"I have long loved instrumental music, and so I was first introduced to Andreas Vollenweider by a friend who lent me "White Winds" and "Down to the Moon" which they had found in a record shop. I instantly fell in love with the intricate and flowing melodies, the way the various instruments and vocal sequences blended together to create an image of a mystical, magical realm. All in all I found the music so easy to listen to, and before long I went out in search of other works by the same artist. My first purchases were this album - "Behind the Gardens" and "Caverna Magica" - both of which I strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys instrumental music. "Behind the Gardens" though remains one of my absolute favourites; the opening sequence conjures up an image of a bright summers day, a meadow of long, lush green grass, some nearby woods, and of two lovers enjoying a picnic in paradise....I challenge anyone who listens to this album not to be drawn into that same world!"
Beyond simply wonderful!
B. Hartford | Massachusetts - United States | 10/31/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My first introduction to Andreas Vollenweider was in the mid 80's while listening to a "space music" station in Atlanta GA. I was hooked and bought this LP. I have since bought 3 others of his albums and eventually replaced them with the CD's.I had the fortunate opportunity to see him play live in the mid-80's (also in Atlanta) and was spellbound. It was the finest concert I have ever attended. I really loved it!Although somewhat mystic or even crunchy, it is music to really "feel". In this day of daily world terror and disease, it is nice to come home after a long day at the office and unwind and refocus while listening to Andreas.He's really quite wonderful. I would absolutely recommend anyone new to his music to start with this CD. Graduate on to Caverna Magica next.... You will be forever a fan!"
The First Time . . .
John I. Blair | Arlington, TX USA | 08/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard Andreas' music was when my local Public Radio station played this album during a pledge drive in the early 1980s. I was enchanted. The next weekend I bought the vinyl LP and nearly played the grooves off it! Now I play the CD (also available as part of the "Trilogy" package), and I still find joy in the music made by Andreas Vollenweider and Friends. I have all of his CDs (including "Live"), and the rich variety of rhythms, the complex interwoven melodies and harmonies, the voices, the unexpected instruments - all engage the mind while they move the spirit. Each CD has a distinct personality, and every one of them makes me feel good. "Behind the Gardens..." is still as fresh for me after all these years as it was the first time."
He is really good!
Brianna Neal | 05/15/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I listen to this after I come home from work everday. When I'm in the mood for relaxing music, this is my favorite CD. I especially like the mixing of sounds with nature. A great addition to your library."