Search - Joaquin Rodrigo, Agustin Lara, Derek / Bond Strange :: The Classical Album 2005

Very Enjoyable for all music fans

Neil Etter | Maryland | 03/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is very good collection of music that brings to life a wide variety of music that is both old and contemporary. The selections vary from composers, historical and famous such as Pavarotti and Puccini to today's James Horner (Titanic, A Beauituful Mind) and John Williams (Star Wars, Sabrina, Jaws, Saving Private Ryan).



If you enjoy the sounds of Sarah Brightman, Charlotte Church, Enya, Kate Bush, Andrea Bocelli, and various theatre music (Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Cats), then you will find this collection worthy of your appreciation.



I have often wondered why classical music radio channels do not play modern composers (i.e., Horner, Willams), and am glad that this album gives them credit that they deserve. There is so many good compositions being created every day that only appear to have a voice on the big screen, which is unfortunate.



Track 11, composed by The Doors, and is a nice version, indeed. I also enjoy the Bond players giving a new twist to some old favourites.



Ciao,

Neil

"

Another excellent crossover classical assortment

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 06/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 2004 release in this annual series (always titled one year later, just like children's annuals, because they come out in time for Christmas) provides a nice sample of the most popular classical crossover music of the year although not all of it was new that year. The music in these compilations doesn't fit my former stereotypical idea of what classical music is all about. It mainly features vocalists but they don't necessarily sing traditional operatic pieces though some do. Often they sing covers of pop, folk or gospel songs, albeit in an operatic style. The few instrumental tracks here feature soloists rather than symphony orchestras. The credits give pictures of album covers together with titles and catalog numbers to tempt you to pick out your favorite artists and buy their individual albums.



The featured artists here include Hayley Westenra, Russell Watson, Katherine Jenkins, Bryn Terfel, Lesley Garrett, Nigel Kennedy, Luciano Pavarotti, Vanessa Mae, Placido Domingo, Bond and Renée Fleming. Highlights among the tracks include Time to say goodbye (performed by Katherine Jenkins), Granada (performed by Bryn Terfel), Song to the moon (performed by Lesley Garrett), Flight of the bumblebee (performed by Julian Lloyd Webber), The entertainer (performed by Emma Johnson), Sabre dance (performed by Vanessa Mae), River of dreams (performed by Hayley Westenra) and Blow the wind southerly (performed by Kathleen Ferrier). The last-named track was already more than half a century old when this set was compiled, its inclusion being due to a revival in the singer's music.



This series is aimed at those who don't take classical music too seriously, but who like to dabble in it. On that level, it works brilliantly."