Songs of Light and Shadow Volume 1

Album Review

By Natasha Barbieri

Robert Bruce, Composer “Songs of Light and Shadow Volume 1”

Robert Bruce is a composer known for his experimental music and visual style that has been heard in film and meditation. He is known to be fascinated by the therapeutic nature of music as well as its connection with the spiritual. “Songs of Light and Shadow Volume 1” is a collection of compositions he has written that fit very well into modern art song repertoire.  The album begins unexpectedly with the longing “The Love in Her Eyes.” It is followed by the aptly named, “Angelfest,” which does indeed make the listener think of angels ascending into the clouds.  “Living a Dream” is a lyrical piece that would make a lovely addition to a recital as is, “Everlasting Dream” which follows it. “Spirit of Song,” is very pretty with harp strains and vocal cameo. The songs on the album have a distinctive new age feel and ambient quality as heard on “The Wings of Sound.”  Lest we get too comfortable “A Little Bit of Neptune” changes up the pace with a more bluesy sound.  Is it only me or do the duet parts sound reminiscent of the Beach Boys “God Only Knows?” It is a cool effect. The restless “A Woman’s Secret” is next and to me it sounds like the waves on the sea. The album finishes with the lovely, “The Candle of Love” which is especially helped by additional voices.

“Songs of Light and Shadow” is recommended for the classical music fan – especially those who enjoy art song material.  It may just as easily be enjoyed by the new age music lover as the music conjures peaceful images. The vocalists featured on the album have for the most part very pretty bright voices which suit the overall feel but I can imagine a singer with a larger instrument being equally successful in many of them. Robert Bruce is clearly a talented composer who can effortlessly combine different styles to tell a story. To learn more about his work please visit: robertbrucemusic.com

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.