Thomas Peters: Lamentations

Inspirational instrumental meditations, quiet and serious, each intimately related by both structure and content into an overall singularity, and yet with each a separate work. Thomas Peters moves in a new artistic direction with his bowed NS Design® EU6 designed by the legendary Ned Steinberger, and a laptop computer. In the past, when he was creating soundtracks for silent movies, Tom was accompanied by computer-synchronized soundscapes that may include anything from voices to small percussion to ukuleles, to create a truly unique sight and sound experience. The emotions expressed within these nine pieces are introspective, a soothing tonic for the raw and dramatic times we endure, providing a hopeful and positive glimpse of the restoration ahead.

Hope arises from a recollection of experiencing past goodness. The fourth track, "Remembrance Canon," provides a foundation of deep tones with bowed bass, repeating melodic cycles. The sound seems to emanate from a deep, russet realm; it can be appreciated on multiple levels, and will affect each listener in a deeply personal way. The painful beauty of the main themes, and their presence together within the canon, reveals the unity of this message.

The music of Lamentations may help to calm the mind and reduce "racing thoughts," which can in turn help ease the trauma of grieving, lessen depression and provide an outlet for people who are otherwise withdrawn. The sixth track, "Still," provides a slow, sustained, stark meditative atmosphere, which suggests spiritual ecstasy, achieving transcendence through the dematerialization of music, using minimalist techniques and plenty of time.

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