Fallen Trees cover

Fallen Trees

Lubomyr Melnyk · 2018

44 min · 8 tracks

Ethereal piano cascades intertwine with minimalist textures, creating a contemplative soundscape that evokes nature’s fragility and beauty.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Requiem for a Fallen Tree Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its mournful yet beautiful melodies, reflecting on loss while showcasing Melnyk's signature continuous playing technique.
  • →
    Fallen Trees – Part II: Existence — In this piece, the juxtaposition of delicate notes against a backdrop of silence embodies the struggle between life and decay, a central theme throughout the album.
  • →
    Barcarolle — The flowing rhythm and gentle harmonies create an inviting atmosphere, illustrating Melnyk's ability to weave complex emotional narratives within simplicity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
77 /100
Summit
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate piano work and minimalist approach create a unique and immersive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, flowing piano pieces that often exceed ten minutes, allowing for gradual development of themes.
  • Each track builds on minimalist textures, layering notes to create a rich tapestry of sound that evolves slowly over time.
  • The 'Fallen Trees' sections are divided into five parts, each exploring different emotional landscapes while maintaining a cohesive thematic focus.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • meditative piano reflections
  • cascading melodies for introspection
  • nature-inspired soundscapes
  • patient unfolding of themes

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking fast-paced tracks
  • prefer upbeat party music

Where this album fits

Career context
When Lubomyr Melnyk released Fallen Trees in December 2018, he was already recognized as a pioneer of continuous music and had built a significant body of work. This album followed his acclaimed 2016 release, Rivers and Streams, marking a continuation of his exploration into the themes of nature and transience.
Stylistic neighbors
Philip Glass· Steve Reich· Max Richter

Tracklist

  • 1 Requiem for a Fallen Tree Start here 7:14
  • 2 Son of Parasol 7:37
  • 3 Barcarolle 8:01
  • 4 Fallen Trees – Part I: Preamble 4:22
  • 5 Fallen Trees – Part II: Existence 3:23
  • 6 Fallen Trees – Part III: Apparition 6:29
  • 7 Fallen Trees – Part IV: They Are Down 3:45
  • 8 Fallen Trees – Part V: Not Forgotten 3:22

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata