Novus Magnificat: Through the Stargate

Constance Demby

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 1, 1991)
• Original Release Date: 1986
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hearts of Space
• ASIN: B000000X52
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,534 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #17 in	Music > New Age > Healing
  #23 in	Music > Alternative Rock > Alternative Styles > Rock > Space Rock
  #27 in	Music > Rock > Progressive > Electronic

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Novus Magnificat, a gorgeous, otherworldly opus from classically trained pianist Constance Demby, has become a true classic in New Age music, appealing to a wide variety of listeners, many of whom are ordinarily put off by the genre. Rooted in worship music of the Western tradition, Demby's majestic improvisational vision produces what the 1986 disc's liner notes call "Contemporary classical Spacemusic: A Magnificat and Exaltate." Incorporating the central voice of synthesizer with a string-and-horn section, piano, organ, bells, and tympani, a choral voice joins with instrumental passages, setting a blissfully reverent tone throughout this two-part melodious marvel. Master composers Bach and Vivaldi come to mind when hearing the keyed chord progressions and swirling strings, making Novus Magnificat a keenly majestic score for use during massage, labor and birth, meditation, worship, or relaxation. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gorgeous modern classic that should not be missed, February 22, 1999

By A Customer

A fitting title for this one. Even after several years have gone by, this still has to be saluted as a precedent setting, awe inspring work. YOu may see that it has only two tracks, but they are quite lengthy, done in suite form. I am still amazed every time I listen to this at some of the "Bach-like" keyboard impressions she does here. The music continues to build in sophistication and depth. Bone chilling beauty is evident again and again. Put it to you this way: I am EXTREMELY picky about the music I like and buy. New Age is a very difficult genre to tap into, but once I heard some of COnstance Demby's work, I was hooked. Hers is the standard I hold a lot of music to now, especially new age or other electronic forms. Prepare to be taken on an incredible journey. Each of her albums is like a chapter in an ongoing epic. They are all must have treasures that are like fine wine: They only get better with age.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Ship of Music, October 15, 2003

By	Paul Gray "Nojaa" (Melbourne, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

As with many other people, Novus Magnificat was my first foray into the world of contemporary space music, having first heard a portion of it during a planetarium program, and I must say, it captivated me! The intricate melodies of the various synthesized instruments practically take my breath away, while the organ arpeggios act as a stairway through the stars.

Each time I listen to this album, I feel as if I am travelling through space in a ship of music, experiencing the wonders of the cosmos while the secrets of the universe whisper to me in an ethereal song. This is truly an experience that is not only heard, but realized through all the senses. Gazing at the stars on a warm summer's night is my favorite setting for listening to this composition of melodic poetry.

While I have other good examples of contemporary space music in my collection, from Wendy Carlos to Michael Stearns and John Serrie, Novus Magnificat continues to be the cornerstone of my musical library. I highly recommend this album if you are looking for a truly musically-poetic experience that transcends the senses.

Johann Sebastian Bach would have been pleased.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspires...comforts...., October 7, 2004

By	D. Pfeiffer "jf_sebastian" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was in what weould best be described as a dour mood this morning and decied to listen to this CD for the first time in my car. I live in a city that has the 5th worst traffic in America. Gridlock and its spirit crushing frustration are a way of life here and it shows in the populace. I often try to listen to ambient or classical music to calm my demeanor when driving. While some of the production is dated, specifically some of the swirling arppegiator effects, this is a piece of music that is truly worth the praise. I was aware of the album when it first appeared in the 80's as I began my exploration of electronic/space music but for some reason never purchased it. I'm glad now that I happened to come across it the other day in a CD store and picked it up on a whim. It's a cliche but this music, I think, was ahead of its time. Denby's classical training shows, but beyond that, this music is composed to stir an emotional/spiritual response in the listener. I can say that it succeeded with me this morning. As I neared the office I saw two large flocks of geese flying over the highway just as I was thinking to myself that this music inspires the urge to fly. It was a neat experience. Thank you Constance for composing an inspired piece of music. Even if you could help give one person some solace for a day wouldn't it be worth it? Certainly this is the contribution she has made to others who have discovered this music. I look forward to exploring some of the other works by this artist but for right now I can't wait for the ride home!