The Raptuous Music of Hilary Stagg: A Great Relaxation Gift Idea!
Written: Dec 22 '01
Product Rating:
Pros: The most relaxing, beautiful music I've ever heard!
Cons: You may zone out and fall asleep. Is that bad?
The Bottom Line: If you like George Winston's music, you will probably love Hilary Stagg's "Dream Spiral" album. It is incredibly relaxing and beautiful
LynnSchneider's Full Review: Dream Spiral by Hilary Stagg
What would Heaven sound like? Listen to "Dream Spiral" by Hilary Stagg, and you'd probably come close.
I happened upon this wonderful CD at a local church yard sale. I can't believe anyone would want to give it away!
Hilary Stagg creates his (yes, his) music with an electric harp. Many of the songs also employ guitars, violins, and synthesizers. The songs are soothing, incredibly beautiful, and moving. In many ways, they remind me of the George Winston/Windham Hill music I used to listen to in the 1980s.
Although each track mainly empolys the electric harp, each song is different. Some are entirely new-age and relaxing, others have a more jazzy, modern feel.
You might hear this sort of music at an upscale spa or a new-age store; it is extremely relaxing and beautiful. But unlike most new-age music, this album is filled with many songs that contain strong melodies sure to conjure up feelings of rapture. It's not just music to space-out with. It's music to listen to and feel.
Track by Track
My favorite is the very first track, "Heaven on Earth." I could listen to this song over and over (sometimes I do). Its haunting and lovely melody, complete with a few chimes of a bell, literally lifts me skyward, out of my seat. Indeed, even my 8-year-old daughter said this reminds her of heaven (and she had no idea what the song's title was).
"The Land of Oz" reminds me more of some of the Windham Hill artists of the 1980s. In addition to the harp, this track uses a violin to provide a poignant, jazzy accompaniment.
"Before Time" is a thoughtful and relaxing piece, employing mainly the electric harp.
"Spirit Dancers" once again uses violins and synthesizers to accentuate another haunting melody that is slightly celtic.
"Sweet Islands" is a breezy piece using acoustic guitar and percussion instruments. I love this song and would like to be able to play it on my own guitar. Each time I hear it, I find myself sympathetically moving my picking fingers to the melody.
"Drifting Toward a Dream" is a very relaxing piece, very reminiscient of George Winston's "Winter" album.
The title track, "Dream Spiral" is rather indistinct (ironically), but is beautiful nevertheless.
"Sunlight Returns" is probably the most dramatic sounding piece on the album, with synthesized sounds reminiscent of crashing waves, and violins.
A Great Relaxation Gift
If someone you know needs to relax, this album would certainly get them in the right state of mind. A great gift would be: this album, a relaxation candle, and some lavender/rosemary bath salts.
This is also a great album to play while giving someone a massage.
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