Customer Reviews

Behind the Gardens

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have long loved instrumental music, and so I was first introduced to Andreas Vollenweider by a friend who lent me "White Winds" and "Down to the Moon" which they had found in a record shop. I instantly fell in love with the intricate and flowing melodies, the way the various instruments and vocal sequences blended together to create an image of a mystical, magical realm. All in all I found the music so easy to listen to, and before long I went out in search of other works by the same artist. My first purchases were this album - "Behind the Gardens" and "Caverna Magica" - both of which I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys instrumental music. "Behind the Gardens" though remains one of my absolute favourites; the opening sequence conjures up an image of a bright summers day, a meadow of long, lush green grass, some nearby woods, and of two lovers enjoying a picnic in paradise....I challenge anyone who listens to this album not to be drawn into that same world!

My first introduction to Andreas Vollenweider was in the mid 80's while listening to a "space music" station in Atlanta GA. I was hooked and bought this LP. I have since bought 3 others of his albums and eventually replaced them with the CD's.

I had the fortunate opportunity to see him play live in the mid-80's (also in Atlanta) and was spellbound. It was the finest concert I have ever attended. I really loved it!

Although somewhat mystic or even crunchy, it is music to really "feel". In this day of daily world terror and disease, it is nice to come home after a long day at the office and unwind and refocus while listening to Andreas.

He's really quite wonderful. I would absolutely recommend anyone new to his music to start with this CD. Graduate on to Caverna Magica next.... You will be forever a fan!

For me, this release and the other early work of Andreas Vollenweider defined New Age music. Artful, complex, imaginative and ever-changing, "Behind the Gardens" is the first in a trio of complimentary recordings that bring to life the magic and mystery of our world through the eyes of an artist of rare depth and clarity. The second and third parts of the Trilogy are "Caverna Magica" and "White Winds". All feature Vollenweider's signature sound of dreamy, jazzy electroacoustic pedal harp accompanied by voice, synthesizer, a wide range of gentle percussion, and occasional contributions from other instruments. This is true music at its finest--playful, intricate compositions that are soulfully performed and ingeniously constructed, flowing one into another through an ever evolving succession of moods. Vollenweider has this to say about his art: "The making of music, dancing, painting--creativity--all of this has so much to do with the ongoing process of `finding oneself', or better, of searching for the things that give us such an individual, complex, and miraculous depth of emotions...ideas...dreams..." He calls his endeavors "wonderful adventures" and "seeker's journeys", and relishes "making this music and bringing it to its listening friends." And indeed, Vollenweider and his fellow musicians have found riches within and many friends without. In an era where the dumbing down of the New Age genre has resulted in a plethora of mindless dronings of ambient whitenoise, this album stands as a reminder of what meditative electroacoustic music can truly be. If you like this release, try its two companion works as well, either separately, or as packaged together in the two CD set "The Trilogy". To follow Vollenweider's continuing evolution as an artist, try the next albums he recorded: "Down from the Moon" and "Dancing with the Lion".

I listen to this after I come home from work everday. When I'm in the mood for relaxing music, this is my favorite CD. I especially like the mixing of sounds with nature. A great addition to your library.

The first time I heard Andreas' music was when my local Public Radio station played this album during a pledge drive in the early 1980s. I was enchanted. The next weekend I bought the vinyl LP and nearly played the grooves off it! Now I play the CD (also available as part of the "Trilogy" package), and I still find joy in the music made by Andreas Vollenweider and Friends. I have all of his CDs (including "Live"), and the rich variety of rhythms, the complex interwoven melodies and harmonies, the voices, the unexpected instruments - all engage the mind while they move the spirit. Each CD has a distinct personality, and every one of them makes me feel good. "Behind the Gardens..." is still as fresh for me after all these years as it was the first time.

Andreas Vollenweider spins an intricate web of music with his harp that will ensnare your soul yet release your spirit! My absolute favorite musician!

Being 18 isn't hard...but if you have a musician as important as Vollenweider in your collection, and your state of mind, it's that much simpler. V, here is at his finest, with lightly jazzy music, and mellow chords and tones. I am lucky to have gotten this CD, and all the others, and will continue to wear them out until they warp! come back ANDREAS!