Composer Tim Janis plays piano and synthesizers on this moving musical impression of Acadia National Park. Like the best symphonic movie scores, the music allows the wilderness area and its Native American and Celtic heritage to spring vividly from the speakers. "Eagle Lake" is a majestic piece that soars on the winds. "Mount Desert Island" also seems airborne, soaring over crashing waves. Janis' delicate piano flutters like a gentle breeze on "First Light," capturing both the stillness and the awakening of life with the sunrise. "Wind Song," with its touching oboe and violin solos (played by Margaret Herlehy and Viktoria Kehler, respectively) will remind you of the themes from James Horner's score for the film Cocoon. The lovely theme is continued in other pieces, as well. This is Janis' first album on his own label, with a very polished, moving, and balanced performance. If this music had been written for a movie, it would be a top seller. It's lush yet intimate, soaring yet still -- all in all, incredibly heartwarming. Augmenting Janis' synths and nature sounds are live instruments: violin and fiddle, cello, oboe, flute, acoustic guitar, percussion, and fretless bass.
© Carol Wright /TiVo