hearts of space | news

PGM 1075 'DOOR OF SILENCE : april 24-may 1

It takes increasing effort, but if we can just turn away from the political chaos that has overtaken the Middle East for the moment, we can still hear the expression of artistic traditions that have been evolving for over 5000 years.

From source cultures in Persia, Arabia and North Africa come instruments and musical traditions. Today, both native and expatriate artists are working to extend these traditions and adapt them to the world of contemporary music. It's an effort that aims for harmony and understanding in the face of dissonance and division: cultural in the best sense — a human treasure to be loved and shared.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, a journey to the quiet heart of Middle Eastern music, on a program called DOOR OF SILENCE. Music is by MERCAN DEDE, OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK, AZAM ALI & LOGA RAMIN TORKIAN, ANOUAR BRAHEM, and DHAFER YOUSSEF.

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PGM 1074 'STELLAR VISIONS 3' : apr.17-24

For fans of electronic music, the last 50 years have been a period of astonishing transformation. Beginning as a laboratory curiosity, electronic sounds evolved into experimental instruments for avant-garde composers, and then playable instruments for electronic bands. First analog, and then digital synthesizers created the foundation for a new genre of so-called "spacemusic," that emerged in the 1970s on both sides of the Atlantic and Japan.

Ethereal electronic sounds found a natural affinity with images of cosmic space. Planetariums and film soundtracks were an early destination, and then with the help of a new generation of producers and DJs, electronics took over the dance floor at raves and parties, leading to the massive EDM events we see everywhere today. Through it all, hardcore space musicians continued to develop the spatial dimensions of electronic sound and explore cosmic space.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, another cosmic-electronic journey, on a program called STELLAR VISIONS 3. Music is by BENN JORDAN, ROBERT RICH, DAVE LUXTON, and featuring MICHAEL NEIL.

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PGM 1073 'DREAMS OF SPRING' : april 10-17

Well, it's official: spring at last. After the proverbial long hard winter, spring takes on an almost mythic appeal. Of course, here in California, it's been spring on and off for several months. So first, our sympathies to those whose winter must have seemed interminable.

The music of spring expresses renewal and rebirth, with energy, buoyancy, optimism and hope for the season to come. Ambient composers mix flowing water and other natural sounds into their compositions, along with airy, ethereal flutes and keyboards, to create nature-inspired meditations.

On this transmission of Hearts of Space, an ambient excursion for the season, on a program called DREAMS OF SPRING. Music is by DEUTER, PETER KATER, SHERRY FINZER,MANEESH DE MOOR, STEVEN HALPERN & MICHAEL DIAMOND, and (no kidding) CHRISTOPHER of the WOLVES.

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PGM 725R 'MUSICA SACRA' : april 3-10

This week Christians around the world celebrate Holy Week, culminating on Easter Sunday. Easter brings together two traditions: the ancient pagan vernal festival, and the Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

It's a tradition with a very long history. The word Easter is thought to have come from the Saxon goddess of spring, Eastre. Sometime after the 2nd century, the Christian holy day was integrated with the ancient pagan festivals of spring, with their message of rebirth and celebration. Combining sacred texts with music, the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection gave Christian sacred music a more solemn and exalted tone.

"Across the centuries," says John Kehoe, "men and women have shared a profound need to express those truths and feelings that words alone rarely convey. By some alchemy, sublime words may be transmuted by music into a distant echo of a Paradise lost, and voices exhale the breath of life."

Music is by SCHUBERT, FRANCK, MOZART, FAURÉ, DURUFLÉ, BIEBL, BURGON, GABRIELI, HOLBORN, J.L.WEBBER, BOBBY McFERRIN, and THE BOYS AIR CHOIR.

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