Customer Reviews

In the Arms of the Wind

5 star:		(9)
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This is the sixth album from composer/pianist Robin Spielberg, and is every bit as good or better than her critically acclaimed best-seller, "Songs of the Spirit". The feel of the album reflects Robin's own gentle and optimistic personality, but this album is no snooze! One of the things that makes the recording exceptional is the way it starts out quietly, builds, becomes quiet again, builds, and ends on a very peaceful note. The instrumentation is excellent with Robin's piano sometimes solo and sometimes joined by cello, fiddle, flute, oboe, guitar, orchestra bells, and even accordion and bouzouki!

The album opens with "Dancing in the Gentle Rain", as lovely and refreshing as the title. The next two tracks are also soothing. Then we meet an elephant in the supermarket, which has to inspire a smile! "Butterfly" is a perfect musical description of a butterfly dancing in the spring sunshine. The title track tells the Sufi Teaching Story of a stream that had easily traveled through all sorts of terrain until it reached the desert. Each time it tried to cross, it found itself being absorbed by the sand. The Voice of the Desert told the stream that the wind crosses with ease, and that the stream could evaporate and be carried over the desert "in the arms of the wind". By trusting this voice, the stream was transported across the desert, fell as gentle rain on the other side, and went on its way. Robin strongly identifies with this story, and it really shows in the emotional content of this song. The orchestra bells in the background are soothing and haunting, and sounds of the wind carrying the stream are gorgeous. "Take the Time (Learning to Knit)" is patience set to music. "The Softball Game/A Swim at the Quarry" contrasts the lively pace of a ballgame on a hot afternoon with the serenity of a cool swim among the giant rocks. "Dawn at Walden Place" was composed in Robin's head one very cold winter as she was waiting for the early-morning bus to take her to New York City. She composed the piece by trying to keep the melody and counter-melody going in her head to take her mind off the cold. "Drombeg Stone Circle Dance" becomes a stirring celebration of the ancient rituals that were held on that site in Ireland. "Kitten's First Snow" makes me smile, as I too love cats. "Dream On" is the perfect closing piece for this album, and it feels like Robin is saying "So long for now".

I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys other pianist/composers such as Suzanne Ciani and David Lanz, or anyone who loves sincere, optimistic melodies.

" This collection of original piano and piano/ensemble compositions earns high marks all around.Spielberg`s highly developed sense of melody is enhanced by a technical facility for the piano which lends an almost vocal air to these pieces....thoughtfully arranged and sensitively executed...Spielberg`s ability to conjure up visual images through purely instrumental works ranks among the best I have heard anywhere." -The Music Paper

Words can't express how this music touched my every emotion. Sad? This is the CD to help you find your blessings. Pensive? Perfect music for reflection. Happy? "That's How the Story Goes" will have you wanting to dance.

This CD is a "must have" for anyone who appreciates good music.

"Truly inspiring work that stands out in front of the new age pack. Be sure and give this one a listen. It is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! North Star has a sure-fire winner here". -Improvijazzation Nation

" This collection of original piano and piano/ensemble compositions earns high marks all around.Spielberg`s highly developed sense of melody is enhanced by a technical facility for the piano which lends an almost vocal air to these pieces....thoughtfully arranged and sensitively executed...Spielberg`s ability to conjure up visual images through purely instrumental works ranks among the best I have heard anywhere." -The Music Paper

"Piano soloist Spielberg has made the best record of an already illustrious career... her expert, yet delicate touch coaxes heart-opening melodies from a remarkably resonant instrument in crystal clarity. Being partnered on a few songs by guitarist Chris Theriault, fiddler Johnny Cunningham, and others on cello, flute, recorder and percussion does not diminish the haunting fragility of these remarkable compositions. Rather, tasteful accents only enhance their ethereal loveliness with a soothing, comforting, human touch that entices one even deeper into reverie." -PJ Birosik for New Age Retailer

I now have three of Robin Spielberg's cds and I love them all!

Anyone who loves piano music will be mesmerized by her talent!!

Although I enjoy all of Robin's albums, this one is a personal favorite of mine. I've found it to be a great gift for friends and family. Lyrical, dreamy, playful, and romantic are several simple words that describe various tracks comprising this recording. However, simple words can never do justice to the emotional depth and sensitivity found in Robin's compositions. If you're weary after a long day at work or are just looking for music to relax to, this is an album to savor. It will comfort your mind and refresh your spirit. I often find myself humming snatches of "Dawn at Walden Place" when persevering through difficult days. Those days never seem quite so difficult thereafter.

Robin has composed some beautiful, very original music. The insert in the CD explains each song and its theme and inspiration.