Constance Demby, pioneering composer and musician, died peacefully on March 20 at the age of 81. Blending classical, New Age and electronic music, Demby’s compositions have influenced many generations of composers.
Source: Constance Demby’s Facebook page.
“Constance Demby performed at events with the Dalai Lama, Deepak Chopra, and Todd Rundgren, often in dramatic settings, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and Stonehenge.
Novus Magnificat – Through The Stargate
Constance Demby’s most famous work is “Novus Magnificat – Through The Stargate”. Listening to it for the first time is quite an experience; You feel lucky that this inspired piece of music found its way through the stargate and into your music player. “Novus Magnificat” is a must for any New Age music fan!
“Novus Magnificat” has a lot in common with Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells” (1973). It is not as unique but it contains the same unrestricted musical force. As a two-track album, it flows like classical music and tells about an artist who is pushing the boundaries of creativity (and like “Tubular Bells” there is an alternative version available where the different parts are divided into separate songs, released as a digital copy in 2008). But there is one major difference. The young Mike Oldfield was experimenting and trying out new things, while Constance Demby knew exactly what she was doing. She was an established artist at the time of the album’s release. Here I must add that the album contains sonic textures by composer Michael Stearns.
The album has a Sci-Fi theme, and it is perfect for reading or relaxation. The fascinating cover artwork sets the mood. This is all about venturing into the unknown and leaving everything behind in the quest for new horizons. It makes a Mars expedition looks like a walk in the park.
“Novus Magnificat” just keeps getting better while listening. I think the best part is the 10-15 first minutes of part 2. Notice the extraordinary way the music flows; there are so many details here, so many intertwining melodies to appreciate. “Novus Magnificat – Through The Stargate” is a true work of art!
But Constance Demby is more than “Novus Magnificat – Through The Stargate”. If you want a more modern sound, I recommend “Sanctum Sanctuorum” (2001) or her last album “Ambrosial Waves – Tidal Pools“. “Set Free” (1989) is another fan favorite.
Thank you, Constance, for everything.
Bon voyage through the stargate…
Thanks so much for this about Constance!! A very good read!!
Such a loss to the world of music! Her early material like At Alaron has never seen the light of day on cd or digital and I think is a real gem with regards to her early works. Less vocals lots of synths, dulcimer and a very warm intimate spontaneous recording. I really enjoyed what Constance brought for ear food to us hungry listeners seeking an alternative to mainstream music. Back in the later 1980s when n/a was in full swing the music of Demby, Richard Burmer, Steve Roach and yes even Lanz & Speer where quietly changing many of our perceptions of how intimately powerful music without vocals can really be. Thank you to Constance where ever her energy is in the universe for touching our ears and minds for the better~!
I had the opportunity to see Conny perform live at a school in Chelsea in NYC in the early 90’s. What made the concert so memorable was it was like a reunion of old friends with so many wanting a word with such a warm and caring person. Constance Demby’s Novus Magnificat was such and important record in 1986 along with Micheal Stearns soundtrack (which Conny also appears on) to “Chronos” which I saw at the American Museum of Natural History in the brand new IMAX format and we were blown away! A big thanks to Stephen Hill for “Hearts of Space” radio show. . We actually had to get tapes sent from a friend in the Bay Area because it wasn’t picked up by the public station by us till a few years later. She was such an important innovator in space music and to see how far that genre has come because of her and a few others
(Stearns, Roach, Rich and Serrie)