Music Inspired by Middle Earth featuring David Arkenstone from ViArt PHP Shopping Cart

It's very hip to refer to Tolkien, given the success of Lord of the Rings on celluloid. But to be fair to David Arkenstone, he's always been inspired by the master fantasy author, so the release of this album just happens to be timely. A collaboration between composer-multi-instrumentalists David and Diane Arkenstone, the disc features many of David's trademarks as it incorporates influences as diverse as Aaron Copland, international sounds, and progressive rock. With both orchestral and ethnic instruments at their disposal, the composers and their Middle Earth Orchestra journey from grand symphonic peaks to delicate valleys, including the grand fanfare of "Field of Cormallen," the mysterious and ethereal atmosphere of "Palantir," and the lively, Renaissance-flavored dance of "Road to Rivendell." While this ode to Middle Earth is nothing groundbreaking within Arkenstone's extensive catalog, it's still an amiable, engaging album that will appeal to longtime listeners and intrigue many fantasy fans. --Bryan Reesman ViArt PHP Shopping Cart