Reviews
“I must say that this is one of the very best CD’s of guitar music to ever come my way; such is the impression it has made on me. Also available is a wonderfully produced book of much of the music found on the CD consisting of a 71-page book of scores plus guitar parts and a separate pair of books with all the other parts in another 46 pages. (All Gardiner’s pieces, plus the Mertz and the Schubert are included); the cover of both CD and book are matching and have eye-catching artwork consisting of drawings by Megan Higgins that really enhance the overall presentation. They put many company-produced products to shame.
The composer talks of taking us on a journey through the various ideas in the pieces and I for one was there with him. I have returned to this CD more than most others just for the sheer pleasure of it. There are no highlights as there are no duff tracks either but of the Gardiner pieces, Ballad is an excellent composition whilst Aurora by Paul Svoboda and Richard Lenz is a fabulous duet that I would love to get hold of the score for (it’s not in the book, worst of luck!).
Many of the guitar pieces are multi-layered by Gardiner who plays an array of guitars but also various other items, too numerous to mention here. This is a startlingly good disc of great pieces and a fabulously produced book of much of its content.
Do yourself a favour; the music is very approachable and not too hard to play, so go and treat yourself to both of them.”
Chris Dumigan, Classical Guitar magazine (August, 2010)
“Duncan Gardiner’s extraordinarily attractive music is not only a pleasure to listen to but a delight to play.” William Yeoman (April, 2009)
“This is a very interesting title produced by an Australian guitarist-composer who has independently realized a sheet music publication with works that he has either composed or arranged… It’s a great pleasure to see a classical guitar publication coming from that far continent… It is a very nicely illustrated, clear, and well-organized edition… This is a very enjoyable collection with a wide range of different pieces, presented in a traditional way that can easily amuse not just the listeners but also the performers… It is obvious that the author is familiar with writing for a variety of instruments and ensembles, as well as having a very solid understanding about the guitar and its sound possibilities… I hope that this publication’s success will not be only local.”
Uroš Dojčinović, SOUNDBOARD (October, 2010)
“West Australian trained guitarist/composer, Duncan Gardiner… presented a memorable concert in May. Aptly titled Music for the Soul, Duncan… commenced the evening with a bracket of his own compositions: Languish, AquaFlight and Ballad. [Duncan] entered the auditorium during the reading of a recorded poem, which was a beautiful way to set the atmosphere for the rest of the evening. Duncan’s music is evocative and the audience listened attentively, mesmerised by the depth of his musical maturity, which certainly belies his age. It was truly from the heart. This was followed by much loved pieces by J.S. Bach, Handel and the Largo from the Lute Concerto by Vivaldi.
Duncan showed his versatility in the next bracket of pieces, influenced by his visit to the UK. One could pick out the inherent characteristics of each of the four individual countries of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The pub atmosphere was palpable in the Irish Fox Hunter’s Jig and Drowsy Maggie and one felt tempted to join in with the Scottish Lord MacDonald’s Reel and the Flowers of Edinburgh. People were heard humming along with the exquisite rendition of Danny Boy.
The evening concluded with two more of Duncan’s own compositions My Song and Brandy Snap, ending with Ungar’s Ashokan Farewell.
Member Geoffrey Henley gave the Vote of Thanks at the conclusion of what was a hugely successful concert.”
Ester Tan – Royal Schools Music Club (Western Australia)
Testimonials:
“Duncan, your CD is sensational. I really love it and I truly would recommend this CD to anyone.”
“We have enjoyed listening to the lovely, soothing music. You have done very well with the compilation. Your skill is clearly in making people feel good!”
“I have had your CD for a week or so and am enjoying it tremendously. It is a terrific product. Congratulations on all your hard work. An immense project I am sure, but you must be getting great satisfaction from your efforts.”
“I’d like to thank you very much for your wonderful gift. It is very rare to find people with fantasy and strong will and I am glad to know that there is one in Australia. The edition is wonderful and the music too. I am sure it will be very useful for me and for my teaching.”
“Just to say thanks for the book and CD, both of which arrived safely last week. Excellent work throughout – you should be proud.”
“You would be happy to know that your CD will be on the playlist-mix for all of our family get-togethers.”
“I enjoyed listening to the CD very much indeed, beautiful music! Not sure which items I liked the best, perhaps Olden Days? I look forward to listening to it more over the next few weeks and becoming more familiar with the music.”
“Just been listening for the third time to your CD (Of Dreams & Fantasy) which arrived yesterday and I think it is fabulous. You play with great feeling and in a very professional manner. I just loved some of the wonderful sound effects that you produced in one of the pieces and I can’t for the love of money work out how you did it.”
“I am finding your CD very pleasant to listen to – it helps me relax and sleep. I particularly like Genevieve’s Dream at the moment.”
About the CD Launch:
“Hi Duncan, the CD launch was brilliant & so beautifully done. You are all such talented musicians. Best Wishes for the future to you all.”
“We loved the concert! And I have been playing the CD over and over ever since. Just LOVE it!”
“It was absolutely wonderful Duncan, and I thought the theatre was the perfect setting for it! Have your CD on repeat in my car”
“We were so pleased to be there!”
“You were awesome Duncan – you always are, of course!”
“Thanks for making such an awesome space, it was inspiring”
“Thank you for the most amazing Saturday night. I am so proud of you. You are an outstanding musician, and I love your compositions. Congratulations on a fabulous night!”
“You are officially my idol now! Like I said on Saturday, “probably the best concert of the year!””
“Thank you for the sweet music this eve Duncan….. it was such pleasure to close my eyes and be transported away by your music….”
