83 thoughts on “Contact”

  1. Dear Mr. Sheppard

    I’ve just received a copy of ‘In the Shadow of the Moon OST’, and found it to be a wonderful piece of work and the music perfect! Two pieces stood out to me for some reason, Mare Nectaris and Epiphany. Is there any sheet music available for either of these songs (or any other parts of the soundtrack) as I’d love to try and play them on my piano! I have had a good look round the internet but can’t find any publications of the score. Never mind if there is none available, I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the music more than anything.
    Best wishes and thanks for your time,
    Dan

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  2. Dear Prof. Shappard
    I am from Ausria and fascinated of: In the shadow of the moon. Is there any sheet music of it available? I need to know because every time when I am sitting in the church playing the organ I have to think about Mare Nectaris, The Launch and Spashdown.
    Best wishes and greetings from Austria
    Michael

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  3. Dear Mr Philip Sheppard,

    I would like to invite you to the performance of the theatre play Knives in Hens by scotish pplay writter David Harrower, at the Arcola Theatre until the 27th of Febuary.

    I am the responsible for the music and i perform live the cello (also singing) every night and so far both the play and the music have been obtaining fairly positive critical reviews rated repeatedly with 4 starts by the main media. However, I would like to invite you for the performance since we have already met i have been following your work.

    About ten ago i came twice to “the Oxford Cello School” run by Ms. Marianne Gotfeldt. I was cello student in Portugal and then later moved to Spain where i studied ancient music. I stoped playing the cello for about seven years now and this work, to create and play live cello music for Knives in Hens theatre play, is the first after a long period of absence. Meanwhile, I have taugh but maily dedicated myself to other music.

    I have moved to London about two years ago where i have specialized in Vocal Middle Eastern music, compleating an MMus at SOAS quite succesfully. I have researched into Al Muwashahat, music of the Arab Spain, as well as Iraqi and Persian music, which i currently research into and perform regularly.

    Notheless, returning to play the cello as again open a door of inner comunication (i know it may sound weird but it-s true!). I feel that i should not let go of an instrument i played and loved for so may years and feel the incentive to move on. Specially in the area of making music for theatre, dance and other performing arts. I would like to ask you for if you could provide me with some further guidance into this world.

    I would like to invite you to come to the Arcola Theatre and attend the performance. Maybe after that we could speak for a bit or scheduele a time to chat about music making. I would be very happy if you could accept my invitation but also understand that you may have other comitments.

    Looking forward to seeing you.
    Maria Rijo

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  4. Dear Philip!

    It`s obvious your music is unprecedented. Absolutely mastered piece of art. I`m also very big fan of the “Art Of Russia” documentary by Karen McGann. Amazing doco with Andrew Graham Dixon. I am amazed by the “Smashing the Mould” and your fantastic composition used in this series.
    Track 5 Moods of a Legend from CHAP337 from Universal Cinematic Minimalism and Track 17 Reflex Reflections from CHAP337 Cinematic Minimalism.
    It would be great if somehow I cold get inspired everyday by having this piece of art in my computer as mp3.

    Thank you very much,
    all the best
    artur

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  5. Dear Mr Sheppard,

    The score for In the Shadow of the Moon exponentiates the emotional impact of mankind’s most adventurous journey in a breathtaking way. Your music regularly brings me to tears. A sincere thank you.

    Yours sincerely,

    Bill Crawley

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  6. I’d love to get a copy of Cinematic Minimalism but I can’t find a place to download/purchase it anywhere . Recommendations?

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  7. Sir,
    Recently, I stumbled upon the documentary “Moon Machines”, in which the fantastic music was composed by you. However, I was unable to find the album anywhere, nor any information about the music. I would appreciate if you could give me information on how to get those incredible, inspirational music. Thanks a lot. Antonio.

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  9. Hello Philip

    I heard you speaking on the radio today and was interested that you seek out non-classically trained
    musicians for your projects. I very much work in that way…and thought I’d get in touch…feels a little crazy…but got to follow your instincts…

    I’d be grateful if you didn’t publish this on the site

    With very best wishes

    Tricia

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  10. Is it possible to buy a CD of Jeff Buckley singing Dido’s lament? I so enjoyed the programme on Radio 4 and cannot forget the haunting quality of his voice.

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    • Unfortunately not!
      It’s crazy that it’s never been released, but It is lurking in the dim recesses of the internet though…
      Thanks for your message
      best
      Philip

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      • If it’s a bbc recording, why can’t they get permissions to release? It’s far too brilliant to be left in any dim recesses!!!!!

  12. Dear Philip,
    Just had to write to you to log my thanks for your contribution to the Soul Music Programme.
    I am a choral conductor who works in pop and rock and have always been a devotee of Jeff Buckley, mainly through his iconic yet small recorded output. I had no idea he had performed Dido’s lament and the snatches of what I heard together with your apt and honest commentary had me weeping like a child. It takes a lot for a classically trained musician to “own up” to knowing nothing about music – I wish more of our stuffy straight laced establishment could let themselves go and take a leap such as you have clearly done – perhaps it is happening already and you are a major part in it.
    Absolutely top respect to you – A real life-affirming programme thank you so much

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    • Dear Craig

      Thanks so much for your heartfelt message.
      It was great chance for me to try to explain why it was such a unique experience (I only which they could have let the performance run without my chat over it..!)
      best

      Philip

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  13. Hello there,
    I just wondered if you had a mailing list, in order to keep up to date with what you are doing? If so, I should like to be added to it, if I may.

    Best Wishes,
    Rebecca

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  14. Daer Philip Sheppard,
    I hope you won’t mind me conacting you but having heard you on Tuesday on Soul Music and its repeat today I have been searching for a recording of Jeff Buckley rendition of Dido, though without success. Was it ever commercially recorded? I do hope so for, like you, I find this the most convincing interperetation of a piece I know and love well.
    What musicianship!
    I am not a professional musician but h ave many friends in the (classical) music trade including some who teach or help out at the Royal A of M, Matthew Martin being one of them. Indeed I commissoned his Mass for Westminster Cathedral choir. Please let me know about J B’d Dido even if only in the negative. Many thanks. Martin

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    • Dear Martin

      Thanks for your message.
      I’m campaigning to get this recording released… it’s stunning as you say, amd think it smashes many boundaries that others have erected around certain types of music.
      I’m putting together an article about how we can collectively get this beautiful track released.
      Sign up above!!
      best

      Philip

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  15. I am also still hearing the haunt of Jeff’s voice after the wonderful programme on R4 !
    I am very keen to let my inner voice out – I have little formal experience…however, my soul yearns to sing and has a quality people notice!
    I have been having a lovely afternoon singing alongside some of your beautiful music and wish wish wish to realise any opportunity that may arise…?!
    I am currently setting up a childrens music/movement group ‘Groovy Gnu’ ! that I have written songs for in Hastings, East Sussex
    I have previously sung for a Ska Reggae band singing mainly old school ska and some soul -great fun!
    I would love to sing for you – even if only for a moment!
    Thankyou for the music!
    Emma

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    • Dear Emma. Your message really touched me!
      I’ve made the music for our local toddler group (have snuck in some D’nB and Grime to keep them on their toes!!)
      Good to hear you have a Ska background. I like Jamaican Dancehall stuff too – did some work with Sly & Robbie which blew my mind!
      best wishes and thanks

      Philip

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  16. Please tell me where I can obtain a recording of Dido’s Lament…your radio choice as I drove home today…is the name Jim Breathwick.. right??
    I could not concentrate as I was in traffic…but I was STUNNED as not an hour before I had been teaching the same to a singing pupil…who uses her chest voice to fantastic effect in the recit passage….like you… I have a classical training and and have sung MUCH Purcell…I had my mind blown by this performance…I would so much appreciate it if you could say where I could obtain a recording…yes, you are right, I teach many young organists…there I seek not the technical proficiency…that comes later…but the energy and spirit to understand the music…I was a countertenor so sang much Purcell…inc. in the Chapel Royal…where I sang for some 7 yrs..(St james’s Palace)…so the performance I heard today was an emotional revelation.
    Thanks for your time and trouble.
    Best wishes
    Graham B

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    • Dear Graham

      thanks so much for your message. I’m afraid it’s very hard to get hold of this recording legally. I want to address this question in a forthcoming email to my subscribers – sign up above and we’ll continue the discussion!!
      best Philip

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  17. Dear Mr Sheppard

    I listened to the Radio 4 programme yesterday and was absolutely taken a back by the recording of Jeff Buckley. I’d known about him before but never heard of this performance. Is there anything else you could tell me about it? such as, is there any footage of it? Is there a better quality recording? I’m guessing not if that was the only one you could use for the broadcast.

    I’m just very interested to hear more about it. I’m currently in my final year at Royal Holloway studying Music whilst holding a choral scholarship. My Dissertation is on Countertenors in the context of Purcell’s time in the Restoration. I’m also discussing the controversy of the difference (or similarity) between high tenors and countertenors. It would be great to hear from you.

    Many thanks
    Ali

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    • Dear Ali

      Great to hear from you. I’m afraid that’s the highest quality recording. The one that was doing the rounds on YouTube was even rougher quality.
      Do you know Andrew Watts? I was at the RAM with him – stunning CounterTenor.
      best wishes

      philip

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  18. Dear Philip Sheppard,
    Thankyou for sharing with us that amazing recording of Jeff Buckley singing from Dido and Anaeus. I realise it was a studio recording that you made, but would it be at all possible to buy from you a copy? I have all his recordings but this is so suited to his special, plaintive sound and I would dearly love to be able to hear it again. I would be very grateful if you could kindly let me have a copy,and let me know how much to reimburse you for your trouble. I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you for your kind attention,
    With best wishes
    Sincerely
    Pamela Merrick, Riverbank House, Ferry Lane, Shepperton, TW17 9LQ.

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  19. Dear Professor Sheppard -

    The internet is an amazing thing sometimes.
    I am a new cello player, aspiring to become a cellist. I played for 10 years, then didn’t play for nearly 30. I am now a serious student again, but starting over. And while Bach, Vivaldi and Boccerini are important, my tastes run to Celtic and popular. I’d like to be able to play the Jeff Buckley song, Hallelujah, as a solo cello piece. I can’t find the music anywhere and I’m not able to transpose it from treble clef to base. My skills are sadly lagging behind my ambition.

    Can you help, sir?

    Best,
    Char

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  20. Dear Professor Sheppard -

    The internet is an amazing thing sometimes. It has led me to you.
    I am a new cello player, aspiring to become a cellist. I played for 10 years, then didn’t play for nearly 30. I am now a serious student again, but starting over. And while Bach, Vivaldi and Boccerini are important, my tastes run to Celtic and popular. I’d like to be able to play the Jeff Buckley song, Hallelujah, as a solo cello piece. I can’t find the music anywhere and I’m not able to transpose it from treble clef to base. My skills are sadly lagging behind my ambition.

    Can you help, sir?

    Best,
    Char

    Reply ↓

  21. Wonderful music, incredible feelings while I’m listening… I’m just discovering now you and your music… I think it is amazing…
    Best regards from Barcelona

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  22. Hi Phillip,
    I am reading “Music Makes Your Child Smarter” and finding it both enjoyable and informative, whilst also confirming much that I have observed over 54 years of playing and teaching music! thankyou for a very useful book, which i am also recommending to parents of my students.
    However main point of this is that I have just come across your section on “singing and the development of pre-speech” p.142, and it has brought back to me something that seemed quite miraculous to me at the time: in the first 24 hours after she was born (22 years ago) my daughter sang – quite literally – the most pure and melodious notes, with a very wide pitch range. She only did it when we were alone, and I also sang to her, but it was completely unexpected and one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Other people have seemed sceptical when I have described it, but I see now it’s not so far-fetched, as she was also later precocious verbally and musically, and had heard a lot of music pre-natally. I used to improvise vocally and on piano, making up songs for her, throughout my pregnancy, as well as her being there for all my work!
    I’ll investigate your web site later when I have some time,
    thank you so much!
    Anthea

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  25. Dear Philip

    first of all thank you so much for the beautiful soundtrack of “the shadow of the moon”. i think it captures the images and atmosphere of the movie perfectly and it is one of my favourite soundtracks so far!

    however, while watching the movie again and again i realized that there are a few tracks which seem to be not included in the published soundtrack unfortunately. is there any way to make those available or do you know where to get them?

    thank you!

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  26. Hi Philip,

    I have been listening to the soundtrack of ‘ In the shadow of the moon’ and I just cant help myself but to be in awe. It is really amazing how you did that. I always had such an admiration for the astronauts and your music just makes me feel that I am one of them. Your music perfectly creates that feeling of anxiety and satisfaction of the astronauts they must have felt. The sound co-ordination is fantastic and so is the use of the instruments.

    I am no-one to compliment the stature of your music. But it is amazing,

    Please .. Please … keep up the good work ….

    And thanks for creating such beautiful music.

    Best,
    Atul Gujar

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  27. Dear Mr Sheppard,

    I thought I would take this opportunity to finally (!) write a note of admiration for the Henry VIII soundtrack. I have loved everything I have heard of yours but this has abided with me since watching Starkey’s programme. I am constantly effusing about it to friends and sending them links to your material. I am amazed by how fresh and vital this music sounds, and this shows how modern arrangement and production can recover for 21st Century appreciation a vast amount of great music from long ago. Thank you so much for putting it up at this page.

    I assume that you must be extremely busy but maybe you’ll get time to read this note- in any case, thanks for the music, I will be listening for a long time to come,

    John

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    • Dear John

      That’s really generous of you.
      I really loved working with such a rich subject, and it’s really nice to know that sometimes it kind of works..
      best

      Philip

      Reply ↓

  28. Dear Mr. Sheppard,

    I have just watched Sergio and your score has touched my soul. It has made me weep. I know the man who the score was written for would be touched as well, If you can believe it I do now own a I-pod or any other kind of mp-3 player. I would love to know if you will be offering the CD for sale any where. Thank you ever so much for such a beautiful score for such a wonderful life!

    Sincerely, Arlene Jones

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  29. Dear Philip,

    You have no Idea how much I would love a CD of the music. Just let me know how much and where to send it to. I have listened to the music several times on this website and it does bring me joy every time. Thanks so much for replying to me.

    Arlene

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  30. Hi Philip

    I listened to “Shadow of the Moon” CONSTANTLY for the last 5 months of my pregnancy, especially in the car at a powerful volume so I was really in there with the music. I’m sure my 11 month old recognizes it when I play it these days…
    I actually adore all things space too – quick question. Forgive me if you did not write it but there’s a small snippet of music which introduces the actual shadow of the moon, kind of retro-strings. Is this your’s? Is it available? There’s also some incidental string for the
    I play the soundtrack often as it reminds me of very happy, anticipatory times.

    Regards

    Jenny

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  31. …my son has disrupted the above mail. I pressed send before I asked about some music relating to the lesser known astronauts playing scoot around the Moon. Again it wasn’t on the soundtrack.

    Enough of me.

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  32. I’ve just come across your interview with radio 4 about Jeff Buckley’s version of Dido’s Lament (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJSq4I61zUo)

    I’ve had that track in my collection since around 2000 and it was very interesting hearing the story behind it.
    Jeff was extraordinary; I only wish I had taken the chance to see him in concert in the late 1990′s as a friend had.

    you’ve no doubt heard this:

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  33. I had heard your beautiful piano music during the bbc ads for Jane Austen and downloaded the piano version of the sheet music you so kindly put up. Is there any possibility of you selling the other piano pieces you have arranged (particularly the long letter one) at any point in time? Also, any chance of a solo version of Crystallized Beauty?

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  35. Hello Philip,

    We don´t know eachother, but just a quick note of appreciation. I attended the Brit Writer´s Awards ceremony at the Indigo 02 and watched your performance……..incredible! It was a real treat to hear good quality live music. My friend and I were very impressed, especially as we don´t usually listen to this genre of music. It has certainly opened my eyes and ears. My only negative comment was that you kept your performance so short….and you kept saying that on stage, too!

    Very well done and I´ll try and look out for your work more.

    Yours Sincerely

    Raveen Sandhu

    Reply ↓

  36. Hi Phillip,
    That soundtrack to “The Tillman Story” is absolutely sublime music!! Can we hope there will be a commercial release of the soundtrack? I realize that is easier said than done. However, I doubt I am the only listener eager to see a release (and most likely there are people already pestering you about this :-)
    All best wishes,
    Reg Daniel

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    • Dear Reg
      Thanks so much for your lovely message.
      I’m working with the Weinstein corp on a release right at the moment.
      If it’s not soon I’ll send you some mp3s anyway!
      best

      philip

      Reply ↓

  37. Hello Phillip,
    I recently watched Inside the Milky Way and, even though the documentary itself is quite breathtaking, there were many times when I diverted my attention from the narrative and the pictures to your music, which usually doesn’t happen with me in such an immersing documentary. It is fair to say I have found the soundtrack quite sublime, and I am wondering whether or not it will be released? If you could share a track from it I would appreciate it a lot. Somehow it reminded me of some of Philip Glass’ work, yet with more dimensions since repetition was not an end in itself. (Although many people will probably say the complete opposite is true at the same time :)
    In any case I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your work and I am looking forward to listening to your other projects and your future compositions,
    Seva

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  38. Pingback: Cloud Songs for Yuri’s night | r a d i o m o v i e s

  40. I recently discovered your gorgeous music on the documentary “Romance & the Royals”. It reminds me of Philip Glass but less repetitive and more elegant. Is there any way I can purchase the score online or obtain the MP3 from you? It is incredibly beautiful, as is the rest of your catalog. Many thanks in advance!

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  41. Hello sir,

    I absolutely love all the soundtracks from the “In the Milkyway Galaxy” broadcasted on National Geographic. Where can I download/purchase the entire soundtrack?

    Thanks,

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  42. I just heard music from “Inside the Milky Way” used in a TV program oh HG TV. It was less than a minute; but, unmistakeable. The program was a half hour house-hunt in Tel-Aviv.

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  43. Hi,
    I have just seen the documentary “Moon Machines” and would love to obtain the music. As of yet, I’ve been unsuccessful in finding a proper avenue to purchase the music, any word on if it is/ will be available?

    Much appreciate

    Reply ↓

    • No – please don’t. I’m about to release them officially, and every time my work is posted without my permission it makes it harder to give tracks away (as I frequently do!).

      Reply ↓

  46. Mr Sheppard, I absolutely love your music. The music you composed for Moon Machines was very fitting for the subject matter. I’m very glad they chose to utilize your genre of artistry rather than the cheap techno loops they like to use elsewhere. It certainly added a significant level of class to the most excellent documentary series. Where can I find these songs? I’ve been unable to find them anywhere.

    Thank you, Hernan

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  47. I realise it’s probably not the most important thing you’ve ever done, but I just wanted to thank you for the arrangement of the national anthem used at the Olympics. Such a refreshing change from the thoughtless nurr nurr nurr we usually get. I’m sure it was responsible for more podium tears than people realise.

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  48. I first heard your excellent music in “The Tillman Story” and have been enjoying it ever since! I’m especially fond of your work in “Inside the Milky Way” and wondered if there’s anywhere I can go to buy/download it. Thanks in advance!

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  49. Good afternoon

    I was looking for the soundtrack to Moon Machines, any idea as to when it may be released. I love the sond from the end credits.

    Thank you

    Michael

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  50. Mr. Sheppard sir….where is your copy of the “Moon Machines” I have the DVD series…and I am in love with all of it…especialy that of the opening titles….which I would love to hear in its entirity. Please tell me where and how I can have my own copy (to buy if it comes to that) there are many besides myself who love it and question why we can’t find and have it….please find a way to make it for the public to keep.

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  52. Mr Sheppard, im an Akram Khan fan and i discovered you composed the incredible score for his show IN-I. I was hoping you could make availabe as a free download the 3 tracks you produced for the show. Its just beautiful to listen to.

    Thank you.

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  53. I just subscribed and got the confirmation email saying it was possible to download the song “The girl at the piano”. Unfortunately, Soundcloud says it has reached the limit. Too bad.
    Something can be done about that?

    Btw, the song is just massage for my ears. Impressive!! I loved it. It has that Austenian (Jane Austen, hehe) vibe.
    Where can I purchase the piano sheets?
    I’m just a beginner at the instrument, and I can say you’re an inspiration for me.
    Keep up the good work, It’s a gift from God.

    Thanks,
    Simone.

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  54. Mr. Sheppard,
    Although it’s quite old, I recently watched Journey through the milky way and was absolutely mesmerized by the soundtrack. I looked through your website hopping to find these pieces but was unable to find them.
    I see that you sell your soundtracks as standalones and wondered if it was the case for this soundtrack.
    Can I buy this music? If its the case, could you please point at the direction where I need to throw my money to get it.

    Than you very much.

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  55. Still awaiting a quick reply to a question of the Moon Machines score soundtrack in its entirity. Where can I…..WE buy or download them all please???? To have it, is very important to me and many others.

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  56. Hi Philip,

    Really enjoyed the music you composed for ‘Inside the Milkyway’. Is there any way of getting the full soundtrack?

    Thanks

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  57. Will the full soundtrack to “Inside the Milky Way” be available? I am highly interested in acquiring the songs from the documentary as they were all very soul touching. Thank you.

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  58. Hi Philip,

    Really enjoyed the commentary you recorded on your encounter with Jeff Buckley but I was wondering if there was anything else you could say about the experience? Perhaps something you didn’t mention on the commentary as it was possibly irrelevant to the subject?

    George

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  59. Hello Philip,

    About fourteen years ago I wrote a review of ‘The Glass Cathedral’ for my then-webzine ‘Misfit City’. This week I dug it up again, gave it a trim and polish, and reposted it in the blog version of ‘Misfit City’ which eventually replaced the website. Here are the links to the new version, in both long and short (Tweetable) versions – http://misfitcity.org/2013/03/28/review-philip-sheppard-the-glass-cathedral-mini-album-1999-a-whole-chamber-of-cellos-swimming-off-in-a-new-direction/ and http://is.gd/frEX3a

    I have trimmed out some of the fluff and dubious wordage from the original version (referring to the Kronos Quartet as “transgressional” was a malapropism too far, for instance) but otherwise it’s much the same as it was: still engrossed and enthusiastic.

    Glad to see that you’ve kept busy – and then some – since then.

    regards,

    Dann Chinn @ ‘Misfit City’
    http://misfitcity.org

    Reply ↓

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