tania rose: Reviews

Emotionally Rich - 43 Angels CD review

Tania Rose blends piano and synthesizers to create an enjoyable and emotionally rich (and more complex than I expected) recording on 43 Angels, her fourth release. There's no denying that most of what you'll find here is in the classic "angelic" vein of new age music, full of lush strings and slow-paced romantic piano. However, Rose demonstrates two less commonplace talents throughout the CD. One is her skill at layering her electronic keyboards in with the piano to solid effect (sometimes pouring it on when desired and other times finessing the application of the instruments). Her other area of expertise is her specific choice of keyboard sounds, both the nature of the sounds and the high quality of, for example, her strings. Considering the modest (although not unappealing) presentation of the recording, this level of quality control was a pleasant surprise.

Another surprise for me was how some of her compositions varied from the traditional angel-music formula, notably "Corridor of Angels" which could almost be a Tim Story piece. Minimal piano, understated twinkling synths, and lower register strings (cello and bass) offer up nine-plus minutes of a repeated musical phrase that goes through subtle evolutions as it unwinds. Most of the song takes place in minor keys, with only some major key chorales now and then to alter the mood from somber to subtle majesty. "Journey Flight" is another winner, opening with what sounds like real acoustic guitar, synth strings, and high-pitched bell tones. There is sense of soaring and flight to the strings, juxtaposed with harpsichord-ish keyboards that paint the song in Renaissance flavors.

Rose's piano playing is the centerpoint of the album, and she does not overreach her abilities, playing mostly in a soft manner and not straying into pointless pyrotechnics. At the heart of this album is a soft gentility and I would imagine the artist's aim was to impart of sense of beauty and serenity while also introducing elements of awe and wonderment. There are no rhythms present, except those inherent in the main melody lines, so don't be expecting any beats whatsoever. Instead, 43 Angels offers you patient soothing soundscapes, such as "Earth Angel" with its neo-classical piano, French horn and/or bassoon samples, lush strings, and "Inspirare" the ten-plus minute closing track, filled with piano, lower register strings, and multi-tracked soprano chorales (Rose herself, I imagine).

43 Angels is obviously new age music through and through, so I won't recommend it to ambient or EM fans, but this is not your garden-variety angelic recording, either. While the selections have an easily-recognized continuity (if not sameness) tying them together, there is enough variety here to hold your interest (if that is a concern for you). Most people will probably enjoy this recording more as background accompaniment where its softness and warm melodies will color the environment in soothing sonic shades meant to relax and guide you to a place of rest and relaxation. In that regard, Tania Rose has succeeded admirably in making music that speaks of love and peace, something that we can all use a lot more of, in my opinion.

delicate and wistful, at times passionate

New age instrumentals with emphasis on melodic performance. There are a range of styles here - dramatic compositions with synth strains and artificial strings propelled by uncluttered percussion, beatless themes with chiming arrangements, pieces that are almost piano solos (only somewhat effected and sonically altered with sparse string accompaniment).
For the most, however, part the music consists of romantic keyboard music - at times delicate and wistful, at times passionate, very harmonious and peaceful. The final track is a vocal piece featuring Tania's own voice, a cinematic, drifting ballad that carries a hint of Celtic influence.

Arriving in a crisp card envelope Journeys opens into two panels with CD and promotional sheet slotted into a notched slash on either side. The imagery consists of long exposure photographs of moving lights snaking in bright curves across a graduated backdrop that drops from near black to a deep brick red. The legend 'music for the spiritual traveller' hints at the content within. On the back cover is a faded tracklist and an explanation of the project. Inside are credits and some background information on the artist along with some brief inspirational verses - the lyrics to the track SO FAR WAY.

Tania Rose is an Australian musician with a series of new age albums under her belt. This latest release comes through Artscope Music and is the follow up to her 2003 CD 43 Angels. There are ten tracks here that maintain a fairly consistent vision throughout - an interest in film music evident in the arrangements - gentle, emotional and occasionally lightly melancholic.

Feathers Breath by Tania Rose

Being a musician, writer, and owner of a natural therapies clinic, I feel well placed to be reviewing this CD. Having spent almost a decade as a massage therapist using a wide range of relaxation and new age music for my clients, I’ve heard it all. More to the point, I’ve heard it all many, many times. Eight hours a day!

When it comes to appraising music of this genre, it’s as important to consider replay value as it is the composition itself. A lot of new age composers make the mistake of having strong melody lines which catch the attention but quickly become irritating. Whether you are relaxing, treating a client/patient, or meditating, you want the music to affect but not dominate the environment.

Feathers Breath is one of those CDs which can survive the ‘loop’ test. It is pleasant and relaxing, with a blend of softly played pipes and wind instruments, and hints of voice. The biggest test is not what I think of it, but how it’s received by my clients. One in particular makes fun of almost all of my music, yet was surreptitiously quiet after hearing Feathers Breath. It is a very relaxing recording and one which I can quite happily listen to all week.

Even more so than Rose’s older recordings, I’d recommend Feathers Breath for any practitioner wanting to create a relaxing environment. This CD is great for any clinic, yoga studio, or meditation session.

a seamless musical work of art

When the bustle of life gets on top of us, we need to take a step back and allow ourselves time out for relaxation and meditation, recharging our spirit so again we can face the world with all we have to give. Relaxation comes in many varied forms for many different people, some sleep-in, some go shopping; others meditate or have relaxation massage.

I like to immerse myself into beautiful soothing music and take the journey the mind follows with the music.Tania Rose composes some of the best relaxation music I have listened to, (A Massage Therapist I have heard many). The flowing sounds and varied instrumentations seem to follow the natural rhythms of the breath and heart beat.

“Coral Sea Dreaming” is one of my favourite Tania Rose Cds. Tania has captured something truly moving with this music taking us on a journey through the deep, you can imagine you’re floating through beautiful underwater adventures; Colourful seascapes, warm tropical waters, shapes of air bubbles, and swaying movement of seaweed. The flowing instrumental changes allow for a few minutes of euphoric deep relaxation.

Tania is masterful in combining instruments such as keyboard, harp, flute and voice (to name just a few) to produce fluid rhythmical compositions creating a seamless musical work of art.

Music that makes one contemplate

Whilst listening to the easy-listening track SO FAR AWAY by Tania Rose, it projected me into the future. It may sound morbid, but Tania’s song made me contemplate losing those who are closest to me.

I have a strong and reliant bond with my parents, brother and partner. To lose these people in my life would test my resilience. I’ve witnessed my parents’ emotion as they both lost their mother and father to god. They say time heals, but after many years have passed, my parents still shed a tear.

Tania’s voice is both soft and melodic, and frankly, I enjoy it. I’ve played So far away continuously as I’ve worked in my home office because it makes me think of the good times I want to share with my family in the future. To me, So far away is a song that I look to as a guiding light. I’ll share this song with my family during the festive season and tell them what it means to me. It’s best I do that now, because eventually we’ll all be so far away from each other.

So far away is the "hidden track" on Tania's Journeys CD.

transcends you to another place

A few months ago I began my search for meditation / relaxation music, after months of suffering severe stress and anxiety it was suggested to me that meditation may be the solution. I found it extremely difficult to close my eyes and escape the mind chatter and a lot of meditation CD’s I found very heavy and not very relaxing at all, then I came across the Tania Rose collection. I listened to demos of the CD’s on line and ended up purchasing the entire collection as I could not decide which I liked best! The collection I purchased has so many different types of music to suit your different needs, wether you need healing, help sleeping or stress relief. I have to admit though that 43 Angels and Coral Sea Dreaming are my favourites when I need help sleeping at night. The music is just beautiful, it really transcends you to another place. Investing in this music was the best thing I ever did and would highly recommend any of the CD’s to others.

places you have never imagined

I am blessed to have several of Tania's Cds. I meditate on a daily basis and her music is so powerful it picks me up on its wings and carries me to another place and time where the world is magical and peaceful. Her music touches my spirit, warms my heart and moves me in ways music has not done before. I would recommend anyone of any age and any walk of life to buy one of her cds and let the music and her angelic voice carry you to places you have never imagined. Thanks for the wonderful music Tania.

we were asleep!

I first purchased your first CD some years ago, my husband and I are both shift workers and have trouble sleeping, also we live on a fairly busy road unlike your beautiful part of the world and sometimes all I could hear was traffic, meanwhile counting the hours of sleep I would receive! I purchased your CD and didn't get past the first song, and we were asleep! My husband was quite sceptical as most men are, however, approximately 4 years on and we still fall asleep to your fantastic music. We subsequently have purchased all your CD's and have purchased them as gifts for family and friends, and/or passed on your details.

We admire you for your talent and fully support Australian Artists. I personally also like your Eco packaging and the lovely Jean who always reply's to our emails etc. I now have to start the CD's half way through just to hear them all through. My bedtime routine, no matter what time it is, is to put one of your CD's on and spray a natural lavender room spray and we are out for the count!!! My favourites are: Coral Sea dreaming and Drift.

I recently purchased one for my mum, and she and my aunt use the music to do tai chi to, I just cannot remember which one it was off the top of my head, but I did notify Jean, I think it is coral sea dreaming. My aunt has just been through the hell of chemotherapy for breast cancer for the second time, I have also purchased all your CD's for her as meditation is a huge part of her life dealing with what she has to go through.

deeeply affects the soul

43 Angels is absolutely breathtaking. I use it to help aid visualisation in meditation and it does just that. The soothing music transports me quickly to a peaceful place.
It is easy to hear the voices of the angels when immersed in the gentle notes.
The hauntingly beautiful music deeeply affects the soul, easing away the stresses of everyday life.
Tania Rose has been given a truely beautiful talent and it is with great pleasure I thank her for sharing her special gift with others to enjoy.

Children's rest time...it's a winner!

I am an Early Childhood Teacher ( I work with preschoolers), and I am constantly searching for a variety of relaxing music for young children. I came across Tania Rose's cd's (on ebay) and the way it was promoted and marketed was so appealing. I purchased two of Tania's cd's 'Coral Sea Dreaming', and another 'Drift', and they were just beautiful, angelic sounds.

I often play these cd's during children's rest time (and it's a winner!), as well as during their play in the classroom to promote a calm, peaceful and inspiring place to play. (Often the image of children has them portrayed as only be loud and creating chaos...).

Tania Rose's cds arejust bliss! The sounds of the sea and music carries you away to sea of imagination, peace and a place of calm. It carries my highest recommendation, especially in the cd recorder's of all infant's, toddler's and preschoolers bedrooms.
Congratulations Tania for creating such music with grace and beauty.

every night to go to sleep

We bought a set of 3 cds from you and my favourite (and my little 3 yo daughter's) would have to be Drift. She has it in her cd player every night to go to sleep to and its very soothing- we have tried changing the cd but she protests loudly until we put your cd back on. I gave one as a gift to a girlfriend who raves about it also. Beautiful, relaxing music.
I like listening to 43 Angels, which is lovely when im relaxing in the bath with a glass of wine (a rare treat with 4 children believe me!)

Keep making beautiful music