To anyone that asks about the origin of piano in his life, Kristof replies he does not remember a time when the piano was not there: “The piano has always been in my life, and is as much a part of me as my eyes or hands – it is an alpha and omega to me.” Kristof began formal classical lessons at five, and studied throughout his school years, then in college. He has also made a life-long endeavor of exploring different music, and applying his talents in new ways.
Kristof began writing and playing his own piano music early, and has always enjoyed improvising at his instrument alone and for others. He has always considered his playing and his music a blessing, as there have been "...so many times when my playing has attracted love and acceptance. And, there were long periods where I did not play at all, but the music always drew me back - it is my life’s compass."
A typical blue-collar family upbringing in Mid-Atlantic USA, and travels as a college student, military serviceman and family-man have left Kristof with an eclectic range of artistic tastes and influences. “I believe in the validity and relevance of every artistic style and medium within its context, because I believe art comes from a need to communicate and relate to others personally on our various experiences of the human condition – to create meaning in our lives.”
While Innocents Sleep is Kristof’s first musical offering, and is a gateway to a larger body of original music on the near horizon. “Innocents… is my John the Baptist, drawing me forward on the path to my personal salvation. Like I said, the music I write and play has always been my direction-finder, and the music in this first collection, though much of it is recently composed, also draws on material that I have been carrying with me since I was quite young. Innocents brings together memories of where I have been, what I have done, and what I aspire to in the future.”
The style of music in Innocents attempts most importantly to be relevant to its listeners, and to relate to “the people I know, here and now… in the town where I live.” A Libra in heart and mind, Kristof feels compelled “…to connect with people in ways that are meaningful and positive. The relaxing nature of Innocents reflects a personal need to seek moments of repose, balance, and beauty, amidst the perpetual din of a fast-paced and accomplishment-driven lifestyle.”