Customer Reviews

Simple Gifts: Christopher Parkening

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

 

 

This is one of my favorite CD's for setting a mood of peace and joy. It's pure solo guitar, beautifully played. A mix of classical, spiritual and hymnal music that shares a Christian theme. For anyone with a Christian background (and positive associations with it), this CD is a sure winner. For others it might lack some of the glow, but it's still lovely peaceful music.

This treasure chest holds such jewels! The cd rushes in with the joyous energy of Bach's Praludium, allows you to reflect and catch your breath on Pritchard's Hyfrydol and Variation, and flows forward with the grace and underlying passion that makes this a precious favorite.

This is my favorite recording by Chris. It is easy to listen to this CD and understand it was truly a labor of love.

Christopher Parkening is the most musically inventive person playing the classical guitar today; you must purchase this CD if you haven't already. It contains exquisitely beautiful hymns & sacred music (arranged perfectly for guitar, I might add) along with Mr. Parkenings masterful transcriptions of works by Bach, Haydn, Mozart and Humperdinck.

Above all, this is music that glorifies God and that was the ultimate purpose of creating this CD.

Classsical guitar is among the top forms of music and Christopher Parkeniong is one of the greatestartists in this genre, if not the best. I had despaired at ever findinding the CD "Simple Pleasures" and was so very pleased to locate it . I am so enjoying it now. I will be back for more as funds permit.

This was one of the first CD's I purchased back in 1988, and I bought it on a whim. Of the hundreds of CD's I now own, including many genres, this one remains in my list of top 10 favorites for a number of reasons.

1. Mr. Parkening plays every song on it with remarkable technical excellence and clearly discernible passion.
2. It includes classical, folksy, and reflective material, which could create a rough flow, but Mr. Parkening moves deftly from mood to mood leaving the listener with a sense of seamless transitions.
3. Although the songs on it are all religious classics they are played without pretense, which makes it accessible to any listener and uplifting for those seeking spiritual refreshment.

In closing, there is only one thing "wrong" with this CD - it's too short!

Christopher Parkening plays for the glory of God and like great musicians like Bach before him, the way he plays transcends the notes and sounds. It is what I would call "soulish transcendence." To hear Parkening play is to experience a taste of Heaven and to feel as though you have been in the presence of the God for whom he plays with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. I can only hope that Christopher Parkening will continue to make beautiful music that feeds the soul and brings glory to God. SDG

I always enjoy Parkening while driving. The songs are all familiar and relaxing, with a few that I have to replay a time or two before I can go on to the next song. Interesting harpsichord guitar combination on one song.

A beautiful and contemplative solo guitar recording of hymns, spirituals and other sacred works such as Mozart's Laudate Dominum and Humperdinck's Evening Prayer. Parkening is in exceptional form, the transcriptions are superb, and the recording itself is of the highest quality. Little wonder this has been an enduring classic since its release in the early 1980s.

Relaxing familiar Christian music that soothes the soul. Masterful guitar work. I gave it as a gift to my pastor.