Lyrical and expressive, classically influenced, richly orchestrated instrumental Christmas music

22 MP3 Songs
CLASSICAL: Orchestral, CLASSICAL: Traditional



Details:
This CD, containing 22 selections, offers a reflective, very peaceful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

Neal Ewers is a long time Madison Wisconsin resident who sang for many years in the UW-Madison Concert Choir under the direction of Robert Fountain. He carries his love of choral music into the instrumental world and gives the instruments he plays a very magical, singing quality. This collection magically weaves together some of the most peaceful, relaxing carols of the season with those that are more joyful. Neal's lyrical performance of the quieter carols uses bells, cello, soaring violins, haunting oboes and other instruments to bring about a truly spiritual experience. His arrangements of the lively, more joyful carols keeps this peaceful spirit alive by delicately balancing the volume of the mighty pipe organ with harpsichords, flutes, bells, and other quiet instruments. His graceful yet sparkling playing of these well known melodies and their interplay with his original descants makes this a truly wondrous listening experience.

Neal uses his Kurzweil K2500 keyboard which allows him to record the sounds of actual instruments including trumpets, bells, harps, cellos, English horns, violins, choral ensembles, and mighty pipe organs. He can then play them on the keyboard exactly as you would hear them in the concert hall. Neal uses these and other instruments to enhance the variety of moods these carols evoke. His lyricism and gift for orchestration produce a truly uplifting collection.

Because Neal is totally blind, he has had to memorize the numerous options and parameters that are available on this state-of-the-art keyboard. And, perhaps also because he is blind, his music offers us a musical glimpse into the unseen quiet places of our souls.

Neal has accomplished many interesting things, but is most devoted to his music and the impact it can have on the listener. His goal is to have the music he plays âSing of feelings deep within the listener, feelings which none of us can completely 'see' unless we close our eyes."

See www.christmasreviews.com for a review of this CD.