Songs Without Words [IMPORT]

Craig Urquhart (Composer, Performer), Craig Urquhart (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Craig Urquhart, Craig Urquhart
• Composer: Craig Urquhart
• Audio CD (December 31, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Heart Earth Music
• ASIN: B00000J3AE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #49,712 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Imports > New Age

Track Listings

1. The Homecoming

2. : The Prophet

3. : The Acquisition of Wings

4. : Lullaby

5. : Waves

6. : Gentle Wind

7. : The Prairie

8. : Fog Horns

9. : Ocean Song

10. : Vesper Hymn

11. : The Dalliance of Eagles

12. : Pas de Deux

13. : Solioquy

14. : Radiance

15. : Morning

Editorial Reviews

Linda Kohanov, Pulse Magazine

"Songs Without Words are as subtle as moonlight reflecting on ocean waves, yet they retain a thoughtfulness and elegance that betray their classical origins."

Product Description

Beautiful,solo playing of songs without words of which Leonard Bernstein said, "His music ... has a deceptive simplicity and honesty that is rarely heard ... His tonal approach is ... genuinely moving, with a private beauty of its own."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications, March 28, 2003

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Music of Urquhart: Sheer Poetry, August 12, 1999

By A Customer

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, utterly hypnotic. A must for connoisseurs!, May 28, 1999

By A Customer

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!