Search - Modest Mussorgsky, Zdenek Macal, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra :: Heaven and Hell

Macal Wins!

Brett A. Kniess | 03/10/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This interpretation of Pictures is equal to any other CD, and instead of going with a hugely overrated orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony plays an astounding performance comparable to Karajan or Solti.The most interesting piece on this recording is the choral version of Mussorgsky's Night On Bald Mountain. This was Mussorgsky's original intention for this famous piece; that is, music for an opera: orchestra and chorus. The chorus, the monumental Westminster Choir, is literally shrieking the parts that would normally be played by strings, high winds, and high brass. This piece alone makes this CD an exceptional and somewhat unique buy.My rating gets a four because the rest of the CD selections, also from operas, are not even comparable to the headliner work. Otherwise, this digital recording is an amazing, refreshing, and certainly resplendant feature."

Compilations are great sources of musical exposure.

Michael A. Ventarola | New Jersey | 11/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"CD: Heaven & Hell Compilation
Band: Various Artists
Reviewed By: Mike VentarolaA tour de force 2 disc CD compilation managed to unobtrusively sneak into the fray of releases put out this year. This particular item was introduced to me by an associate on the car stereo on our way to a concert one evening. The music which emanated from the speakers was so fresh, new and well done. My associate fell in love with quite a number of these very same cuts when a club DJ boldly broke from tradition and gave new music a chance instead of relying on the same songs we have heard for the last 10 years all night long. One disc is entitled Heaven while the other is Hell. Each disc contains 14 songs that are in English and German. After having to endure a number of predictable compilations and even more redundant DJ playlists , it is very refreshing to report that this import needs to be on your next musical shopping list.Despite having absolutely no knowledge of the German language, this in no way detracted from the magnificence or sonic addiction that some of the foreign songs conveyed. The wealth and beauty of the sounds clearly details why Germany remains the top country for underground music.As much as I would like to highlight the bands who stood out from the crowd, this task is not possible simply because every track is, in my opinion, a stellar performance. The featured bands are the best from both sides of the Atlantic, with American bands fitting snugly alongside the German bands. There is a little of everything to satisfy most dark musical tastes, with many of the cuts already international hits. Luscious ballads are intertwined with goth rock dance tracks and industrial mayhem. Some of the bands here have been on other compilations, however obtaining their full releases can be a bit daunting at times. Luckily for the consumer, there are different cuts from them on these various compilations which will drive the interest for the music a bit further. Thankfully, some of the more in tune club DJ's have already put some of these tracks into their nightly rotation, causing quite a commotion on the dance floor from what I have already witnessed. One can only anticipate that others will follow in an effort to bring new life into a stagnating scene. Do put this CD compilation on your shopping list or Christmas wish list. This CD is bound to become one of the staples in your musical collection with a very long play longevity."

It's 4 years old, and fresh!

Nathan Christian | Pitcairn, PA USA | 06/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Buy this...it is worth the money. The bands that stood out for me areThe Dust Of Basment, The Second Sight, Non Compos Mentis, and L'ame Immortelle."