Customer Reviews

Elements Series: Water

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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New Age music should border on classical, be melodic, easy on the ear, but it can be strong. It should allow the listener to concentrate on the music for enjoyment, or blend into the background and become part of the environment, bordering on the edges of silence while filling the spaces between.

It should have good production values, in other words it should not sound like it was recorded in someone's basement. Preferably it should sound like someone put the time, effort and interest into producing quality music for the listeners enjoyment. And it should sound like the composer is putting his best effort into the work.

Peter Kater is one such composer/artist. Nominated for "Best New Age Album" in 2003 and 2004, he is very accomplished at this particular genre.

His newest work is a grouping of four CD's on the elements - Earth, Air, Fire and Water. For this review, I chose Water.

The focus is to present the Element of Water in a series of compositions that would connect the element to the listener. This production is all acoustical, and gives us Peter Kater on the piano, Paul McCandless on oboe and English horn, and Mike Hamilton on guitars.

For an all acoustical production, it is excellent. You can hear the piano strings vibrate as he holds the notes, the guitars resonate and you can feel the depth of the oboe. You are given an environment that touches you personally. Excellent recording and production values.

This is a lovely work, paced slow and purposeful to draw the listener in. There is much piano here to appreciate, and the oboe work is a delightful contrast and compliment to the compositions and the piano.

If you like New Age material, this is a classic example of how it should feel and sound. It may be a bit slow for some folks, but the movement of water is never good when rushed. This work does not hurry the listener, but rather allows them to drift, taking the time to enjoy each note and phrase of the compositions. This is a nice addition to any New Age library. mafoster

"Water" is one of four CDs in "The Elements Series" by Peter Kater. This is one of the most calming and stunningly beautiful CDs I've heard in awhile. In fact, I had to be a little extra careful while listening to it in the car because I kept being transported to a place that doesn't require quick reflexes and focused concentration - unlike the roadways of California! The instrumentation on "Water" is all acoustic with Kater on piano, Paul McCandless on oboe and English horn, and Mike Hamilton on guitar. A few tracks are solo piano, including the incredible "Cascade." Kater's intention was to add synthesized sounds to the live music, but he felt that additions only distracted from the integrity of the music. I can't imagine that anything could enhance this music - it seems to be perfection as is. Kater and McCandless are a match made in heaven. Some of the music on this CD was composed and other parts were improvised, but it is impossible to tell which is which. In the ensemble pieces, no one is the clear leader or follower - all three musicians are allowed to shine in some sections and intertwine their musicianship in others. The eight pieces range in length from about 5 1/2 minutes to 11 1/2, allowing the music to evolve and develop at a leisurely pace. The theme of water often includes turbulence and power, but this CD is all about serenity, flow, and peace. Music that is this calming is frequently best left in the background, but this one is the rarity where the music is complex enough to listen to with full focus, hearing something new each time. This is the perfect album for unwinding, relaxing, and drifting off to a place of peace and beauty. Give your mind and body a treat, and enjoy the soothing flow of "Water." Very highly recommended!

Peter Kater's classical background (and I presume he has one!) is brought into focus here -- broken chords, hints of classical themes, some of which are Chopinesque while others remind us of Beethoven, cadences and scales. As with the rest of the Elements series, his music has the ability of pulling the listener deep down into himself, regardless of where you listen to it - in the car, in your living room, at work, you name it. Again, not overly sentimental, and just the right amount of ambience. This is music which helps you keep in touch with yourself, in the most spiritually intimate and soulful sense of the phrase.

Wonderful CD providing a soothing background in hectic work environment. Will purchase more by this artist.

This CD is very nice and is very relaxing. I am so pleased with the quality of music. It does work well for massage sessions.

I have seen Peter Kater perform. I purchased this CD for the purpose of healing from my husband's death. I found it to be just exactly what I was looking for. Great for meditating or just relaxing.

I enjoyed this particular CD. It was all that I expected and more. I am considering purchasing the rest of the series.

Peter Kater delights all the lovers of sensitive, melodic and romantic music. He is one of those artists that know how to take us into musical landscapes full of harmony. Not being quite tragic, "Water" maintains a certain melancholy air. Most of the pieces can be labelled within the New Instrumental Melodic Music, although they also have Symphonic and Classical characteristics. The eight themes are slow, though not static.

This is a wonderful piece of music. It is delicate, soft, peaceful...you can read or write listening to this CD...A very good companion when you are alone or in a tranquil mood.