Catalin Marin - CD Album
Catalin's music combines dynamic instrumental Vangelis style melody and soundtrack orchestration, choirs, subtle ethnic touches and great rhythms. Catalin began classical piano lessons with a private teacher at the age of 6, although it was six years later when he purchased his first Yamaha synthesiser that he began composing electronic instrumental music. In 1987 he won first prize for "Composition & Musical Creation" in a National Music Competition. This encouraged Catalin's belief that his quest for perfection in electronic music could only be achieved by the symbiosis of musical talent and the knowledge and skills of computer programming and electronic equipment. |
 |
- Opening (First Breath)
- Zulu Spirits Call
- Iceberg
- Synthetic History
- Nandana, Paradise of Indra
- Crossfaded Memories
- Treasures of the Deep
- Postlude
 |
| First Breath by Catalin |
| CD £2.49 / $3.99 |
| (*dollar rate may vary)
Also available on the MP3 downloads page |
"First Breath" is an amazing collection of thematic melodies combining soundtrack orchestration,
choirs, subtle ethnic touches and great rhythms. His original style has prompted rave reviews worldwide and he has been described
as the "New Vangelis".
So if Vangelis is an artist you enjoy - you're gonna love this!!
"Catalin's music has considerable cross-over potential and will be embraced by discerning listeners who appreciate carefully crafted music
and inspiring melodies."
Steve Roberts, SMD.
"The album oozes quality and is, quite simply, magical!"
Backroads Music.com
More Reviews below.....
During
this time, Catalin has remained devoted to his music. He began developing his own studio in 1991 and his first album of electronic
music 'Pray for Time' was completed in 1995 and subsequently released by VIVO. Despite only being released in Romania, where this musical
style is perhaps not as popular as in other western countries, the album was a surprise hit. During the last two years, while continuing
to develop his studio, Catalin has worked with conductors from the local Philharmonic Orchestra composing and arranging music for theatre
soundtracks.
He has also recorded and re-mastered a CD for the American opera soprano, Patricia Brady-Danzig. As the Production Director for the most popular Radio station in the south of Romania, 'Radio SUD', Catalin creates commercials and jingles for radio, and generics for TV. He is also in demand to provide instrumental arrangements for singers- some of them musical award winners at Festivals such as the 'Golden Stag', Brasov.Of course, Catalin's greatest pleasure is composing, creating, programming and recording his own music for albums. His debut album for AD Music, "First Breath" was released in June 1999. He is currently working on his next album.
Catalin Album Reviews
'First Breath' by Catalin
Review by Steve Roberts, SMD.
Heaven
must be missing a preset. Listen to the eponymous opening track of Catalin Marin's U.K. debut and you'll know exactly what I
mean. This is music to melt the coldest of hearts and uplift the lowest of spirits. An ethereal choir gradually approaches with
a simple, but deeply spiritual, melody which builds in intensity accompanied by orchestral flourishes and chords that evoke the
industrial landscape of Los Angeles 2019. Ah, I love the smell of burning oil at twilight. After two and half minutes, the rhythm
comes in with a subtler tune set against a simple bass line and symphonic accompaniment. Choral effects augment the mix and another
change of pace brings with it melodic variations for the final segment and fade out.
'Zulu Spirits Call' transports you to the dry, dust filled air of Africa through adept voice sampling and highly
effective ethnic percussion. The overall effect is not dissimilar to Deep Forest and it is interesting to note that Catalin comes
from Craiova, Romania, the country that brought us Michael (Enigma) Cretu, and Gheorghe Zamfir.
'Iceberg' is anything but cold. A fine, sparkling melody is set against tabla-like rhythms and sparkling arpeggios
that inspire. Choir effects are used, more sparingly this time towards the end of the piece.
'Synthetic History' partly returns to the style of the first cut but with a more complex rhythm. Catalin changes
the pace and melodies with dexterity whilst employing symphonic textures and choral effects to flesh out the mix and crescendos.
Melodies are allowed to build but never outstay their welcome.
'Nandana - Paradise of lndra' is a superb piece combining all the elements thus far deployed to create an eastern
palette. However, the early motif would not have sounded out of place on 'China' by Vangelis, but let's not argue about geography.
'Cross Faded Memories' begins with a lushly romantic classical piano treatment with accompanying epic cinematic
orchestration. This may be too saccharine for some sensibilities but it is composed and performed with great aplomb and provides
a change of style and pace.
'Treasures of the Deep' combines the ethnic elements of the composer's music with romanticism and a keen sense
of melody coupled to a faster beat. 'Postlude' concludes with a short, celestial, Vangelis-style refrain which leaves you wanting
more.
This album has inevitably been compared to Vangelis, in his more accessible guise, and will obviously appeal
to his fan base, but Catalin's music has considerable cross-over potential and will be embraced by discerning listeners who appreciate
carefully crafted music and inspiring melodies.
Highly Recommended.
'First Breath' by Catalin
Review by Backroads Music.com
The standard of releases from AD Music Ltd continues to be quite astonishing, as this album by Catalin ably demonstrates! In addition
to its terrific and polished production, "First Breath" is complemented by outstanding artwork and packaging.
The music has that rare quality of being not only complex and imaginative compositionally, but inspired and
captivating to the ear and the soul. There are echoes of Vangelis here and there and some wonderful ethnic touches - but Catalin's
music has a unique style and character all of its own, so any similarity to the "Great Greek" are mentioned only as
a point of reference.
Listening to Catalin's music is like being carried away on summer winds to far off lands - from the dusty plains of Africa on
'Zulu Spirits Call,' to an eastern bazaar of the mystical east on 'Nandana, Spirit of Indra.' The orchestral and vocal/choir
arrangements on "First
Breath" are the equal to anything you would expect to hear on a major film soundtrack. Swirling soundscapes, changes in direction
both sudden and seamless, and captivating melodies that have become a trademark of the A.D. Music label.
The album oozes quality and is,
quite simply, magical!