“Dreams of Angels” exists in a liminal space between improvisation and divine inspiration. It’s music that feels unburdened by technical constraints, allowing emotion and intuition to take center stage. This is an album that speaks to the soul.
Karen Salicath’s latest album “Dreams of Angels” is an aural tapestry woven from the ethereal threads of divine inspiration. This isn’t your typical New Age ambient offering; it’s something far more raw, intimate, and compelling. Salicath, a visual artist by training, approaches her music with the same sensitivity and intuitive grace she brings to her painting and sculpture. The result is a collection of 16 tracks that feel less composed and more received, each a sonic snapshot of an angelic encounter —it’s a deeply spiritual transmission.
A near-death experience in 2012 unlocked Salicath’s dormant musical abilities, leading her on a journey of sonic exploration with multiple Singles and this her eighth album release. Recorded in the liminal hours of the early morning on her 80-year-old Steinway grand, with each piece arriving fully formed in her dreams, Salicath chose to leave them unedited, raw, and unrefined, allowing the purity of the experience to shape the album’s celestial atmosphere. There’s a palpable sense of immediacy in the music, a feeling that you’re eavesdropping on a private conversation between the artist and her muses.
Each track is dedicated to a specific angel, from the powerful Archangel Metatron to the gentle Sandalphon. While the titles provide a framework, the music itself transcends literal interpretation. It’s less about depicting specific angelic attributes and more about capturing the essence of their energy. The album moves seamlessly through a spectrum of divine themes—healing, wisdom, courage, and love. “Archangel Metatron,” the opening track, is a swirling vortex of sound, full of dynamic swells and shimmering textures. “Angel Raphael,” the Angel of Healing, stands out as one of the most poignant compositions, its delicate phrasing and fluid transitions evoking a profound sense of peace. It offers a balm for the soul, a gentle melody that unfolds with compassionate warmth. Meanwhile, the award-winning White Angel, inspired by a sculpture Salicath created years ago, carries an emotional depth that makes it one of the album’s most resonant moments.
Salicath’s piano work is striking in its simplicity and immediacy. There’s an organic, almost trance-like quality to her playing—each note flowing effortlessly, as though dictated by a force beyond her.
Mastered by PARMA Recordings, the album’s sound is pristine yet intimate, capturing the delicate nuances of Salicath’s touch. The resonance of the Steinway grand adds warmth and depth, enhancing the immersive experience of the music.
A former visual artist with a background in sculpture and painting, Salicath’s artistic sensibilities permeate her compositions. Much like her visual work, which explores themes of spirituality and energy, her music invites listeners into a contemplative state. It’s no surprise that she has performed at Carnegie Hall multiple times and has garnered accolades across both the art and music worlds.
For those seeking an album that transcends the conventional boundaries of classical and ambient music, Dreams of Angels is a journey worth taking. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and immerse yourself in soundscapes that offer solace, clarity, and inspiration. Karen Salicath has delivered an album that feels like a much-needed moment of transcendence.
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