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

New Age Instrumental Review: Richard Theisen-Shambhala

Release Date: April 4, 2025

Label: Wayfarer Records

Website

Richard Theisen's Shambhala, with its vibrant cover art depicting a meditating figure and chakras, sets the stage for a profound spiritual journey. The angelic vision in the foreground prepares you for the introspective and contemplative experience that awaits in this auditory voyage.

"The Sacred Path of the Warrior" begins the recording. Soft keys start with a backing wordless vocal for a short time. Then, another layer is introduced by a synth as the wordless vocals reappear. This mix effortlessly creates an ambient atmosphere and fosters a spiritual connection for the opener.

 

"Astral Forest" evokes an exciting blend of sound, sight, and color vision. The interpretation alone has you embraced from the first note onward. The swirling and whirling synths, accompanied by the sounds of crickets, pull you quickly into that time and space, and you sink into Richard's meditative, relaxing, and easy chair of sounds and textures. Now, as you listen and gaze at the album artwork, it seems so fitting and easily imaginable in your mind's eye. Whatever is authentic to you is yours alone as you travel through this forest of sound.

 

The "White Lotus" is, of course, significant in the practice of meditation, yoga, and other disciplines that focus on the mind, body, and soul. At this point, the music is trance-like, and you find yourself immersed in the instrumental beauty and bliss. The keys are gorgeous, and the synths are layered and orchestral, adding more beauty to the existing beauty. It is as beautiful as the morning flower opening to accept the first rays of the rising sun, its pure light.

 

"The Seventh Veil" begins with a more upbeat tempo and the addition of a flute, which gives the track a distinctly different mood and atmosphere. It is light and airy, evoking a smile from within your soul. The music offers optimism and positivity, adding another layer of symphonic synths. Beauty is in the ears of the beholder, so behold and be grateful for the sounds.

 

"Rebirth" is a significant and profoundly positive concept to embrace as you discover the realization of self through the healing powers of sound and rhythm. Once again, the music possesses a warm and consistent sound and texture that can transport a listener to another realm or a different time. The synth layer is always right and orchestral as it builds during the song. There is a constant sound of a ringing bell or plucking of a harp; that is the best way I could describe it. It also serves as the focal point of the track's length, as you take in all the other sounds.

 

"Tibetan Rain" begins with a rapid tinkling sound, almost like an acoustic guitar, but you know it's not; it's synth generated or a keyboard as it mixes with those marvelous layers of synths and the mini orchestra being so inviting, you, as always, just let your consciousness melt right into it.  What could be more relaxing than a soft rain in the serene mountains of Tibet? This track emulates that feeling and picture in your mind. It's very uplifting and cinematic.

 

"The Essence" sounds like a prolific musical statement, as the title indicates. It begins purposefully with a solo piano run, inducing a classical sound, as one hand plays the lower-end bass and the other creates light, elegant sounds. Then, the added synth layer provides for more depth and feeling. Yes, it is prolific musically as it reaches out and touches your spirit. It opens the door, and the light and energy shine into you with conviction. It is one of the most beautiful tracks on the album, living up to its name and message.

 

"Shiva's Hand" begins in an entirely different way, with the sound of an ancient stringed instrument, such as a sitar, as the wordless vocals return, sounding ethereal and angelic simultaneously. It calls to you to bring yourself home as your spirit ascends to another level of existence, where the elders live to impart the knowledge, you can use for your spiritual growth.  In case you are curious, in Vaishnavism, Shiva's hand symbolizes the physical aspect of Shiva that Parvati holds, reflecting the dynamic tension between them. It is a spirit working from within.

 

"Shambhala" is the title track as we get closer to the end of our journey. The sounds begin with some drama and color, sounding spacey and mysterious. It's like the wonders of the universe rushing to meet you all at once, then the flute and wind chimes sound off as the wind sound continues to move the track forward. It holds consistently, giving it a sound movement that is graceful and inviting at the same time. It feels like the wilderness of one's soul reaching for a conclusion to the journey.

 

"Muladhara" is a Sanskrit word meaning the root of existence. You are coming to the close of this musical landscape, finalizing your discoveries. Your very existence can be found in the music, the truth revealed without any interference or complexities. It's just you and the music, and it always has been once you started listening. With the sound of the percussion arousing an epic feeling, as if reaching the summit of the mountain, and the synths and wordless vocals conveying the energy and grandeur of the spirit, you have reached the pinnacle of selflessness and realization. This is an epic way to wrap up this excellent recording.

 

Shambhala is a collection of ten tracks featuring ambient, new age, world, and instrumental sounds, colors, and emotions, all presented beautifully within the music's arrangements. The production values are at a high watermark for the artist as well, giving the listener the sense of being surrounded by the warmth and light of the music, which soothes the soul. You will want to listen again!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

April 4, 2025

Tracks:

01. The Sacred Path of The Warrior 4:37

02. Astral Forest 4:37

03. White Lotus 3:57

04. The Seventh Veil 3:47

05. Rebirth 4:01

06. Tibetan Rain 4:14

07. The Essence 4:11

08. Shiva's Hand 4:10

09. Shambhala 4:48

10. Muladhara 4:45

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Richard Theisen-Estonia

Release Date: September 1, 2023

Label: ‎ Independent

Website

When I saw Richard Theisen's name, it looked familiar. I covered his Mayan Stars album in 2014. My memory for music is exceptional; everything else seems mediocre at best. The reason is that music makes me happy and satisfied; it is my savior.

Music aimed at healing the mind, body, and spirit is essential to us all, whether that realization has arrived for you is apparent or is still waiting to come, which brings me to Estonia.  

 

On the cusp of fall comes Estonia, a gorgeous instrumental production guaranteed to soothe your soul and invite you to a different plane of consciousness. I speak from my experience and hope it does that for every listener.

 

Once again, I am ready to listen to contemporary instrumental-based keyboard music with a strong foundation in the new-age genre. That formula is a consistent approach I have witnessed for many years. As the new age genre has expanded, it has opened many doors to artists like Richard, who would be classified differently.

 

The girl on the cover is Freya, the subject of the opening track "Freyas Tears." Don't be surprised if this music sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a movie. That is one thing Richard has done expertly over the years and winning a Grammy for contributing to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack. 

 

So, it all depends on what kind of listening experience you are looking for. It serves the purpose of intent, getting me to slow down, smell the roses, and recognize the beauty around me. We tend to get self-absorbed in the day's thoughts and lose our spiritual connection. I also realize the value of quality music for different uses, such as soundtracks. That fact does not diminish its importance for my benefit; however, it is vital to recognize the duality some music can provide.

 

The tracks come in layers of exquisitely used keyboards and sound effects generated by today's highly advanced technologies. Richard uses all those tools to have a significant impact on every track. I saw a distinct change in style and sound on "Lavinia." The track features upbeat music with some Latin-flavored guitar and castanets (sound generated as such, perhaps). These sounds are so authentic these days that it is hard to tell if someone is playing them or if they are generated from a computer or keyboard. It is amazing. If I had the fine-tuned ear of an advanced musician, I might know the difference. So far in this life, I listen and comment on what I hear. I must also mention that the closing track, "Twilight," is exceptional, a slice of heaven, as one would say. The acoustic guitar sets the pace as the other elements melt into the mix. The track is warm and inviting, as the entire album is. 

 

The cover art of Estonia reminded me of the graphic novels my son read as a teenager. And smartly, the pleasing to-the-eye color of purple with the white font immediately brings attention to the artwork, which is the first step in getting someone to pay attention initially. Everything looks to be in place for Estonia to succeed, and I see no reason the new-age community and listening base would not enjoy this release. It is quality in production and musicianship.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder

August 13, 2023

Tracks:

1. Freyas Tears

2. Brezien Dream

3. Estonia

4. Goldenwulf

5. Lavinia

6. Rivermyst

7. Nordic Whispers

8. Twilight

Instrumental New Age Review: Richard Theisen-Mayan Stars

Release Date: 2014

Label: Indie

Website

Richard Theisen is a Grammy award winning composer and performer. His new release Mayan Stars was inspired by the lost civilization of the Maya. The tracks presented on this release

are a smooth blend of new age, classical and world. It’s an enticing musical stew of instrumental pleasures.

Each track is like a brush that paints all the notes on a broad musical canvas. Within each song are stories that unfolds and words are not necessary. Theisen knows how to shape the music into a creation that is a reflection of each title.

What I found most impressive is the range of music on display and the number of instruments played by the artist. With the exception of a solo guitar on “Blood Moon” he does it all on Mayan Stars. The title track drops the curtain appropriately ushering in the age of a people long since passed. The wonder we still hold for that highly advanced civilization is present to this day. The track is as majestic as their legacy. When “Jungle Zen” starts you know that it’s going to be an adventure…a musical tapestry that unfolds before your senses and leaves you tingling and excited to explore more. Perhaps it is time to go on your own private adventure and let the music lead the way? This music has the ability to take you there in a matter of minutes.

The music all seems to fall together so nicely and each track has a different feel and overall atmosphere of intrigue and beauty. Whether it’s a simply placed acoustic guitar or building layers of keyboards the music invites a sense of wonder that is within us all. 

“The Red Queen” is so perfectly picturesque I found it easy to see the Maya in their ancient world in my mind’s eye. While all of the music is developing and enveloping my soul I was at peace and one with it all. I can see this entire album being a soundtrack to a special on a History Channel program or used for relaxation and or meditation as well. This music heals and allows the portal of your soul open to the exquisite vibrations that the sounds provide.

Richard Theisen has created an aural masterwork of history, humanity and music all into one beautiful package with Mayan Stars. The goal of any artist is to captivate and engage their audience and I think Richard Theisen answered the call brilliantly on Mayan Stars.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Jungle Zen, Mayan Stars, The Red Queen

Tracks: 
01.Mayan Stars
02.Jungle Zen
03.Tulum
04.Return of the Jaguar
05.Magia Luna
06.La Premiere Lumiere
07.The Red Queen
08.Blood Moon
09.Beloved
10.A Dolphins Dream

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

October 22, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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