Geminiby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Recording label
Credits Grade: 10 Once the music began to play I was both blown-away and captivated. The only word I could (and can) think of to come close to describing this music is gorgeous! While my mind absorbed the beautiful violin serenades and other lovely instruments, my eyes were drinking in the cover art. The art is done by Yoshitaka Amano known for designs for Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D, and even some work on Sandman. The coloring is mostly greens with some blue, orange and yellow accents with the art depicting birds and humanoids with an air of natural enchantment about them ... as though they were forest spirits or something. No only do I get 10 rich and relaxing pieces of music, I also get stunning art by Amano. This CD did not leave the player for several days as I drank it in — even listening to it to fall asleep to at night.The music is New Age, instrumentals composed, arranged, and performed by violinist Norihiro Tsuru and pianist Yuriko Nakamura. I would be very hard pressed to pick a favorite piece as they are all exceptionally beautiful and soothing, however, the opening track Fjordland Train and the closing track Wera would be toward the top. They both have an energy to them that is different than the other tracks. In fact, Fjordland Train gets things off with a bang (so make sure your speakers aren't too loud). I suppose that The whole CD has a "spring-time" feel which makes the artwork even more appropriate. Lagnada reminds me a bit of some of the music from The Last Unicorn when it begins, but when the violin comes in it gets more of a gypsy feel. Nostalgia is perfectly named — just try listening to it without feeling nostalgic or reminiscing about something. Gemini is a must-have for any music lover. And if your life is as hectic and stressful as mine/most people's then this is the perfect CD to help alleviate some of that tension ... and it's not music that will make you so sleepy you can't function like many other "relaxation" CDs do. From the first note, your day-to-day troubles will begin to melt away so add this masterpiece to your collection today. Written: February 22, 2004
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