Wickman / Holden Unknown Galaxy / Century Classical Mormon Music CD

This album reflects the musical trends of the last one hundred years by highlighting the diversity of the composers that have sprung from the large demographic of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon or LDS Church). In addition, it focuses on music that showcases the expressive and virtuosic potential of the piano. There is a small but relatively unknown galaxy of repertoire deserving attention in this specific genre, and pianist Scott Holden was thrilled for this opportunity to turn attention to it. Holden writes, "None of the music presented here has any overt connections with the usual musical traditions or doctrine of the LDS faith. However, one must admit that the spiritual beliefs and experiences of the composers have deeply infused their creative processes. Does this define these pieces as LDS music or simply music by LDS composers? I agree with author Madeleine L'Engle, who stated in Walking on Water, 'There is nothing so secular that it cannot be sacred, and that is one of the deepest messages of the Incarnation.' To create is to touch upon the divine. The result is powerful, mystical, visceral, ecstatic, imaginative, and deeply moving, but it certainly is not your grandmother's typical recital of 'LDS Music.'"