Matthew Hill, chair of the Music Department and professor of music, will perform a solo piano recital this Friday highlighting the formal release of his new CD, “Silent Colors.” The CD was recorded on the Blue Griffin label last spring while he was on sabbatical.

Hill noted the considerable amount of time and discipline that went into the creation of the album and explained the importance of developing a relationship with the music. “You have to record something you feel close to,” said Hill.

The recital will include selected pieces from the CD and will feature works by Olivier Messiaen, Franz Liszt, Claude Debussy and Alexander Scriabin. Both the CD and the recital explore three significant themes including the relationship between music and color, the connection of music and silence and religious symbolism.

Although he loves each piece in the recital, Hill feels a special connection to compositions by Messiaen and Liszt because of the religious symbolism that is expressed through their music.

The recital will be held in Rieth Recital Hall this Friday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are seven dollars for adults, five dollars for students and seniors, and admission is free for GC faculty and students with ID cards. Copies of Hill’s CD will be available for sale following the recital.