CD-Charts Position 31
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The Plateaux of Mirror: Ambient 2

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Harold Budd

Release Date September 27, 2004
I agree with the previous reviewer that this is possibly the most beautiful album ever made - I remember buying this along with '4th World Possible Musics' (Hassell/Eno) the day they came out, and they are both still in my top 5 favourite albums.
Essentially this is a Harold Budd album (as '4th World' is essentially a Jon Hassell album)but Eno's treatments and production are central - it demonstrates his great taste and generosity as an artist if nothing else.
The entire album is incredible, but 'The Chill Air' is literally breathtaking- it stops me dead in my tracks every time I hear it.

CD-Charts Position 32
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Songs from a Secret Garden by Secret Garden

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Secret Garden

Release Date October 26, 1998
I had bought this cd for a gift but thought I would listen to it first.I am so glad I did.I would not say i am usually a huge fan of this type of music but this is truly beautiful.It is relaxation at its best.I did give it reluctantly for xmas but now have my own.Secret Garden is MINE to play when the children are out and I'm having me time!(or if they are driving me mad and I need calming down)It is like disappearing into another world.

CD-Charts Position 33
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Albedo 0.39

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Vangelis

Release Date September 16, 1989
Produced in the 70's before he really hit the big time, this is a slice of what made Vangelis the master of synth rock. This is up there against Tomita and J.M. Jarre, and comes out very well. We all gasped that only one man was making such wonderful music, remember this was before PCs and samples took over the world. There are complex and melodic pieces alongside percussion. There is an other worldly feel to the pieces which explains why this music was used in Carl Sagans "Cosmos". The spoken title track is quite haunting and ethereal, the sound effects of the speaking clock and telephone dialling a little twee. A great introduction to synthesizers and the template for many a late night session staring at the clear night sky as a callow youth, ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 34
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Libera

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
from: Erato

Release Date October 25, 1999
As with others, I had to track down the music once I'd heard it on my weekly commute to London on the red eye to and from Aberdeen.

I was surprised to find it produced from a bunch of choirboys so this is a closet cd in my collection, but one that takes me back each time to that damn train...!

CD-Charts Position 35
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La Bella Vista

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Harold Budd

Release Date November 06, 2006
If contemplation had a melody, the music contained in this album would be part of it. Harold Budd has been writing and performing exquisite music over many, many years –you must listen to "Pavilion of Dreams" or "The Pearl," his collaborations with Brian Eno in the 70's, if you need proof– and although not incredibly prolific, each time what he has released has been worth the wait. "La Bella Vista" ranks among her most accomplished in recent years, which might sound strange given the spontaneous circumstances of its recording at Daniel Lanois eponymous house in the Mojave desert –the story goes that he did not even know he was been taped during the first piece– yet it is. The music here is meditative, spacious and beautifully ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 36
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Luminosa

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Libera

Release Date September 03, 2001
As one who has only recently discovered Libera by seeing the 'Vespera' video on Classic FM TV, I visited their website, more through curiosity than anything else. After hearing some of the audio clips and seeing their videos, I felt I had to purchase the 'Luminosa' CD. I can honestly say that the music on that disc is the most moving and emotional I have ever heard. I defy anyone to listen to it and still have dry eyes at the end! The sheer beauty of the music and the complexity of the harmonies - particularly when one remembers that the boys are all aged 7 to 14 - takes you on an emotional journey that has to be experienced.

Truly Magnficent!

CD-Charts Position 37
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Antarctica

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Vangelis

Release Date March 18, 1996
A beuatiful album by Vangelis - the title track is seven minutes of sheer perfection, and its haunting melody is repeated several times during the subsueqent tracks, which are lush, melodic and superbly atmospheric. One of the greatest 'ambient' style albums I've ever heard - put this one on after a long hard day and just let the music dissolve away all stresses and tensions.

CD-Charts Position 38
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Oceanic

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Vangelis

Release Date October 25, 1996
I find Oceanic as good as anything Vangelis has done. This is wonderful and adventureous music. I like how the music is not so clearly defined but flushes back and forth like ocean waves. There may not be grand melodic ideas here and some sounds are a bit midi-like but it all works together to paint a picture of a hidden water world. This could be a game soundtrack. This CD can take many listens.

CD-Charts Position 39
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Autumn: Special Edition

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: George Winston

Release Date September 10, 2001
I first heard this album when I was taking classical piano courses in college. It was, and still is, an inspiring album for a piano player, as much for the mixture of styles as it is for the sheer pleasure of the tunes.

This is my favorite George Winston album, even though I have worn out December over the holidays. The songs evoke so many mental images.

The initial track, "Colors/Dance" always makes me picture a ride through the woods, with it's simple melody and background chord progression.

"Longing/Love" is one of those songs you want to play, even if you don't know how to play the piano.

My favorite track is "Moon", starting out slightly fast paced that the other tunes with a little sustain pedal, then slowing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 40
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Broadcasting from Home

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date January 05, 1987
This is the place to start with the music of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. It's hard to describe where the music is about; its minimal music with built-in humour and melodies. The feel is acoustic with a few electric guitars and basses thrown-in. There are sounds that nudge towards chamber-music, but there's reggae too. Highlights are the classic Music for a found Harmonium, the dreamy Music for Helicopter Pilots and the sunny In the Back of a Taxi.