Customer Reviews

Cristofori's Dream

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In the late 1980's, when new age music was becoming more popular, David Lanz started doing more piano work again, rather than synth. His 1988 album, "Cristofori's Dream" is a true classic. Lanz utilized a combination of piano, synthesizers, and other instruments, but the piano really dominates. In this album, Lanz fulfilled a dream of being able to play one of his favorite songs from the `60's, "A Whiter Shade of Pale," with the original keyboard player from Procol Harum, Matthew Fisher. The title song from this album is David's favorite of his compositions, and remains one of his most popular pieces to date. "Cristofori's Dream" is about the inventor of the piano, Bartolomeo Cristofori, who was a harpsichord builder. As the story David tells goes, Cristofori was working very late in his shop one night, and fell asleep at his workbench. He had a dream of seeing his new invention going through its development all the way to becoming a concert grand piano, and the song ends with the piano turning back into a child's toy or music box. This is one of my all-time favorite pieces of music, and I never tire of hearing or playing it. Other titles include "Spiral Dance," "Wings to Altair," and "Summer's Child."

I have been a big new age fan since I first heard "Shadowfax" and other Windham Hill artists..but upon hearing this MASTERPIECE, it put a new perspective on just what great 'new age' music is...

This is simply one of (if not THE) best new age CDs ever made. For those only liking to get a 'few CD's in their collection of music like this', make this one of them. For new agers who just don't like David Lanz, well, forget it...

David Lanz is simply a MASTER at the piano - I originally thought his approach was overly fluffy and not 'technical enough'. Well, this was wrong on my part, as David's counterparts were putting out some, well quite simply, BORING or uninspired piano music...

I cannot say more except that everyone I have ever played this CD for (or let others borrow) has said that this CD is simply FANTASIC....

It's so easy to forget how potent and magical music can be, with the daily grind, running to work, doing chores, paying bills and being part of this society of fast movers and shifters, until I stop in my tracks under the spell of this music. Cristofori's Dream is a pearl, in no words I mean small but a treasure that can be unnoticed until spotted. I had this cd in my collection for so long I almost forgot about it, and upon listening to it for the past few days, I'm back in love with it, not that it ever went away but life goes so fast that I forge to listen to my own favorites. I often find myself putting Lanz as background music to reading, and half the time I stop reading and make the music louder and day dream to it, it's that wonderful!

Some of my favorites are:

Cristofori's Dream the title song is movie like, romantic, moody and tender and puts me in a dream like quality. The chorus, often repeated is really addictive, as I can hear it every day and not get tired of it. To me it sounds like an ice castle bathed in a winter wonderland with sun reflecting off the falling snow.

Spiral Dance has flute in, which I have played for about 18 years now, since I was a kid and it's really delightful and sparkling. The piano and the flute twist together like the DNA helix, or a huge curling staircase plummeting down, they accompany each other in a real lovely partnership. They flirt and play to the point where I want to dance on my toes, its really pleasant and happy music. Since Lanz uses synthesizers and various instruments to add to the piano this is a really intriguing cd that never tires me.

Green into Gold mixes piano, drums and various small objects blending into exotic and almost jazz like quality of sound. I can easily see the jungle in it but it's refined and soft, nothing wild.

Wings to Altair shows why Lanz is one of the foremost expert contemporary new age recording artists, as he creates sounds that might share spotlight with the most amazing movie, if used as a soundtrack. This music is complex yet it sounds like a breath of air turning pale colors as it tickles my ears.

A Whiter Shade of Pale almost sounds like a wedding, I just read love and happiness and pure glow from the music. It's charming and sultry yet romantic almost to the point of tears and goose bumps.

And to help others understand him, I will share a quote from Mr. Lanz; "A friend of mine was leading a seminar on the energy centers of the body and wanted music to illustrate the flow of energy through these areas sometimes referred to as chakras," Lanz says. "I was also interested in the healing qualities of music and it's effect on body and soul, so I made a little tape of piano music for the seminar and just about everyone who heard it, to my utter surprise, wanted a copy!"
I see his achieved his goal right away because his music has fed my heart and soul for years, making me feel happy, relaxed and lost in a dream like world of sparkling harmonies.

Cristofori's Dream is, as you probably know, the album that has defined "New Age" music this decade, and it's easy to hear why. This CD is much better than some of his later works, particularly his collaborations with Paul Speer. Every song revolves around wonderul melodies, from the aetherial majesty of "Cristofori's Dream" to the hypontic ostinato of "Green into Gold", but Lanz keeps them varied enough to keep it all interesting. Every song is also original, unlike some of the tuneful but bland material on his 1995 release "Sacred Road." If you own other Lanz CDs, this will seem a little different--in the absence of an orchestra, he makes more liberal use of synthesers and exotic-sounding percussion. And though it lacks the classical grandeur of "Skyline Firedance," it seems fresher.

(Also, if you have a piano and can read music, you will enjoy the sheet music in "Solos for New Age Piano," by David Lanz.)

Oh, Wow!
This is a cd that will be liked by all who enjoy George Winston, Mehdi, Danny Wright, Keiko Matsui, or even Jim Brickman. It is the very essence of good new age. So tranquil, yet so spirited, this cd is a refreshing break from my well-worn collection, I just keep wanting to listen to it over and over again. I am amazed!
It reminds me somewhat of Kevin Kern, but still very unique. This is music to the soul. Absolutely relaxing, as well.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Mehdi ~ Instrumental Heaven Volume 7 ..Truly a Gem...Samples are at SoothingMusic,Com...Just Listen.

David Lanz is the master of the piano. I've never heard anybody get such beautiful music out of an instrument like that.

The title track is simply a marvel to listen to. Lanz' version of Whiter Shade of Pale is almost mystical. The rest of the pieces are equally relaxing and memorable. He's a very distinctive composer.

You will have this CD on your player for a long time. Any time you need to relax and just let your mind roam, put this on. It won't take you on a journey like Mars Lasar's work, but what it will do is give you the chance to clear your mind and just let the music wash over you.

Not one to be missed.

David Lanz is one of the premier new age artists, and this wonderful album is the pinnacle of his career. His haunting and flowing melodies are the most romantic music I have ever heard and I played this album often while courting my wife. A perfect choice while drinking wine or having a candlelit dinner.

"Christofori's Dream" means a great deal to me. A friend of mine, who knew I loved new age music, gave me the CD as a gift in 1990 and I loved it immediately. While visiting Seattle in October of that same year, I saw a poster in a clothing store announcing a David Lanz concert that night. I bought two of the few remaining tickets. The concert was in an impressive theatre down-town. David was backed up by the local symphony along with a tastefully presented laser light display. He was witty, friendly, laid-back, and apparently very inspired as he shared his thoughts with the audience regarding the songs he had written on "Christofori's Dream." It was a magnificent concert. Throughout the last decade, I have continued to play and enjoy this CD, especially on Sunday mornings. The CD goes beyond new age. It is just beautiful timeless music and everytime I listen to it I can't help but to go back to that cool, damp, fall evening in Seattle with my lovely friend almost 13 years ago.

I love Christophori's Dream for the gentle, yet almost playful melodies. I would consider the blend of instruments excellent, and I would describe the songs as haunting..."A Whiter Shade of Pale" made me cry. I listen to very little instrumental music, but Cristophori's Dream is definitely among my favorites!

I would recommend the CD to anyone who has a lot of stress in their life, who likes New Age piano, who wants a CD of pleasing instrumental music, or who likes wistful, captivating melodies.

I have Cristophori's Dream on a record album, but I also plan to buy the CD. In fact, perhaps I'll buy two or three CDs! One for the car, one for work, one for home...

It's a beautiful album. I love it.

I borrowed this CD from the local library when I was going through school a number of years ago, and found the music to be so unique that I kept on borrowing it again and again. Last year I bought my own copy from amazon, and the music was just as good as I remembered. I have since become a collector of David Lanz's CDs, and have an (almost) complete collection of all his works. If you like instrumental music, whether modern or classical, this CD is highly recommended.