Expert: Donald - 7/6/2006

Question
Hello again,

Sorry for taken so long to reply. I am a big fan of Enya and I do have a lot of her music. But at least, the type of music I am searching for is definitely different to Enya. The type I am looking for is more Classical style than modern, and it almost never ever use digital sound effects. Also, Enya's music is definitely smoothing and relaxing, but the type I am looking for is even more relax and definitely slower. Also, it has a spanish classical guitar music feel to it.

I wonder have you heard of the band Saffire, they are a group of Australian guitar quartet. They play some very similar music to the one I am looking for, but yet they are different as they don't have any vocal elements in it.

I am sorry I cannot be more precise, and thanks for your help. If anything do come in your mind, please feel free to contact me at anytime on kng8727@gmail.com

Regards

Ka

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Followup To

Question -
Hello,

Thank you for such a quick response. I have made a search on Yanni on google and listen to demo tracks, and her music is wonderful. But at least, this is not the genre I have in my mind (although I really liked her music, so I will go and buy some her CDs this weekend). The type I am interested in is less dramatic, and it is definitely more classical music style (less pop opera like so to speak). It is mostly in accoustic with practically no backup vocal.

I heard this type on music on ABC Classic FM over a year ago (it is Australian, not American broadcasting), and if I remembered correctly, there is a definite more define genre name, like in classical music, there is the romantic, medieval, etc. Furthermore, it has a latin, caribbean feel to it and when listen to it, it makes you feel you are on a quiet beach relaxing.

Sorry for my poor descriptions, I hope they help. I have been on and off trying to find out more about this type of music for the pass year, so if you can help, that would be wonderful.

By the way, I absolutely loved "Sirenes" from Three Nocturnes for Orchestra by Claude Debussy, I have the pleasure of going to the Sydney Opera House a few years ago and listen to it live.

Cheers

Ka

(P.S. thanks for introducing me to Yanni's music)

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Followup To

Question -
Hi,

I've got a question in regards to a type of music that I would like to find out. I am not sure what it is called. It have a latin feel to it, and I think mostly sung by female artist, I don't know is it a type of classical music or not, but it has a very easy relax feel to it. Also, when she sing, I think the lyrics in these type of music or songs doesn't have a meaning, it is more like... how should I put it, some random words or sounds that goes with the music? Also, a lot of these songs are quite slow and are acompanied by the guitar only. This type of music got a jazz feel to it too.

I hope my discriptions help. I heard one of these song a while back on the radio when driving, but I forgotten what it is and I want to find out more about this genre of music, if you can help, that would be great.

Thank you for your time.

Regards

Ka

Answer -
Hi Ka,

I am impressed that you are eclectic in your musical listening! Thanks for asking such an interesting question!

It sounds to me that you might have heard what is termed "world" music. This is music that sounds somewhat ethereal and subdued, and often elicits a response such as reflection or relaxation in the listener. Often, the random words or sounds are meant to be nonsensical, so the listener won't be distracted by lyrics in a specific language; thus the term "world" music. It isn't meant to be limited to a particular culture. Yanni is an example of an artist who took that style of music to a very high level.

There are a number of classical pieces that also employ this compositional technique. One of my favorites is "Sirenes" from Three Nocturnes for Orchestra by Claude Debussy. I really think that you would enjoy this piece of music, and I encourage you to find a copy of it and give it a listen.

Thanks again for your question, and feel free to contact me again if you need assistance in the future.

Best regards,

Donald

Answer -
Hi Ka,

I did have one more thought. Enya is a world music artist that has been quite popular in the style that you describe. You might try some of her music.

I'm glad that you liked Yanni. His music is relaxing to me at times...

Good luck with your search!

Best,

Donald

Answer
Hi Ka,

Thanks for trying to explain the style in such a descriptive manner. It is difficult to quantify exactly what this particular type of music might be, but I wish you much success is locating other examples. If you should discover what the style is, please let me know. You have been a great questioner! Please feel free to come back in the future!

Best regards,

Donald