Review by Abby Kenna
“My Father’s Song” by Pauline Frechette is an emotive tribute to a father’s love. Lilting and soft like a lullaby, this song represents the gratitude Frechette feels for her father for granting her the gift of music. Woven with dynamic strings and expressive vocals, a beautiful story is unfolded within this ballad.
“My Father’s Song” opens with a contrapuntal-sounding guitar line, wherein arpeggiating rounds of sevenths blossom over a sweeping string arrangement. Frechette’s voice slips into the mix, complimenting the duet of the guitar and strings with her clear, warm tone. She sings deliberately, with a narrative edge that delivers the message of the song even without the aid of the poetic lyrics.
Though peaceful and radiating with the warmth of gratitude, “My Father’s Song” has moments of dissonance, replicating the sacrifices and hardships that go hand in hand with fatherhood. This duality is further explored in Frechette’s lyricism, as she juxtaposes joy and sorrow to exemplify her father’s story:
“Soft sings my heart For the pain in his life.”
Emerging from the verse, the chorus blossoms with emotion as the slight tension built up within the introduction is resolved. The vocal melody reaches new heights, gliding over the swells of strings and building instrumentals. With her vulnerable vocals, Frechette paints the picture of her gratefulness for the sacrifices her father made to offer her such a beautiful life:
“Here’s my song, my father left for me. Like the wind, my world is free.”
One of the most intriguing textures in “My Father’s Song” is the expressive harmonica that floats over the top of the accompanying instruments. Adding a bright, colorful tone to an already achingly beautiful song, this harmonica perfectly contrasts the rich strings and guitar arrangement.
Complete with heart-wrenchingly beautiful string arrangements and vocal delivery, “My Father’s Song” by Pauline Frechette resonates with gratitude and the understanding kind of love reserved for father and daughter.
Stream on Spotify
About Pauline Frechette
Pauline Frechette is a contemporary composer/performer. Her music is best defined as “Neo-classical” miniatures. DEF. “The use of modern techniques within the classical form composing music that reflects one’s own compositional voice.” Her work has been performed by the Baltimore Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, New West Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, National Symphony at the Kennedy Center and at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Pauline has sung on film scores and with many legendary artists including Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, Cher, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Muse etc. As a performer she is a a contemporary poet-musician who takes her audience on an emotional journey, moving effortlessly from her original piano compositions to romantic jazz and humorous theatrical songs. Her solo piano album, "An Intimate Story” debuted at #3 on Billboard’s Classical and Classical Cross-over charts. And her critically acclaimed album, "Colors of My Heart,” debuted in the Billboard Top Ten Classical and Jazz charts. Her music is currently played in over 150 countries to millions of listeners and has over 15 million hits collectively on Spotify, Soundcloud, Reverbnation, iTunes and Amazon. Pauline won the WAM Award for “Best Instrumental” 2020.
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