Reviews: Peter Sterling – Sanctuary of Light

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kathy Parsons – 5.0 out of 5 stars From MainlyPiano
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2020

“Peter Sterling’s “Sanctuary of Light” is an album more than a year in the making. It is unique from Sterling’s many other recordings in that he plays all of the instruments himself; no other musicians play on the album. “So this really is a singular vision of what music is in my heart and soul.” Sterling continues: “The vision of sanctuary was received in a dream to create music that would be very angelic and ethereal from start to finish. No rhythm or drums here. Just free flowing harp melodies accompanied by strings, flutes and assorted ethereal textures that take the listener thru different levels or spaces of soul illumination. It really is a journey which ends along the Shores of Eternity where the soul can bask in the divine light of spirit.” Healing, uplifting and relaxing harp music is something that the world needs right now as people everywhere are trying to recover from the effects of COVID-19. Peter Sterling has won many awards for his music, including several “Album of the Year” nominations, and if you are new to his music, “Sanctuary of Light” will immediately show you why. Some of the eight original tracks are melodic, but most of the album is on the more-ambient side.

“Sanctuary of Light” begins with “The Light Within,” a piece that exudes a warm glow as it surrounds the listener with peaceful musical magic (Harp Magic!!). At 7 1/4 minutes, the piece has time to draw you in as it soothes and mesmerizes. “Divine Reflection” is a favorite. Freer and more introspective, the flowing harp is enhanced with the sounds of piano, strings and bass. “Light In Your Eyes” is a little bit of heaven with its slow, easy melody, as well as the sound of birds, flutes and strings behind the harp. At 9 1/2 minutes, “This Path I Walk” is the longest track on the album. A lovely massage for the mind, the piece is very open and spare. “Forevermore” brings me visions of beams of light dancing slowly on a body of water – bliss! If you are having trouble falling asleep, try listening to “Pool of Love,” a very minimalist piece with sparse accompaniment behind the soothing and caressing sounds of the harp – another favorite! If you were to look up “ambient music” in the dictionary or online, “Seventh Heaven” could be the definition. Peaceful, floating and free-form, it suggests (to me) floating effortlessly through a dark sky as stars twinkle all around – there is no danger or care anywhere in this piece! “Shores of Eternity” brings us to the conclusion of our journey through various levels and spaces of soul illumination. To once again quote Peter Sterling, “And synchronistically the last track time is 4:44 which in numerology means the angels are with you! Something we need more than ever now!!” Amen!”

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck – 5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Work of Art Set To Music On The Magical Harp
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2020

“I have had the pleasure of covering two of Peter Sterling’s releases so far. The 2016 release Sacred Visions and in 2018 Magic Kingdom. Both were filled with beautiful sounds led by his diverse harp playing. Now we have the latest to enjoy titled Sanctuary of Light which is ready to enchant us all that can appreciate new age instrumental music.

For my personal tastes, this music works. I value all music in such a way that there is built-in respect and admiration I have before listening to any artisan’s creation. With that in mind, it opens the mental aperture some more and casts aside any preconceived ideas one may have about what they will be hearing.

Right now, more than ever, we all need healing on some level. The world is in turmoil and distress and the only way to realign mother earth and its inhabitants is to take a collective breath and let the music lead the way. This is why music has been and always will be our savior. That is in effect, a community of unsung heroes as far as I am concerned.

Peter is saying to us all “Let the light be your sanctuary, you can find it in my music.” While there is always darkness and shades of grey in our world, we can always find the light whether it’s through the music, a kind face, or a gentle smile of assurance from a loved one. Yes, this is what this music brings to the forefront of my mind and how it relates to my spirit, consciousness, and attitude at any given moment.

As Peter intimates on the inner sleeve of the CD jacket “This music is dedicated and inspired by the divine light that lives in us all.” I find this to be so true right now. Every day, I am seeing how people are coming together, sacrificing their time, energy, and knowledge to fight the worldwide pandemic we are facing. It so predominant right now in all our lives that I cannot help but talk about it and how this all connects together. I am linked to music consciously and unconsciously. This gorgeous and heavenly sound Peter coaxes from his harp, gives me more awareness of my surroundings and how easily I can become grounded and centered with some help provided by his music.

So rather than mention any particular track on the recording, I prefer to put my attention on the entire project as a whole. I am looking at the big picture right now for all of humanity and the fact that music can inspire me in such a way that my inner spirit and true self is revealed.

Thank you, Peter Sterling, for your artistic genius and contribution to all of mankind with the soothing spiritual sounds provided on Sanctuary of Light.”