CLASSICAL RELAXATION by Michael Benghiat

Rediscover the classics with arrangements that explore the “quiet” side of Bach, Albinoni, Beethoven, Mozart, Saint-Saens and Dvorak. Performed by a live ensemble with piano, flute, oboe, English horn, viola and harp.

We’re pleased to present this updated NEW version of Classical Relaxation
by Michael Benghiat.

This release of Classical Relaxation includes new cover art AND new liner notes. If you love classical music and are looking for peaceful but not boring music that you can use to accompany massage, spa treatments, meditation, stress-relief, bedtime or for pure relaxation, you’ll be delighted with Michael’s sensitive and gentle arrangements.
There are no jarring volume or tempo changes in this uninterrupted yet engaging blend of classical music. We think Michael’s selection of music is more interesting and less predictable than what you’ll find on other CD labels and like most of our other At Peace Music CD recordings, we’re providing you with 60+ minutes of music.

FROM THE MUSICIAN:
“Being trained as a classical composer, I have always felt a particular affinity to the
pieces I recorded. I thought it would be interesting to do versions of these pieces with
some improvisational sections; after all, most of the great composers, especially Bach,
were great improvisers, and able to compose in real time at the keyboard. I decided
to focus on traditional woodwinds (flute, oboe and English horn) as well as viola for
melodies.”

“The music is classical but the sensibility is modern. By selecting a single movement
from a Beethoven sonata, for example, rather than including the entire piece, I’ve
chosen to focus on individual selections of music that are peaceful and contemplative
with no jarring tempo changes. The CD offers a progression of classical tracks from
different composers to give listeners a chance to relax and slow down while enjoying
a variety of different yet harmonious musical perspectives.” – Michael Benghiat

Remember to explore the AT PEACE® CD Collection by Michael Benghiat, which you can access by clicking on the appropriate link on any of the At Peace Music website pages. This quintessential collection of acoustic, instrumental music for massage, meditation, relaxation and healing, from composer/musician Michael Benghiat includes eleven CD recordings including Harmony, the music soundtrack to the award-winning Esalen® Massage Video and DVD.

ABOUT THE MUSICIAN:
A Santa Monica native, Michael Benghiat has experienced a multicultural musical palette since childhood. Accomplished on both the piano and guitar, Michael grew up in a home surrounded by music, with parents who not only treasured music but encouraged learning about music from a variety of cultural and ethnic heritages.This early exposure to the enduring folk traditions of Greek, Sephardic, Spanish, and Middle Eastern music as well as to classical orchestral music helped forge Michael's unique musical sensibility. Michael's curiosity and interest in non-western musical instruments and traditions finds expression today in his study and collection of exotic acoustic instruments from around the world. His ongoing explorations of musical culture are a natural extension of his BA degree and graduate level work in classical music composition at UCLA. The author of several books on the guitar, Michael's work as a musician and composer reflects his desire to "reach more people than I can teach
one-on-one."

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