SWEET PEA

The Sweet Pea flower on the beautiful cover (by Terri Othling) is said to have first become popular in 17th century Italy, before being sent to England where it became hugely popular in Edwardian times. The symbolism behind this most sweet smelling fragrance is one of parting, of goodbyes, particularly the sad parting after a very happy time.

Andrew Othling puts this symbolism to precise musical form on this latest single released in April 2015. As always, not a vocal word is necessary. Over the course of just six minutes he begins so quietly with piano, very slow, letting each note linger. Violin and cello soon join in what feels very sad, tears and hugs of parting. Then in the middle as the song builds we feel the mood shift to happiness, remembering the good time, holding it close, treasuring it. Quite powerful and as is typical for him, quite cinematic in feel. At the end the hopeful strings die away and the lone piano marks finality, one has to let go. It's a shame the way many things end; love affairs, friendships, aspirations, even loved ones taken too soon. All of these lives and happy moments can be fleeting, a realization that gets more apparent the older we get. Don't lose your faith. Sweet Pea could be a short soundtrack to many a story of good things ended...a musical elegy not just for the dead, but for all of one's loss. I enjoyed it nonetheless.