Windows: Windham Hill 25 Years of Piano

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Free Music Notes for Windows: Windham Hill 25 Years of Piano

Free Music Review: Showcase for Windham Hill's Finest
Hit: 5 Stars

How they can do this in a single 53 minute disc is beyond me- the company has distributed some amazing piano music that is surely worthy of a longer compilation. However, to their credit, what they have chosen is of the highest order.

The CD features many well-known pianists and some not so familiar, but each track is strong in its own individual way. It even features a 16 year old's debut piece, "Past Voices".

Oystein Sevag's "Children's Song" holds some curious addiction to me; a very simple melody that you can't help but listen intently to.

Michael Harrison's "In Flight" perfectly captures the subject of the title- I see birds migrating as I fly along side them on their beautiful long journey.

"Rocket to the Moon" had to be included. It was the piece that launched Jim Brickman's career and will be instantly recognisable to many.

Another favourite is "To The Well" by Walter Mathieu. On this piece, Mathieu is accompanied by vocalist Bobby McFerrin. The founder of the company, Will Ackerman, states in the insert that this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music he has heard- and I would agree. It is one of those examples of music that you'll either love or hate; for me it is definitely the former. I tend to find that voice and piano does neither any favours; one gets in the way of the other and you end up not being able to concentrate on either. This is a rare example of when this doesn't happen. Instead, they complement one another, mainly because the piano is still the prominent sound and the vocals are wordless. They add a haunting, yet strangely beautiful quality to the music.

Beautifully presented, this CD is a must if you are a piano lover. Congratulations, Windham Hill, and here's to another 25 years of creating some of the best instrumental music around.

Very highly recommended.

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