Customer Reviews

Dreaming of Summer

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a big fan of Robin Spielberg's music for quite a few years now, and am delighted to say that I think "Dreaming of Summer" is her best album to date. Robin's music has always been full of optimism and strength, but the life-changing events of the past few years have brought a new depth and maturity to her composing and playing. I noticed this development the first time I listened to "Dreaming of Summer", and it became even more apparent the more I listened to the variety of moods and colors in this compelling collection of new piano solos. "Dreaming" is also the debut release from playMountain Music, a new label formed by Robin and her photographer/marketing expert husband, Larry Kosson, giving them full control of Robin's releases. As a composer, this also provides Robin with much more freedom and flexibility (as well as a ton of additional work for two of the hardest-working people in the world!). Co-produced and engineered by Steven Miller, the sound quality of this album is amazing. So many solo piano albums have wheezing sounds from the pedals, popping noises from inside the piano or squeaks from the bench, but this has a fresh, "live" sound without distractions from the background - an incredible feat! Each of the pieces on this CD works wonderfully as a stand-alone work as well as part of a unified whole. There is a seamless flow to the CD, but this is no fluff piece - there is depth and passion as well as a sense of peace that comes only from surviving some of life's greatest challenges and emerging with a new wisdom about what is really important - friendship ("Wherever You Go", "Wedding on the Mountain", "Remembering You"), rediscovering the incredible strength of her marriage as well as her own inner strength ("Because of You"), pondering the meaning of life as her infant daughter was undergoing major surgery ("Turn the Page"), and seeking the healing power of flowers and a well-tended garden ("The 2 am Gardener", "Saving the Irises"). Concert audiences have been asking Robin to record her frequent encore piece, "An Improvisation on the Canon" (Pachelbel's Canon in D, of course!), and Robin included that as a bonus track, giving a fresh new treatment to this workhorse of a piece.

Sure to be one of my Top 5-favorite albums of the year, I give "Dreaming of Summer" my highest recommendation for it's heartfelt beauty, love, sincerity, and wonderful piano playing. Robin truly opens her soul with her music, and it is a joy to behold!

"Conceived in the winter, when it's cold and grey and flowers sleep in the frozen ground, Spielberg's latest album whets the bittersweet edge of yearning and nostalgia. The album notes (and in live performance Spielberg's excellent storytelling provide intriguing anecdotes describing the genesis of most cuts--but, let it be said such tales are mere points of departure. Her music is not really storytelling, but about the emotional connections stimulated by memories. One piece, "Saving the Irises," was prompted by an account of an iris garden nearly destroyed by storm, but the underlying sense seems to arise from adimension of irretrievable loss, as expressed through key changes and unexpected shifts in progressions. Indeed, it is the sub-text of her music that invites the deepest consideration. The final cut, a 'bonus' piece, is Spielberg's way of working magic with the "Pachelbel Canon in D." She takes confident liberties with its stately rhythms and well-known fugue, making this piece truly her own. --ALB for New Age Voice Magazine (October 2000 issue)

I have been a big fan of Robin Spielberg's music for quite a few years now, and am delighted to say that I think "Dreaming of Summer" is her best album to date. Robin's music has always been full of optimism and strength, but the life-changing events of the past few years have brought a new depth and maturity to her composing and playing. I noticed this development the first time I listened to "Dreaming of Summer", and it became even more apparent the more I listened to the variety of moods and colors in this compelling collection of new piano solos. "Dreaming" is also the debut release from playMountain Music, a new label formed by Robin and her photographer/marketing expert husband, Larry Kosson, giving them full control of Robin's releases. As a composer, this also provides Robin with much more freedom and flexibility (as well as a ton of additional work for two of the hardest-working people in the world!). Co-produced and engineered by Steven Miller, the sound quality of this album is amazing. So many solo piano albums have wheezing sounds from the pedals, popping noises from inside the piano or squeaks from the bench, but this has a fresh, "live" sound without distractions from the background - an incredible feat! Each of the pieces on this CD works wonderfully as a stand-alone work as well as part of a unified whole. There is a seamless flow to the CD, but this is no fluff piece - there is depth and passion as well as a sense of peace that comes only from surviving some of life's greatest challenges and emerging with a new wisdom about what is really important - friendship ("Wherever You Go", "Wedding on the Mountain", "Remembering You"), rediscovering the incredible strength of her marriage as well as her own inner strength ("Because of You"), pondering the meaning of life as her infant daughter was undergoing major surgery ("Turn the Page"), and seeking the healing power of flowers and a well-tended garden ("The 2 am Gardener", "Saving the Irises"). Concert audiences have been asking Robin to record her frequent encore piece, "An Improvisation on the Canon" (Pachelbel's Canon in D, of course!), and Robin included that as a bonus track, giving a fresh new treatment to this workhorse of a piece.

Sure to be one of my Top 5-favorite albums of the year, I give "Dreaming of Summer" my highest recommendation for it's heartfelt beauty, love, sincerity, and wonderful piano playing. Robin truly opens her soul with her music, and it is a joy to behold!

I'm a bit of an old cynic, I'm afraid. My general reaction when liner notes and biographical details spend more time telling you how wonderful the musician is as a person than they do talking about the music I steer in the other direction. Especially when some of details turn out to have a strong hype component. It is fortunate for me that I heard this album before I delved into the details. Otherwise, I would never have listened to it.

Spielberg is a pianist whose work on this album is a bit like George Winston and another bit like Philip Aaberg. A dash more romantic than either, but the same melody over chord style with a strong element of improvisation. A bit simplistic, but successful overall, with occasionally captivating moments. Always listenable. This album, which is the first under her own label, is an excellent introduction to her playing and style.

Robin has appeared on some 12 different albums, and seems to have a lease on an inexhaustible fount of energy that sends her on tours throughout the world. So more than a little of the egregious self-promotion is true. Hearing, as it is said, is believing. I'm glad I discovered this album in the order I did, and intend to make up for lost time in acquiring more of her work.

We had the pleasure of hearing Robin live this summer in what we believe is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Her music matched the beauty that surrounded us. We particularly enjoyed hearing the stories behind the music. I loved that Robin gave each listener permission to dream during her concert. When I returned home, this CD helped me keep a piece of our summer holiday in my heart. Thank you Robin!

This is the first Robin Spielberg album/cd/mp3 (depending on your generation) that I have purchased. It won't be the last. Each song is a wonderful composition. Unlike some other recordings of solo piano, Robin's compositions are structured with repeated themes, breaks, stanzas and refrains, openings and closings. A good lyricist could work wonders with these pieces, if Robin were so inclined. In addition, Robin is a masterful pianist, showing an impressive command of the instrument. Her melodies are singularly memorable; they stay with you long after you're done listening to the recording. I bought Dreaming of Summer because I listen to instrumental music while I'm writing, and these evocative songs fill the bill nicely. But even if you're not a writer, you'll listen to these songs over and over again. I know I will.

Posted by Spobs Music from City Magazine: ""The bonus track alone is worth having the CD for. It is Robin's interpretation of Pachelbel's 'Canon', a popular classical piece....her five and a half minute finale allows for plenty of building on the song's melody. "Wedding on the Mountain", written for actor Willliam H. Macy and his wife Felicity, is another melodic standout as are "One Last Look" and "Turn the Page." "The 2am Gardener" makes good use of minor tones and left and right hand separation to create intriguing imagery. DREAMING OF SUMMER can provide a soothing background at home, work or while driving as the season begins getting cooler this month. She is a wonderful talent..."
City Magazine/Southwest Virginia Arts & Leisure GuideDreaming of Summer

I very much enjoyed Robin Spielberg's album, Dreaming Of Summer....
Whether sitting in an easy chair and listening on my stereo, or taking a solitary walk through the woods with her music on my mp3 player...it makes for a enjoyable listening experience!

Spielberg's music is graceful, ethereal, and inspired--a lovely mix of a light classical touch mingled with pop and new age influences. She has recorded over a dozen CDs, but this one is my favorite.

Dreaming of Summer and Songs of the Spirit are both fantastic CDs. Emotional and sentimental with superb composition. Highly recommended.