Comments for Gandalf, Reflection, Works 1986-1990)

This is a best of collection featuring selections, by Gandalf himself, from his four Sony albums, The Universal Play, From Source to Sea, Invisible Power and Symphonic Landscapes. It is a fine introduction to the second stage of Gandalf`s musical development ("Fantasia" is a good introduction to the first stage), showing his expanding use of synthesisers and electric guitars, along with acoustic instruments. The sounds range from multi-instrumental such as "Refuge Island," to lush and fully orchestrated with a full symphony orchestra such as "Mirages Upon a Desert of Sand (Part IV)" to purely electronic such as "Cosmic Circle Dance," with Gandalf showing his mastery in all of these styles. The selections are generally more towards the upbeat end of Gandalf`s often dreamy style: even here he`s less rocky than either David Arkenstone or Kitaro, although, like these contemporaries he gives his productions great musical texture and interesting, if gentle, melodies. This particular collection may be hard to find now, but some second-hand copies show up occasionally on the newsgroups, as the converted buy his individual albums and sell the compilations. (Ian C. Thomas)