Vyacheslav Gorsky
Soul to Soul
(p) (c) 1999 Boheme Music (BMR)
14tks/65mins

Among all the new age projects, or the ones close to it which were released in Russia this one is undoubtedly the best. Light, very romantic (and at the same time classical harmonies are felt in it!) music by Vyacheslav Gorsky is just pouring in the room and, supporting you by irrepressible stream, makes you to forget about everything and follow this music, being carried away by this magical action.

Compositions "Romantic Dance" and the following one "Butterflies" are light and weightless. Arrangements are so perfect, that the feeling of incredible lightness does not leave you. The flight of inspiration continues in "Magical Sword" with addition of a little fragrance of a medieval mood, which is introduced by a sampled trumpets, and fairy-tale feeling. In general, I would name the music, created by Vyacheslav Gorsky, a "romantic new age" or a "fantasy new age", though, as I have read, maestro himself calls his music "neo-classics", because he unites new age music with classical harmonies with addition of rhythm, taken from art-rock and popular music. I need to say that Vyacheslav Gorsky is very versatile in his creative work. In his very rich work list are his taking part in the famous groups "Arsenal" and "Quadro" (which the musician has organized himself), recording of a large number of albums (Vyacheslav's discography is very impressive), joint work with many remarkable musicians, trips to various festivals. Gorsky was recognized as the best keyboardist of Russia several times, and this is felt in the music of the "Soul To Soul". It is virtuously perfect.

Let us return to the album compositions. "Soul To Soul" - the flight of inspiration continues, new shades of beauty sparkle in the maestro's music. "Ancient City" - in the melody of Gorsky appear medieval tunes. And though the musician a little bit "hinders" the listener by a "viscous" arrangement, the feeling of a holiday remains. "Island of Joy" is a classical new age theme, light, elegant, colored by birds' voices. One needs to give the due to a good sound design of the album. Sadness is felt in the music of Vyacheslav Gorsky, though it is light and sometimes it is almost imperceptible.

But let us continue our journey. "Space Dream" - space is slightly felt, the music is too Earthly, but sharpness of melody makes one to forget it. "3000 miles" - in the sounding appears jazz rhythms, maestro lets us feel his versatility. "City Tango" - unexpected turn, returning to romance and light dreams. Containing some dramatism, this composition revives a new age atmosphere. Emotional "Legend" is a good continuation of the preceding melody, it contains some recollections of something gone, and now unreachable. "Fantasia" - a mystery and inconclusiveness is felt in music by Vyacheslav Gorsky. The main melody is incredibly beautiful (this is a good example for new age musicians!). "Aria on the sol string" is an elegant working of the Bach's theme; it does not contain the original seriousness. This is a light and very intelligent touch of classics. "Prayer" - we are moving to the final, and it is almost felt. Again a slight touch of the past, it is time to make conclusions, and think about eternal. And the final comes in the composition "Rain Song" - it is somewhat sad, and purifying at the same time. Perfectly inscribed into music sound of a rain and sudden thunder sounds are rushing together with Vyacheslav Gorsky's piano sounds and make a strong emotional effect. And when the music calms down, you find, that the time of listening to the album has passed too swiftly, and you wish to hear the music more and more…

Find this album without fail. You will see that there are the worthy new age projects in Russia. I am grateful for Vyacheslav Gorsky for his brilliant work.

Serge Kozlovsky

P.S. Translated by Alexander Petrov.