An Album of Soothing Piano Music
One of my most soothing and deep relaxing album
REVIEWS
Frederic Delarue is establishing himself as one of the foremost
composers of so-called new age music, and is one of a few whose CDs are
always interesting, soothing, and compelling. Delarue’s albums have
basic themes, and previous releases have been about the magic of
dolphins, classical composers “coming to play with Delarue,” spiritual
voyages, etc. The common threads are consistently superior music, an
uplifting spirit, and the statement that the music was created with
guidance of Delarue’s angels and “beings of light.” (It is well worth a
visit to www.fredericdelarue.com to read his amazing biography.). The
subtitle of this latest release, “Dream Your Life, Live Your Dreams,”
sums up the thematic material, and there is a dreamy, graceful quality
from start to finish. Delarue writes in the liner notes: “I invite you
to reflect on the events of your life and surrender them to peace &
love and bring forgiveness to yourself and anyone involved.” Can a
collection of eleven original pieces of music accomplish all of that?
When it comes to Delarue, I think it’s possible. None of the tracks are
solo piano, but they are all piano-based with keyboard orchestrations.
It is interesting to note that in the liner notes, the track titles are
formatted in such a way that they create a short, evocative poem.
The opening track, “I Feel,” conveys the deep sense of spiritual
contentment and connectedness that come too rarely in our rushed and
over-scheduled lives. Listening to it, I can feel my breathing slow and
go deeper, and the sense of urgency that has been plaguing me of late
starts to melt away. “Beneath the Footprints of My Sole” has the
feeling of gently floating in vast open space that Delarue does so
well. The effortless flowing broken chords on the piano are hypnotic as
the more ambient background coaxes you to a dreamy state of mind.
Passionate as well as soothing, this is an exceptionally beautiful
piece. “Caress My Spirit” begins with ambient voices that reverberate
in a large space - perhaps a cathedral or even a castle. About a third
of the way through, the piano enters with a much lighter melody. The
piece melts into “With Tender Passion,” with its floating vocals and
air of mysterious calm, supplemented with flute and subtle keyboard
effects to gorgeous effect. “Beyond Eternity” lightens the mood quite a
bit with a warm and graceful waltz. “I Remember” incorporates the
simple melody of the Pachelbel Canon with strings and piano. It isn’t
an exact rendering of the piece, but certainly suggests it. “The Power
of Silence” becomes much more thoughtful and reflective - almost
dreamlike, with shimmering strings and a quietly pensive piano. “I Am
Free” closes the album with a bittersweet and passionate waltz that
tugs at the heartstrings. What a lovely ending for another great album
from Frederic Delarue! That I now want to get out his previous CDs and
listen to them again says a lot.
“Reflection” and Frederic Delarue’s other CDs can be purchased at
www.fredericdelarue.com and amazon.com. Highly recommended!
Kathy Parsons
Mainly Piano
Meditative Moments, May 15, 2007
Frederic Delarue's sweetly melodic symphony of healing touches the soul and creates a tranquil place for reflection. "Reflection Dream Your Life, Live Your Dreams" is soothing and brings out beautiful feelings of love and compassion. A sense of unconditional love and acceptance transcends all other emotions to lift the spirits and bring you to a place of safety and comfort.
At times mysterious, the melodies weave calm into your daily existence and provide a place to rest on an emotional level. The minute I play a Frederic Delarue CD my day is transformed into a beautiful vast expanse of peace. If you are looking for music to awaken your inner joy and give you a sense of calm, then "Reflection Dream Your Life, Live Your Dream" offers quiet meditative moments to instantly transport you to a place of peace.
I can also highly recommend Voyage of the Soul, Soaring with the Angels, Symphony of Light and Dophins...A Message of Love. Frederic Delarue is also featured on the benefit album Cousteau's Dream along with Yanni, Kenny G, Kitaro and Vangelis. He was born in Chartres, France, so, it is no wonder his music embraces the heights of the spiritual experience all while remaining grounded in a sense of profound moments of joy as experienced here on earth.
~The Rebecca Review