Colors of a New Dawn

Gandalf

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 31, 2004)
• Original Release Date: August 31, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Real Music
• ASIN: B0002T2R6E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #103,450 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A pleasant surprise from an unheralded Austrian composer with a borrowed name, Colors of a New Dawn is for the most part an attractive blend of guitar, piano, and atmospheric electronics that could easily appeal to fans of David Arkenstone (another artist who turned to J.R.R. Tolkien for a stage name) and Secret Garden. Gandalf uses understated electronic brushstrokes to enhance his gentle pop-inclined melodies, several of which invite repeated listenings (the opening four pieces, the bell-pealing build-up of "Iris," and the title track are particularly noteworthy). Occasional audio clunkers (e.g., the whistling keyboard in "Rhythm of the Tides;" the annoying, now-clichéd use of aboriginal voices in "From Distant Shores") break the music's spell, but generally Gandalf's balance of subtle drama and twinkling-star sweetness is a winning combination. At times a passage will catch your ear that brings to mind early Craig Chaquico, early David Lanz, and even Mike Oldfield ("Brighter Than a Star"). If you consider that to be good company, this disc might be up your cosmic-contemporary alley. --Terry Wood

Product Description

Of this wondrous music, nothing more need be said than Gandalf does in his liner notes describing each song. "Each moment of every day we can discover the richness of life, and if we look though such eyes, we cannot help discovering the "colors of a new dawn." Listen and let your heart fill with hope and expectation.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from MainlyPiano.com, July 16, 2005

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Austrian multi-instrumentalist, Gandalf, has created another soothing confection featuring a variety of acoustic and electric guitars, piano, bouzuki, mellotron, keyboards, and percussion. Ambient and often melodic, "Colors of a New Dawn" continues Real Music's tradition of releasing music that is light, inspirational, and optimistic. Gandalf's music is more guitar-based than 2002's, but there are some similarities in approach and style. (I mention that only as a point of reference since Gandalf isn't yet as well-known as 2002.) I would imagine that having this album playing in a massage or spa situation would put someone very close to heaven or at least near bliss! The serene mood is carried throughout the album, and some of the tracks include nature sounds and voices.

I especially like "In the Presence of Angels," the only track with lyrics that are interspersed within the piece. Flute and little bells create an ethereal feeling, as do the sweet voices. The shorter reprise of this song is also gorgeous. "Iris" has more of a cinematic sweep. At just under nine minutes, this beautifully orchestrated piece has plenty of time to evolve and build. Inspired by a story written by Hermann Hesse, the song tells of the return to a forgotten sanctuary from childhood. "Hearts in Celestial Union" floats on a cloud of contentment. Flutes, bells, guitars, and a variety of keyboard sounds put the listener into a dreamy state of mind that is most pleasant. "Flowers Along the Way" is another favorite, telling of the joy of meeting "related souls" along the path of life. The title track describes the beauty of a sunrise by the sea. As the piece develops, it becomes bigger, more colorful, and almost triumphant - very effective and evocative.

"Colors of A New Dawn" provides a soothing massage for the mind, and a gentle musical place to return to for renewal and uplifting.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Ambient New Age Landscapes, February 5, 2005

By	medievalcrusadesbabe "ebabsedasurclaveidem" (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

Gandalf is an Austrian composer of ambient and electronic music. He calls himself a "painter of musical landscapes" and draws his inspirations from the nature as he has experienced it in his travels throughout Europe, North and South America and Asia. Previous to this release, Gandalf has another CD entitled "Between Earth and Sky" also with the Real Music label.

This CD is comprised of works on keyboard, electronic and piano, and guitar. This is a mostly soft, pleasant and complex collection of compositions. You can hear elements of music he has encountered in his travels influence his compositions. Some Spanish rifts dominate the work, nature elements are overlaid, and the CD is punctuated by excellent guitar work and mellow piano, all combining to present the artists rendering of "musical landscapes".

This is ambient music as it should be, not pressing against our minds, but rather setting a soft pace and creating an environment for us to relax and enjoy our lives. Gandalf combines many styles of Ambient, from electronic to Space to New Age in this CD and presents us with his talents and abilities at their finest.

This CD contains 10 tracks ranging in time from about three minutes to just over seven minutes, giving about an hours worth of music.

Outstanding tracks on this work include "Rhythm of the Tides", a Spanish influenced guitar work that includes soft percussions and lightly dances in the background. This is a marvelous piece of work.

Also included in outstanding tracks is "In the Presence of Angels", featuring guitar and piano, with a "heartbeat" rhythm and electronic fill to give the impression of an orchestra. There are also the occasional vocals, provided by Julia Martins, repeating the title of the track, giving an almost "angelic" feel to the work. This track is very well done, and is reprised on the CD.

An unusual track, "From Distant Shores", combines chanting with the excellent skills of the artist at the piano. This is an unusual blend which is well done and interesting.

"Hearts in a Celestial Union" is a very spacey guitar and electronic piece that is as uplifting as it is inspirational. It's another excellent blend of elements and shows off the artists' skill at composition. In the same vein is "Brighter than a Star" also giving a very spacey and inspirational feel.

The title track "Colors of a New Dawn' is a piano piece with nature overlays, and is a very classic composition, incorporating all the elements of the true New Age style of music.

Overall, this is a very good introduction CD to Gandalf and his style of works. A good addition to your collection of Ambient music. maf