Solace | 
 enlarge | Creators: Prague Symphony Orchestra, Michael Hoppe
Label: Spring Hill
Category: Music
List Price: $16.98
Buy New: $11.47
You Save: $5.51 (32%)
New (31) Used (10) from $10.44
Rating:  25 reviews
Sales Rank: 13832
Format: Extra Tracks
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 6042
UPC: 718795604227
EAN: 0718795604227
ASIN: B00008PXA0
Release Date: April 8, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Perfectly New . Still sealed. Free upgrade to first class shipping. Special: Buy any 4 CDs from me on the same day and I'll add a free gift CD and send upgraded to PRIORITY mail at no extra charge.
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| Tracks:
| • | This Majestic Land | | • | So You | | • | Romance for Violin and Orchestra | | • | Lachrymosa | | • | Beloved | | • | Renouncement | | • | Jude's Theme | | • | Nimbus | | • | Elegy (For Joan) | | • | Pie Jesu | | • | Farewell | | • | The Parting |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
The search for solace involves a difficult reconciliation of conflicting emotions, pitting one's need to grieve at odds with a heavy-hearted realization that life, however diminished, must go on. Using an audio palette of grays and dark blues, Michael Hoppe offers Solace as a balm for the soul during such times, "where the dark clouds in life give way to the glow of eternal hope and peace." The clouds never fully lift during the 12 tracks of Solace, which appear to progress in a stages-of-mourning manner. The effect can be moving, even lovely (particularly the grand orchestral opener, "The Majestic Land," one of four splendid selections involving the Prague Symphony -- recorded remotely via an Internet link, of all things). The prevailing mood is melancholy but not quite maudlin; two angelic arias ("Pie Jesu," which Hoppe had written for the memorial service of his wife's mother, and "Lachrymosa") are tearless, reverent expressions that aspire to the divine. The closing moment of "The Parting," a retooled but otherwise ordinary composition from 1986 that involves Vangelis, finally yields a sense of closure. For those in a state of bereavement, Hoppe's Solace may offer you comfort. --Terry Wood
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| Customer Reviews:
For peace... April 4, 2008
Long Ago
I'd never heard of Hoppe or his music, but downloaded this album on referral from, of all people, my mother. I'd have never thought she'd be the source of a referral to such a good piece of music (no offense mom, but you know how it is).
I find the slightly new-age elements of this music combined with the symphonic and orchestral arrangements to be simply outstanding. This music is peace. It's romance. It's calm. And it's solace. When I'm need of moments of peace and escape from some of life's daily troubles to which I am exposed, I can play this music at work, in the car and at home and receive quality music and peace in my mind, eliminating as much as possible the noise of life.
All the tracks are worthy of recommendation in their own right; however, I think the first one, This Majestic Land, rises above all and is truly powerful. When I listen to it I can see in my mind's eye the greatest beauties and majesty of God's creations on earth.
 Beautiful music but same old melodies October 5, 2007
Janice A. Connett (Albuquerque, NM United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Needless to say, Michael Hoppe's music is beautiful, lyrical, expressive, and passionate. However, after purchasing several of his CDs, I keep hearing the same old tunes played with different orchestrations. Don't get me wrong...I love the melodies...but once you have heard a tune it gets trite after multiple playings, no matter how beautiful.
Michael needs to let go of his old themes and ask for fresh melodies to come forward.
Of course, if you haven't heard his earlier works, you will enjoy this one.
My friend and musical idol October 2, 2007
James S. Jenkins (Seattle, WA)
When I first heard Michael Hoppe's YEARNING about 10 years ago, the tears came flooding. I didn't know anything about NEW AGE music. Since then, I began my own composing and performing career & Michael and I have become good friends. I consider him my musical idol, having visited his Portland, OR home and played on his grand piano some of my own compositions. This SOLACE album is spectacular! That sums it up. The first piece stirs such deep feelings that even after listening to it many, many times, I'm still overcome. He's amazing, IMHO. If you love great music, you want all his albums!
 Inspirational January 16, 2007
Wendy K. Ferguson (Staunton, VA United States)
First track could be a county's anthem, very nicely performed. The remainder of album is inspiring, and much like Hoppe's other works.
Gorgeous Music to Work and Meditate to October 18, 2006
Michelle Mckenzie (Grass Valley, CA USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am seldom so overwhelmed with the beauty of a piece of music that I'm moved to tears. This does just that to me. Each track is as meaningful and beautiful wrought. Powerful stuff.
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