Search - Various Artists :: Peaceful Planet

IC B.
Reviewed on 12/14/2024...

This was certainly a nice surprise. Far from being standard-issue "relaxation music", "Peaceful Planet" presents the music of four accomplished "traditional" musicians from four regions of the world. Each segment is lovely.

Tracks 1-3 ("Spain") are original compositions by classical guitarist Cesar Fornes Berlanga. These are light, gentle pieces with a spontaneous, improvisational feel, paired subtly with the sounds of natural birdsong.

Tracks 4-7 ("South America") are presented by South Amercian musician Jorge Alfano, playing traditional instruments from the Altiplano.

Tracks 8-10 ("Zimbabwe") are musical explorations on mbira, by master player Erica Azim. The sound is like chiming layers of small, tuned bells.

Track 11 ("India") is by well-known North Indian musician G.S. Sachdev, who plays a raga in teental rhythm, pairing flute and tabla.

The booklet incuded is both respectful of each region's musical traditions and sufficiently detailed to provide the listener with a sense of what inspires each perfomer. I liked the balance found on this disc of well-chosen, diverse music, as well as acknowledgement of the skill, individuality and inspirations behind each of the four musicians. A very nice project, done tastefully.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Great for meditating

Natalie A Lazarus | Miami, Florida United States | 03/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is wonderfully relaxing to close your eyes and listen to. You are taken on a musical journey across 4 countries. There is a definate ethereal quality to the instumental pieces. You will be delighted with the performances of these four musicians as they perform their country's native music."