requests and whispers. Such alternation immerses one in the melody like deep water, forcing one to imagine different situations with similar emotions from one’s own life, from stories, from books or films… For me personally, this track is beautiful because it allows reflection on everything that came before, what mistakes I made, and what needs correcting in the future to become much better than now.

“Traditional Romanian Songs (Live)” by Stefan Lovin is a unique treasure that absolutely must be heard. Stefan understands how music can work with human psychology. He’s created an atmosphere that first gently attracts attention, then holds it, and then carefully leads the listener into the depths of their own experiences. This requires genuine mastery—knowing where to stop to help, and where deeper exploration becomes dangerous.

This is material with enormous emotional weight. Human stories, pain, joy, wisdom have accumulated in them for centuries. Stefan took these melodies and adapted them for the contemporary listener, who lives in completely different conditions but experiences the same basic emotions.

The live recording adds particular intimacy to this project. The listener feels present in the same space as the musician, sharing this moment of openness and honesty. This is therapeutic music in the best sense of the word.

I personally can only express my admiration and gratitude once more for such work. And hope that future albums will be equally powerful in their emotional messages, helping people.

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