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Free Music Notes for In My TimeFree Music Review: Breath-taking... Hit: 5 Stars
I started taking piano lessons when I was 13. I discovered Yanni's music a couple of years later, "Reflections of Passion" in particular - while "Beavis and Butthead," believe it or not. My piano teacher flipped. She had Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Bach, et al in mind for me (all of whom I love; don't get me wrong,) but I was pulled towards Yanni. Perhaps it was his accessibility, y'know, a "living" composer as opposed to a long-dead genius; I don't know. My teacher and I graciously parted ways and I continued to teach myself.
Then I found this album.... I so wanted to smear this work in my ex-teacher's face!
Yanni stripped away almost all the bells and whistles of the synthesizer music which earned him a much deserved reputation and displayed a mastery of the naked piano in all its voices! The emotions here are raw, genuine and expertly communicated; each track seems to tell a story. This is perhaps one of the most intimate albums I've ever heard.
I must say that, for me, THIS is the epitome of Yanni's career. In one release, he was able to obliterate any doubt that it is possible to master a piano's voice in one's own right; being three-hundred years old and dead is no longer a prerequisite, nor is simply being able to mimic long-dead heroes (all due respect to concert pianist and such; though I DO challenge you create something all your own...) Yanni reminds us that the human mind was not merely designed to look back in awe in what we as a people HAVE done. The human mind is greater now than ever; we can STILL CREATE; we can still dream. Live TODAY, and make the classics for TOMORROW.
Oh, and F.Y.I., Yanni never took a piano lesson. He doesn't read standard sheet music, but DOES have a unique style of writing his music down that only HE truly understands (it's a combination of Greek and weird symbols.) He's also gifted with Perfect Pitch which is the ability to identify musical notes upon hearing them. Therefore, he can listen to the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin, et al and play them back with impeccable accuracy without seeing "note-one" on paper. Fortunately for us, unlike fine wines, genius doesn't need to age to be enjoyed!
Free Music Review: Great stuff. Soft and gentle but grand all the same. Hit: 5 Stars
I don't know what to say about this other than what the headline of my review says but I will try. I LOVE this CD. That's is the best way I can think of to start thos review off. I have been a fan of Yanni since my high school years and am now nearly 30 years old as of this writing right now. That's trivia but it makes a point, I've liked his stuff for a while. What I like about this CD is that it shows Yanni as a very versatile musician, able to coax great emotion out of his instruments whether he decides to go with a complex or simple style. A lot of Yanni's early work, as fans know, is done YES with piano but mostly with electronic keyboards and synthesisers, or a mix of the two. More recent works of his have a big, full orchestra feel and a lot of vocals in them, hinting at a fresh new approach. What IN MY TIME does is return to the ultimate in simplicity. A lot of this work is done ONLY with piano or with piano and VERY light accompaniment on strings. The result is an album that, while it does not have the epic feel of TRIBUTE or LIVE AT THE ACROPOLIS, it is beautiful, intimate and soaringly romantic. It WILL touch your heart if you have the courage to LET your heart be touched. To me this album does a great job of reaching into the heart and using simple and beautfiul melody to show things like the beauty of a morning sunrise or the great bliss of knowing what true love feels like to a heart that is experiencing it. Yes I'm a romantic at heart, but there you have it. Sometimes less is more, far more. In this case, the grand orchestra passages and epic feel of other Yanni albums are not missed, because under Yanni's gentle passionate fingers and their masterful touch, the piano literally sings. This album, simple, gentle and serene, stands on its own merit as one of Yanni's best and most intimate albums ever. Give it a listen. Your heart might sing along too as it hears and feels the romance, gentle passion and, yes, dramatic power in this work. Peace to all that read this. God bless. :)
Free Music Review: Yanni's Best!! Hit: 5 Stars
What can I say about Yanni. His music is the ultimate in relaxation! 'In My Time' is my all-time favorite Yanni cd! Pure and emotionally provoking music that leaves you soothed and relaxed. The difference in this cd, compared to his others, is the piano focus that Yanni uses. Most of his other works are more synthesizer oriented. Don't get me wrong...those works are beautiful, but there is just something about his piano based compositions that really strike me. Very poignant. (I love solo piano anyway). I just think this really showcases Yanni's multitalented ability. As with all his music, Yanni composed and produced every song. He is accompanied on this cd w/ a variety of instrumentality.... acoustic violins, cello, bass, keyboards and percussion. Interestingly, each songs title really fits the mood of the song. You can "feel" the emotion that went into the writing and playing of these compositions. In my opinion, this is Yanni's best work. We all know he certainly has a reputation for the more systhesizer oriented music, but if that's not your thing, then you'll be very pleasantly surprised with the piano based, 'In My Time.' Great to work, study or chill out with. I promise, you won't regret purchasing this cd. It is truly beautiful music!!!
Free Music Review: Bitter Sweet Music For The Soul Hit: 5 Stars
Yanni is perhaps the one artist who makes music that has somehow burrowed itself "deep inside" my soul. He has long been known for his breathtaking vistas, but they are not to be found on this album, instead what is heard here is music at its most basic, intimate level - mostly just piano and a few strings. Simplicity at its best.
To say that this album is simply uplifting would not do the music the justice it deserves - yet that is not to say that it is in any way shape or form, depressing. It is a rare thing indeed when art imitates life accurately - yet here it is found in all its glory.
All in all, there are many facets to what is heard here - too many to list - and what is heard must be deeply personal music to Yanni, as it shows itself in strong, genuine emotion that cannot be "faked" - and somehow he relates it in such a way that it comes across as music to live your life by. I know that sounds corny, but I can't explain it any other way. There are no sacharine sounds to be found here, just pure emotion.
It is simply beautiful music for life. This CD should be heard by everyone who believes that deep down, life is a wonderful thing.
Free Music Review: It is not just beautiful music; it is a priceless panacea for your soul. Hit: 5 Stars
I am not a zealous Yanni fan and I do not write reviews very often. I, however, feel the urge to write something about this CD. Yes, it is beautiful and heart-touching as many other reviewers have already testified. Moreover, this CD is beyond relaxation music. It not only soothes your soul; it also elevates your spirit and enhances your physical well-being. I feel this CD, especially its two tracks One man dream and Felitsa, somehow works very well with water activities, be it swimming or spa. After vigorous swimming laps or hot spas, I turn on this CD and let the music take me into sound sleep and beautiful dreams. When I wake up, I feel fully charged and ready for anything. Even my eyesight gets sharpened. I look out to my garden and I see lush green, radiating red, vibrating yellow that I somehow usually miss. And my kids, my wife, my neighbors look more beautiful and happier than ever.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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