The Seasons by Tom Howe & David Lawson: A Soundtrack for the Everyday Epic
Let’s cut to the chase—The Seasons isn’t just another classical-meets-stage-and-screen snoozefest. Released in 2008 via Abaco Music Library (because, you know, UK labels are fancy like that), this album feels more like an emotional postcard from Mother Nature herself. Composers Tom Howe and David Lawson nailed it when they decided to make music that doesn’t just sit there looking pretty but actually feels. And before we dive into specifics, shoutout to Dave Fuller for producing, David Blackman for mastering, and whoever at 1977 Design made the cover look cooler than my Spotify playlist art.
Now, let’s talk tracks. Out of all 16 songs (yes, SIXTEEN!), two stuck with me harder than leftover bubblegum under a park bench: “Winter Storm” and “Siesta.”
“Winter Storm” is basically what happens if Hans Zimmer had a baby with Vivaldi during a snow day. It starts off slow, almost shy—like winter tiptoeing in while autumn takes its last breath—and then BAM! The strings crash in like icy winds against your bedroom window. You can practically feel frostbite setting in as the tension builds. It’s dramatic without being over-the-top, which is impressive because, let’s face it, most winter-themed music either sounds like sad elves or angry polar bears. But here? Pure cinematic gold.
Then there’s “Siesta,” which flips the script entirely. If “Winter Storm” is a moody blockbuster, “Siesta” is that lazy Sunday afternoon where even your cat refuses to move. It’s light, breezy, and has these little guitar plucks that sound like sunshine tickling your ears. I mean, who wouldn’t want to nap to this? It’s so chill it might as well come with a hammock attached. Honestly, if someone told me this track was secretly used in a rom-com montage of people falling in love at a beach café, I’d believe them instantly.
What makes The Seasons stand out is how unpretentious it is. There’s no attempt to reinvent the wheel; instead, it celebrates the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. Tracks like “Autumn Walks” and “Morning” remind you of those quiet, reflective times when life slows down enough for you to notice the beauty around you. Even the slightly melancholic “Lament” doesn’t wallow too hard—it just lets you sit with your feelings for a bit before nudging you forward.
In conclusion, The Seasons is less about showing off and more about storytelling. It’s the kind of album that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, leaving you humming melodies you didn’t realize were stuck in your head. Plus, bonus points for making me appreciate British weather for once—something I never thought possible. So grab a cuppa, press play, and let this soundtrack whisk you away. Or don’t. Either way, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for it again someday.
Oh, and one last thing: If anyone knows where I can get the sheet music for “Winter Storm,” hit me up. My piano teacher said I could use something "seasonal" for my next recital, and I’m thinking this would absolutely slay.
