No. 1 Memory Awakened - Ken Pederson, Pedersen, Kenny
No. 2 The Dance Left
No. 3 Birth Of Hope,
No. 4 Quest, for cell
No. 5 In The Eyes Of
No. 6 Autumn Rose, fo
No. 7 Mind Candy, for
No. 8 Wisdom's Gift,
No. 9 Reunion, for pi
No. 10 Eulogy, for pi
No. 11 Reminiscence,
No. 12 Tomorrow's Mem
Classical themes are the jumping off point for these original New Age piano instrumentals that also feature cello, oboe, English horn, and more. The album also has classical crossover appeal, drawing on material from Pach... more »elbel?s Canon, Dvorak New World Symphony (?Coming Home?), ?Simple Gifts,? and ?Jesu Joy of Man?s Desiring.?« less
Classical themes are the jumping off point for these original New Age piano instrumentals that also feature cello, oboe, English horn, and more. The album also has classical crossover appeal, drawing on material from Pachelbel?s Canon, Dvorak New World Symphony (?Coming Home?), ?Simple Gifts,? and ?Jesu Joy of Man?s Desiring.?
CD Reviews
New Age Instrumentals inspired by the classics
05/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ken Pedersen has taken inspiration from twelve well-known classical pieces and created original works from them. This is a little audacious when you think about it, but Pedersen has created a real masterpiece! I expected actual arrangements of the various classics, but most tracks only hint of their original sources, and the new compositions are fresh and contemporary. This isn't 'Switched-On Bach '99' by any stretch of the imagination! Several of the pieces are augmented with synth instrumentation, two are duets with cellist Judy Stone, and several were improvised in the studio to reflect Pedersen's performing style. I've been hearing some incredible piano CDs lately, but this one rises right to the top.The 'inspirations' come from all eras of piano music from Bach and Handel to Philip Glass, and the titles reflect significant moments in life. There are several favorite selections, but 'Quest' is such a soaring and yet gently flowing duet for piano and cello that I think it's my top pick; its inspiration came from a rhythmic pattern used by Glass. Another real stand-out is the lively 'Mind Candy', inspired by the Shaker melody, 'Simple Gifts' - a joyous romp for piano and wind quartet that reminds me a little of Ray Lynch's 'Celestial Soda Pop' in its buoyancy. I had doubts that anyone could bring anything new to the Pachelbel 'Canon', so 'Reunion' was a delightful surprise! 'Autumn Rose' is also a fun discovery with Pedersen's joining of MacDowell's 'To a Wild Rose' and Foster's Oh Susanna'! The two themes run in and out of Pedersen's piano improvisation and work perfectly together. 'Tomorrow's Memory' was inspired by the often-murdered 'Moonlight Sonata' (it's a piano teacher talking here!); the flowing triplets in the bass are about the only recognizable part of the original, and Pedersen's expressive touch and emotional power make this an incredible piece. Wow! Each piece is strong and lovingly crafted in its own right, and the CD as a whole has a wonderful flow with warm, soothing qualities that should satisfy fans and non-fans of classical music. This is one of the best CDs I've heard! Sound-clips at www.kenpedersen.com or email Ken at ken@kenpedersen.com. - Kathy Parsons"
A Wonderful Listening Experience
elizabeth robison | Tucson, AZ United States | 08/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I only recently discovered Ken Pedersen and was delighted with this album. He takes well known classics and composes original pieces from them, which are both pleasurable and inspirational.He basis his compositions on Dvorak,Mozart,Bach, Glass,Chopin,MacDowell/Foster, Copland,Pachelbel,Handel,Schumann and Beethoven.Each track has a hauntingly familar sound, but his innovative creations show both his great talent and ingeniousness. Some tracks are Ken playing solo piano and others are accompanied by various instruments. The blending of both New Age and Classical brings a meld that should please all ears."
A TOP FAVORITE!! EXCELLENT!
ROBERT L. BYRUM | DAVENPORT, IOWA USA | 08/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My wife and I had the rare chance to meet Ken Pedersen and his wife recently, which at the time we did not know that he was a musician. I later heard his music compositions on his CD's: "Deja Views" and "Walden". These two CD's quickly became favorites of mine! The music is that which one can listen to which both relaxes and inspires the listener! The CD's are wonderful original compositions by Ken Pedersen. I highly recommend Ken's music to those who enjoy putting peace and tranquility back into their lives after a busy day at work. Listen to his music on the drive home and you will be relaxed by the time you get there! Thanks Ken, and I look forward to your next CD release!"
Deja Views is Heavenly
Denise M. Klose | West Chester, PA USA | 09/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I came upon Ken Pedersen's Deja Views CD almost by accident. His cover appealed to me so I gave it a try. I look for soothing music to relax with in the evenings, because I have a very busy work day and need to upwind in the evenings. The music is simply wonderful and I highly recommend it. It is all instrumental and that's what I need to decompress with. Each song leads you into the next for a journey to feed your soul. Because I liked it so much I asked for his second CD for my birthday recently and I love that CD just as much. It is obvious to me that this man is very gifted and I hope he continues to produce more CD's in the future. I am signing up to be his number one fan."
Pure genius
Soren Pedersen | Chicago, Illinois | 02/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ken blends raw talent with musicianship and a tasteful appreciation for the original pieces that he adapts. The most brilliant version of a cover song that I've ever heard. Any true musician or music fan will love this CD. Buy a bunch of em!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1