PIANO CLASSICS FOR REFLECTION is acclaimed pianist James Ross Spencer's first volume in a series of the most beloved classical piano selections for quiet meditation, reflection, daydreaming and replenishment. The PIANO CLASSICS series is digitally mastered with the latest infratonic sound therapy technology (IST) that though undetectable on the album, has been scientifically proven to aid the body, mind, emotions and spirit in deep and often profound healing. Here is a list of some of the benefits of IST recordings: * Body, Mind and Emotional Stress Release * Promotion of Mental Alertness and Memory Enhancement * Promotion of Relaxation and Better Sleep Patterns * Activation and Balancing of the Body's Natural Ability to Heal * Mood EnhancementHow IST works:IST (Infratonic Sound Therapy is based on the science that all our chakras (energy centers of the body) have a specific resonance/frequency for maximum health. So do all the organs of our body. When we are experiencing ill heath, dis-ease, and stress our vibrational frequency is out of balance with our natural healthy resonance. IST puts undetectable waves and frequency into the program that can aid our bodies to quickly come back into balance. Those choosing to use IST recordings such as the PIANO CLASSICS series regularly may find great improvements in health, mood and tolerance for stress.PIANO CLASSICS FOR REFLECTION is safe to listen to at anytime and anywhere, though use of headphones may enhance the IST benefits. Here are a few ideas for uses of this recording: * On your drives in your car (aids in preventing road rage/anxiety) * Background soundtrack for yoga/meditation practices and workouts * Perfect for Massage and Reiki Therapists, Holistic Health Practitioners and Doctor's Office and Examining Rooms * Elegant Music Programming for Fine Restaurants, Spas, and Office Buildings * Perfect for down time, journaling, and quiet reflection * The perfect album for your next elegant dinner party. Vol 1: PIANO CLASSICS FOR REFLECTION represents some of your most beloved exotic and sensual Romantic and Impressionistic piano selections of all time performed by James Spencer for your listening pleasure. HISTORICAL NOTES: *Johann Sebastian Bach: The ARIOSO in A FLAT is from James Spencer's own transcription based on an earlier transcription by Alfred Cortot from movement II of the Harpsichord Concerto no. 5, in F Minor, BWV 1056 that Bach wrote in Cothen in 1738. * Alexander Borodin: The NOCTURNE is the seventh and final movement for Borodin's masterpiece for piano, Petite Suite, first published in 1885. After Borodin's death, Alexander Glazunov orchestrated the suite and added another Borodin selection as an eighth movement. The suite was dedicated to the Belgian Countesse Louise de Mercy-Argenteau, who had been instrumental in having Borodin's Symphony no. 1 performed in Verviers and Liege. She had also arranged for French translation of some of his songs and excerpts from Prince Igor, and had initiated the sponsorship of Camille Saint-Saens and Louis-Albert Bourgault-Doucoudray for Borodin's membership of the French Society of Authors, Composers and Editors. Borodin's original title for the Petite Suite was Petite Poeme d'amour d'une jeune fille (Little poems on the love of a young girl), but by publication time the name Petite Suite had been applied to it. The NOCTURNE has the additional text:"Lulled by the happiness of being in love." *Claude Debussy: Suite Bergamasque is probably the most famous piano suite by Claude Debussy. He commenced the suite in 1980 at age 28, but did not finish or publish the work till 1905. The third movement CLAIR DE LUNE which translates as"moonlight" is Debussy's most beloved piano work. The sensual and meditative REVERIE dates from 1890. The lush and melancholy LA PLUS QUE LENTE waltz dates from 1910. The sadly rarely played 6 Epigraphes Antiques was originally written for one piano-four hands in 1914 and was later transcribed shortly after Debussy's death for solo piano. The first movement"invoquer Pan, Dieu du vent d'ete" translates"invoke Pan, God of the Summer Wind." One can sense the erotic sensualism of an Egyptian harem with the essence of frankinscense and myrrh in the air in l'egyptienne, while an asp slithers around the palace. Debussy finished his masterpiece suite Estampes in 1903. The First movement PAGODES invokes a watery Japanese garden scene making sensual use of the black-key pentatonic scale and Javanese gamelan references in a pastel wash of musical color. * John Field: The romantic Irish composer John Field is considered one of the first great piano composers of the nocturne genre. His NOCTURNE no. 5 in B FLAT MAJOR has a poignant cantabile serenade theme that foreshadows the more famous nocturnes of composers Frederic Chopin. *Edvard Grieg: Norwegian Romantic composer Edvard Grieg's NOCTURNE comes from his Lyrical Pieces, op. 54. One can slightly detect the opening theme to his Piano Concerto in A Minor in the opening motif, and the bridge sections foreshadows later Impressionistic compositions of Debussy. *Erik Satie: The 3 GYMNOPEDIES of Erik Satie, published in Paris in 1888 are considered the first masterpiece precursor to modern ambient and New Age music. In the work Satie breaks from traditional salon music and creates a meditative, hypnotic effect with the static use of tonal cell, 7th chord accompaniment. Debussy later orchestrated the works. The Gymnopedies have been used in numerous movie soundtracks. The title is supposed to suggested toned Greek men at play at Gymnasiums. The 3 GNOISSIENNES first published in 1893 follows the style of the Gymnopedies. *Cyril Scott: The English Impressionist Cyril Scott penned one of the most famous sensual selections that would later be adopted by the Exotica Jazz artists of the 1950s. The work is LOTUS LAND: a panpentatonic black key fantasy dating from 1905. The work's lush jazzy palate would inspire Exotica artists from Martin Denny to Gene Rains to record and exploit the work's exotica Oriental nature. Even Martha Raye recorded a vocal arrangement of LOTUS Land with the Phil Moore Orchestra. The second movement COLUMBINE follows a similar musical color scheme. James Spencer recorded PIANO CLASSICS FOR REFLECTION for Adamos Recordings in Westminster, California. * Tracks 1, 6, 7 and 14 [recorded March 27, 2014, Yamaha C-7, Westminster, CA] * Tracks 2, 3, 4, 8, 11 [recorded February 12, 2014, Steinway, San Diego, CA] * Tracks 5, 9, 10, 12, 13 [recorded December 11, 2013, Steinway, Long Beach, CA]Sound Engineer and Mastering: Jerry AdamowitczIST Program: J. R. SpencerBio: JAMES SPENCER. James Spencer is an acclaimed concert pianist and harpsichordist. Founder of Spencer Music and Artist Development, J. Spencer currently coaches advanced students in piano, digital keyboards, voice, acting, violin, viola, mandolin, music theory/ear training, composition, music therapy, music history and music industry out of his school located beachside in Belmont Shore, California. A published author and musicologist, J. Spencer's books: Lady Liberty: The Definitive Julie London Handbook, and An Historical Study of Kurt Weill's Der Silbersee are currently available through Amazon. James Spencer received his Master of Music and Bachelor of Music from California State University, Fullerton graduating with the keyboard areas' highest honors. James has studied piano with leading artists including: Dr. Robert Watson, Dr. Lucinda Carver, Dr. Rita Fussek, Dr. Burton Karson , Joanna Hodges and Adrienne Iagjian. Masterclasses include: Dr. Andreij Dutkiewicz, Oscar Peterson, and Earl Wild. James has guest artist with orchestras in the US and Canada, and has performed as jazz pianist/vocalist for resorts, private clubs, and restaurants throughout the US and Canada. For information on private instruction and artist development/agent management with Mr. Spencer, upcoming concerts and book signings leave a message at: 562 394 2694. Email inquiries: spencermusicschool@gmail.comReviews of PIANO CLASSICS FOR REFLECTION:"Spencer performs this collection of sensual and dreamy romantic and Impressionistic piano selections with great subtly and nuance." L. Johnson (LA Weekly)"I love this album and use it as background for my morning Hatha I yoga class. My students rave on how relaxed, and rejuvenated they feel and I'm so happy to hear my favorite Satie and Debussy selections, Thanks Jim." J, Abher with Yoga Works."This is by far the most spiritual, beautiful piano album I have ever heard. A perfect background for my Reiki and Massage sessions. I am happy that Mr. Spencer recorded these tracks and I look forward to upcoming albums. I have never heard anyone who plays with so much feeling, shading, and mastery. I give it 10+ on a scale of 1-10." Jackie Jordan, Reiki Master"As an antique buyer and party coordinator, I could not ask for a more elegant, reflective, dreamy and romantic album of classical piano. James Spencer is a virtuoso artist, and the artist I never get tired of listening to. This is music that feeds my spirit, rejuvenates my body and mind and the perfect soundtrack for elegant dinners and tea parties. I just hope Mr. Spencer completes the following volumes of PIANO CLASSIC quickly as I can't get enough of it." Dale Carter