Salt Lake City-based composer and pianist James Shumway has spent a lifetime forging his own sonic vision, channeling pure emotion into his music. Beginning classical piano training at the age of six and composing by nine, his deep connection to the instrument has shaped a style reminiscent of the Romantic Period greats.
Often compared to Sergei Rachmaninoff, james draws on the sweeping passion and technical ability of composers like Rachmaninoff and Beethoven, crafting pieces that are at once deeply expressive and technically impressive. For James, music is a vehicle for emotion, a way to communicate the intangible and his compositions are built on themes of love, longing and connection, striking a chord with listeners through their delicate melodies and phrasing.
His previous releases, such as “IOU” showcased this emotional impact, framing the euphoria of discovering a soulmate, brimming with joy and devotion, while his piece “Regrets,” painted a darker, more reflective picture, a lament of missed opportunities and irreversible mistakes. Now returning with his latest single titled “To the One I Love,” James Shumway presents another breathtaking instrumental piano piece via a love letter conveyed through music.
With sweeping arpeggios and soaring runs, the track distils the unspoken emotions of devotion and longing, capturing the complexities of deep affection. Set up by the bright dance of airy notes and playful performance, the composition instantly draws you in with its alluring musical charm and buoyant playing style, gently blossoming with warm harmonies and delightful melodic flickers.
Putting his compositional flair and virtuoso performance panache on full display, “To the One I Love” sees James Shumway present a dazzling piece of modern classical music, once again confirming his talents as a worthwhile figure in the instrumental music sphere. Accompanying the release is a visually stunning music video filmed in the picturesque Aspen Grove, Utah, with the majestic peaks of Mount Timpanogos as a backdrop.
Directed by renowned videographer Nick Sales, known for his work with The Piano Guys, the video amplifies the composition, merging the striking scenery of nature with the elegance of James’ absorbing performance. With each new release, James Shumway continues to stake his claim as a must watch name in contemporary classical music, blending technical skill with emotion, resulting in a musical output that’s impossible not to be moved by.
Watch the music video for To the One I Love below
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