| 1. Farmer's Hand Intro |
| 2. Fairy Dance |
| 3. Summer Skye |
| 4. Brighid's Blessing |
| 5. Mo Cairenn |
| 6. Farmer's Hand (instrumental version) |
| 7. The Fianna Battle Song |
| 8. The Knowing Tree |
| 9. The Garden |
| 10. Myst on the Glen |
| 11. Mother Sun |
| 12. Fantasy and Dance |
| 13. Fields of the Heart |
| 14. Farmer's Hand (vocal version) |
Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
David Davidson, violinist, has performed around the world as concermaster, soloist, and chamber musician. Currently, David is concertmaster of The Tennessee Summer Symphony and The Nashville Chamber Orchestra and member of The Nashville String Machine, the prestigious studio orchestra recording regularly for all major artists in the Nashville music community. David's passionate use of violin and strings in all forms of commercial and concert music lends him an artistic edge. He resides in Bellevue, Tennessee with his wife, Karen and four children.
Product Description
The Irish peasants, left to fend for themselves in a world dominated by a corrupted church, oppressive landlords, and an absence of local government and medicine, turned to the own imaginations to understand the world around them. From haunting ballads to spry dances, this music was inspired by their legends, their lore, and their fantasies. Over 50 minutes of original Celtic music featuring violin, guitars, penny whistles, piano, bodhran, bass, percussion, and string orchestration.
Amen. It's everything everyone says it is. And it was absolutely worth the wait.
Yes, good cover choice; love the white horse.
Where's our DVD, Concertmaster?
I wouldn't not recommend it, but I wouldn' rave over it either.
Mehdi's Instrumental Paradise is a special recording in that it captures the soul and essence of one of the great musical visionaries in our time.
Mehdi has been playing the piano since he could reach the keys and has composed music for many feature films prior to embarking on his Instrumental musical journey in the mid-90's. Mehdi's music (a mixture of Middle Eastern, Celtic, Greek, Southern European and Spanish or at times Moorish set to neo classical and more modern influences) defies the current practice of cataloging each artist into a standard category. Above all else, this is music for the adventurer in each of us.
Mehdi is the feature artist showcasing his wide-ranging Piano and mesmerizing original compositions. But this is by no means a one-person show. Flutist Dan Jenks, Violinist Tony Ragetti, Percussionist Yoshi Masayuki,Cellist Jesse Von Unwerth,Persian Oudist John Bilezikjian,Guitarist Michael Barbieri,Sitarist Daniel J Gupta are just a few of the virtuoso musicians on this master piece.
They add their tremendous musical talents to a recording that truly is more than the sum of its individual parts. Each of these musicians are talented masters in their own right and have recorded with Mehdi as well as other respected and diverse musicians ranging from Loreena Mckinnett to Yanni.
The sound quality of this recording is beyond reproach. The dynamics and spatial imaging of the recording deserve special mention. This truly is a recording without fault: Over 59 minutes of timeless excellence in sound.
Mehdi's spirituality seems to be as little understood as his music. He is a musical and spiritual adventurer. Each recording contains compositions that deal with a wide range of influences ranging from Christianity to Mysticism to Islam and other faiths. One should be careful in not labeling his beliefs as well as his music. Just listen, learn and enjoy.
If you enjoy artists such as Secret Garden, Loreena Mckinnett,Enya, David Lanz, Phil Coulter, Yanni, classical, Celtic and other world music, or if you are intrigued by a musical adventure, Mehdi's extraordinary Instrumentals should be on your short list of future musical purchases.
Ever since some cognoscenti used a snippet of his "Wedding Song" as background on an episode of "Northern Exposure," I've been hooked on Mehdi's compelling blend of inspiring melodies and middle eastern rhythms. The California Native and his bandmates are wizards with their instruments. Volume 8 Instrumental Paradise is a must for any fan of Mehdi's music; and I can think of no better way for someone unfamiliar with his sound to become acquainted.
Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski have composed an epic soundscape of powerful orchestrations, chanting choirs, mystical melodies and medieval minstrel songs that sets the perfect mood as you traverse dark kingdoms ruled by wizards and warriors to battle alongside barbarian hordes, elven mages and knights of legend.
It opens with fantasy-rock flourishes, steam hissing, and a chorus of powerful choirlike voices. Very "Lord of the Rings." Then a deep voice says very solemnly: "In a time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies. Kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to answer the call..."
That more or less sets the tone for the rest of the album: Nox Arcana keeps up that high fantasy feel throughout, flavoured with some Celtic sounds. Bagpipe stomp, eerie haunting medieval ballads, shimmering ethereal pop urgent, urgent strings and ominous "Dark Lord" music, darkly intriguing gothic music, frightening fantasy war-march, and new-age balladry.
Nox Arcana has already tackled ghosts, vampires, angels and even sinister Christmas. It's about time that they got to the whole D&D-music style, and they pull it off quite nicely -- atmospheric and heavy, but the guys know when to lighten the mood with some more ethereal songs, and that not every song should be a hard-rocker about a battle -- there are magical moments as well.
In fact, this is sort of a story album, although the story is more or less yours to fill in. Nox Arcana uses heavy percussion, gongs, some well-played bagpipes, harp and hard strings to add intense atmosphere to all of these, and listeners can easily imagine what they represent -- a nighttime chase, underground searches, a misty lake, a beautiful palace, evil armies attacking a castle, or even.... yes, a dragon.
"The Siege" is the pinnacle of this, since it actually sounds like a battle -- war horns, ominous chants, stamping feet. Then the album really takes off, right up to the rousing, inspiring finale "Eternal Heroes" -- it's up to the listener what has happened, but the rousing feeling of it is clear.
Steeped in atmosphere, and rich with solid instrumentation, "Blood of the Dragon" is a must-have for D&D and/or fantasy geeks.
"Blood of the Dragon" is an arresting symphonic experience that takes the listener on a journey back to a mythic, medieval world populated by sorcerers, warring knights and lethal dragons. This setting provides a rich canvas for Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski to work their magic, and the composers deliver crisp, memorable melodies brought to life with the most intricate and impressive orchestrations Nox Arcana has yet created. Strings, horns and percussion are backed by stirring choirs and sound effects that easily conjure images of clashing swords, marching armies and awe-inspiring dragons. One of the CD's highlights is "Highland Storm," in which an urgent violin melodically chases a rhythm of pounding war drums, evoking images of horsemen racing across a storm-tossed plain. Another standout piece is the stark, slower-paced "Rogue's Hollow," a haunting mandolin song that showcases Nox Arcana's uncanny ability to craft elegant, meditative melodies that will linger in the listener's mind long after the CD has ended. Jeff Endemann's impressive guest vocal on the ballad-like "Treasure of the Four Crowns" is yet another CD highlight, demonstrating how Nox Arcana can move easily among musical styles, from stirring, symphonic war anthems to moody ballads and minstrel pieces.
"Blood of the Dragon" should have been the soundtrack to Lord of the Rings - it's that good. You have to hear it to believe it.
1. Ancient Legacy - The very first moments of this tell me we are in for a much different tale, and a grand thing it is. The music does not drift in gradually and 'creep' up on us. No, instead a powerful bass drum hit and rousing choral passages immediately throw us right into the middle of this epic. It calls to mind a clear sky with clouds drifting in over a bloodred sunset as we are given a panoramic view of a lush and rugged landscape, then taken into a village where a white-robed bard or sage dark of hair and piercing of eye sits among those gathered about a fire to begin his tale:
"In the time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies and kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to heed the call. For honor and vengeance the ventured forth with steel and sorcery to combat the merciless legions of darkness. For it was said that those who answered the call were possessed of the warrior spirit, and the blood of the dragon flowed through their veins."
This stirring preamble is underscored by a compelling mixture of strings and soft drums. At its conclusion, the piece is closed out brilliantly with more strings, soft percussion, rousing choral work, and the drawing of a sword.
2. The Quest Begins- If I had to use three words to describe this piece, they would be 'pageantry' 'hope' and 'beauty'. It's a wonderful blending of stirring string work, beautiful chorus, majestic horns and blood-pumping drumbs. It is easy for me to depict an army of valliant knights and warriors preparing to venture forth to accomplish the bidding of their king amdist grand spectacle amidst tender farewells to loved ones and the hope of a glorious return.
3. Citadel Of Secrets- This piece really impresses me with effective simplicity. With no more than a choir and a tolling bell, Nox Arcana is able to convey mystery, melancholy, wonder, reverence and power.Within my mind I see a candlelit temple where the guardians of vital ancient knowledge remain ever vigilant and secluded, yet willing and able to aid any who dare to seek them, that they might grant the boon of much needed knowledge and lore.
4. Sorceror- Chorus, drums, and swirling strings do a fantastic 'waltz' here. The chorus is especially majestic and powerful but everything blends wonderfully as the piece to me depicts a wise wizard working his craft expertly, that he might aid those embarked upon a vital quest filled with great peril.
5. Treasure Of The Four Crowns- I'll get right to the point for this one. This is a beautiful ballad. A heart-tugging blend of guitar, exotic percussion and gentle flute is combined with the bardic voice of guest vocalist Jeff Endemann. The blending of that voice with a solemn narration by Joseph Vargo in the middle of this piece works pure magic. It is a beautiful ode to a perilous quest for an ancient artefact prized of many for its power to grant immortality upon the worthy finder.
6. Highland Storm- A majestic musical movement, easily worthy to depict a tale straight out of Celtic myth. Rousing and blood-stirring Highland pipes start us off. The thunder of the bodhran soon appears, first mating with the pipes in a mighty slow thunder, and then picking up in pace to a gallop as it is overlaid with wonderful fidle work. I love the choral and cello work in this one too, and the mix of the Irish Uilleann pipes into it all. Taken together, this calls to mind misty emerald fields, meadows, and mountains through which warriors both mounted and afoot charge into and engage in desperate clash, beneath overcast and weeping grey skies as thunder and lightning mightily sing together, crashing and flashing repeatedly through the heavens.
7. Mist Loch- This is a perfect blend of beauty, mystery, menace and wonder. A beautiful harp passage is mated with a haunting siren's call. I love the feel imparted by the deep bass instrument, and the feeling of ominous dread invoked by it as it couples with a tolling bell Together, thest things show me a murky mist-clad waterway through which a regal songstress guides us with her voice and harp. The question is, to where, and what awaits ahead?
8. Underworld- I was initially surprised how much I love this piece, but love it I do. Despite it's darkly suggestive title, this piece is anything but PURELY dark to the point of becoming drab. It is dark indeed but it has sense of awe and wonder in it and is very much a rousing piece too. Pounding drums and a deep bass instrument that sounds to me a bit luke a tuba in it's depth of tone start us off... blending with strings that give us both a sense of adventure and urgency together. It is as if now the mighty hero has crossed the lake of mist and is entering deep dark caverns, exploring their secrets with his brothers in arms on the way to whatever lies ahead on his quest. The choral work in this peice lends a majestic power and magnifies the intensity tenfold.
9. The Mystic's Keep- Here, we get exotic. The feel to me is heavily Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Arabic. What sounds like a sort of gong is blended with invigorating Middle Eastern style percussion and tambourines. The piece is embellished further by boisterous male and pretty and soft female choral work, as well beautiful guitar and harp in the back of the piece and a rythmic powerful chant performed by co-composer Joseph Vargo in the front. To me, in my mind I see a a dimly lit but welcoming hidden sanctuary, nestled deep within perilous caverns. It is a haven where brave adventures may partake of brief rest and gain new information from a reclusive but wise denizen. The deeper bass drumming is especially strong here.
10. Stygian Depths- This piece is a mood setter as much as anything. It is comprised of the sound of wind, blending with a deeply booming drum and what appears to me to be the sounding of a great and ancient dark battle horn. The wind has an eerie howling moan effect to it that works wonders for the piece. It invokes pure dread as we await the imminent peril that is certain to come our way, and is a perfect segue for us into...
11. Legions Of Darkness - Tense and pounding strings and drums blend with a deep horn and male choir here to take us on this part of the journey. I love how the clash of swords and what sounds like chainmail-guarded footsteps blend with the percussion. A tolling bell makes a nice appearance too. To me this arrangement is dead-on as a fit for the title, depicting a meeting with relentless armies emerging from the depths both to confront and hinder adventurers that would dare to come. The final tolling bell is a very nice touch.
12. Steeds Of Thunder- Here we are aurally gifted and presented with deep rousing horns and thunderous pounding drums. They dance for us with powerful male and female choir and urgent strings. Mighty equine beasts are easily visualized, kicking up great clouds of dust and trodden earth as they gallop across great majestic fields. The powerful chorus compounds the already tremendous strength of this piece.
13. Rogue's Hollow- I am amazed by this. Why, you ask? Two words: Simple beauty. With no more than a pair of guitars, Nox Arcana depicts a homey sanctuary nestled within a lovely glade It is a place of rest come upon after the headlong dash through vast and perilous fileds and lands. It is a welcome and gorgeous quiet moment amidst the bombastic musical storms of the quest.
14. Warrior's Dawn- I see this is the antithesis of "Legions Of Darkness". Thundering drums mate with vigorous strings and choral work possessed of colossal strength. While still solemn in character, I see this piece as noble in its cast as well, while the other was sinister in its own way. The choir in this is very very strong, and I love the blending of the deeper bass drums with the galloping militaristic thunder of the snare drum and the booming resonant voice of what sounds to me like the Irish bodhran or the Japanese taiko. The occasional clash of swords within this piece is a beautiful percussive touch.
15 The Siege - A deep bass drone begins this one. It is soon blending with heavy slow drumming, invigorating but chilling choral chant, and brooding horns. After what sounds like a rousing battle cheer, the drumming kicks into VERY high gear, becoming a thunderous charge. That charge is lent extra power by the blended song of male and female choir, and the tensely swirling strings that drift through the chorus as the pounding percussion intensifies more and more, building to a breath-stealing climax.
16. Dragon Riders- I love this piece. It has resonant millitaristic drumming and urgent strings. They combine with majestic soaring horns and heart-pounding chorus to depict in my mind an army of airborned mighty warriors and the regal beasts they ride into desperate battle, contesting mightily with each other within darkened flame-streaked skies
17. Flame Tongue- This is a great heart-pounder of an ambient 'mood' track. The movement of great wings is combined with distant growls. Eventually they intensify in volume. The heart-stopping climax that also induced a smile of awe for me, comes when a pair of positively mighty roars are given, and combined with crackling flame. It was everything I had envisioned for a moment like this.
18. Defenders Of The Realm- Here we go! Now we get another touch of grand heroism! Deep and pounding drums blend once more with swirling strings and majestic choir as well as some very powerful horn passages. This time, the battle is turning in our favor. You see, we've got some tough hombres on our side too! I love the pure power of this piece It's an invigorating anthem for our land's heroes that I never tire of hearing. My mind depicts mighty heroic warriors rushing to meet the enemy within our keep, engaging in herculean battle within the keep as boiling oil and huge boulders rain down from above...Valiant archers lend their skill as well, firing swiftly and true upon the foes straining to breach our defenses, but failing in the end as our brave and mighty guardians save the day.
19. Chamber Of The Immortals- I will be bold and declare that this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL piece of music that Nox Arcana has EVER done to date. From the very beginning, the floodgates FLEW open for me and they absolutely would not stop. I immediately envisioned a beautiful crowned queen with long flowing hair clad in a pristine white gown standing amidst a magnificent treasure filled chapel-like room with brilliant light streaming in through crystal-forged 'windows' almost like stained glass, but crystalline in nature. I envisioned a mighty, steadfast and most noble warrior being given assurance of undreamed of glory, but that one final peril lay ahead for him to face. An even greater poignancy and power is lent to the peice by the blended chorus, and the soft drums and strings that augment it at the climax. The whole piece is heartstirring and heavily awash in pure loveliness.
20. Blood Of The Dragon- I LOVE 'thematic' compositions. Here, we get one of those, and it is grand and epic in it's power, scope, and stregnth. As with "Ancient Legacy", we are immediately gifted with a solitary bombastic bass drum hit blended with wonderful and regal choral melody. Instead of narration, this time we get to hear a blood-stirring combination of soft strings, drums and choir. Eventually, they all increase in strength and volume, and in power. They blend wonderfully to dominate the piece, mixing to comprise a composition replete with kingly intensity, depicting in my mind a colossal personal final battle between a mighty paladin of justice and a nefarious warrior king of dreaded repute. My favorite part is the POWERFUL chorus but the way the drums and the strings blend with it is absolutely stunning. The deep horns I heard near the end closed it brilliantly. Many times I have cried for awe when listening to this one.
21. Eternal Champions- Here we are, at last... facing the climax of this grand and epic quest. Here, we are at first gently washed over by a pounding three-hit drumbeat that alternates between three, four, five or more beats per measure. That is blended with powerful choir and tolling bells. Very soon, very comes the powerful bombast of regal horns and strings. This will stir the blood for certain. Further power is given bye an intense choral melody and song. I love the sword clashes that are part of the percussiveness of this piece. I adore the heart-pounding blend of everything: Drums, chorus, strings, horns, sword-clash and more. All told, it is a more than fitting closer to the disc. What I really love is how the horns and the strings will 'take turns' withing the piece. On the first 'run' the horns come to the front of the melody while the strings stay in the back. In the second 'run', the strings come to the front and the strings retreat a bit, but never "too much". It is just the right blend. In the final 'run' the horns and strings blend together equally, mixing with everything else to bring the tale to a stunning conclusion. All told, this song is a heroic fanfare very much befitting a victorious warrior and his band of bretheren. In my mind is depicted a mighty paladin of justice and right being gifted by the Lady seen in the Chamber Of The Immortals with the treasure long-sought by many, earning immortality and his rightful place in legend and lore, then freely going home at last with his faithful companions and his valiant bretheren in arms.
There's one thing more that I will say. Do not hit 'stop' on your CD player when Eternal Champions goes quiet. The bonus tracks here are brilliantly done, and they each induced a smile from me in their own way and for their own reason.
In closing, if you are a fan of Nox Arcana, you owe it to yourself to get "Blood Of The Dragon". If you are not a fan, one listen to "Blood Of The Dragon" may be enough to make you a fan forever. It is a step into new territory for Nox Arcana, and what a great and tremendous step it is. They have meticulously crafted a beautiful, majestic, heartpounding, blood-stirring and soul-sooothing epic fantasy musical opus that could easily stand admidst the company of nearly any Hollywood fantasy movie score. It is a fantastic tale unlike any other that I have ever experienced. Come forth and embark upon this epic quest. It shall not be regretted. No, truly 'tis most likely that it shall be loved, as it is with me.
The Ancient Legacy beckons The Mighty as The Quest Begins. The Citadel of Secrets awaits your entrance, towering from knotted vines and black iron gates. Can you translate the ancient runes encribed on yellowed scrolls to lead you to the next great discovery? Deep within the lambent temple dim by flickering torch flame, consult The Sorcerer to find the Treasure of The Four Crowns, where your journey twists along dark paths amidst the Highland Storm unto the enchanting Mist Loch where many mysteries dwell, transmutating fog swirls about you revealing ghostly forms and phantom faces; a gateway to the Underworld opens beyond The Mystic's Keep, leading down through the Stygian Depths where the Legions of Darkness await. Hellfires leap from below with vengeful demonic cries, whose denizens shall soon pillage the land. Steeds of Thunder shake the heavens and quake the earth in their terrible wrath as baneful spectres emerge with eyes aglow in infernal light.
Rogue's Hollow there dwells shrouded in a haze of ancient spell as the Warrior's Dawn glows red, an omen of what is to come. With hearts pounding, The Siege yields Dragon Riders sillhouetted upon the horizon, as the fearsome Flame Tongue spreads across the bloodied land. Defenders of The Realm rise up to battle these shadowy phantoms with warcries echoing through the ages. Within the marble-laden Chamber of The Immortals, the living gods are present, and with the Blood of The Dragon, hail the Eternal Champions evermore.
As usual, the actual CD and booklet are splendidly elegant, filled with marvellous artwork {including a topographical map of Draconia}, and accentuating storylines.
Dare you step through the arcane portal into fabled dangerous dimensions to face nightmarish creatures and bewitching beings who rise up from the Stygian depths? Can you solve the riddle and survive to become part of the legend, or perish where many mighty have fallen...
The music itself is beautifully subtle. While Fairy Dance, Summer Sky, and The Fianna Battle Song are immediately accessible, you will find tracks 10 through 13 to be eventual favorites. Track 10 -- Myst on the Glen -- sounds very ethereal; the music fits its title perfectly. I love the colorful, vivid imagery that this music provokes each time I listen.
The performers have executed the music perfectly; the string instruments, especially, sound great. Expect a high overall production value.
While listening to this CD, I sometimes forget that it's supposed to be celtic. Over the years this album has gone from "that Celtic CD" to something I consider simply beautiful music and nothing else.
Fairy Dance takes you to a lush forest and is the music of legends, lore and fantasy. The fantasy portrayed is the result of years spent desiring freedom to the point of escape into the imagination. From spry dances to haunting ballads, you will feel the emotions of those who have gone before.
You could do nothing more than sit and listen and that would be enough. But if you could, you would grow wings and fly. This is pure sensual pleasure for the soul in Summer Skye.
Brighid's Blessing is filled with longing and warmth representing the desire for the Hearth Keeper to preserve the fire that burns in us all. To awaken to life with passion. The beauty will make your soul shiver.
Mo Cairenn lulls you into a sense of peace with guitar. Farmer's Hand reappears in an instrumental version and has an undercurrent reminiscent of the vibrations of life or all that is not seen that gives life. This is a sonorous experience.
Before you even know the name of The Fianna Battle Song, you will think of "war." It is mesmerizing, like an unstoppable march to death. Suddenly a stillness and delicious tempting quality appears in The Knowing Tree. It seems to be tempting you to walk down a winding path to a place of true contentment. Charming beauty combined with melancholy.
The Garden has beautiful words speaking of a peacefulness of knowing that the gift of love is free. Mysts on the Glen is sprinkled with magic and perhaps the splash of a selkie. You feel that fishing ships are called by the waves and you can even hear a few splashing on the rocks. Vivid.
Mother Sun makes you feel as if you are standing in the bright sunlight. This open and almost airy piece has a sweet sadness because with a mother's gift of life also comes the promise of death.
Fantasy and Dance seems to be a dance of life and ends in a crescendo. Bittersweet.
Fields of the heart is like the planting of three flowers that grow together in the warm earth and wave in a tender breeze. Completely Captivating.
Farmer's hand appears for the third time as a vocal version. Angelic voices sing of a child's smile, a warm home and how through our lives we go through joy and pain.
"Our lives are full with knowledge gained."
This is a deep journey into musical ecstasy. The violins play only what a heart can say. You will want to dissolve into this music.
I dedicate this to Francis because life is filled with
pleasure and pain and yet we have the choice to embrace
love and the power of joy.
~The Rebecca Review
If you are new to Mehdi, get this whole set if possible. If you don't, you are likely just prolonging the inevitable. I read another reviewer say that when I purchased my first Mehdi CD, but I didn't believe it. The day I received that first Mehdi CD, I quickly ordered the other seven CDs from SMI, and I waited very impatiently for them to arrive.
I'm certainly no expert, but to me, Mehdi compares only with Mozart: it's impossible to find a single composition that is not a perfect classic. And it only seems to get better with time.
I came across Mehdi 7 years back on our local FM station when they were playing his magical track, "Eastern Sunset." I hadn't even heard of Mehdi then. None of his albums were available in my city. Then, about a month back I heard another song on The Weather Channel and decided to look for Mehdi on the Amazon site. Much to my delight, I found him there. I instantly ordered this Gift Set without even thinking twice. I got my CDs in a few days time and, boy, is it worth every red cent of it. All the tracks are so very tuneful instead of boring, slow and out-of-rhythm mumbo jumbo you get to hear by other new age musicians. Even the so-called "legendary" new age artists are not in Mehdi's league when it comes to musical talent. All the tracks take you to another world where you are lost in the deep soulful melodies.
I have had the CDs now for over 5 weeks and I have been listening to them for about 8 hours a day. I personally believe that good music is about good melodies mainly and a good tune is the hardest thing to find in contemporary music. All the great, household names of today are basically noise. Even the giants of instrumental music pounding away their dull tones and tunes like Yanni, Kenny G or Robert Miles are flat and bland compared to Mehdi. I usually listen to music only from the sixties or seventies and only romantic music for that, although I am 29 years of age and 50+ as you might imagine. I consider it the real music. Mehdi is the only exception from contemporary music I like. In fact, I love his music. I strongly recommend this particular set of albums to all music fans. I think if Mehdi can get himself on a major network TV channel and into the top 40s, he would become the new instrumental giant of today. He has tremendous natural talent. It is not just the Piano-playing skills but the uncanny and rare talent to come up with out-of-this-world compositions. Don't miss out on the musical genius of today, buy this set without hesitation and you'll see how wonderful great music can make you feel !
My music tastes runs the gamut; from the Rolling Stones to Delerium, from Depeche Mode to the Chemical Brothers... yet I find Mehdi to fit most of the moods I find myself in these days. This music just makes me feel better, period.
I don't know much about Mehdi, whether this is a band, a DJ, etc, and until this week I only had a single CD, Vol 7. After searching locally everywhere for more Mehdi I came back to Amazon and purchased this 7-vol collection. It's the best $95 I've spent in years. In fact, I decided to get an iPod Shuffle just for this collection, so I can carry it with me everywhere.
If you've never heard of Mehdi and came here by clicking links for "similar" music, from say, Delerium, then I would describe Mehdi as "Delerium without the mania" (and I truly love Delerium). Whereas it is hard, but possible, to find a Delerium track you might not love, it is impossible to find a Mehdi track you don't love.
If you have the slightest interest in this kind of music, you cannot go wrong with this gift set. If you can't lay out $95 right now, then start with ANY Medhi CD, just start listening, it will change your life for the better. It's the best cure for stress that I know of. Mehdi is sublime...
[...]
This is music that makes your upper lip stiff.
HOWEVER-- in the spirit of not judging a book by its cover, I gave it a listen. The music is wonderful, and perplexingly enough, does not evoke a LOTR-ish medieval fantasy type mood or image for me. The rhythms are more modern, as are the instrumentations and vocals. The songs are more new-age than epic-age, if you will. Very lovely, evocative, and rich in their own right.
I only wish the album had been marketed on its own style, rather than piggybacking the LOTR fantasy craze. It smacks of Trying Too Hard to me, and as I said, the reason I almost didn't even bother with it. So don't let the packaging turn you off and buy the music for its own merit.
If you are looking for a relaxing/invigorating listening experience with airy, ethereal vocals and delicate music with an addicting, heartbeat like pulse, look no further.
This CD, while the name is misleading, will definitely lead you into a world of fantasy - one you journey into on your own, and that no Hollywood movie company can ruin.
In my opinion, this CD stays true to the original sound version. Obviously, there is some "artist's liberty" with this CD - it's *not* endlessly repetitive. The additional music is very good, however, and adds to the song. I get shivers just thinking about the game if some of the music on this CD were involved. The best in this case would be "Prologue..." and "Chocobo-Chocobo". Very appropriate. There is only one disappointment with this CD. "Into the Darkness" was turned from a eerily beautiful and haunting piece into a waltz! I can just see Gomez Addams dancing with his wife. However, the background was still very nice, so the song wasn't that bad. All in all, this CD is a delight to listen to and should definitely be added to any video game music fan's collection.
At first, I was uneasy about downloading this song, because I feared that this rendition would only spoil the original piece taken straight from the game. I had never really liked celtic music, and never taken the time to listen to it. Once I did, I was compelled to buy this CD. The Main Theme of Final Fantasy IV, aka the overworld theme, is definately one of my top 10 ALL-TIME favorite Final Fantasy pieces so I immediately fell in love. I am a cellist, and often when I hear a song I absolutely love, I teach myself to play the piece by ear on my cello. This song is definately fun to play on my instrument!
After hearing that song, I bought the CD, and was more excited about it that any other Final Fantasy CD I bought. When it finally shipped to my house, I popped it into my computer right away! To my surprise, the well-known, well-loved Final Fantasy Prelude and Prologue were incorporated in there! Now of course you have to love those beautiful pieces. The soundtrack is just so true to original Final Fantasy IV music, but with a livelier, more fresh touch. The third track, Chocobo-Chocobo, can be described in just two words: Pure Fun. It's just that short, bouncy tune that every Final Fantasy fan knows, except it's not the least bit annoying. Because of the instruments used, the arrangement, and track length, you never get bored. Besides, who ever said Chocobos don't like celtic music? You can definately tell they do in this happy song.
Since there are 15 songs on this CD, it sure would be a long review if I went through every song. (They are all worth a paragraph each.) So instead, I will just touch on my favorites from this soundtrack. The Main Theme, which I have already talked about, is at the top of that list. My other favorites are Welcome To Our Town!, a very blissful piece that reminds me of a folk dance celebration; Theme of Love, which is optimistically heart-wrenching (to say the least); Dancing Calcobrena, a great song that really sounds like a "dance", or waltz; Mystic Mysidia, which takes me directly back to that insanely strange town, with a fun rendition of the medley; and last, but certainly not least, Illusionary World. The eerie beginning gives me that feeling of being lost and alone in a cold world of fog. About halfway through the track, you hear the sound of a gong and all of the sudden the music picks up with a cheerful tune. You no longer feel lost in this 'illusionary world' and are at peace. This song does wonders for the imagination, and is no-doubt one of the best songs I have ever heard coming from all of Final Fantasy.
If you still feel unsure whether to buy this soundtrack or not, just remember... this is Nobuo Uematsu's music here. ...And it is all orchestral. You really can't go wrong. If you are new to the Final Fantasy series, or long-time fan like myself, this album will surely please the ears of both. I sincerely hope this review was of some help to you, and that it perhaps got you interested in buying this magnificent arrangement by Nobuo Uematsu.
For a person that greatly enjoys video game sound tracks and Celtic music, this CD is a wise choice to take. However, I think even someone not familliar with Final Fantasy IV could easily enjoy this CD just as much as I do.
David Davidson, violinist, has performed around the world as concermaster, soloist, and chamber musician. Currently, David is concertmaster of The Tennessee Summer Symphony and The Nashville Chamber Orchestra and member of The Nashville String Machine, the prestigious studio orchestra recording regularly for all major artists in the Nashville music community. David's passionate use of violin and strings in all forms of commercial and concert music lends him an artistic edge. He resides in Bellevue, Tennessee with his wife, Karen and four children.
Product Description
The Irish peasants, left to fend for themselves in a world dominated by a corrupted church, oppressive landlords, and an absence of local government and medicine, turned to the own imaginations to understand the world around them. From haunting ballads to spry dances, this music was inspired by their legends, their lore, and their fantasies. Over 50 minutes of original Celtic music featuring violin, guitars, penny whistles, piano, bodhran, bass, percussion, and string orchestration.
Celtic Fantasy,David Davidson
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Instrumental Paradise Volume 8
Mehdi Manufacturer: SoothingMusic.Com ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B000PGQEIG Release Date: 2007-04-30 |
Tracks:
- Steps To Paradise
- Eternal Bliss
- Guiding Light
- Heavens Rain
- Utopian Dance
- Sacred Gathering
- Blossoming Flowers
- Connecting Prayer
- Trees In The Breeze
- Prayers Answered
Product Description
Have you ever heard music so beautiful that it captivated you, lifted you up and opened your heart and mind? As comfortable as a relaxing day on the beach or as fresh as a warm spring breeze, these rich multicultural soundscapes are the soundtrack to your dreams. It's the feeling of bliss that you wish would never end. This is the music of Mehdi. We call it, "Music that sounds the way life should feel".>>> Contemporary Instrumental: Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Cello, Flute, Live Orchestral Strings, Electric Guitar, Persian Oud, Sitar, Santoor, Hammered Dulcimer with Rhythmic Hand Percussion, Drum Kit all Placed in Lush Orchestral Arrangements.Customer Reviews:
Another Best of Mehdi .......2007-07-06
Amen. It's everything everyone says it is. And it was absolutely worth the wait.
Yes, good cover choice; love the white horse.
Where's our DVD, Concertmaster?
Delightful, Relaxing, Wonderful !.......2007-06-29
Nice, but not the best I've ever heard........2007-06-29
I wouldn't not recommend it, but I wouldn' rave over it either.
Musical Nirvana - Where sound quality, artistry and composition come together........2007-06-25
Mehdi's Instrumental Paradise is a special recording in that it captures the soul and essence of one of the great musical visionaries in our time.
Mehdi has been playing the piano since he could reach the keys and has composed music for many feature films prior to embarking on his Instrumental musical journey in the mid-90's. Mehdi's music (a mixture of Middle Eastern, Celtic, Greek, Southern European and Spanish or at times Moorish set to neo classical and more modern influences) defies the current practice of cataloging each artist into a standard category. Above all else, this is music for the adventurer in each of us.
Mehdi is the feature artist showcasing his wide-ranging Piano and mesmerizing original compositions. But this is by no means a one-person show. Flutist Dan Jenks, Violinist Tony Ragetti, Percussionist Yoshi Masayuki,Cellist Jesse Von Unwerth,Persian Oudist John Bilezikjian,Guitarist Michael Barbieri,Sitarist Daniel J Gupta are just a few of the virtuoso musicians on this master piece.
They add their tremendous musical talents to a recording that truly is more than the sum of its individual parts. Each of these musicians are talented masters in their own right and have recorded with Mehdi as well as other respected and diverse musicians ranging from Loreena Mckinnett to Yanni.
The sound quality of this recording is beyond reproach. The dynamics and spatial imaging of the recording deserve special mention. This truly is a recording without fault: Over 59 minutes of timeless excellence in sound.
Mehdi's spirituality seems to be as little understood as his music. He is a musical and spiritual adventurer. Each recording contains compositions that deal with a wide range of influences ranging from Christianity to Mysticism to Islam and other faiths. One should be careful in not labeling his beliefs as well as his music. Just listen, learn and enjoy.
If you enjoy artists such as Secret Garden, Loreena Mckinnett,Enya, David Lanz, Phil Coulter, Yanni, classical, Celtic and other world music, or if you are intrigued by a musical adventure, Mehdi's extraordinary Instrumentals should be on your short list of future musical purchases.
Gorgeous sound !.......2007-06-25
Ever since some cognoscenti used a snippet of his "Wedding Song" as background on an episode of "Northern Exposure," I've been hooked on Mehdi's compelling blend of inspiring melodies and middle eastern rhythms. The California Native and his bandmates are wizards with their instruments. Volume 8 Instrumental Paradise is a must for any fan of Mehdi's music; and I can think of no better way for someone unfamiliar with his sound to become acquainted.
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Blood of the Dragon
Nox Arcana Manufacturer: Monolith Graphics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Goth
| Goth & Industrial
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Soundtracks
| Styles
| Music
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ASIN: B000L22PE6 Release Date: 2006-11-27 |
Tracks:
- Ancient Legacy
- The Quest Begins
- Citadel of Secrets
- Sorcerer
- Treasure of the Four Crowns
- Highland Storm
- Mist Loch
- Underworld
- The Mystic's Keep
- Stygian Depths
- Legions of Darkness
- Steeds of Thunder
- Rogue's Hollow
- Warrior's Dawn
- The Siege
- Dragon Riders
- Flame Tongue
- Defenders of the Realm
- Chamber of the Immortals
- Blood of the Dragon
- Eternal Champions
Album Description
In the time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies and kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to answer the call. For honor and vengeance they ventured forth with steel and sorcery to combat the merciless legions of darkness. For it was said that those who answered the call were possessed of the warrior spirit, and the blood of the dragon flowed through their veins.Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski have composed an epic soundscape of powerful orchestrations, chanting choirs, mystical melodies and medieval minstrel songs that sets the perfect mood as you traverse dark kingdoms ruled by wizards and warriors to battle alongside barbarian hordes, elven mages and knights of legend.
Customer Reviews:
D&D extraordinaire.......2007-01-12
It opens with fantasy-rock flourishes, steam hissing, and a chorus of powerful choirlike voices. Very "Lord of the Rings." Then a deep voice says very solemnly: "In a time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies. Kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to answer the call..."
That more or less sets the tone for the rest of the album: Nox Arcana keeps up that high fantasy feel throughout, flavoured with some Celtic sounds. Bagpipe stomp, eerie haunting medieval ballads, shimmering ethereal pop urgent, urgent strings and ominous "Dark Lord" music, darkly intriguing gothic music, frightening fantasy war-march, and new-age balladry.
Nox Arcana has already tackled ghosts, vampires, angels and even sinister Christmas. It's about time that they got to the whole D&D-music style, and they pull it off quite nicely -- atmospheric and heavy, but the guys know when to lighten the mood with some more ethereal songs, and that not every song should be a hard-rocker about a battle -- there are magical moments as well.
In fact, this is sort of a story album, although the story is more or less yours to fill in. Nox Arcana uses heavy percussion, gongs, some well-played bagpipes, harp and hard strings to add intense atmosphere to all of these, and listeners can easily imagine what they represent -- a nighttime chase, underground searches, a misty lake, a beautiful palace, evil armies attacking a castle, or even.... yes, a dragon.
"The Siege" is the pinnacle of this, since it actually sounds like a battle -- war horns, ominous chants, stamping feet. Then the album really takes off, right up to the rousing, inspiring finale "Eternal Heroes" -- it's up to the listener what has happened, but the rousing feeling of it is clear.
Steeped in atmosphere, and rich with solid instrumentation, "Blood of the Dragon" is a must-have for D&D and/or fantasy geeks.
A stunning musical achievement!.......2007-01-02
"Blood of the Dragon" is an arresting symphonic experience that takes the listener on a journey back to a mythic, medieval world populated by sorcerers, warring knights and lethal dragons. This setting provides a rich canvas for Joseph Vargo and William Piotrowski to work their magic, and the composers deliver crisp, memorable melodies brought to life with the most intricate and impressive orchestrations Nox Arcana has yet created. Strings, horns and percussion are backed by stirring choirs and sound effects that easily conjure images of clashing swords, marching armies and awe-inspiring dragons. One of the CD's highlights is "Highland Storm," in which an urgent violin melodically chases a rhythm of pounding war drums, evoking images of horsemen racing across a storm-tossed plain. Another standout piece is the stark, slower-paced "Rogue's Hollow," a haunting mandolin song that showcases Nox Arcana's uncanny ability to craft elegant, meditative melodies that will linger in the listener's mind long after the CD has ended. Jeff Endemann's impressive guest vocal on the ballad-like "Treasure of the Four Crowns" is yet another CD highlight, demonstrating how Nox Arcana can move easily among musical styles, from stirring, symphonic war anthems to moody ballads and minstrel pieces.
"Blood of the Dragon" should have been the soundtrack to Lord of the Rings - it's that good. You have to hear it to believe it.
Breathtaking!.......2006-12-10
There's only one word that fits for this one. That word is: Epic!!!.......2006-12-07
1. Ancient Legacy - The very first moments of this tell me we are in for a much different tale, and a grand thing it is. The music does not drift in gradually and 'creep' up on us. No, instead a powerful bass drum hit and rousing choral passages immediately throw us right into the middle of this epic. It calls to mind a clear sky with clouds drifting in over a bloodred sunset as we are given a panoramic view of a lush and rugged landscape, then taken into a village where a white-robed bard or sage dark of hair and piercing of eye sits among those gathered about a fire to begin his tale:
"In the time of the ancient gods, dragons ruled the skies and kingdoms rose and fell at the end of a sword. Legendary quests beckoned with the promise of danger and glory, and only a brave few dared to heed the call. For honor and vengeance the ventured forth with steel and sorcery to combat the merciless legions of darkness. For it was said that those who answered the call were possessed of the warrior spirit, and the blood of the dragon flowed through their veins."
This stirring preamble is underscored by a compelling mixture of strings and soft drums. At its conclusion, the piece is closed out brilliantly with more strings, soft percussion, rousing choral work, and the drawing of a sword.
2. The Quest Begins- If I had to use three words to describe this piece, they would be 'pageantry' 'hope' and 'beauty'. It's a wonderful blending of stirring string work, beautiful chorus, majestic horns and blood-pumping drumbs. It is easy for me to depict an army of valliant knights and warriors preparing to venture forth to accomplish the bidding of their king amdist grand spectacle amidst tender farewells to loved ones and the hope of a glorious return.
3. Citadel Of Secrets- This piece really impresses me with effective simplicity. With no more than a choir and a tolling bell, Nox Arcana is able to convey mystery, melancholy, wonder, reverence and power.Within my mind I see a candlelit temple where the guardians of vital ancient knowledge remain ever vigilant and secluded, yet willing and able to aid any who dare to seek them, that they might grant the boon of much needed knowledge and lore.
4. Sorceror- Chorus, drums, and swirling strings do a fantastic 'waltz' here. The chorus is especially majestic and powerful but everything blends wonderfully as the piece to me depicts a wise wizard working his craft expertly, that he might aid those embarked upon a vital quest filled with great peril.
5. Treasure Of The Four Crowns- I'll get right to the point for this one. This is a beautiful ballad. A heart-tugging blend of guitar, exotic percussion and gentle flute is combined with the bardic voice of guest vocalist Jeff Endemann. The blending of that voice with a solemn narration by Joseph Vargo in the middle of this piece works pure magic. It is a beautiful ode to a perilous quest for an ancient artefact prized of many for its power to grant immortality upon the worthy finder.
6. Highland Storm- A majestic musical movement, easily worthy to depict a tale straight out of Celtic myth. Rousing and blood-stirring Highland pipes start us off. The thunder of the bodhran soon appears, first mating with the pipes in a mighty slow thunder, and then picking up in pace to a gallop as it is overlaid with wonderful fidle work. I love the choral and cello work in this one too, and the mix of the Irish Uilleann pipes into it all. Taken together, this calls to mind misty emerald fields, meadows, and mountains through which warriors both mounted and afoot charge into and engage in desperate clash, beneath overcast and weeping grey skies as thunder and lightning mightily sing together, crashing and flashing repeatedly through the heavens.
7. Mist Loch- This is a perfect blend of beauty, mystery, menace and wonder. A beautiful harp passage is mated with a haunting siren's call. I love the feel imparted by the deep bass instrument, and the feeling of ominous dread invoked by it as it couples with a tolling bell Together, thest things show me a murky mist-clad waterway through which a regal songstress guides us with her voice and harp. The question is, to where, and what awaits ahead?
8. Underworld- I was initially surprised how much I love this piece, but love it I do. Despite it's darkly suggestive title, this piece is anything but PURELY dark to the point of becoming drab. It is dark indeed but it has sense of awe and wonder in it and is very much a rousing piece too. Pounding drums and a deep bass instrument that sounds to me a bit luke a tuba in it's depth of tone start us off... blending with strings that give us both a sense of adventure and urgency together. It is as if now the mighty hero has crossed the lake of mist and is entering deep dark caverns, exploring their secrets with his brothers in arms on the way to whatever lies ahead on his quest. The choral work in this peice lends a majestic power and magnifies the intensity tenfold.
9. The Mystic's Keep- Here, we get exotic. The feel to me is heavily Egyptian, Middle Eastern and Arabic. What sounds like a sort of gong is blended with invigorating Middle Eastern style percussion and tambourines. The piece is embellished further by boisterous male and pretty and soft female choral work, as well beautiful guitar and harp in the back of the piece and a rythmic powerful chant performed by co-composer Joseph Vargo in the front. To me, in my mind I see a a dimly lit but welcoming hidden sanctuary, nestled deep within perilous caverns. It is a haven where brave adventures may partake of brief rest and gain new information from a reclusive but wise denizen. The deeper bass drumming is especially strong here.
10. Stygian Depths- This piece is a mood setter as much as anything. It is comprised of the sound of wind, blending with a deeply booming drum and what appears to me to be the sounding of a great and ancient dark battle horn. The wind has an eerie howling moan effect to it that works wonders for the piece. It invokes pure dread as we await the imminent peril that is certain to come our way, and is a perfect segue for us into...
11. Legions Of Darkness - Tense and pounding strings and drums blend with a deep horn and male choir here to take us on this part of the journey. I love how the clash of swords and what sounds like chainmail-guarded footsteps blend with the percussion. A tolling bell makes a nice appearance too. To me this arrangement is dead-on as a fit for the title, depicting a meeting with relentless armies emerging from the depths both to confront and hinder adventurers that would dare to come. The final tolling bell is a very nice touch.
12. Steeds Of Thunder- Here we are aurally gifted and presented with deep rousing horns and thunderous pounding drums. They dance for us with powerful male and female choir and urgent strings. Mighty equine beasts are easily visualized, kicking up great clouds of dust and trodden earth as they gallop across great majestic fields. The powerful chorus compounds the already tremendous strength of this piece.
13. Rogue's Hollow- I am amazed by this. Why, you ask? Two words: Simple beauty. With no more than a pair of guitars, Nox Arcana depicts a homey sanctuary nestled within a lovely glade It is a place of rest come upon after the headlong dash through vast and perilous fileds and lands. It is a welcome and gorgeous quiet moment amidst the bombastic musical storms of the quest.
14. Warrior's Dawn- I see this is the antithesis of "Legions Of Darkness". Thundering drums mate with vigorous strings and choral work possessed of colossal strength. While still solemn in character, I see this piece as noble in its cast as well, while the other was sinister in its own way. The choir in this is very very strong, and I love the blending of the deeper bass drums with the galloping militaristic thunder of the snare drum and the booming resonant voice of what sounds to me like the Irish bodhran or the Japanese taiko. The occasional clash of swords within this piece is a beautiful percussive touch.
15 The Siege - A deep bass drone begins this one. It is soon blending with heavy slow drumming, invigorating but chilling choral chant, and brooding horns. After what sounds like a rousing battle cheer, the drumming kicks into VERY high gear, becoming a thunderous charge. That charge is lent extra power by the blended song of male and female choir, and the tensely swirling strings that drift through the chorus as the pounding percussion intensifies more and more, building to a breath-stealing climax.
16. Dragon Riders- I love this piece. It has resonant millitaristic drumming and urgent strings. They combine with majestic soaring horns and heart-pounding chorus to depict in my mind an army of airborned mighty warriors and the regal beasts they ride into desperate battle, contesting mightily with each other within darkened flame-streaked skies
17. Flame Tongue- This is a great heart-pounder of an ambient 'mood' track. The movement of great wings is combined with distant growls. Eventually they intensify in volume. The heart-stopping climax that also induced a smile of awe for me, comes when a pair of positively mighty roars are given, and combined with crackling flame. It was everything I had envisioned for a moment like this.
18. Defenders Of The Realm- Here we go! Now we get another touch of grand heroism! Deep and pounding drums blend once more with swirling strings and majestic choir as well as some very powerful horn passages. This time, the battle is turning in our favor. You see, we've got some tough hombres on our side too! I love the pure power of this piece It's an invigorating anthem for our land's heroes that I never tire of hearing. My mind depicts mighty heroic warriors rushing to meet the enemy within our keep, engaging in herculean battle within the keep as boiling oil and huge boulders rain down from above...Valiant archers lend their skill as well, firing swiftly and true upon the foes straining to breach our defenses, but failing in the end as our brave and mighty guardians save the day.
19. Chamber Of The Immortals- I will be bold and declare that this is the MOST BEAUTIFUL piece of music that Nox Arcana has EVER done to date. From the very beginning, the floodgates FLEW open for me and they absolutely would not stop. I immediately envisioned a beautiful crowned queen with long flowing hair clad in a pristine white gown standing amidst a magnificent treasure filled chapel-like room with brilliant light streaming in through crystal-forged 'windows' almost like stained glass, but crystalline in nature. I envisioned a mighty, steadfast and most noble warrior being given assurance of undreamed of glory, but that one final peril lay ahead for him to face. An even greater poignancy and power is lent to the peice by the blended chorus, and the soft drums and strings that augment it at the climax. The whole piece is heartstirring and heavily awash in pure loveliness.
20. Blood Of The Dragon- I LOVE 'thematic' compositions. Here, we get one of those, and it is grand and epic in it's power, scope, and stregnth. As with "Ancient Legacy", we are immediately gifted with a solitary bombastic bass drum hit blended with wonderful and regal choral melody. Instead of narration, this time we get to hear a blood-stirring combination of soft strings, drums and choir. Eventually, they all increase in strength and volume, and in power. They blend wonderfully to dominate the piece, mixing to comprise a composition replete with kingly intensity, depicting in my mind a colossal personal final battle between a mighty paladin of justice and a nefarious warrior king of dreaded repute. My favorite part is the POWERFUL chorus but the way the drums and the strings blend with it is absolutely stunning. The deep horns I heard near the end closed it brilliantly. Many times I have cried for awe when listening to this one.
21. Eternal Champions- Here we are, at last... facing the climax of this grand and epic quest. Here, we are at first gently washed over by a pounding three-hit drumbeat that alternates between three, four, five or more beats per measure. That is blended with powerful choir and tolling bells. Very soon, very comes the powerful bombast of regal horns and strings. This will stir the blood for certain. Further power is given bye an intense choral melody and song. I love the sword clashes that are part of the percussiveness of this piece. I adore the heart-pounding blend of everything: Drums, chorus, strings, horns, sword-clash and more. All told, it is a more than fitting closer to the disc. What I really love is how the horns and the strings will 'take turns' withing the piece. On the first 'run' the horns come to the front of the melody while the strings stay in the back. In the second 'run', the strings come to the front and the strings retreat a bit, but never "too much". It is just the right blend. In the final 'run' the horns and strings blend together equally, mixing with everything else to bring the tale to a stunning conclusion. All told, this song is a heroic fanfare very much befitting a victorious warrior and his band of bretheren. In my mind is depicted a mighty paladin of justice and right being gifted by the Lady seen in the Chamber Of The Immortals with the treasure long-sought by many, earning immortality and his rightful place in legend and lore, then freely going home at last with his faithful companions and his valiant bretheren in arms.
There's one thing more that I will say. Do not hit 'stop' on your CD player when Eternal Champions goes quiet. The bonus tracks here are brilliantly done, and they each induced a smile from me in their own way and for their own reason.
In closing, if you are a fan of Nox Arcana, you owe it to yourself to get "Blood Of The Dragon". If you are not a fan, one listen to "Blood Of The Dragon" may be enough to make you a fan forever. It is a step into new territory for Nox Arcana, and what a great and tremendous step it is. They have meticulously crafted a beautiful, majestic, heartpounding, blood-stirring and soul-sooothing epic fantasy musical opus that could easily stand admidst the company of nearly any Hollywood fantasy movie score. It is a fantastic tale unlike any other that I have ever experienced. Come forth and embark upon this epic quest. It shall not be regretted. No, truly 'tis most likely that it shall be loved, as it is with me.
Mighty Malefik Musick..........2006-12-05
The Ancient Legacy beckons The Mighty as The Quest Begins. The Citadel of Secrets awaits your entrance, towering from knotted vines and black iron gates. Can you translate the ancient runes encribed on yellowed scrolls to lead you to the next great discovery? Deep within the lambent temple dim by flickering torch flame, consult The Sorcerer to find the Treasure of The Four Crowns, where your journey twists along dark paths amidst the Highland Storm unto the enchanting Mist Loch where many mysteries dwell, transmutating fog swirls about you revealing ghostly forms and phantom faces; a gateway to the Underworld opens beyond The Mystic's Keep, leading down through the Stygian Depths where the Legions of Darkness await. Hellfires leap from below with vengeful demonic cries, whose denizens shall soon pillage the land. Steeds of Thunder shake the heavens and quake the earth in their terrible wrath as baneful spectres emerge with eyes aglow in infernal light.
Rogue's Hollow there dwells shrouded in a haze of ancient spell as the Warrior's Dawn glows red, an omen of what is to come. With hearts pounding, The Siege yields Dragon Riders sillhouetted upon the horizon, as the fearsome Flame Tongue spreads across the bloodied land. Defenders of The Realm rise up to battle these shadowy phantoms with warcries echoing through the ages. Within the marble-laden Chamber of The Immortals, the living gods are present, and with the Blood of The Dragon, hail the Eternal Champions evermore.
As usual, the actual CD and booklet are splendidly elegant, filled with marvellous artwork {including a topographical map of Draconia}, and accentuating storylines.
Dare you step through the arcane portal into fabled dangerous dimensions to face nightmarish creatures and bewitching beings who rise up from the Stygian depths? Can you solve the riddle and survive to become part of the legend, or perish where many mighty have fallen...
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Celtic Fantasy
David Davidson ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| Celtic
| International
| Styles
| Music
New Age
| Celtic
| International
| Styles
| Music
Fusion
| Celtic
| International
| Styles
| Music
Celtic New Age
| New Age
| Styles
| Music
General
| New Age
| Styles
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| International
| Indie Music
| Stores
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| New Age
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Similar Items:
ASIN: B00004WJBK Release Date: 2000-06-23 |
Tracks:
- Farmer's Hand Intro
- Fairy Dance
- Summer Skye
- Brighid's Blessing
- Mo Cairenn
- Farmer's Hand (instrumental version)
- The Fianna Battle Song
- The Knowing Tree
- The Garden
- Myst on the Glen
- Mother Sun
- Fantasy and Dance
- Fields of the Heart
- Farmer's Hand (vocal version)
Album Description
The Irish peasants, left to fend for themselves in a world dominated by a corrupted church, oppressive landlords, and an absence of local government and medicine, turned to the own imaginations to understand the world around them. From haunting ballads to spry dances, this music was inspired by their legends, their lore, and their fantasies. Over 50 minutes of original Celtic music featuring violin, guitars, penny whistles, piano, bodhran, bass, percussion, and string orchestration.Customer Reviews:
Timeless.......2007-08-02
The music itself is beautifully subtle. While Fairy Dance, Summer Sky, and The Fianna Battle Song are immediately accessible, you will find tracks 10 through 13 to be eventual favorites. Track 10 -- Myst on the Glen -- sounds very ethereal; the music fits its title perfectly. I love the colorful, vivid imagery that this music provokes each time I listen.
The performers have executed the music perfectly; the string instruments, especially, sound great. Expect a high overall production value.
While listening to this CD, I sometimes forget that it's supposed to be celtic. Over the years this album has gone from "that Celtic CD" to something I consider simply beautiful music and nothing else.
Takes you into Wonderland.......2007-01-27
Heart Strings.......2001-11-18
Fairy Dance takes you to a lush forest and is the music of legends, lore and fantasy. The fantasy portrayed is the result of years spent desiring freedom to the point of escape into the imagination. From spry dances to haunting ballads, you will feel the emotions of those who have gone before.
You could do nothing more than sit and listen and that would be enough. But if you could, you would grow wings and fly. This is pure sensual pleasure for the soul in Summer Skye.
Brighid's Blessing is filled with longing and warmth representing the desire for the Hearth Keeper to preserve the fire that burns in us all. To awaken to life with passion. The beauty will make your soul shiver.
Mo Cairenn lulls you into a sense of peace with guitar. Farmer's Hand reappears in an instrumental version and has an undercurrent reminiscent of the vibrations of life or all that is not seen that gives life. This is a sonorous experience.
Before you even know the name of The Fianna Battle Song, you will think of "war." It is mesmerizing, like an unstoppable march to death. Suddenly a stillness and delicious tempting quality appears in The Knowing Tree. It seems to be tempting you to walk down a winding path to a place of true contentment. Charming beauty combined with melancholy.
The Garden has beautiful words speaking of a peacefulness of knowing that the gift of love is free. Mysts on the Glen is sprinkled with magic and perhaps the splash of a selkie. You feel that fishing ships are called by the waves and you can even hear a few splashing on the rocks. Vivid.
Mother Sun makes you feel as if you are standing in the bright sunlight. This open and almost airy piece has a sweet sadness because with a mother's gift of life also comes the promise of death.
Fantasy and Dance seems to be a dance of life and ends in a crescendo. Bittersweet.
Fields of the heart is like the planting of three flowers that grow together in the warm earth and wave in a tender breeze. Completely Captivating.
Farmer's hand appears for the third time as a vocal version. Angelic voices sing of a child's smile, a warm home and how through our lives we go through joy and pain.
"Our lives are full with knowledge gained."
This is a deep journey into musical ecstasy. The violins play only what a heart can say. You will want to dissolve into this music.
I dedicate this to Francis because life is filled with
pleasure and pain and yet we have the choice to embrace
love and the power of joy.
~The Rebecca Review
More than just a collection of Irish tunes.......2001-02-10
Average customer rating:
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Mehdi Gift Set Volumes 1-8
Mehdi Manufacturer: Soothing Music Inc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00027OL5G Release Date: 2004-05-01 |
Tracks:
- Eastern Sunset
- Expression
- Forever in my Heart
- Starry Sky
- The Dream
- White Dove
- Flight of the Eagle
- The Candle and the Butterfly
- Infinite Love
Tracks:
- Dream Garden
- Odyssey
- Ziba's Song
- Eastern Sunrise
- Sequoia
- Joy Of Life
- Desert Oasis
- White Rose
- Moon Dance
- Another Birthday
Tracks:
- Millennium Dance
- Images of the Heart
- Heavenly Moon
- Twinkling Star
- Star Gazer
- Rays of Love
- Angel of Paradise
- True Love Story
- Grace and Forgiveness
- Wedding Song
Tracks:
- Eastern Rainbow
- Fire Dancer
- Kingdom Of Pearls
- Mediterranean Dream
- The Unicorn
- Peaceful Ocean
- Fantasia
- Mirage
- Stairway To Paradise
- Sunshine
Tracks:
- One Child's Prayer
- Dusk To Dawn
- Escape
- Bridge To Eternity
- Dance Of Angels
- Footprints In The Sand
- Freedom
- City Of Clouds
- Images Of Love
- Memories
Tracks:
- Shining Star
- Evolution Of The Heart
- Heavens Caravan
- Flight Of The Butterfly
- Falling Leaves
- Summer Breeze
- Gateway To The Clouds
- Book Of Roses
- The First Day Of Spring
- Heavens Caravan (Reprise)
Tracks:
- Heaven
- Moments in Bliss
- Lost In Paradise
- Flight Of The Angels
- Flowers Of Spring
- Full Moon
- Sweet Memories
- Clouds Of Light
- Rain
- Peace
Tracks:
- Steps To Paradise
- Eternal Bliss
- Guiding Light
- Heavens Rain
- Utopian Dance
- Sacred Gathering
- Blossoming Flowers
- Connecting Prayer
- Trees In The Breeze
- Prayers Answered
Customer Reviews:
Every Mehdi is the Best of Mehdi.......2007-07-06
If you are new to Mehdi, get this whole set if possible. If you don't, you are likely just prolonging the inevitable. I read another reviewer say that when I purchased my first Mehdi CD, but I didn't believe it. The day I received that first Mehdi CD, I quickly ordered the other seven CDs from SMI, and I waited very impatiently for them to arrive.
I'm certainly no expert, but to me, Mehdi compares only with Mozart: it's impossible to find a single composition that is not a perfect classic. And it only seems to get better with time.
Nice instrumental music.......2007-01-09
The greatest instrumental works. Period !.......2006-04-22
I came across Mehdi 7 years back on our local FM station when they were playing his magical track, "Eastern Sunset." I hadn't even heard of Mehdi then. None of his albums were available in my city. Then, about a month back I heard another song on The Weather Channel and decided to look for Mehdi on the Amazon site. Much to my delight, I found him there. I instantly ordered this Gift Set without even thinking twice. I got my CDs in a few days time and, boy, is it worth every red cent of it. All the tracks are so very tuneful instead of boring, slow and out-of-rhythm mumbo jumbo you get to hear by other new age musicians. Even the so-called "legendary" new age artists are not in Mehdi's league when it comes to musical talent. All the tracks take you to another world where you are lost in the deep soulful melodies.
I have had the CDs now for over 5 weeks and I have been listening to them for about 8 hours a day. I personally believe that good music is about good melodies mainly and a good tune is the hardest thing to find in contemporary music. All the great, household names of today are basically noise. Even the giants of instrumental music pounding away their dull tones and tunes like Yanni, Kenny G or Robert Miles are flat and bland compared to Mehdi. I usually listen to music only from the sixties or seventies and only romantic music for that, although I am 29 years of age and 50+ as you might imagine. I consider it the real music. Mehdi is the only exception from contemporary music I like. In fact, I love his music. I strongly recommend this particular set of albums to all music fans. I think if Mehdi can get himself on a major network TV channel and into the top 40s, he would become the new instrumental giant of today. He has tremendous natural talent. It is not just the Piano-playing skills but the uncanny and rare talent to come up with out-of-this-world compositions. Don't miss out on the musical genius of today, buy this set without hesitation and you'll see how wonderful great music can make you feel !
A Total Mental "Vacation".......2006-04-19
Mehdi - Beautiful, amazing music.......2005-10-18
My music tastes runs the gamut; from the Rolling Stones to Delerium, from Depeche Mode to the Chemical Brothers... yet I find Mehdi to fit most of the moods I find myself in these days. This music just makes me feel better, period.
I don't know much about Mehdi, whether this is a band, a DJ, etc, and until this week I only had a single CD, Vol 7. After searching locally everywhere for more Mehdi I came back to Amazon and purchased this 7-vol collection. It's the best $95 I've spent in years. In fact, I decided to get an iPod Shuffle just for this collection, so I can carry it with me everywhere.
If you've never heard of Mehdi and came here by clicking links for "similar" music, from say, Delerium, then I would describe Mehdi as "Delerium without the mania" (and I truly love Delerium). Whereas it is hard, but possible, to find a Delerium track you might not love, it is impossible to find a Mehdi track you don't love.
If you have the slightest interest in this kind of music, you cannot go wrong with this gift set. If you can't lay out $95 right now, then start with ANY Medhi CD, just start listening, it will change your life for the better. It's the best cure for stress that I know of. Mehdi is sublime...
[...]
Average customer rating: 
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James Galway - Annie's Song ~ and other Galway Favorites
Marin Marais , Johann Adolf Hasse , Gabriel Fauré , Fritz Kreisler , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , John Denver , Heitor Villa-Lobos , Claude Debussy , Anonymous , Francois Borne , Charles Gerhardt , National Philharmonic , James Galway , Kevin Donneff , and Marisa Robles Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes
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ASIN: B000003F3Y Release Date: 1991-03-08 |
Tracks:
- Le basque
- Bachianas brasileiras No.5: Aria
- Liebesfreud
- Dolly: Berceuse
- Piano Sonata In C, K. 545: Allegro
- Annie's Song
- Tambourin
- La plus que lente
- Brian Boru's March
- Belfast Hornpipe
- Spanish Love Song
- 'Carmen' Fantasy
Amazon.com essential recording
This disc was one of the very first "crossover" albums and one of the most successful as well. Nowadays when projects like this one flood the market, it's easy to forget just how original this program of transcriptions, folksong arrangements, and classical favorites really was. Not only does Galway serve up a wide variety of music in an easy, popular format, but he does it in a way that never compromises his musical integrity and that fully conveys his good humor and sense of fun. Of its type, Annie's Song is a superb compilation and the high point in Galway's discography. --David Hurwitz
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Traditionally British
Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne
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ASIN: B000000A88 Release Date: 1992-10-28 |
Tracks:
- The Blaydon Races
- Drink To Me Only
- The British Grenadiers
- Jerusalem
- Greensleeves
- Fantasy On British Sea Songs
- Charlie Is My Darlin'
- My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose
- Loch Lomond/Comin' Thro' The Rye
- The Girl I Left Behind Me
- The Minstrel Boy
- The Gentle Maiden
- The Ash Grove
- All Through The Night
- Men Of Harlech
Customer Reviews:
Gilding the Lilly.......2007-02-05
Excellent!.......2006-03-23
This is music that makes your upper lip stiff.
Average customer rating: 
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Trilogy of Fantasy: Part One
Various Artists Manufacturer: Showtunes ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00005Y7UQ Release Date: 2001-12-25 |
Tracks:
- Exordium: A Legend Foretold
- The Castle Gate
- Eye Of Adventure
- Secret Passage
- A Mile Or More
- Voice Of The Forest
- Creature Regions
- Stone By Stone
- Between Two Skies
- Exordium: Echoing
Customer Reviews:
An intriguing vision of another realm.......2006-10-02
Look past the appearance..........2006-05-05
HOWEVER-- in the spirit of not judging a book by its cover, I gave it a listen. The music is wonderful, and perplexingly enough, does not evoke a LOTR-ish medieval fantasy type mood or image for me. The rhythms are more modern, as are the instrumentations and vocals. The songs are more new-age than epic-age, if you will. Very lovely, evocative, and rich in their own right.
I only wish the album had been marketed on its own style, rather than piggybacking the LOTR fantasy craze. It smacks of Trying Too Hard to me, and as I said, the reason I almost didn't even bother with it. So don't let the packaging turn you off and buy the music for its own merit.
Not LOTR but amazing none the less..........2006-01-29
If you are looking for a relaxing/invigorating listening experience with airy, ethereal vocals and delicate music with an addicting, heartbeat like pulse, look no further.
This CD, while the name is misleading, will definitely lead you into a world of fantasy - one you journey into on your own, and that no Hollywood movie company can ruin.
Meditational Passages .......2005-11-06
trilogy of fantasy.......2005-10-27
Average customer rating:
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Handel's Fantasy
Kila Manufacturer: Megaforce / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Folk
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Irish Folk
| Traditional British & Celtic Folk
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ASIN: B00005NNPA Release Date: 2001-09-11 |
Tracks:
- Handel's Fantasy
- Leslie's Tune
- B'fheidir
- Tiggy's Giggles
- Ril Rossa (5.30 A.M.)
- Cathain
- Banda Ruibear
- Fan Sa Diallat
- Four Ages Of Man
- Ril A HAon
- Faoiseamh
Customer Reviews:
Early is Good.......2001-09-18
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Airs: Celtic Healing Fantasy
Various Artists Manufacturer: Universal/Polygram ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B00005R0JK Release Date: 2001-11-21 |
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Final Fantasy IV: Celtic Moon
Nobuo Uematsu , and Marie Bhreatnach Manufacturer: Pop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
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ASIN: B000058AB1 Release Date: 2001-01-05 |
Tracks:
- Prelude
- Prologue...
- Chocobo-Chocobo
- Into The Darkness
- Main Theme Of Final Fantasy Iv
- Welcome To Our Town!
- Theme Of Love
- Melody Of Lute
- Palom & Porom
- Giott, The Great King
- Dancing Calbrena
- Mystic Mysidia
- Illusionary World
- Rydia
- Toroian Beauty
Album Details
Soundtrack from the Popular Game.Customer Reviews:
Excellent FF Soundtrack to Add to Your Collection.......2006-03-03
In my opinion, this CD stays true to the original sound version. Obviously, there is some "artist's liberty" with this CD - it's *not* endlessly repetitive. The additional music is very good, however, and adds to the song. I get shivers just thinking about the game if some of the music on this CD were involved. The best in this case would be "Prologue..." and "Chocobo-Chocobo". Very appropriate. There is only one disappointment with this CD. "Into the Darkness" was turned from a eerily beautiful and haunting piece into a waltz! I can just see Gomez Addams dancing with his wife. However, the background was still very nice, so the song wasn't that bad. All in all, this CD is a delight to listen to and should definitely be added to any video game music fan's collection.
UTTERLY BREATHTAKING; BEAUTIFUL ORCHESTRATION; SUPERB SOUNDTRACK!.......2006-02-16
At first, I was uneasy about downloading this song, because I feared that this rendition would only spoil the original piece taken straight from the game. I had never really liked celtic music, and never taken the time to listen to it. Once I did, I was compelled to buy this CD. The Main Theme of Final Fantasy IV, aka the overworld theme, is definately one of my top 10 ALL-TIME favorite Final Fantasy pieces so I immediately fell in love. I am a cellist, and often when I hear a song I absolutely love, I teach myself to play the piece by ear on my cello. This song is definately fun to play on my instrument!
After hearing that song, I bought the CD, and was more excited about it that any other Final Fantasy CD I bought. When it finally shipped to my house, I popped it into my computer right away! To my surprise, the well-known, well-loved Final Fantasy Prelude and Prologue were incorporated in there! Now of course you have to love those beautiful pieces. The soundtrack is just so true to original Final Fantasy IV music, but with a livelier, more fresh touch. The third track, Chocobo-Chocobo, can be described in just two words: Pure Fun. It's just that short, bouncy tune that every Final Fantasy fan knows, except it's not the least bit annoying. Because of the instruments used, the arrangement, and track length, you never get bored. Besides, who ever said Chocobos don't like celtic music? You can definately tell they do in this happy song.
Since there are 15 songs on this CD, it sure would be a long review if I went through every song. (They are all worth a paragraph each.) So instead, I will just touch on my favorites from this soundtrack. The Main Theme, which I have already talked about, is at the top of that list. My other favorites are Welcome To Our Town!, a very blissful piece that reminds me of a folk dance celebration; Theme of Love, which is optimistically heart-wrenching (to say the least); Dancing Calcobrena, a great song that really sounds like a "dance", or waltz; Mystic Mysidia, which takes me directly back to that insanely strange town, with a fun rendition of the medley; and last, but certainly not least, Illusionary World. The eerie beginning gives me that feeling of being lost and alone in a cold world of fog. About halfway through the track, you hear the sound of a gong and all of the sudden the music picks up with a cheerful tune. You no longer feel lost in this 'illusionary world' and are at peace. This song does wonders for the imagination, and is no-doubt one of the best songs I have ever heard coming from all of Final Fantasy.
If you still feel unsure whether to buy this soundtrack or not, just remember... this is Nobuo Uematsu's music here. ...And it is all orchestral. You really can't go wrong. If you are new to the Final Fantasy series, or long-time fan like myself, this album will surely please the ears of both. I sincerely hope this review was of some help to you, and that it perhaps got you interested in buying this magnificent arrangement by Nobuo Uematsu.
Just Beautiful...........2005-12-06
For a person that greatly enjoys video game sound tracks and Celtic music, this CD is a wise choice to take. However, I think even someone not familliar with Final Fantasy IV could easily enjoy this CD just as much as I do.
FF4 Celtic Moon.......2004-11-14
This is a really good CD.......2004-02-11
Rock Music:
- Chansons Pour Noel: Mon Beau [Import]
- Convivendo Part 1 [Import]
- Coup de Gueule [Import]
- Crescent Moon
- Distance [Import]
- Distant Shore
- En Mana Kuoyo
- Essential Ravi Shankar [Original recording remastered]
- Fado: Exquisite Passion
- Find Harmony
Recommended Music:
Complete Trinity: Sonic Heroes Original Sound Trax [Import]
Come Ti Va in Riva Alla Citta [Import]
Compact Disc EP Collection [Box set]
Benjamin Frankel: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5; May Day Overture, Op. 22