Release Date: November
13, 2015
Label: Heart
To Heart
The first piece on the album is "The Last Grasp of
Winter." It begins with a fluttering harp sequence that made me instantly
think of snowflakes. The cello eases into the picture, eliciting images of
sweeping snow covered hills and icy winds determined to keep their hold over
the world. But then the tone of the piece changes. A lilting flower winds its
way open amidst the frosty backdrop. One crimson bloom against the frigid
air…and spring struggles to take hold once again. Thus the dance of the seasons
begins, all set to the elegant melodies of harp and cello and the artisan
workmanship of Trine and Josefine Opsahl.
I can think of no other perfect title for
"Fairytale." Listening to this album, I wrote my latest manuscript
and this piece in particular reached down and lifted the story from my writer's
heart. Sweet and tender, you can hear the hero coming to the rescue of the
damsel in distress or even a beauty waking from an enchanted sleep in the
loving arms of her prince charming. Winding sequences of cello and harp craft a
spell that any lover of Celtic music will absolutely adore.
"Drifting On Silky Clouds" begins with a
pensive cello movement reminiscent of a storm passing over. Sweet, fluffy
clouds drift in, both dark and light fighting for the right to take over the
sky. Sunlight shines through the cloudbank, drifting down in radiant harp
sequences that enliven the soul. Drifting melodies spiral and twist through the
air, an audible dance of majesty.
Trine and
Josefine Opsahl are a marvelous mother and daughter duo. Unbroken Dreams is a brilliant combination of Celtic and Nordic
tradition blended with contemporary inclinations. The spiraling nature of each
piece was like a flower bursting open, with new discoveries every step of the
way. I couldn't stop listening and don't plan to any time soon. There is a
reason Opsahl's work is used as soundtrack material in documentaries. It's that
good. And now with the added layer of her daughter's cello work, I'm hooked for
life. More please. This album is amazing. If you are a fan of fantasy novels or
just plain good music, you seriously have to get this album.
4/5
Stars
Key Tracks: The Last Grasp of Winter, A
Fairytale, Drifting on Silky Clouds
Tracks:
01. The Last Grasp of Winter
02. A Star in Heaven is Born Tonight
03. Dawn/The Light Dances my Love
04. Drifting on Silky Clouds
05. A Fairytale
06. Diving into an Ocean of Love
07. I am your Moon and your Moonlight too
08. Somewhere in a Hidden Memory
09. Castle of Unbroken Dreams
10. Sterna Paradisae
11. Rosebed Garden
12. Norwegian Summer
13. Ladybirds and Butterflies
Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer
February 15, 2016