Customer Reviews

Dance of the Innocents

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I have just returned home from seeing Peter Kater and Nawang Khechog perform at Carnegie Hall on behalf of the Tibet House Benefit Concert in this Year of the Earth Hare. I was mesmerized by the beauty of Kater's New Age-y keyboards combined with the lyrical and moving Tibetan Long Horn of Khechog- a truly unusual and unique pairing!I feel fortunate to have had my eyes opened to this duo and look forward to hearing The Dance of The Innocents for many years to come.I also wish Nawang well as he continues in his pursuit of teaching the world about the plight of his people- how lucky the Tibetans are to have such a talented and deeply spiritual artist pulling for them (and how lucky we are, too).

"The Dance of Innocents" brings to mind a statement I have heard from several composers that music is already here, and that they as composers are merely vehicles channeling what already exists.This collaboration by pianist Peter Kater and Nawang Khechog on Tibetan flute and chanting, was improvised as they were recording, and was actually the first time the two had played together. From the liner notes: "It is a collection of spontaneous musical conversations... a celebration of the first meeting of two souls, offered without forethought or censoring, without composing or editing." This format is not unique, but such a successful blending of cultures as well as musical minds and hearts is amazing to me. Khechog was a Tibetan monk for eleven years, and then spent several years as a hermit in the Himalayan foothills. Kater was born in Germany, and began classical piano training as a young child in the US. With two different approaches to life, both were seeking universal truths. It is so inspiring to find that the common bond and language of music can merge two souls in such a beautiful and creative endeavor as making music that remains representative of both people and their backgrounds and yet blends into something new. A true celebration of life and the human spirit, I have probably listened to this CD a hundred times or more, and it remains fresh and new. All seven tracks are outstanding, but "Call of Compassion" is my favorite. At first, I was a bit put off by the chanting at the beginning and end, but find it fascinating that a person can drop his voice that low and still use it as a musical instrument. The piece is almost thirteen minutes long, giving both artists the freedom to explore the various themes that occur as solos and together - very beautiful, indeed, as is the whole album! I strongly recommend "The Dance of Innocents"!

I have been a big fan of Peter Kater's music for many years....If you love piano & flute, with a modern (rather than New Age-y) bent...you'll enjoy this CD. This music is comforting while I drive (or am at home relaxing) and is appropriate for quiet dinners (with or without guests) at home. It is serene without being "sleepy" or hypnotic and features these amazing musicians (who are also good buddies) in an artistic way that differs from their solo albums & typical "sounds" (or music). We played this music at a friend's art gallery opening and only wish we had several copies on hand for sale...since our guests enjoyed it so much. You have the opportunity to sample the tracks here @ Amazon, so you should be able to make an informed decision before purchasing. Personally...I don't think you'll be disappointed!

This is one of my very favorites. Listening to this music is like cuddling up with a warm blanket. Cozy and loving.

This is my type of music so of coarse I love it. I am also ordering another to give my sister for Chirstmas. She loves Piano and Peter Kater is awesome and with the flute as well (excellent talent), it adds just the right touch for relaxing, thinking while commuting to work, background or deep listening. I really love this CD and recommend it to anyone. The seller was great and prompt.

I love Peter Kater and most of his music without occult or shaman titles in them, because the truth is, it is part of a cult thinking and spiritual darkness. I studied it for years as I did other cults and I know people firsthand who were involved with the illuminated cult and "ism. Otherwise he has an excellent talent and beautiful spirit in music and melodic creation on the piano and you cannot deny that he has a God-given gift, if and when he ever acknowledges that is truly where it comes from.