Search - Yanni :: Gift Set - Reflect of Passion & Celebrat of Life

Heartfelt, honest, romantic and infectiously cheerful

Brianna Neal | USA | 05/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Some may say the music of Yanni is syrupy, saccharine, musically light and full of stylistic cliches, and they're probably right, but sometimes ... that's exactly what you need! I do, anyway. There is an undeniable energy to this music that captures the attention, moves, motivates and tugs at the heartstrings. I think what I like most about his style is that while it does have some depth, it doesn't brood and wallow in it. Many of Yanni's full-voiced keyboard compositions are cheerful, set in major keys, and while some of the musical motifs are a bit trite, the compositions do build and change, developing a rich, diverse texture. "Reflections of Passion" gathers together some of the best--great music to play during periods of emotional release and healing. Just listen and look upwards, and you'll find a spot of sunshine to appreciate on any cloudy day. "Reflections of Passion" is a compilation of previously released hits from Yanni's earlier albums. "In Celebration of Life" is a similar collection, released around the same time in the early 1990s, and it features mostly high-energy selections. The exuberant, beat-filled compositions are both motivating and uplifting. There is also an innocent, wonder-filled joie de vivre about the music that can release one's inner child. This boxed set, a "compilation of compilation albums", is a great introduction to Yanni's multi-layered synthesizer music. Try also his recent release, "Ethnicity", for more of his upbeat celebrations of life."