For many years I fanaticized about visiting the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. One Fall day in 1997 I declared my intent to make this dream come true and in May 2008 it finally did. This article is not about that experience although I am developing a series of posts on Peruvian cuisine. This post is about serendipity at its best – the accidental discovery of a musical talent so profound that I would once again allow music into my world.

The place of this discovery was hotel Inkaterra in the tiny village of Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. The sprawling Andean style resort spilling with orchid paths and a humming bird sanctuary was the perfect place for magic. I decided to rest and reflect in the library during my last day at Inkaterra when I heard what sounded like music from Heaven. I eclipsed all other sounds and sights as I sank into this soft sweet masterpiece. The experience was over all too fast and I knew I must identify the artist.  With the help of the wonderful people at Inkaterra I received the information shortly after returning home.

Meet Rui Serodio, Portuguese born composer, musical interpreter and master of the mystic piano. My first impulse was to compare Rui to other artists that had once inspired me – Vangelis, Kitaro, perhaps Yani. Honestly, there is no comparison. Rui’s style is….well,  diverse. His bio speaks to classical, romantic and impressionist piano and special attention to “rich Portuguese Folk music.”  That’s a lot of ground to cover and his special talent is that he masters each category bringing new energy to his audience be it spiritual contemplation, peace, humor or playfulness.

The piece that captured me is called Where Life Was Born Again from a compilation called Sintra. The cd is named for a historical region of Portugal romanticized by Lord Byron and others for it’s historic castles and landscape. Pity that this cd is no longer available but you may hear a brief clip of Capuchos Convent at Discography page of Rui’s website.

You may purchase another cd of equal beauty called Sounds Of The Mountain – a powerhouse of 9 pieces celebrating the mountain of Arrabida, 40 miles south of Lisbon. This compilation is described as “violent music, full of sharp edges, strong harmonies, but truly mystic and descriptive of the enormous beauty of the mountain.” I’m ordering several for gifts. This is too good not to share. Ordering is not quite like Amazon, however. I suggest emailing your order with selections and shipping address to info@ruiserodio.com . You will receive an email confirmation with prices & shipping in Euros and an account for wire transfer.

A new cd is in the making – The Mystic of the Piano. I’m on the reservation list as you might expect. In closing I would like to ask if you have heard of the term “interior improvement.” I had not but in general it refers to seeking and finding peace. Rui describes his vocation as “focusing all my activity….in the creation of sound atmospheres that allow the listeners the right frame of mind to interior improvement”….with guides of an imaginary trip to remote and abstract horizons.” This statement was not positioned as a guarantee but I assure you, it worked for me.

new age spiritual music

Portuguese folk music

New age electronic music

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