New age musicians tend to avoid the charts and media attention; their music is generally designed for a small audience seeking profound, minimalist listening experiences. However, some artists have transcended this barrier, achieving worldwide success. Andreas Vollenweider, Nightnoise, David Arkenstone, Michael Hedges, and George Winston, the musician we're discussing today, are prime examples. Winston's formula is simple: his exceptional piano talent and deep emotional sensitivity. His career began in the early 1970s with the release of his debut album, "Piano Solos" (1972), which went largely unnoticed. Years later, a demo tape of his ended up in the hands of William Ackerman, who had founded Windham Hill, a label specializing in new music. Ackerman produced George Winston's second album, "Autumn", which quickly became one of the most successful new age albums of all time. "Autumn" is composed of a repertoire that evokes in the listener moods very close to autumnal melancholy, making it, in a way, a kind of therapeutic album. Two years later, George Winston released "Winter Into Spring" and "December", which completed an excellent trilogy of new age music, and like "Autumn", became resounding worldwide hits and two essential references of this musical genre.