Composer David Arkenstone has been called “a master of sonic sensationalism.” With nine # 1 Billboard New Age Chart hits, over one million albums sold, and two Grammy nominations, Arkenstone has become a leader of the New Age genre. “Music Inspired by Middle Earth,” recorded at Neo Pacifica Records, reached #15 on the Billboard New Age Chart and #2 on the NAV Radio Chart in 2001 “Caravan of Light” released in 2000 was honored as Best Album of the Year by New Age Voice. His latest release “Sketches from an American Journey” made Soundscan’s list of top ten New Age Albums for three consecutive weeks in 2002.

Arkenstone’s multi-instrumentalist compositions are unique fusions of rock, classical, new age and world music which create “soundscapes” for the imagination” taking his audiences on an “ethereal quest for adventure and tranquility.” He thinks of his music as "cinematic new age rock.” His melodic sound, “provocative, mystical and awe-inspiring,” is as lush with his six-piece ensemble as a symphony orchestra. Critics hail Arkenstone’s music as “full of thunder and feeling,” a “dreamy soufflé” of layered acoustic instruments and voices, which sends the listener on a “joyous expedition.”

Memorable live performances include appearances with both the Utah Symphony and the Milwaukee Symphony. He has opened for Michael Crawford at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and at the Hollywood Bowl and headlined two Windham Hill Winter Solstice tours.

Discography:
2004: Atlantis (Narada)
2002: Sketches from an American Journey (Paras)
2001: Music Inspired by Middle Earth (Paras/Neo Pacifica)
2001: Frontier: Original Soundtrack (Paras/Neo Pacifica)
2000: Caravan of Light (Narada)
1999: Citizen of the World (Windham Hill)
1998: The Celtic Book of Days (Windham Hill)
1997: Spirit Wind (Windham Hill)
1996: Return of the Guardians (Narada)
1995: Quest of the Dream Warrior (Narada)
1994: Another Star in the Sky (Recorded in Dolby Surround Sound, Narada)
1992: The Spirit of Olympia (Narada)
1991: In the Wake of the Wind (Narada)
1990: Citizen of Time (Narada)
1989: Island (Narada) Valley in the Cloud (debut on Narada 1987)
 

Noteworthy musical accomplishments and pursuits by David Arkenstone:

His compositions are used as sound backdrops for Laserium shows at Griffiths Observatory and the Morisson Planetarium in Golden Gate Park.

• Resident composer for the weekly Fox Sports Net program Beyond the Glory.
• Commissioned to compose the soundtrack for the film Daniel Boone and the Westward Movement, on display at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, Middlesboro, KY.
• Commissioned to compose music for 2001 Triple Crown broadcasts on NBC. Producer David Michaels, who has made frequent use of Arkenstone’s music during Olympic broadcasts, is an Arkenfan. “David writes with fire, passion and emotion, all at once simple and complex,” says Michaels. “He’s an artist capable of constant inspiration.”

Television Composing Commissions (a selected list):
• Frontier: Legends of the Old Northwest (four hours), A&E Television.
• Frontier: The Decisive Battles (four hours), A&E Television.
• Warhorse: A Beast for Heroes (four hours), A&E Television.
• Boone & Crockett: The Hunter Heroes (two hours), A&E Television

Video Game Composing Credits:
• Lands of Lore II/III, Westwood Studios
• Blade Runner, Westwood Studios
• Emperor: Battle for Dune, Westwood Studios
• Commissioned to compose performance music for Scott Hamilton, Stars on Ice.

To sample David Arkenstone’s music, go to: