Customer Reviews

Songs Without Words

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"Songs Without Words" was Craig Urquhart's first recording of original piano solos. For the most part, this album is much quieter and more understated than Urquhart's later work. The titles of most of the fifteen songs have to do with nature, and the mood of the album is very calm and soothing. I found it much easier to let this one slip into the background than Urquhart's other albums, making it a great choice for reading or simply relaxing and letting the music wash over you. Very classical in style and approach with an emphasis on emotion, Urquhart is an incredible pianist and artist. "Lullaby" is so delicate and gentle that it almost feels fragile - very, very beautiful. "Gentle Wind" is also tranquil and serene like a warm spring breeze. "The Prairie" is livelier, almost dance-like. "Fog Horns" captures the mystery of being near the ocean in the fog - everything is soft, cool, gray, and very quiet. "Radiance" is a sparkling, twirling crystal shooting reflected light in all directions. I also really like "Pas de Deux" and "Soliloquy," which are both soothing and elegant. "Songs Without Words" is a gorgeous collection of piano solos, and I highly recommend it.

Music is many things to many people. What it is to everybody is a balm for the soul. And, indeed, in this harsh, all too fast and impersonal world of ours, Craig Urquhart's SONG WITHOUT WORDS provides an island where the listener can truly pause and find his peace. Each work, lasting between 2 and 1/2 to 6 minutes, offers us exquisite, tranquil beauty. How we have needed Urquhart's blessed pen and touching music in our chaotic times!

The titles of each work extol the beauties of nature and, clearly, the composer's love for the world around him: The Acquisition of Wings, Waves, Gentle Wind, The Prairie, Ocean Song, Radiance, Morning. We also have the great bonus hearing these works played by the composer himself--and what a marvelous pianist he is too! Urquhart performs with great sensitivity and deeply moving expression, invoking a wide range of color, light and texture. This is music to make us pause, think, be at peace and unite with the world around us, completely detached from wordly strife.

Craig Urquhart is a master pianist and composer. This should come as no surprise to the world of music - and its environs - as he was Leonard Bernstein's assistant during the last five years of the great maestro's life. It is now time for Mr. Urquhart to receive his due: A consummate performer, his playing touches the heart and soul of the human spirit. I turn to his music when I need enlightenment. Indeed, for a tremendously beautiful listening experience, it doesn't get much better than this!

This a is great CD to put on for a romantic time in front of a fire,.. or to read the Sunday New York Times with coffee...or for writing email or reading. Thoughtful, engaging but not too demanding. Would be great for massage too.

Besides being a great composer/performer, Mr. Urquhart must be a trained naturalist. His compositions elegantly reflect nature's beauty. I listen to "Songs Without Words" when I want to get in touch with universe.

These songs are so beautiful, they don't need words! If you don't know the work of Craig Urquhart, you're in for that rare thrill -- the discovery of a major talent!

By using the sounds and rhythms of nature, especially the sea shore, this album offers a very expressive and often dramatic portrayal of the planet we call home. Rarely does one hear music that is this poetic and beautiful.