Christopher O'Riley - Prelude to Psycho.flv

Since the triumphant release of True Love Waits, pianist Christopher O'Riley's reimagining of works by Radiohead, Elliott Smith and Nick Drake have garnered critical accolades and international acclaim, including the only four-star review ever given by Rolling Stone to a Classical pianist.

His latest White Tie Classics/Mesa-BlueMoon release, Out Of My Hands, includes music of R.E.M., Portishead, Cocteau Twins, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, The Bad Plus, The Smiths, Tears for Fears as well as material from Radiohead and Elliott Smith.

As host of the popular NPR music program, From the Top, Mr. O'Riley is well-known for his eloquent and compelling musings on music and popular culture. His latest performances stretch the piano beyond the classical repertoire and into the rich uncharted territory of contemporary and alt-rock. Announcing the program from the stage allows Mr. O'Riley to share discoveries, such as World Premieres this past season by From The Top alum, Tim Woos (a piece written when he was 15 years old), Kenneth Fuchs' set of "Falling Canons," inspired by texts drawn from Don DeLillo's 9/11 novel, Falling Man, and David Neal Lewis' "Tale of Three Kitties." The music flows seamlessly from one genre to another, from the familiar to the fresh. From Robert Pollard to Rickie Lee Jones to Maurice Ravel; A Perfect Circle to Piazzolla; Thomas Ades's "Darknesse Visible" to Tears for Fears' "Mad World," to Toru Takemitsu to Nine Inch Nails.

Christopher O'Riley is recognized as one of the leading American pianists of his generation, touring extensively as a recitalist and chamber musician and appearing with every major orchestra. He has released numerous recordings on a variety of labels including SONY, Harmonia Mundi and now White Tie Records.

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• Christopher O'Riley
• From the Top
• Prelude to Psycho