Bill Douglas--composer, pianist, and bassoonist--excels at sentimental, romantic music. Deep Peace, a collection of modern classical compositions both instrumental and choral, fits in snugly with the musician's rather pro... more »lific output of slightly cloying melody. Drawing on his jazz background, love of folk music, and lyrical language, Douglas finds inspiration in the poetry of William Butler Yeats, Robert Burns, William Blake, and Alfred Graves. The Ars Nova Singers, a Boulder, Colorado, choral group, function here as on Douglas's Earth Prayer as another instrument used to relate the largesse of sound as worship, celebration, and tender feeling. Traditional, skilled, and dynamic, the Singers are well suited to the composer's majestic orchestral canvas. This baker's dozen--lively, reverent, and overall sweetly harmonious--is sandwiched between two versions of the title cut, a traditional Gaelic blessing, effectively setting the blissful tone for these Celtic-tinged pieces of the whole. --Paige La Grone« less
Bill Douglas--composer, pianist, and bassoonist--excels at sentimental, romantic music. Deep Peace, a collection of modern classical compositions both instrumental and choral, fits in snugly with the musician's rather prolific output of slightly cloying melody. Drawing on his jazz background, love of folk music, and lyrical language, Douglas finds inspiration in the poetry of William Butler Yeats, Robert Burns, William Blake, and Alfred Graves. The Ars Nova Singers, a Boulder, Colorado, choral group, function here as on Douglas's Earth Prayer as another instrument used to relate the largesse of sound as worship, celebration, and tender feeling. Traditional, skilled, and dynamic, the Singers are well suited to the composer's majestic orchestral canvas. This baker's dozen--lively, reverent, and overall sweetly harmonious--is sandwiched between two versions of the title cut, a traditional Gaelic blessing, effectively setting the blissful tone for these Celtic-tinged pieces of the whole. --Paige La Grone
"This is a wonderful entrance into the lyrical garden of Bill Douglas! Healing, inspiring, and spiritual, the music of "Deep Peace" flows with a grace rarely experienced. I find the overall quality of this CD amazingly consistent: I like every track! There is a good synergy between the instrumental tracks and the Ars Nova singing. Douglas'soft piano interludes invite the listener to be with his reflections and most precious memories. I think I could do with this CD alone on a desert island! As far as my knowledge of Bill Douglas' music goes, this is his finest achievement to date. Buy this CD, you will find your musical companion. "Deep Peace" can also be a wonderful gift to our loved ones. I think I am going to get an extra copy for a good friend of mine who battled mild depression for months. The "Deep Peace" theme is my favorite passage because its melodic appeal is so caring for the huuman soul. In the midst of winter, let "Deep Peace" melodies fill your room each time you open your window to greet the morning sun. Happy listening, folks, wherever you are..."
Poetry In A Beautiful Musical Motion!
E. M. Holderman | Perryville, Kentucky USA | 01/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the first Bill Douglas album added to my cd collection, but it isn't the last! How do you adequately describe something so beautiful and stirring? Essentially, this is 'poetry in motion'....poetry put to music. Such poetic works Douglas used are from great poets like Robert Burns, William Blake, William Butler Yeats and Alfred Graves. With the musical sounds of the piano, synthesizers, bassoon, violin, cello, oboe and clarinet, in combination with the gentle chorals of the Ars Nova Singers, your soul is quickly soothed! Douglas and the Ars Nova Singers bring these poems to life. Very poignant. In the liner notes, Bill Douglas himself, speaks of his fondness of poetry and "how satisfying for him it was to present the musical settings of 'Deep Peace' to some of his favorite poems." The album consists of both instrumental and choral portions, many in combination. This cd is something to relax to, or work with, playing in the background. There's just something very moving about the tender words of poetry put to music & song. You will not be disappointed.Also, the poems themselves are listed in the liner notes; Something that is enjoyable to read as each particular song is playing. The cover picture itself, is a preview of how this cd will leave you feeling.....calm, serene, inspired, and with feelings of deep peace.My compliments to such a wonderful musician (Douglas), who has a tremendous talent to arrange and compose.....anything."
Impressive
Almedia Grant | Marshall, TX USA | 11/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my search for relaxing music appropriate for a spa atmosphere, I discovered Deep Peace in Amazon reviews. I decided to give this CD a try. I am impressed with the effect this music has on me and my clients. It is deeply relaxing and completely beautiful. When I play this CD while giving facials I feel serenity and peace. Apparently my clients also receive similar feelings because each express their attraction to the music, request information concerning Deep Peace, then soon after, fall fast asleep. I highly recommend Deep Peace for any one desiring a state of deep relaxation and peace."
Deep Peace
Jim Long | Harrisburg, PA USA | 11/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent presentation. When I heard this CD, I was surprised that I had never heard of Bill Douglas. The music is exceptionally relaxing, not to mention beautiful to the ear. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys inner(deep)peace..."