Ralston Van der Schyff’s A Doll’s Ballet: Energetic Reflection of Nostalgia and Optimism

Cape Town-based pianist and producer, Ralston Van Der Schyff, brings an intimate and heart-touching composition with his single, "A Doll’s Ballet." Having a background in fusing Gospel, Jazz, and Classical, a one-man orchestra in himself, Ralston both creates and produces all of his compositions singlehandedly. With nothing but mind, soul, and heart driving him, his compositions are a reflection of unfiltered, unproduced, and unbridled artwork.

A Doll’s Ballet was composed during the height of the pandemic, a time of reflective and nostalgic consideration of times of happiness and love that have been lost. There, in an attic, a universe of forgotten toys, a metaphor for times of happiness contrasted with times of uncertainty and upheaval in present times, lay in view for Ralston.

This theme is woven seamlessly into the track's composition, its melody and soft harmonies of the piano providing a picture of beauty and sorrow, and its pace tracking with rise and fall of emotion that accompanies memories and desire. In its reflective state, even, the tune carries a message of hope and willpower.

Unlike heavily produced work, A Doll’s Ballet was recorded in a homemade studio in Ralston’s living room with an unconventional technique. Keeping the recorder rolling, and not allowing sound to build in a forced manner, with a minimum of post work, yields a raw and intimate sound and a work that feels intimate and universally understood.

Currently, Ralston is taking his talent abroad, providing solo sets for piano in Shanghai, China, including at Harrods' Tea Rooms, with intimate settings in which to enjoy his expressive performance.

A Doll’s Ballet is a deeply human piece, encapsulating emotions we all experience, nostalgia, love, and the longing for past happiness. Ralston Van Der Schyff’s ability to translate these emotions into a solo piano masterpiece solidifies his place as a profound musical storyteller.

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