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Tree Spirits - Symphonic Version

An album by Eric Harry and Eric Harry and Terra Martin

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From MainlyPiano

Nov 7, 2009

by kathypiano
posted in Music Matters

Rating:

"Tree Spirits: Symphonic Version" is a collaboration of spoken word by Terra Martin and orchestrated music by Eric Harry. (Eric Harry also released a solo piano version of "Tree Spirits" with the music only.) Each piece's title correlates to a passage read or recited by Martin over the instrumental music. On some of them, the words are quite short with the music extended beyond for several minutes. Some of the words are influenced by Native American lore and tradition, and Ashtar Ron Allen's wood flutes are a beautiful addition to about half of the tracks. Terra Martin's words aren't quite poetry, but they are evocative, philosophical, and vivid. Eric Harry wrote the music, and performed the piano, orchestrations, and glass armonica. It's quite an unusual project, and the music is gorgeous. I do prefer the piano version, but for those who favor a more cinematic musical experience with guided visualization, this is a great choice!

"Tree Spirits" begins with "Northern Lights." Starting with the glass armonica gives the music a mysterious, sparkling sound and piques our interest as the piano, oboe, and strings enter with the flowing, magical melody. "Snowdrifts" is just Terra Martin's soothing and reassuring voice and Ashtar Ron Allen's flute, as are six other tracks that alternate with the orchestrations. "Silver Stream" includes piano, strings, oboe, and harp, creating a graceful and dreamy image. "Unrequited" is almost heartbreaking with its feelings of loss and regret. "Indian Summer" is also achingly beautiful. Piano, cello, and violins spin an elegantly dark tale that brings you in and wraps you in its lush warmth and safety. "Spiritual Passage" is lighter, but still very poignant and slightly mysterious. "Tiny Icicles" has a cold sparkle that dances like light on the snow. Fully orchestrated, it creates calm and peaceful images. "Ice Boating" creates a chill, but the idea of gliding across a frozen lake is so peaceful and still, as is the music that brings forth images of an icy wonderland that shimmers and twinkles in the light.

"Tree Spirits: Symphonic Version" is quite an impressive tour de force both musically and emotionally. Recommended!

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About the reviewer

Kathy Parsons (kathypiano)
Ranked #102

I have been a private piano teacher since 1981. I have been writing reviews for a long time, and have my own review and interview site, MainlyPiano.com. I teach piano in person and online, so now I can … more