J. Donald Walters (aka
Kriyananda) composed a delightful and elegant melody, and then gave it the theme-and-variation treatment on this relaxing and moving album. Key instruments taking turns with the melody are clarion and harp (
Walters), cello (Eleni Cardona), violin (Brenda Collins), and guitar (Anna Allesandri). Whispers of delicate chimes and lush romantic strings back the variations. Many feelings are expressed on the variations -- hope, playfulness, nostalgia, melancholy, wonder, joy -- and the melody (like the best mantra) not only withstands its many variations but gets better with each turn. "The Hidden Mystery" is a string arrangement that reminded me of the hoedown sound of
Aaron Copland. The dramatic gongs in "Remembered Aspiration" contrast dramatically with the timid melody played by the harp. In the liner notes,
Walters relates the story of praying to be given an endearing "multi-purpose" melody when he was composing the score for his slideshow showing people of different countries and life's attitudes. I'd say he succeeded nobly. ~ Carol Wright