Who can resist this!!! Ian has an amazing gift/talent. God bless you and everyone who listens to this album

Fitting for the solemnity of Christ the King, the eschatological dimension of Advent, and for everyday Christian living, award-winning Christian composer and pianist Ian Mulder’s new symphony, “Crowns of Christ,” is a stunning and truly crowning achievement. In addition to its being an exquisite musical feat, the symphony also offers a feast of faith for the ears and hearts of Christians.
Each piece in the 12-piece symphony is a unique variation on the traditional favorite hymn “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” written by famous British-Canadian hymnodist Matthew Bridges in 1851, just a few years after his conversion to Catholicism. Each work focuses on a different “crown” of Christ’s life and ministry, and exemplifies Mulder’s genius. One of Mulder’s goals in composition, which is also one of the key features in the appeal of his music, is to move the audience as a film score might. With that approach as a guide, “Crowns of Christ” can serve as something of a soundtrack to the entirety of Christ’s life.
While listening to this symphony, it is possible to develop one’s own relationship with Christ and reflect on the ways in which his work of salvation manifests itself to us. After listening to and considering each piece — while contemplating each title of Christ connected to it — I am pleased to share how the work has resonated in my own faith life.
The opening piece, “King of Kings,” which begins the symphony appropriately with great regal character and verve, is a fitting introduction to the entirety of the composition. Not only is the listener solidly introduced to the tune that binds the symphony together, but one can imagine an opening scene which sums up the entirety of who Christ is and what he is about. One truly is introduced in orchestral fashion to Christ the King: the babe, as promised to Mary, of whose “kingdom there will be no end” (Lk 1:33) and the heavenly Lamb of God — slain, victorious, and crowned — who is “King of kings” on whose side are the “called, chosen, and faithful” (Rev 17:14).
Followed by the softer, more tranquil “Prince of Peace,” the listener can envision the beauty of Bethlehem and the newborn king, the long hoped for and prophesied to come by Isaiah with the same title as the piece (see Is 9:6). The composition evokes peace of soul as one contemplates the peace of Christ that St. Paul says we must let control our hearts (see Col 3:15). This is the same babe whom the angels heralded as the one who brings peace to all men (see Lk 2:14), worshiped by kings (see Mt 2:11), and who — later, as risen savior — both gave and promised peace (see Jn 14:27).
“Lord of Lords,” a very British, very baroque interpretation of the theme, offers an image of a figure emerging amid increasing greatness. Given that, and also with a processional feel, the image comes to mind of Christ’s baptism, in which he emerges from obscurity to claim publicly his messianic mission, in which he is identified as the Lord of heaven and earth by the sound of his heavenly Father’s voice (see Mk 1:9). Here the world meets the Lord Jesus, whom “every tongue should confess … is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil 2:10-11).
The gentle, non-obtrusive “Bread of Life” makes the case for Christ’s teaching, indeed getting straight to its heart with the focus on Eucharist, which, in turn, lies at the very heart of the Church’s life and mission. “I am the bread of life,” Christ said. “He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (Jn 7:23). This self-gift of Christ is represented in the orchestra’s simplicity. Hidden under the simple forms of bread and wine, Christ comes to us and offers us eternal life (see Jn 6:54).
The uniqueness of Christ and his mission is made present in “Son of Man” by the solitary piccolo trumpet that leads the piece. Coming before “Lord of Love” — in which Christ’s passion, death and resurrection can be inferred — “Son of Man” evokes the dramatic close of Christ’s public life, particularly with his entry into Jerusalem and his proclamation as king. There is also a persistence and eagerness to the piece, characteristics of Christ’s own service. The romantic and emotional “Lord of Love” offers an opportunity to dwell freshly on the events of Holy Week and the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Starting soft and gentle, becoming more passionate as the piece advances, one can imagine the increasing intensity of Christ’s passion — in which we see the fathomless depth of “no greater love” (Jn 15:13).
At the center of the symphony is its longest piece, “Lamb of God,” which is composed with starkness, freshness and simplicity, particularly in its opening and closing. One cannot help but feel something unique when listening to this. Of course, the lamb enthroned on high in Revelation, crowned in victory, comes to mind. But so, too, does the lamb once slain who lives forever — “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Cor 5:6). It is the risen Christ who emerges from the tomb, transforms the world, and makes all things new.
This continues with “Risen Lord,” in which the crown of the paschal mystery is put before us still, but in a bolder, more dramatic approach. Just like Christ’s invitation to Thomas to touch the wounds that made us whole, in which the Risen Christ challenges us to have faith in the incredible. Indeed, this most incredible thing lies at the heart of Christian belief. But as St. Paul said, “if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.” (1 Cor 15:12-14).
Christ’s closing words on earth and his mandate to the apostles — which unites his mission on earth and in heaven — takes place just before his return to heaven. This is tied to “Lord of Heaven,” a piece ethereal and celestial in character. This composition gives a sense of journey, proving a backdrop for meditating on the Lord’s ascension to heaven and anticipating the moment in which his heavenly Father crowns him as King of the universe. One envisions the return to glory of the all-obedient one, who calls us to obedience.
Next comes “Son of God,” with its sense of movement and building anticipation, culminating in great solemnity. One cannot help but think of Christ returning to his Father, presenting to him the Son’s obedience in mission, his oblation of love. The piece lends itself to imagining the divine Son being ushered into the holy of holies, accompanied by the angels and followed by the saints of old, bringing to the Father all that he gave away on earth, indeed his very self in the flesh. With dramatic timpani, one can imagine the Son embraced by the Father, then seated in majesty — “exalted to the right hand of God” (Acts 2:33) — where he pleads for us in glory.
That is, until he comes again. “Immanuel,” with its brevity and immanence, offers an interlude between “Son of God” and the finale “Light of the World.” Immanuel — God with us — not only harkens to the incarnation, but also to the second coming: “God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev 21:3). When Christ comes again, with the grandeur and magnificence evoked in this final piece, he will judge the living and dead. Then we will know, in the fullest sense, Christ’s words: “For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light (Lk 8:17). The author of Revelation speaks of this day in describing the New Jerusalem — itself perhaps a fitting passage tying together various themes of the entire symphony for its conclusion — with the sense that this piece beautifully transmits. There, the Lamb — crowned with many crowns — “is the light” that dispels all darkness (Rev 21:23). We pray we are ready for that day.

I'm quite emotionally drained after listening to Love Divine VII. God's presence and Love just washed over me into the well springs of my soul. I've recently lost my sister and am in the process of making plans for her memorial. Your music touched very sensitive places in my brokenness right now, with the reassuring comfort and grace of God. I can't tell you. I will be ordering more of these CD's to give as Christmas Gifts. Your theme is stunning designed to carry us to the truth at the end of your selections: Jesus Shall Reign. Thank you for the blessing. The gift. The way your music wraps itself around the heart with God's good mercies and tenderness.

My friend attended your 10/31 concert. She purchased Love Divine 7, I heard it and I didn't want to let go of the CD. It's absolutely beautiful and just ordered my own. Thank you!

Absolutely beautiful!!! Another masterpiece. Thank you Ian for sharing your great talent with the world.

The music is so beautiful it had me in tears. It really helps you to focus on what God done for us. Ideal background music for your daily Bible study. I have all 5 of the Love Divine CDs. each one is superb. This man is truly gifted. My husband liked it so much he asked me to order more of the CDs for him.

Love Divine was my first purchase of Ian Mulder's work, and I couldn't be more pleased. I play this almost daily as I start my day, and find his performance of these marvelous songs of faith to be moving and worshipful.

I looked for years, hoping to find Christian piano music, played by a very talented, highly trained pianist. I was so very happy to finally find Ian Mulder's music! His is by far the best that I have heard. I found his music before Christmas time, so the very first cd I heard was his breathtaking, Christmas cd. I love all of his cd's. I especially love the complexity of his beautiful piano music. But he somehow also make the music sound so heavenly beautiful and meditative. God blessed him with an amazing talent that I am sure is meditative and healing for so many people. Surely God places him as one of his most special angels. From the very start, I have been telling everyone I know how beautiful and special his music is. With much appreciation, Heidi.

Our whole family loves this CD. It is inspiring, worshipful, relaxing music. It is music that we can listen to over and over again without getting tired of it.

Ian Mulder brings music alive on the piano. His arrangements with the London Symphony Orchestra are excellent. The mixture of familiar Hymns with the Classical pieces are beautiful. I have ordered over 10 CDs for friends and relatives as gifts ! The music would be appropriate as background to meditative group experiences or just self relaxation.

I love his music and it is a tremendous help to me. I have had trouble sleeping ever since I went through chemo for cancer. His music is so relaxing and soothing that it helps me get to sleep. Thank you so very much. I will be ordering more of his CDs as I am able.

I have purchased all of the.Love Divine CDs and there is never a day that I am not listening to one of them. His music is something that shuts out the noises and chaos of the world which is not only good for the mind but good for the soul. Ian is a master of beautiful music and once you hear one you are moved tu keep buying more of his CDs. I cannot get enough of his music.

I have purchased all of Love Divine albums (5) because the music is incredibly gorgeous and soothing. Ian Mulder is an amazing pianist who often conducts his orchestra with one hand while playing his 10' Fazioli grand piano with the other hand. He also writes his own music and sometimes composes new arrangements for old hymns that are stunning. I cannot say enough good about his music. He has plenty of other CDs out that are not hymns but exceptional, popular classical-type music. I have all of them - they are that good! In addition, Seller's Customer Service is second to none: top notch service!. Thank you!

Love these CDs... and so do everyone who enter our office! We even use it for our music on-hold on our phones, people often ask to be placed back on hold to listen to more of the music. Perfect to enjoy at home, in the car, and during work. Worth every penny we paid for these marvelous CDs!

Once again I am thankful that I found Ian Mulder's music. My collection is growing of his incredible cd's. I even have my eye doctor listening to his beautiful music. I have played classical music on the piano for over 17 years. Now there is never a day that his incredible music isn't always playing. My friends love his music and I have given them all the information on how to order his cd's. Best of all he shares his God given talent to those who he has never met. Ian: thank you for sharing and making someone's day so much brighter. God bless you and all who accompanies you!

I have purchased all of Love Divine albums (5) because the music is incredibly gorgeous and soothing. Ian Mulder is an amazing pianist who often conducts his orchestra with one hand while playing his 10'2" Fazioli grand piano with the other hand. He also writes his own music and sometimes composes new arrangements for well-known hymns that are stunning. I cannot say enough good about his music. He has plenty of other cd's out that are not hymns but exceptional, classical-type music. I have all of them - they are that good! In addition, LDM's Customer Service is second to none, top notch service.

I first decided to order Ian Mulder's CDs, because I noticed that one of them included 'In Christ Alone', an instrumental version for which I was particularly searching. The London Symphony Orchestra was added incentive. I'm very happy with them; I've never heard these hymns performed so beautifully before. The cd's arrived quickly in perfect condition. Thank you so much for making them available and so affordable.

I am an author, poet, lyricist, public speaker and ordained minister... 'as the deer pants for living streams of water, my soul longs for Ian Mulder's music.' The well-spring of emotion, joy, love, grace, passion and all the generosities of God's gifts and life's promises, coming flowing into my spirit, mind and heart each time I find a contemplative moment to allow Ian's heart-felt music to undergird my reflections, dreams and aspirations. Mulder's creative life and deeply spiritual heart will touch anyone to wholeness as his interpretations, interludes between verses, and the compelling way his piano and orchestrations lead the listener to deeper places of our desires and prayers... I always look to the sky, with a heart lifted up through his work... and journey deep within, his music as a companion for my wanderings as well as my wonderings... Thank you Ian Mulder for your gift.

I've seen Ian Mulder in person perform a concert with our symphony orchestra. I love how easily he plays, his gentleness is like his music. Easy to watch and listen. His CD's are fantastic, both his own compositions and favorite hymns. Right now I have Love Divine 1, 2, 3 and 4, also Sounds of Silence and Christmas; I hope to have all of his CD's in my collection soon!

I Pre-Order these as soon as they are announced. I've got all of them, and am constantly amazed at the artistry and creativity in the album. The LSO is amazing as always, and that's just icing on the cake.

I cannot say enough good things about Ian Mulder's sonorous, gorgeous and inspiring piano/orchestra arrangements. I am a full time Minister of Music and Worship and would LOVE to be able to play some of these inspiring selections for our congregation ... especially the Love Divine collection.

Love ,Love, Love Ian Mulder's CDs!! Saw him in concert in Orlando and immediately bought Love Divine 1 and 2. Now have all 4 plus 2 additional. Sacred music is my favorite and love the instrumental arrangements.