Alert for piano lovers: this recording is a must-hear!
Roberta Stuemke | Oshkosh, Wisconsin United States | 07/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My only complaint with this recording by Kostia is that it's too short - I wanted more! This is evocative and emotional music, relaxing and contemplative. Winter Ride is brilliant, vivid and distinct; you can hear the sleigh bells and feel the light snow on your face. Reflections is simple and quiet, not necessarily sad but certainly thoughtful. Kostia is a superb pianist, and a highly talented composer. And don't make the mistake of labelling his work "new age" and figuring you've probably already heard everything he has to offer - this is =not= everyday new age. Kostia's music is very distinctive, and every bit as complex, dramatic, and engaging as Chopin or Rachmaninoff. Piano fans, give this a try; I guarantee you'll find something worth listening to over and over again."
A Beautiful Collection of Piano Solos
S. Cairns | Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, United Kingdom | 04/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a joy to listen to. Kostia is a Russian pianist who has created a highly melodic and accessible disc. It is the perfect backdrop for other activities, but stands up equally well to concentrated listening.Kostia's music is quite classical in sound; the nearest other composer of such music I can think of is Liz Story. His technique and skill are very evident from the first track to the last.There are many personal favourites, but "Sunrise" is a particularly beautiful composition that perfectly captures one of nature's most glorious events.Top-notch recording quality, as one would expect from Narada- but frustratingly they have allowed this to go out of print.It is well worth tracking down. A very highly recommended CD."
Undescribable beauty and wonder
Meekiahman | Singapore | 12/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Once in a long while you might have heard some tunes that appeal to your subconsciousness and you yearn to listen to it over and over again. I first heard Secret Garden over the radio and this piano piece simply clicks and moves in me. Give me a thousand chances and I will still pick Konstantin Efimov (if it is his real name) as the best pianist contracted to Narada Lotus. Neo-classical in style, but definitely appeals to mainstream audience like me. Since then, it has always been a dreamy experience to play Secret Garden in repeat mode everytime the sun sets."
Beautiful.
Meekiahman | 08/24/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best New Age music I have ever heard. It's a cut above the bland instrumental pop that dominates the genre, combining classical and jazz influences on a good Steinway piano, along with memorable melodies and intricate arrangements. The music ranges from calm and peaceful, as in Secret Garden, to fast and exhilarating, as in Winter Ride. Reflections is particularly influenced by jazz, while Building Bridges is very classical. The cello playing on Warm Stones is beautiful. It certainly does evoke the unfaded majesty of old Europe. Kostia sidesteps the pop melodies used by other New Age pianists for understated, subtle beauty. While it offers nothing really knew, it is a wonderful time capsule of many musical pasts we have now abandoned. I haven't heard his other CD, 10 Pebbles, yet, but I intend to get it as soon as I can."