New Age Instrumental Review: Richard Theisen - Whispers of Selene

Release Date:  November 14, 2025

Label: Wayfarer Music

Website

I have heard three recordings from Richard Theisen over the years. All of them were extremely enjoyable. Whispers of Selene is his latest release. His previous release, Shambhala, was released in April of this year. The man is going through a notable creative renaissance.

 

One look at the cover art (by Dieter Spears) conjures the image of a goddess, a large moon behind her, illuminating her. In fact, “Selene” refers to the ancient Greek Titan goddess and personification of the Moon, who drove a moon chariot across the night sky. She was the sister of the sun god Helios and the dawn goddess Eos and the daughter of Titans Hyperion and Theia.

 

So, with all those thoughts, that movie will play out in your mind, setting the stage as the story unfolds.

 

“First Breath” is the definitive beginning of the story. The sounds are soft, and the invitation to enter another world is present. The plucking of strings, the orchestration layers, and synths all combine to create a portal to this magical world.

 

“Avalon” is a musical masterpiece, renowned for its beauty and desirability, much like the mythical island it is named after. The piano, orchestrations, synths, and violin sounds flow through your speakers gracefully as if you’re being transported to a place of pure enchantment. More than halfway through, wordless vocals are added, further enhancing the music’s beauty and depth. The music paints the picture so beautifully that you can’t help but be captivated by its elegance.

 

“Whispers of Selene” begins with strings evoking a banjo, as the piano responds with measured steps. Then, an orchestral element emerges, resembling violins. It has a mystical feel to it all. The synth layer is always so important in these tracks; it’s the foundation on which everything is built. Notably, Sean O’Bryan Smith is on bass for this track.

 

“Light of the Ancients” evokes images of the past and lore that will endure for eternity, pronouncing the antiquity of the moment. The synths merge to create a floating cloud of sound as the wordless vocals enter, adding a heavenly texture. There is a modality of spirituality as you absorb the tapestry of color and sound.

 

“Blood Moon remix” is a cinematic masterpiece that focuses on stringed instruments, giving the moon and its colorful transformation a strong presence and meaning. The dance of the music now belongs to the skies and the moon above. The orchestration behind the strings lends it a cinematic quality that immerses you in the grandeur of the moon’s transformation.

 

“Silver Tears” is piano-based, beginning before introducing the cello. The piano’s elegance is on display here, as the other elements serve as additions to its musical path. The keys suggest the tears are falling, and the orchestrations lend greater emphasis to the emotion.

 

“The Inner Flame” is a significant title that underscores the spark of life within us all. This is the magic in our lives that makes things happen. The strings and orchestration are upbeat, instilling a sense of positivity and optimism about life. The beauty of the sounds reflects that light inside us all, forming the soundtrack of our lives. It is very melodic and joyful.

 

“Eternal Dawn” is the magnum opus of this recording, a musical journey that feels eternal, just like the dawn it represents. The softness of the approach helps you envision the idea of an “Eternal Dawn.” Thanks to the picturesque soundtrack, the beauty is in the heart, mind, and soul of the creator and the listener of this tale. It’s a piece that invites introspection and a sense of connection to the eternal nature of life.

 

“Sangreal” is another name for the Holy Grail, a legendary sacred vessel associated with divine revelation and divine power, with origins tracing back to the Last Supper. With that thought in mind, you need the music to conjure those images in your mind’s eye. The piano and strings articulate that thought process as the synth orchestration is added.

 

Whispers of Selene is a gorgeous soundtrack designed for introspective listeners and those seeking a path to slow down their lives and pause to enjoy the gifts of life around them, rather than rushing past them without a second thought.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

OcTober 23, 2025

Tracks:

01.  First Breath

02.  Avalon

03.  Whispers of Selene

04.  Light of the Ancients

05.  Blood Moon remix

06.  Silver Tears

07.  The Inner Flame

08.  Eternal Dawn

09.  Sangreal