Classically trained synthesizer composer
Gerald Jay Markoe has often used Baroque themes for his "Angel/Pleiades" series of albums. Here, he goes all out for Baroque with celestial arrangements of the works of Bach, Telemann, and Corelli.
Markoe's arrangements and synthesizer orchestrations replicate the original strings, guitar, harpsichord, oboe, harp, chorus, and organ, yet his pieces take flight. They seem to be both brushed with angel light and charged with a gutsy sensuality. In the stately "Preludio from Sonata #7" by Corelli,
Markoe's angel choir seems to meld between organ and voice, while the stately dialogue of Telemann's "Sonata in G Major" rides on a warm cushion of bass. Bach's familiar "Air From the Suite in D Major" for harpsichord and orchestra is a real soul sweeper; the swoosh of the chimes is joyfully breathtaking. All pieces on the album are well suited to relaxation.
Baroque Angels is a lovely, soul-affirming album that both honors the masters and sparkles with
Markoe's exuberant spirit. ~ Carol Wright