Winter's Solstice, Vol. 1

Artist: Various Artists
Label: Windham Hill Records
Category: Music

Average customer rating:

Media: Audio Cassette

UPC: 019341104544
EAN: 0019341104544
ASIN: B000000NGI

Release Date: 1990-10-17

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Tracks:

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - David Qualey
Engravings II - Ira Stein, Russel Walder
New England Morning - Will Ackerman
High Plains - Philip Aaberg
Nollaig - M Domhnaill, Billy Oskay
Greensleeves - Liz Story
Bach Bour[From the French Suite] - Liz Story
Northumbrian Lullaby - Malcolm Dalglish
Petite Aubade - Shadowfax
Tale of Two Cities - Mark Isham

Similar Items:

A Winter's Solstice II
A Winter's Solstice III
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 6
A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 5

Customer Reviews:

Music and Memory.......2007-01-01

Windham Hill has certainly milked this series for a very long time based on the success of this album in the 1980s. Many of its successors are really very good, but this is the seminal Windham Hill artists' statement about music, memory, and seasonal sentiment. Most of the cuts on this album are so well crafted that they may seem simplistic, but what is so telling for me is that the pieces hold up year after year and they possess a magical quality that allows the music to become a part of one's Solstice/Christmas experience. Will Ackerman's "New England Morning" is especially moving in this sense, and certainly seems to capture something elemental about New England in winter. This quality of the music is a tribute to the pure artistry of the performers/composers. Winter's Solstice II also works well on this level of grace and harmony. While the albums that follow the first two are good in many ways, and certainly contain high quality performances, the series sets a high standard with the first two attempts that is very tough to match. Highly recommended at any price.

a soundtrack to a vanished past.......2005-12-24

In the early months and years of my first marriage, this music was the bridge between two people who were not accustomed to building bridges. The emotional resonances that it triggers in me even now make me wonder whether music should be trusted as a reliable means of communication. The answer is, of course, yes; I just have to learn to remember without regret. Five stars, and more. The first, and probably the best, of the Solstice records.

Refreshing Instrumentals for Christmas, or Any Time.......2005-11-07

The Windham Hill "Winter's Solstice" series is a great way to experience Christmas in a musical way. This series goes well with Regency Music's "Winterlude" series (which I have reviewed here).

I thoroughly enjoy acoustic instruments in the making of Christmas music. While keyboards have their place, acoustic instruments have a unique quality and character that brings out the best in Christmas music, something that synthesized sounds lack. "A Winter's Solstice" accomplishes this while presenting a cornucopia of music ranging from classical pieces and traditional carols to folk melodies. Especially important here is the inclusion of non-traditional music that, although not necessarily seasonal, still blends well in the mix.

I have found that the best way to listen to this CD, for me at least, is in a darkened room with only the lights on the Christmas tree for illumination, and perhaps a scented candle for added emphasis. This permits the melodies to flow through me freely, allowing me to deeply experience the music. The CD is especially helpful for those who are stressed out and in need of relaxation.

Windham Hill excels at spotlighting independent musicians without the pomp and vanity forced upon them by the major record labels. Volume 1 is a good starting point, certainly, and is an excellent addition to anyone's Christmas music collection. This volume stands well either alone or with the rest of the series.

If you are looking for a CD that offers something other than the usual "manufactured" commercial, low-quality, over-hyped, cookie-cutter-type Christmas fare, then "A Winter's Solstice" is for you.

A Winter's Solstice.......2005-10-04

If you are a fan of the Winter's Solstice series, than you will enjoy this cd, especially if you like the earlier volumes with the more original pieces rather than mostly traditional christmas music.

Excellent CD........2005-09-04

What a beautiful beginning for the Winter's Solstice collection. I love this music. It drains away all my stress.

Music CD:

Music CD

Music CD

Music CD

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La Salsa Es MP ~ Various Artists

Winter's Solstice, Vol. 1 ~ Various Artists

Winter Solstice ~ Various Artists

Why Do Fools Fall in Love ~ Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers

Maranata ~ Maranata

Black Magic ~ Helen Forrest

Trio ~ Pablo Martinez

De la Timba a Pogolotti ~ Son Cesar Pedroso y los Que Son

Zeze Di Camargo & Luciano ~ Camargo & Luciano