Search - The Magical Journeys of Andreas Vollenweider on DVD

A must-have for Vollenweider fans

AVFanSince1984 | California, USA | 05/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're like me, you discovered the music of Andreas Vollenweider in the mid 1980s. You eagerly awaited each album's release, and bought every one of them. You dreamed of seeing the man in concert, a rare thing over these many years, at least for American fans. You have wanted to actually see him play that magical harp. And now you can, with the release of this DVD, The Magical Journeys of Andreas Vollenweider.

There is so much material on this single disc, I don't know how they fit it all and I just don't know where to begin describing it. Footage of the PBS-aired show of the same name is the main entree in this musical feast, but there is much more to see and hear. Long segments of concert footage, interviews, practice sessions -- the depth of material included is astounding. You will see young Andreas improvising on flute while his father Hans plays a cathedral organ. You will see entire album sides played true almost to the note, as well as variations on familiar pieces. You will see sessions where experimentation and improvisation between Andreas and any number of musical "guests" produce pieces that you have never heard on any album.

This collection of video is visually rich but full-to-bursting with sound. Don't try to watch every last thing on the disc at one sitting or you will be oversaturated. It's almost too much of a good thing.

I was lucky. I was able to see Vollenweider perform live a few years back when he toured the U.S. as a one-man show primarily in smaller venues. The intimacy and nearness to his music was priceless. This DVD gives you a similar sense, whether it's just Andreas working his harp or one of his colleagues playing some odd instrument or other, providing some of the unique sounds you have come to expect from the music that this great composer and performer creates."

See the magic being created

Brian Clever | Oswego, IL USA | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is astounding. If you've ever wondered just how that beautiful music was made you need this disc. Concerts from each era of Andreas' work are presented, from the simple 7 or eight piece band of "Down to the Moon" to the full orchestra of "Kryptos" are included. My personal favorites are the behind the scenes clips from the recording of "Book of Roses" including the recording session with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the flamenco duets (tracks 7, 8 and 9 on the Book of Roses CD). I will confirm what other reviewers have said: the amount of material on this
DVD is tremendous. It requires several nights of viewing to complete it."

Insight into Andreas

Mark E. Whitehouse | Australia | 01/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have followed Andreas' career since about '83 and been fascinated by the material that he continually manages to produce. This DVD is a great insight in to what makes him tick, his background and philosophies and behind the scenes of some of the magnificent tracks he has produced.
Highly recommended"