Melody

Released in 2019, Melody represents a significant moment in Olga Scheps' discography where she consciously blurs the lines between traditional classical repertoire and contemporary popular culture. While Scheps is primarily recognized for her interpretations of Romantic composers like Chopin and Grieg, this album sees her applying that same emotive phrasing to modern works by Aphex Twin (Avril 14th), Ludovico Einaudi (Una mattina), and Chilly Gonzales (Armellodie). The recording quality is exceptionally high-fidelity, utilizing a dry, intimate microphone placement that captures the 'mechanical' soul of the piano, a hallmark of the modern classical movement. By placing Beethoven's 'Für Elise' alongside Satie-esque contemporary pieces, Scheps argues for a timeless definition of melody that transcends era. The album was well-received for its accessibility and its ability to act as a bridge for listeners who might typically find classical music too formal or distant.