Churchscapes, as the Name Implies, is the Performance of Soundscapes in Churches and Cathedrals. The Choice of Venues is Deliberate. The Music is Informed by the Space Provided and Utilizes that Space in Return, the Intent... more » of the Composer to Produce a Form of "Devotional Music" as "Personal Thanksgiving" as Mentioned in the Sleevenotes.« less
Churchscapes, as the Name Implies, is the Performance of Soundscapes in Churches and Cathedrals. The Choice of Venues is Deliberate. The Music is Informed by the Space Provided and Utilizes that Space in Return, the Intent of the Composer to Produce a Form of "Devotional Music" as "Personal Thanksgiving" as Mentioned in the Sleevenotes.
"King Crimson's Robert Fripp continues his ongoing guitar Soundscape explorations with his latest release "At The End Of Time". In 2006, Fripp took some time out to perform in several churches in different territories including the UK and Estonia. It's these gigs that form the basis of this album.
Overall, the music is extremely peaceful and tranquil - the perfect type of music for relaxation. Fripp's layered Midi-guitar loops along with his fluid standard guitar leads are nothing short of astonishing. Every track on this disc is a standout and its continuous seamless arrangement give the impression of a long 74-minute symphony in 10 movements. The bell sounds used in the three different versions of "Evensong" are especially beautiful.
"At The End Of Time" is a definite must for the avid Robert Fripp fan and is one of his most beautiful albums ever made. This is highly recommended.
Also, the complete live performances from which the music on this CD was taken from can be heard and downloaded in their entirety from Robert Fripp's website. I definitely recommend the downloads in addition to this CD."
Very meditative and relaxing
Alan Riva | Valley Village CA, USA | 07/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The perfect CD to relax and unwind to. I like all of Robert Fripp's Soundscapes. However, this "Churchscapes" is very appropriately titled as it has a very spirtual overtone and I find it very peaceful and theraputic. I think it would have been a wonderful experience to hear this live in the settings it was recorded.
I wound up playing this through about three times on the first listen and I have played again since then (all in one day). I highly recommend it and I believe it is a great addition to anyone who appreciates Fripps solo soundscapes."
Fripp's Spiritual Side
S. Detwiler | Oz | 12/21/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've heard about 6 or 7 Frippertronic albums dating back to Let the Power Fall. This is the best. The music is very smooth and rich, something that can not always be said for this style of music. The different churches that the tracks are recorded at also seem to add their own ambience.
This CD is not for everyone, but if you like Frippertronics, this is a good addition to your library."
More of the Brilliantly Beautiful Same
headflap Alan | West Chester Pa | 10/12/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The funny thing about ambient, new age and any type of soundscape music is that some of the best complimentary remarks one can make would sound like insults were one speaking of any other genre. "This sounds like background music." "I can't remember which song is which " and "This music makes me sleep." I can apply all these comments to Fripp's soundscape albums. But I love them because they are beautiful. I love that they lack cloying melodies and lyrics that would distract as I read or work on my pc, and when I allow the cd to lull me to sleep, it is an unbelievably soothing and restful and peaceful doze into which I drift.
i am glad that I found music that fulfills a specific purpose -- and that the purpose is to achieve restful, peace of body and mind... wow, that's a tremendous thing.
I consider some of Eno's and most of Budd's work in this genre to be the 5 star stuff."
A must for all Fripp fans and even Crimheads.
Irving Hackett III | MI, U.S.A. | 03/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Delicately woven synth loops with a devotional hue. Very moving and gracious. I listen to this very often. Great ambient sound textures that bring a soothing relief from a world going bad."