The Taliesin Orchestra (alternately known as Taliesin) is an American musical group, generally classified as

new-age music New-age is a genre of music intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management to bring about a state of ecstasy rather tha ...

. that specializes in remaking famous songs into orchestra-style melodies. The band's first album, ''Orinoco Flow: The Music of Enya'', was a collection of songs originally created and sung by

Enya Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin (born 17 May 1961; anglicised as Enya Patricia Brennan) known mononymously as Enya, is an Irish singer and composer. With an estimated equivalent of over 80 million albums sold worldwide, Enya is the best-selli ...

; it was released in 1996. Since then the band has recorded several other albums, some of them being further Enya remakes, but also including albums of songs by

George Winston George Otis Winston III (February 11, 1949 – June 4, 2023) was an American pianist performing contemporary instrumental music. Best known for his solo piano recordings, Winston released his first album in 1972, and came to prominence with his ...

and

Jim Brickman James Merrill Brickman (born November 20, 1961) is an American pop songwriter, pianist and radio host. Brickman has earned two Grammy nominations for his albums ''Peace'' (2003) for Best Instrumental, and ''Faith'' (2009) for Best New Age Album. ...

. Originally on ''Anthem'' (1997) and again on ''Rock Rhapsody'' (2008) the band covered such famous songs such as Pink Floyd's "

Another Brick In The Wall "Another Brick in the Wall" is a three-part composition on Pink Floyd's 1979 album '' The Wall'', written by the bassist, Roger Waters. "Part 2", a protest song against corporal punishment and rigid and abusive schooling, features a children ...

", Eric Clapton's "

Layla "Layla" is a song written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally recorded with their band Derek and the Dominos, as the thirteenth track from their only studio album, '' Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs'' (1970). Its contrasting movemen ...

" and

the Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The core lineup of the band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are widely regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatle ...

' "

Hey Jude "Hey Jude" is a song by the English rock music, rock band the Beatles that was released as a non-album single in August 1968. It was written by Paul McCartney and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. The single was the Beatles' fir ...

". The Taliesin Orchestra is led by keyboardist Trammell Starks and features the voice, vocal arranging, vocal production, and in some cases songwriting of Felicia Farerre (aka Felicia Sorensen). Charles Sayre acts as conductor, producer and arranger. ''Orinoco Flow'' topped the

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

Top Indie Classical Albums list in May 1998. In the year-end-list of 1997, ''Orinoco Flow'' was ranked 8th in Billboards' list of Classical Crossover Albums, and the Taliesin Orchestra in joint 7th among Classical Crossover Artists.

Discography

Enya tributes

* 1996 ''Orinoco Flow: The Music of Enya'' * 1998 ''Maiden of Mysteries: Music of Enya'' * 2002 ''Thread of Time: The Best of the Music of Enya'' * 2005 ''Sail Away: The Music of Enya'' * 2006 ''An Instrumental Tribute to the Hits of Enya'' * 2009 ''Tribute to the Hits of Enya''

Other

* 1997 ''Forbidden Forest: Impressions of George Winston'' * 1997 ''Anthem'' * 2002 ''Sacred'' * 2004 ''Valentine: The Music of Jim Brickman'' * 2005 ''Top of the World: A Tribute to the Carpenters'' * 2008 ''Rock Rhapsody'' * 2008 "

Bella's Lullaby "Bella's Lullaby" is a song composed by Carter Burwell for the 2008 movie ''Twilight''. The song's motif features prominently throughout the franchise. It is considered the main theme of the movie's soundtrack. Background "Bella's Lullaby" is m ...

(Piano Version) For 'Twilight'"

Notes

{{Authority control American new-age music groups