After the widely acclaimed success of her full-length offering Anticipation, Bonnie Milne is back with a new single; Perception. Featuring musicians Kevin Fox on the cello, and Shane Guse on violin Perception is a sweet melodic piano solo that takes listeners on a sonic journey. Unlike its many classical counterparts, Perception lends from the style yet traverses more into the pop music sensibilities with its recurring melodies and unique expirations on each theme. Bonnie Milne is in essence able to create a narrative with the use of lyrics as she plays with a thoughtful mind to each cadence, as she sets the tension with the main melody only to release this tension with an explorative response to the thought being introduced. A music educator from north of Toronto, Bonnie Milne lends on her experience reaching young students, and challenging the creative vibe as she channels this power into her own solo work. As one charged with reviewing this piece, I can not help to notice the thoughtful approach Bonnie takes while setting up each section of this piece. It is almost like she is asking a question to her audience while lingering on the thought before exploring the solution. As each revolution of the theme occurs Bonnie incorporates more information like a great instructor would give the student a chance to understand each element before consuming the next. This hits the climax in the crescendo when the two guest musicians enter and the warmth and power of the teme are presented in the fullness of the tension leading up to. It is this tension that I keep alluding back to. I feel this is important to completely appreciate this piece. Bonnie Milne creates constriction with each modulation of the main melody and yet only releases a partial amount of it, letting this tensity grow until the recapitulation where the audience is allowed a collective sigh of relief that the happy ending is surely around the corner. As a student, one can only marvel at the way the master is able to pull this off with seeming ease.
As I was immersed in the Anticipation album, which from a casual listener felt more like a collection of etudes, Perception kind of took me by surprise with its complexity and stylized finish. This single feels like a complete body, ready to stand with the greatest in the piano score genre. Bonnie Milne, it feels, is ready to ascend into the main spotlight as a solo performer, and composer as Perception is likely to garner her more appreciation and accolade than may be bargained for. Perception would be an excellent choice to be licensed to film and a sure single for any classical radio format. As a concert piece, Perception would be the ideal finale as the main melodies and captivating hooks would bring audiences to their feet in appreciation of this performance. Suffice it to say, I truly appreciated and enjoyed Perception. This track was an exercise melodic exposition while maintaining a rhythmic build-up that pulled me in with each passing measure. The composition was mature and professional and there could be no better choice for guest musicians than Kevin Fox and Shane Guse, as they brought respectability and credibility to a dazzling performance.
–Lee Callaghan
