Carpe Lumen

My friend Emily played I Give Up at her piano recital and I almost fainted she played it as well as Elijah! My favorite piece by far on this album.

every piece every note everything is just...flawless, its beautiful moving and inspiring...literally captivating i espacially loved I Give Up because when i hear it...i cant help but feel like im falling into the sky its amazing and i could go on and on about how good it is.... also i love yiruma as well so i would check out his music if i were u =]

The first time I heard the sound of Elijah's piano I wept. The sound seamed to communicate thoughts from heaven. I have given out many CD's to people who have suffered sudden loss and witnessed the profound healing of the music. This CD make a great gift. Peace Rick.

“Carpe Lumen” is the second release from young Arizona pianist Elijah Bossenbroek. Fiercely original, Bossenbroek’s music is a combination of piano with digital accompaniment and sound effects. The music is strong, powerful, and full of emotion. My only real criticism of this CD is the piano itself, which sometimes has a brittle, metallic sound that electronic pianos often have. It isn’t as noticeable when there are layers of other instruments or sounds, but when the piano comes to the forefront, these ears wish for the resonance of a good acoustic instrument. That being said, this is a CD that deserves to be widely heard. The music is too “big” for new age, too contemporary for classical, and not jazz or pop either; Bossenbroek seems to be headed in the unclassifiable direction where art happens. At a time when so many recordings are in a cookie-cutter mold, this is an exciting find! The CD liner notes and Bossenbroek’s website give very little information about the music or the artist, but this CD seems to be telling a very personal story. Three poems with the same titles as three of the pieces are included (not written by Bossenbroek), telling part of the story, but making it even a bit more mysterious. “I Give Up” opens the collection on a rather dark note, as the title implies. Intense and swirling, this piece has a huge emotional range. “Prism” is much gentler and more playful, much like colored sparkles dancing in the light. “Rest” is one of my favorite tracks. A minor key waltz with an infectious energy and a beautiful melody, it is both melancholy and hopeful. “Life’s a Stage Play” is an incredible piano solo that would be so much better served by a “real” piano. Emotionally compelling and powerful, this one reminds me a little bit of Dax Johnson (one of my favorite artists). “Assault” is very dark and anguished yet extremely beautiful - a real powerhouse of a piece (also a favorite). “Always Faithful” has several sonic references to the military, undoubtedly a reference to the composer’s time in the Marines. “Deserted” is agitated and in turmoil while “Wonder” becomes much calmer and more innocent. “Reality Begins” is introspective, but much more hopeful and optimistic, coming from a place of darkness and pain. “Falling Away” seems to be continuing to move toward a lighter and happier place, a transformation of sorts. The closing track is a lovely arrangement of “Amazing Grace” that begins very quietly with just the melody line and then several variations that conclude this fascinating musical journey on a lighter note. I’m very impressed with “Carpe Lumen” and the music of Elijah Bossenbroek, and think we have a artist to really keep an eye (and ear!) on! Very highly recommended for a powerful musical experience. Kathy Parsons

I found this artist when browsing a borders bookstore in downtown Scottsdale, I heard the most promising/intruiging piano cd being played, it sounded so vibrant and real. I asked one of the helpers what cd was playing, and she pointed at Elijah in the corner playing at his keyboard and said "You mean him?" Suffice it to say I was instantly hooked! I sat there for 30 minutes listening to him play, then bought his cd and thanked him for making awesome music. I just found he has released his newest cd, and after listening to it, I can encourage you to buy it, because it is as excellent as his first one, if not more so. If you enjoy piano, it will probably be the best purchase you make this month.

Great Album!

Mr. Bossenbroek plays masterfully and the songs are delightful, but the terrible production of this collection breaks my heart. It sounds like it was recorded in someone's basement on cheap equipment. The treble is fuzzy. The middle and low ranges are muddled. And this is on iTunes Plus? I tried to play it on my ipod, then with different headphones and finally on my stereo, and nothing could make it sound better. The artist deserves better, and so does an audience that appreciates his incredible talent and creativity. The producers of this collection should be ashamed of themselves. A major record label needs to come to the rescue.

This is one of the most inspirational piano albums I have ever heard. I played it in my apartment and all my housemates were astounded! My roommate and I frequently go to sleep to his music at night, another great album Elijah!

This is the most inspiring music I have ever listened to since I first heard Bill Conti’s theme from Rocky as a Kid. The build up of intensity in Elijah’s music just stirs the soul and recharges my enthusiasm for life. I play his music as intro music for meetings and events at my job and everyone is always blown away by this young mans talent and passion for music. I believe his music will be the definition of classical piano for this generation, simply brilliant and the addition of Valkir producing is a perfect blend of talent and vision to make Carpe Lumen a 5 star hit. Ken Glowienke, President The Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's

I found his music on Myspace one day and I fell in love with his music. I don't really listen to classical, but I am hooked now. This is a great sophomore cd.