Our Review
One Carlson (named Anne) plus two Lewises (named Maya and Alicia) add up to one fine instrumental album with a classical bent. On I Wonder as I Wander, the flutes (Anne Carlson and Maya Lewis) and the piano (Alicia Lewis) intertwine in the most graceful fashion, and the end product is refined and restrained, yet refreshing.
The artists present 20 tracks of ancient carols, and the ambiance is light, low key, and lovely. The two flutes are completely in sync, like two peas in a pod, and the piano frames the duo oh-so-eloquently. This is graceful mood music at its finest. The sound is sweetly conceived and professionally executed. After listening for just a few minutes, I could feel my cares wash out to sea, and only the calmest of waters remain.
I Wonder as I Wander is consistently solid throughout, so picking favorites is not easy. That being said, the title track is the complete package, sophisticated and intensely beautiful. In addition, Greensleeves Variations provides creatively diverse approaches to well-known themes with winning results. The terribly brief, but tremendously delicate, Le Sommeil de l'Enfant Jesus is another fragile stunner.
Those who enjoy contemplative, classical instrumentals showcasing marvelous musicianship for the holidays should embrace the magical I Wonder as I Wander. Wander no further--this is the one!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
More
From the liner notes:
Anne Carlson & Maya Lewis, flutes
Alicia A. Lewis, piano
Recorded and Mastered in the studios of Artful Audio
Art by Maya Lewis
Anne Carlson, Maya Lewis, and Alicia A. Lewis
I Wonder as I Wander
Order from CD Baby
Artist site
Label: Artful Audio
Length: 53 minutes
Genre: Classical
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| I Wonder as I Wander |
| What Child Is This? |
| Gesu Bambino |
| Il Est Ne |
| Carol of the Bells |
| Trio of the Young Ishmalites |
| Don't Cry, Mother Dear |
| Have You Seen a Child? |
| Shepherds' Songs |
| Sing We Now of Christmas/Patapan |
| We Three Kings |
| March of the Kings |
| Coventry Carol |
| God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen |
| Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence |
| Greensleeves Variations |
| Le Sommeil de l'Enfant Jesus |
| Joseph Dearest |
| Infant Holy |
| O Holy/Silent Night |