Search - Eric Tingstad, Nancy Rumbel :: Pastorale

Renaissance-inspired New Age sound

Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 09/17/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I like the combination of electronics, woodwind and plucked string sound of this musical duo. I bought the CD because I had sampled "Pastorale" on the double-CD Narada Decade set. The woodwinds are interesting in particular, a mix of oboe, clarinet, or even ocarina, all electronically enhanced and unique in sound.If you like music by Lorenna McKennitt, Enya, or a kind of combination of folk-classical mixed with a dash of Celtic, you will love this CD. The sonority should appeal to you if you do like music of that type."

Enchanting.

Joanna Daneman | 06/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Often being categorized as "New Age" carries a negative connotation musically, usually referring to synthesizer based ethereal drivel, but this album is a musical masterpiece. This acoustic album of guitar and woodwinds bears classical and baroque overtones, with many of the pieces having an old-world European flavor (I hesitate to say "Celtic," it is actually closer to "Renaissance" sound). The word "Ethereal," still applies to much of the music, although I used that term negatively before. As a fan of classical music, I found this CD refreshing. These musicians are extremely talented and seem to play well off of each other, complementing each other's instrument with their own. It seems obvious that there is a musical rapport between Tingstad and Rumbel, and the music they produce is simply enchanting."

Play On

Marc Ruby? | Warren, MI USA | 08/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my latest acquisition in my collection of music by these two fine musicians, not the last, I hope, since I'm still missing one or two. This is a return to their pure acoustic roots, with only a tip of the hat to any electronic augmentation, a return to their roots. In many ways it is working its way towards becoming a favorite, several good reasons.



First, this album is almost entirely played by the Rumbel and Tingstad and no one else. This is special, because in larger ensembles, Eric Tingstad tends to step into the background, allowing Nancy Rumbel to seize the spotlight. Not that she doesn't belong in the spotlight, but Tingstad is also a fine and subtle musician who also will reward attentive listening.



My second good reason is simply that this really is a very fine album. It demonstrates their individual artistic qualities, both as players and composers. The music appeals to classical sensibilities - contemplative, structured, and highly melodic. Indulging in neither oversimplification nor excessive demonstrations of bravado. Just consistent, polished excellence.



There is something magical about the intimacy of this music and its delivery. I sometimes wonder if, had I been a listener in bygone times, I would have felt the same effect from Bach (or some other musician now granted great status) playing his own compositions. Is it in the composition or in the performance? Or both? I don't know, but the profound sense of beauty is undeniable.

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