Leading mother figure and genuinely evolutionary composer and performer of New Age music, Constance Demby makes a piece of shimmering beauty on her 1982 offering, Sacred Space Music. The recording's first half, "The Longi... more »ng," is a magical blend of hammered dulcimer, piano, and viola, a piece that speaks for the hungry human spirit. In answer, the second half, "Radiance," brings together the pleasing sounds of hammered dulcimer, string synthesizer, tinkling bells, and heavenly choral vocals. Elegant, exotic, and edifying, Demby's inspired music is sonic light by which to see. --Paige La Grone« less
Leading mother figure and genuinely evolutionary composer and performer of New Age music, Constance Demby makes a piece of shimmering beauty on her 1982 offering, Sacred Space Music. The recording's first half, "The Longing," is a magical blend of hammered dulcimer, piano, and viola, a piece that speaks for the hungry human spirit. In answer, the second half, "Radiance," brings together the pleasing sounds of hammered dulcimer, string synthesizer, tinkling bells, and heavenly choral vocals. Elegant, exotic, and edifying, Demby's inspired music is sonic light by which to see. --Paige La Grone
Unlucky Frank | Lalaland, CA United States | 06/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Looking for some meditation music I purchased this CD on a whim many years ago. Normally I meditate to R. Carlos Nakai, Riley Lee, or nothing at all. As for New Age I prefer Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, or Steve Roach. But this Sonic Masterpiece is unlike anything I've ever heard. Being the music snob that I am, (I would never be caught dead with a Yanni or a John Tesh recording.) I was put off at first by this so-called New Age CD. But something kept bringing me back to this beautiful recording again and again. I found myself listening to this CD late at night whenever I was sad or lonely. The first 20 minute track is aptly named THE LONGING. This piece is heartbreaking. The 2nd 20 minute track is called RADIANCE. It brings one out of the feeling of sadness conveyed by the 1st track into, well, radiance.I don't consider this to be New Age, but more classical in feeling. Why is this wonderful composer not doing soundtracks for film?.......... Typical. I don't use this CD to meditate because meditation is for not-thinking and not-feeling. And this Masterpiece is about DEEP FEELINGS. BRILLLIANT!!I recommend SACRED SPACE MUSIC for contemplating your garden, alone, at night. Or shifting sands below desert stars. Or the moon between the dancing shadows of haunted trees. Absolutely alone."
Metaphysics Aside
Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 10/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In going through my Constance Demby albums I find that this one 'Sacred Space Music' is the one I play the most often. It is neither the most tuneful nor the most dissonant, but provides an interesting interplay between acoustic and electronic instruments. It presents many of the architectural elements that go into what Demby refers to as 'space' music without being overbearing, making it a perfect introduction to the genre.The primary sound element in both tracks are strings, with the piano supplying the melodic counterpoint on 'The Longing,' and the hammered dulcimer adding a minimalist element in 'Radiance.' Other voices (including voices) are added as needed to carry out the tonal variation scheme that marks these works. The music is subtle and drawn out, making it perfect for either listening or just plain relaxing.One of my personal issues with this form of music is its insistence on the trappings of spirituality as part of its validation. I've always felt that composers like Demby stand very well on their own without the need for metaphysical titles and grand New Age gestures. Not that I mind New Age, but too often it winds up as a term used to brush by recognizing this kind of work as legitimate music.This isn't an easy album to track down, but it's one that is worth the purchase if you do find it. Demby has strong musical skills that deserve a wider recognition."
This CD is the centerpiece of my New Age collection.
freedom@wf.net | Wichita Falls, Texas | 03/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ironically, I don't listen to this CD very often, although it is the centerpiece of my New Age collection. It is the first CD I would replace if my collection were lost, and represents, in my mind, the essence of New Age music. I think I have kept it in reserve, a secret weapon against dark moods if and when they threaten my sanity. If I were ever to suffer a great personal loss, I would turn to someone I loved for solace AFTER turning to this CD for healing. Listen to it played softly for Peace - crank it up for Ecstacy!"
Less is more...more of a great thing.
freedom@wf.net | 02/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the earliest complete album of Constance Demby, and upon listening to it, one will be quickly amazed at how well this has aged. At the time, I have to profess with some ignorance, I wasn't sure what a Hammered Dulcimer was, but after listening to this, I received a first hand lesson I won't soon forget. The Dulcimer is the primary instrument, accompanied by piano and strings on synth for a very moving, intimate, and sensitive approach. This is great music for quiet times when life is hectic all around. If you aren't calmer after listening to this, there is no hope for. The elegance and delicacy of this music is truly warm and touching. The sounds COnstance Demby generates on the Dulcimer... I sure wish I could have seen how she did it. This, like all of her other albums, is a must have."