Nature’s melody lingers in Belle Chen‘s music, shining through each composition like a gentle caress of comfort. Having graced the keys myself as a child, I recognize the inherent melancholy they hold, and it resonates deeply in “Passages of Time,” the opening track to her upcoming album, “Ravel in the Forest.”
This London-based, Taiwanese-Australian artist isn’t just a pianist; she’s a conduit, channeling the essence of nature. Driven by a yearning for serenity, Belle sought solace in the hug of the green world. Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Belle’s journey has taken her through Australia, New Zealand, and finally, the UK. Travel and encounters with diverse people have shaped her as much as her classical training.
“This opening track,” Belle shares, “was born from an observation of a yellow Carabeen tree in a rainforest in Queensland. These trees live up to 800 years old, and before this ancient being, I felt the insignificance of humankind’s lifespan. I wondered how this magnificent tree witnessed environmental shifts as it grew from a seedling…” If you, like me, have a connection to the piano, listen closely to the track. You’ll hear the familiar melancholy of the keys, but transformed into something more – a reflection of nature’s own quiet power. It’s a personal journey, but one that invites us all to pause, listen, and connect with the natural world that surrounds us.
“Ravel in the Forest” drops on February 16th, 2024, but “Passages of Time” is already available. Enjoy below:
photography by Matthew Johnson
Follow Belle Chen for more:
www.bellechen.com
instagram.com/bellepianist
facebook.com/bellechenmusic
twitter.com/bellepianist
Catch her live:
14th March – Stone Nest, London
5th April – Tallinn Music Week Vanalinn, Estonia
19th June – Tone presents Belle Chen Norwich, United Kingdom
