June 2008
Richard Lewis McLane weaves elements of new age music and contemporary classical music into a distinctive calm music of healing and compassion.
There is a rich and evocative 'essence' here, something fundamental, that underlie the works on the CD.
It embraces and invites the listener to relax and experience a renewal of energy. Lewis Sound Productions is pleased to announce this first release of a CD of beautific instrumental music. Listening to this
authentic and honest expression from a novel and imaginative new artist is pure joy. Listen to samples from the CD and see if you don't agree that here is a unique and fresh experience that
you must share in.
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WHAT'S ON THE CD
The CD consists of instrumental works of a predominately acoustical nature. The five pieces are of a moderate length ranging from
9:00 to 16:39 with a total playing time of 58:57. This is a rare CD in that it doesn't contain any bad tracks. Overall, the mood is one of serenity and contemplation
with excursions into the dramatic. It is relaxing but rich enough in structure and arrangement to be engaging and actively listened to. Instrumentally, there are melodic piano motifs,
exquisite string parts, rich harmonies on acoustic guitar, woodwinds providing support for subtle overlays, organ for warm color, and some occasional percussion
for rhythmic propulsion. The performance is one of restraint and understatement in keeping with the peaceful mood. For stylistic considerations take a look at the section below
on 'Contemporary Instrumental Music'. In general, there is a personal touch to each line that contributes to a highly poetic quality that seems to evoke a visual counterpart to the
aural experience. The sincerity of the work is quite moving.
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ABOUT CONTEMPORARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Somehow the phrase doesn't seem to suggest much. This generality is exactly appropriate however. It reflects the supposition that modern composers of instrumental music generally have a wide range of musical influences.
The primary inspiration may have been classical music, for example, but s/he may synthesize an eclectic blend of musical elements in the crafting of their own personal expression.
Thus one may hear bits of rock, blues, or jazz; indigenous folk or world musics; romanticism, impressionism, or twelve-tone techniques.
In addition to the label of 'contemporary instrumental', one may encounter classifications such as 'contemporary classical', 'neoclassical', 'new age', 'polystylism (eclecticism)', and other variants.
Regardless of label, the preference to use acoustic instruments in the creation of a mellow, calm music is common although electro-acoustic blends occur.
There are a multitude of resources on the web to learn more about the development of contemporary music in its various guises. An extensive survey of classical music can be
found at Phillip Magnuson's Microcosms site.
Perhaps we will see an original aesthetic emerge from this exchange of ideas that will point the way toward a new vision of music for the twenty-first century.
We hope you enjoy exploring the fascinating world of modern music and the works on the CD.
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Visit 'Bio' to learn more about Richard Lewis McLane
Buy the CD at 'Orders'
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LISTEN ! |
| Hear excerpts from works on the CD |
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| The Musical Scale |
| Given four strings, 6, 8, 9, and 12 inches long, you can hear the major intervals. The tones of the 6" and 12" strings
produce the octave. The 8" and 12", a fifth. The 9" and 12", a fourth. And the 8" and 9", a whole step. |
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