“Shy” by Teo Salfinger

"Shy" by Teo Salfinger

Artist: Teo Salfinger

Song: Shy

Genres: #neoclassical, #relaxingmusic

Influences: Max Richter, Ludovico Einaudi, Philip Glass.

Location: Leipzig, Germany

Release date: December, 2023

Comment: Teo Salfinger is a German composer who crafts neoclassical landscapes with a minimalist touch, where his melodies often carry a melancholic beauty reminiscent of evocative film scores. Just before Christmas, he released “Petite Dances“, his third studio album, with ten little gems encapsulating this. “Shy” is just one example, and the main reason why I chose it as the featured track over the others is that it is cello-based, and I have not written about many cello tracks here. If you enjoy the work of Max Richter and Ludovico Einaudi, two of Teo’s influences, I highly encourage you to check out the whole album.

“Shy” appears to have been crafted specifically for contemplative moments, when the entire world fades away and you are left with your own thoughts. Each cello strum paints a dream, a velvety realm of calmness and quiet understanding. This isn’t a song about grand pronouncements; rather, it’s a composition that celebrates the beauty of introspection. Close your eyes and enjoy!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

“Last Days” by Grecco Buratto

"Last Days" by Grecco Buratto

Artist: Grecco Buratto

Song: Last Days

Genres: #Instrumental, #relaxingmusic

Location: Los Angeles, United States

Release date: October, 2023

Comment: In the ever-changing landscape of music, it’s refreshing to stumble upon an artist who dares to tread a different path. Enter Grecco Buratto, a Latin Grammy-nominated producer and seasoned guitarist, who has graced the stage with iconic artists such as Lionel Richie, k.d.lang, and Gwen Stefani. “Last Days,” is the first track from his second album, “Sem Palavras” (Wordless), released this month. This record also finds its place within a larger project, complementing Buratto’s first collection of poems, “Só Palavras” (Words Only).

“Last Days” is a minimalist masterpiece, drawing its emotional power solely from the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar. It embarks on a contemplative voyage, offering an intimate exploration of yearning, reflection, melancholy, and serenity. The song feels like a lullaby that lets you disconnect from a world that sometimes feels overwhelming. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the music!

Featured on the following mixtapes:

“Aquamarine” by Kirsten Agresta Copely

"Aquamarine" by Kirsten Agresta Copely

Artist: Kirsten Agresta Copely

Song: Aquamarine

Genres: #Instrumental, #relaxing, #harp

Location: Brooklyn, United States

Release date: July, 2023

Comment: Kirsten Agresta Copely is no stranger to this blog. I have featured her stunning harp music before, in Sweet Disposition and Tableaux, and I’m happy to report that she has a new album, Aquamarine, released in July.

Aquamarine is a deeply personal and emotional album, dedicated to Kirsten’s late mother, who shared her love of the ocean and music. Each of the nine tracks has a water theme and a special meaning for Kirsten, reflecting her memories of her mother and her own artistic vision. The album is a beautiful tribute to the woman who inspired and supported Kirsten’s musical journey from an early age.

 The title track, “Aquamarine”, is a perfect introduction to the album. It starts with a gentle harp melody that evokes the calmness and clarity of the sea. The song gradually builds up with layers of sounds created by the mixing engineer, Kirsten’s husband: Marc Copely, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape that captures the power and mystery of the ocean. The song is both soothing and uplifting, inviting the listener to dive into Kirsten’s deep blue world.  If you are looking for a song that will soothe your soul and inspire you, here it is:

Featured on the following mixtapes:

Kirsten Agresta Copely – Tableaux

Kirsten Agresta Copely - Tableaux

Friend of The Alternative Mixtapes, Kirsten Agresta Copely, is back with a new modern classical harp track inspired by Rachmaninoff‘s Études-Tableaux. With the piece, Kirsten wanted to “capture romantic era elements with a modern approach”. It’s safe to say she achieved that and more.

Tableaux is a charming and very peaceful song. The perfect track to relax to on a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy it, here:

Featured on the following mixtapes: