Alas, the holiday season is once again behind us, and as musical performers everywhere are gearing up for their next big recordings, for Christmas of '95, the rest of us are still trying desperately to forget the lilting strains of the Beastie Boys: Holiday Classics and other such fare that graced our ears in music stores throughout December. If you're still suffering from any post-holiday-syndrome, here are a few selections that might be just what the doctor ordered.

ROMANCE Music for the Piano
(various Narada artists)

So you need to de-stress, eh? Seek no more. Romance is a quiet collection of 17 pianistic compositions by nine Narada artists, artfully packaged with printed snippets of classic romantic poetry by the likes of Shelley, Blake, Yeats, and others. The music is sufficiently of a style to work well as background ambiance for massage and the healing arts. For soothing and un-winding, Romance is the Pick-of-the Month. Although most of the compositions are not particularly memorable, the overall feel and sound is genuinely relaxing and very well done.

• Style: Romantic piano
• Instrumentation: Mostly solo piano. Solo violin on one selection and light strings on a few others
• Feel: Warm and cuddly
• Performances: Very good overall
• Compositions: An appropriate variety. From semi-classical to pop ballad feels.
• Arrangements: Simple and effective (no drums)
• Tempos: All slow to medium slow. Excellent for creating a de-stressing ambiance.
• Recording quality: A wide variety of grand pianos, each with their own sound. All recorded very well.
• Comments: Recommended for quieting jangled nerves and obvious alternative uses. At most retail outlets.
  

OPEN TO THE NORTH
Harper Tasche

A natural grass-roots, back to basics (no synthesizers or samplers), Celtic sounding recording inspired by the classical and folk music traditions of Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Open to the North is a worthy collection of original music featuring the 26 string harp (similar to the Celtic harp), the bowed psaltery, recorder, hand drum, bell sphere and finger cymbals.

• Style: In the style of ethnic folk music. Kind of like Patrick Ball (Celtic Harp) with a few other folk instruments.
• Instrumentation: see above
• Feel: Mostly lyrical and light
• Performance: Very good overall, but a few selections have a certain awkward hesitancy. A lack of flow.
• Compositions: Very lyrical folk-like melodies
• Arrangements: Appropriately sparse with sufficient variety to keep things interesting
• Tempos: Slow to medium. Nothing too upbeat. Suitable for massage and such.
• Recording quality: Excellent

Comments: A worthwhile addition to your CD or cassette collection. But why not listen for yourself. You can hear narrated excepts by calling (206) 233-8517. That's in Seattle. The telephone can't duplicate the fine recording quality of this CD but it can certainly give you a sampling of the music.

To order send $11.50 per cassette, $16.50 per CD to: Harper Tasche, PO Box 9581, Seattle, WA 98109 (price includes shipping).

CANTILENA
Bill Douglas (Hearts of Space)

Cantilena by Bill Douglas has a warmth and purity that I haven't heard in a long time. A recording that brings comfort after a long hard day, and works equally well to gently segue in and out of quiet times or rest. A delightful combination of woodwinds and synthesizers. Creative, playful melodies and harmonies never lose sight of their goal, giving a feeling of calm to the listener. Bill Douglas has really given a part of himself in this recording which resonates deeply as the heart of the child in each of us. I highly recommend it.

• Style: gentle new-age
• Instrumentation: Woodwinds, piano, cello, synthesizer, occasional light percussion. One vocal selection, a Celtic-like ballad.
• Feel: Extremely calming
• Performances: Very well done
• Compositions: Simplicity with classical character & depth
• Arrangements: Colorful and varied with a delicate touch.
• Tempos: Mostly slow to medium with two more lively selections.
• Recording quality: Excellent
• Remarks: Two thumbs up!
  

Sound is perhaps the greatest power in the universe. In ancient china the philosopher Confucius believed that changing the music of the kingdom would result in the altering of society. He insisted that having the right music was just as important for the nation as having the right economic conditions or the right protection against invading armies.

If you can't find the reviewed selections at your local store, most of them can be ordered through The Present Moment book store in Minneapolis, MN. Their toll-free telephone number is 1-800-378-3245. Ask for John.

All reviews by Robert J. Resetar, a composer/orchestrator currently living in the Minneapolis area. His musical scores and orchestrations have been heard on network television programs, recordings and performed by symphony orchestras.

To have your recording considered for a review in Atlantis Rising, please send it to Robert Resetar, P.O. Box 23528, Minneapolis, MN 55423.

No selections will be returned and due to the constraints of space only a limited number will be selected for printing. Please include information on where readers can purchase them and what formats they are available in. Preference will be given to alternative styles that are especially calming, colorful or unique.