Bernward Koch has been a great artist for Real Music since he signed with the label way back in 1998, and he has created six wonderful albums since becoming part of the label. Remembering is the seventh and once again his music resonates with feelings and emotions signature to Koch. As a classically trained artist he is able to compose music that is well structured and filled with the precision of working with that genre of music, but his many years spent writing and creating music that touches the hearts of listeners all around the world has opened up his compositional skills to new levels of depth that he seems more than willing to share with the listeners of each of his Real Music albums done over the years.
Remembering is a reassuring journey into the very essence of what makes each of us unique individuals who are one of a kind human beings. The fact that each of us shares the experience of being a unique individual is actually what makes the music on Remembering something that each of us will recognize as something that we share with other human beings, but at the same time completely original to our experiences of the world. The music on Remembering is very reflective and insightful and leads us down a path in our own soul that allows us to explore those distinctive aspects of our lives as brought to the surface through Koch’s sensitive compositions and skillful playing.
Remembering consists of thirteen marvelous compositions that run for 63 minutes and immerses the listener in memorable melodies that create a gentle and comfortable atmosphere that allows our memories to rise to the surface and flow into our consciousness. Hence, they can be “remembered” which, considering the title of this album, is exactly the effect that Koch was shooting for as he worked on this music. Koch has chosen to use a simple selection of instruments which includes piano, keyboards, flute and some very light percussion to add just a bit of highlights here and there.
One can imagine from the titles of the tracks alone how they represent some of the memories that we all have tucked away in our hearts and minds. “My Secret,” “First Flowers,” “Carefree Sunday,” and “Longing for Night in Summer” are only a few of the songs that will inevitably remind the listener of the joys of life and how those experiences never really leave us, but rather live on as memories so that we can bring them out again when some warm thoughts are required to brighten up our days. Koch’s music is light and airy for the most part, filled with sunshine. But Remembering also includes some thoughtful songs that lend themselves to more introspection allowing us to pondering the ebbs and flows of our lives.
It is obvious that Koch has mastered his craft and is able to translate his sentiments and feelings into compositions that inspire those same kinds of feelings in his listeners. He is a highly talented composer and musician and Remembering is a shining example of his artistry and dedication to creating music that is not only enjoyable to listen to, but also allows the listener to use it for more than just an entertaining experience. The sound quality is impeccable and this album certainly lives up to the standards that he has achieved through his previous releases for Real Music. One of my favorite songs on this album is called “Time of Innocence” and does indeed evoke that sense of time in our lives before the cares of life made it difficult to remember back to a period before everything became so complicated. It is the perfect example of what this album was meant to do in the mind of the listener. Recommended by Ambient Visions.
Remembering by Bernward Koch 
