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Constance Demby Novus Magnificat Through the Stargate (1986)

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Constance Demby - Novus Magnificat: Through the Stargate (1986) [FLAC]

"This two-part album of symphonic space music by Constance Demby is a "must have."" - All Music Guide (5 Stars)

Grammy Nominated and voted one of the 25 Most Influential Ambient Albums Of All Time.

"One of the most important albums ever! This CD belongs right up there as one of the great inspirational and spiritual compositions of all time!" -Jim Brenholts -Tracks Across The Universe: A Chronology Of Ambient And Electronic Music"

"One of the 10 best albums of the decade". - Pulse! Magazine

Samples: http://tinyurl.com/hpdq4

Genre: Neo-classical Space Music?

Label/Cat#: HS11003-2



Tracks:

1. Part One (26:24)
2. Part Two (27:14)

Total time: 54:40

Description

As requested by Doranwen.

Novus Magnificat is a hard one to categorize.

Some reviewers describe it as "neo-classical"; some call it "space music"; others call it "ambient elctronica".

What everyone pretty much agrees on is that Novus Magnificat is something very special indeed.

In the interests of balance, I combed the Internet for a review with less than 5 stars.

There isn't one.

Incredibly, every single one of the 23 Amazon reviews awards the album the maximum 5 stars. Even the normally conservative All Music Guide delivers a 5 star rave review.

I mention all this so you won't accuse me of hype when I say that if you've never listened to this album then you're in for a rare treat.

The liner notes describe Novus Magnificat as:

Quote:
Contemporary classical Spacemusic: A Magnificat and Exaltate. Incorporating the central voice of synthesizer with a string-and-horn section, piano, organ, bells, and tympani, a choral voice joins with instrumental passages, setting a blissfully reverent tone throughout this two-part melodious marvel...


The first Amazon review by Paul Gray Jr sums up what's in store pretty well:

Quote:
As with many other people, Novus Magnificat was my first foray into the world of contemporary space music, having first heard a portion of it during a planetarium program, and I must say, it captivated me.

The intricate melodies of the various synthesized instruments practically take my breath away, while the organ arpeggios act as a stairway through the stars.

Each time I listen to this album, I feel as if I am travelling through space in a ship of music, experiencing the wonders of the cosmos while the secrets of the universe whisper to me in an ethereal song.

This is truly an experience that is not only heard, but realized through all the senses. Gazing at the stars on a warm summer's night is my favorite setting for listening to this composition of melodic poetry.

While I have other good examples of contemporary space music in my collection, from Wendy Carlos to Michael Stearns and John Serrie, Novus Magnificat continues to be the cornerstone of my musical library. I highly recommend this album if you are looking for a truly musically-poetic experience that transcends the senses.

Johann Sebastian Bach would have been pleased.


All Music Guide Review (AMG Album Pick - 5 Stars)

Quote:
This two-part album of symphonic space music by Constance Demby is a "must have".

Divinely inspired? Probably so; for those who believe in Fate, the timing of its release was in alignment with the arrival of the Harmonic Convergence.

Demby, with her years on the road with an experimental music group, was used to creating massive spiritual works: large sounds, unusual instruments, and broad scope.

Novus Magnificat was her first album produced with her 16-track studio using digital sampling technology.

Here, she had all the voices of the orchestra and choir at her fingertips, and she used all 16 tracks (and then some) to complete the composition.

The music is in two parts: Part One is like wandering the halls of heaven before the Big Event. Choirs sounds bounce from cloud formations, and redemption seems at hand.

Though Demby sets an overall path of sound, rhapsodic cul-de-sacs appear like intimate and sacred shrines.

Part Two begins with a Bach-like organ piece, which creates fascinating inner structures.

Demby then takes you through long hallways; angels sing nearby, melodies tug at your heart, space winds clean away cobwebs of the mind.

Trumpets begin their heralding calls, an organ sings in anticipation, choirs rejoice, harps fly, shooting stars sparkle.

Peak builds on crescendo until ultimately, the cosmos splits open and the whole universe joyously avalanches through with the angels enjoying the ride.

This awe-inspiring and breathtaking "annointment" is worth playing on a good sound system.

Crank up the sound, place yourself between the speakers, and allow yourself the gift of this music.

Spacemusic composer Michael Stearns contributed special celestial sonic effects.


More Amazon Reviews

Quote:
If God had a window, this music would be the curtain you would pull back to see the Divine. I cried first time I heard this cd. This is a lovely and awe inspiring addition to anyone's cd collection.

When you listen to this cd you can imagine what the other side must be like, bring some joy to your world, buy this cd...


Quote:
I was in what weould best be described as a dour mood this morning and decied to listen to this CD for the first time in my car.

I live in a city that has the 5th worst traffic in America. Gridlock and its spirit crushing frustration are a way of life here and it shows in the populace.

I often try to listen to ambient or classical music to calm my demeanor when driving. While some of the production is dated, specifically some of the swirling arppegiator effects, this is a piece of music that is truly worth the praise. I was aware of the album when it first appeared in the 80's as I began my exploration of electronic/space music but for some reason never purchased it.

I'm glad now that I happened to come across it the other day in a CD store and picked it up on a whim. It's a cliche but this music, I think, was ahead of its time. Denby's classical training shows, but beyond that, this music is composed to stir an emotional/spiritual response in the listener.

I can say that it succeeded with me this morning. As I neared the office I saw two large flocks of geese flying over the highway just as I was thinking to myself that this music inspires the urge to fly. It was a neat experience.

Thank you Constance for composing an inspired piece of music.


Quote:
Ms. Demby's masterpiece, "Novus Magnificat," has been described by many reviewers as "New Age."

To equate Ms. Demby's work with a typical new age melody, is erroneous. The new age sound today has degenerated into electric synthesized music, with an overbearing attempt to produce the ethereal, mystical, quasi-melodic sounds which stand alone, with no story to tell, no narrative.

Ms. Demby's "Novus Magnificat" avoids all these pitfalls by being true to itself, with a more classical, story-telling, stirring narrative in which, as in a tapestry, all the melodies are interwoven to produce a magnificent whole.

Her music could be applied to Keats' Eve of St. Agnes and many other literary works.

Finally "Novus Magnificat" has a healing property. If you are depressed by all means get assistance; but it the meantime listen to this magnificent recording, preferably with a few good friends who share your love of the beautiful.


This is a secure EAC rip of my own retail CD with scans included.

Enjoy!

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