Album Notes

“Van Handel’s Pieces for the New World is a collection of four, very long meditations. Unlike most artists, when Van Handel puts together a long track, it’s not just a short track that goes on and on ad nauseum. His ‘Pieces’ are filled with changes and dynamics not unlike the way Oldfield’s music evolved through 18 minutes, in a way where the more you listen repeatedly, the more you begin to hear. It’s difficult to tire of Van Handel’s music. Excellent voicings and a thundering low end make these pretty invigorating meditations too!”
ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN MAGAZINE

“First up is my favorite, Pieces for the New World, by Stephen Van Handel. The tones are mostly bright and sharp (like the tunings you’ll find in a concert orchestra) and also have lots of motion. I’m reminded of minimalist, Steve Reich, although this Stephen doesn’t force us to stay in one place for too long. With him, we go to the end of the idea and move on. And go with him we must. The production is very tasteful and clean. Stephen knows what he’s doing here. The four pieces do not vary off course from each other too much stylistically, but thankfully, also manage never to bore with sameness. It’s in vogue to slam New Age – for all my eastern beliefs, I’m one of the slammers – but a few as yet undiscovered wonders like Stephen Van Handel make it a most enjoyable medium.”
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

“Pieces for the New World combines a dramatic neoclassical feel with a striking minimalist ‘new music’ sensibility to achieve a fusion that’s literally filled with beautifully executed ideas… worthy of any superlative you can come up with.”
EUROCK