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"This has to be one of the most relaxing releases I've come across
in all my years of viewing music. The peaceful strains of these seven
original compositions wash over you with such gentleness that it's easy
to visualize in your mind's eye the winged, robed forms of the angels of
'Hope,' 'Innocence,' 'The Wind,' 'Heaven's Gate,' 'The Healing Waters,'
'Dreams' and 'The Morningstar.'Berglund's skills on the Douglas Irish
Harp are simply heavenly and when combined with the tasteful
orchestration and arrangements supplied by Aeoliah (strings, cello,
violin, flute, angelic choir, some special sonic effects and natural
sounds), you have music that can heal your exhausted soul and frazzled
spirit. What I find amazing is that each cut is so individualistic in
it's musical mood, yet all seven meld together beautifully into a
seamless, celestial whole. That takes not only talent, but also
compassion, tenderness and a sensitivity to one's own personal muse.
Obviously, Erik Berglund possesses all of those elements and more. With
Angelic Harp Music, he transports us to a realm of such beauty and
splendor that it can cause your heart to melt.
~'Lucky Heart' Halo magazine
"A sensitive, inspiring and soothing
album, produced by Erik with Aeoliah and Anton Mizerak. The blend of
synthesizers with the harp adds so much, yet it's never overplayed. The
arrangements are simple yet full, always sweet, slow and delicate. Angel
of Innocence communicates light simplicity and innocence, with angel
voices lifting beautifully, full of emotion and yearning. Peaceful and
calm, The Angel of the Wind whirls with tinkling wind chimes,
synthesized wind and voice textures which open into a feeling of
expansion. The Angel of Heavens Gate presents harp and bell sounds in
Oriental flavors. The Angel of Healing Waters is a favorite - peaceful
waters lightly cascading and shimmering into your soul, and the angels
singing with harp harmonics. In The Angel of Morning Star you arise to
smooth harp, bird and flute voices, almost feeling the sun on your face.
This tape is excellent for meditation, massage, or quiet background
music. Recommended.
~Glenn Falkenberg, Heartsong Review
Although I have been a guitarist for many
years, I have always had a strong fascination for the sound of the harp.
This venerable instrument possesses the magical ability to exhilarate
me, when it is in the hands of Andreas Vollenweider, or to turn me deep
inside when it is played by the artists in this review. Erik Berglund's
latest recording, "Angelic Harp Music," is very well named.
Erik spontaneously created the album's seven compositions as offerings
to the angelic realms in gratitude for their expressions of love and
compassion in his life. Each track seems to grow more beautiful than the
one preceding it as Berglund invokes the "shining ones" with
the transparent, shimmering sound of his Celtic harp. Supporting the
harpist with studio production and accompaniment on a variety of
synthesizers is his long time friend, Aeoliah. The artistry of Aeoliah
is so exquisite that his background orchestration highlights even the
most delicate nuances of the harp and never competes for dominance.
Some of the tracks like "Angel of the
Wind" and "Angel of Heaven's Gate", have a subtle
oriental feeling about them. "Angel of Innocence" is an
enchanting melody that evokes distance memories of child hood and gets
my vote as one of the finest New Age lullabies ever recorded. But the
overall affect of "Angelic Harp Music" is to open the heart
and to allow the listener to glide into that inner kingdom where the
angels truly dwell.
~ Ken Gruen, New Frontier
"Angelic Harp Music" is a vibrant,
shimmering meditation on the angelic realms. No instrument turns our
gaze heavenward better than a well played harp, and Berglund's
composition and performance bring out the instrument's potential
admirably.
~ Daniel Rose Redwood, Virginia Beach
"Angelic Harp Music" features seven
selections composed by Berglund which musically evoke love and
compassion in odes to Hope, Innocence, the Wind, Heaven's Gate, Healing
Waters, Dreams and the Morning Star. Some are smooth and slow, others
shimmering, but each has its individual message. Berglund shifts
registers to achieve the most harmonious partnership with synthesizers
and other, accompanying instruments, played by Aeoliah, Anton Mizerak
and Berglund on additional tracks. He carefully wanders over strings
joining sounds that suggest mysterious but benevolent forces. One is at
a distance but feels close to home. The other musical voices sometimes
capture the full richness of a small string orchestra rounding out the
sonority. "Healing Waters" on side two is an extra long
selection preparing the healing path with sounds of gentle cool waters.
~ Rich Babl, The Book Reader |