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Monika Stadler "My Imaginary Garden"
format: album, released: 2004
genre: new age, jazz, world music

review by Karl Mohr


As the music of the world becomes increasingly complex and over-
produced, Monika Stadler and her Horngacher harp remind us of
the richness and micro-complexities of acoustic sound. The concert
harp, being both ancient and evolved, is an orchestra of its own,
illustrating percussion, melodic solo and harmonic accompaniment.

Stadler, being a zen master at the instrument, invites us into her
imaginary garden with ten more of her delightful songs, and further
includes a six-piece postlude of her "real time compositions",
demonstrating her adept ability to improvise in the moment, calling
forth Asian-inspired moments of water droplets and ginko leaves.

There is a significant warmth in the sound of this recording, a
remarkable seriousness and depth to the pieces - especially the
improvisations, which carry cosmic weight; a thrilling document
of her technique and tonal control.

This release marks Stadler's decisive move from jazz to the realm
of new age music . Fans of her previous light jazz harp material
will still enjoy Tomorrow I Will Find You, It's Time To Say Goodbye
and I Feel Good. Apart from these pieces, the record is awash with
deep thoughtful moments and sacred spaces; an offering of mature
compositions toward the purpose of well-being. Her quotations in
the liner notes celebrate her passion for the healing quality of
harp music.

The exceptional track on this release is "Lullaby For A Little Girl".
With Stadler's trademark singing - haunting vocalese - she sends
chills, which are quickly followed by the tender immediacy of an
honest violin, played by her sister Maria Stadler.

Old friends return with Richard Österreicher's wistful, Viennese
Schlager-style harmonica, with Reinhard Ziegerhofer's tactful bass
and with world percussionist extraordinaire, Franz Schmuck. Of the
through-composed pieces, the last is the minimalist Wassertropfen -
arguably made the most ambient on the album by the electric guitar
and synth touches of Harald Petersdorfer.

On this recording, Stadler's seamless integration of jazz and modern
classical writing with stellar new age improvisations make this is a
must-have CD for listeners of harp music and progressive music in
general. Highly recommended for warm, sunlit areas and after busy,
exhausting days.

Featured musicians on this recording:

Monika Stadler - Harp, Voice
Maria Stadler - Violin
Richard Österreicher - Harmonica
Harald Petersdorfer - Guitar, Synth
Reinhard Ziegerhofer - Acoustic Bass
Gerald Endstrasser - Drums
Franz Schmuck - Percussion (Indian Madal, Cymbals, Bamboo Bells,
Darabukka, Sounds)