Search - Jerry [Composer/Lyricist] Ross, Leroy Anderson, Schreier / Bottero :: Old and New Fangled Tangos / Folk Songs Around the World

A Magical Musical Journey Around the World with Mantovani.

Thomas E. DeJulio | Bronxville, NY USA | 02/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The soaring strings of the original orchestra led by the late great Mantovani are once again presented in this brand new Vocalion release of two of the maestro's masterpiece recordings first released in 1964 (Folk Songs) and 1968 (Tango). Folk Songs from Around the World will charm and excite listeners with melodies as diverse as Aura Lee (what Elvis sang as Love Me Tender) and the sizzling sounds of Hava Nagila. The highly disciplined orchestra under the baton of Mantovani perform spectacular arrangements of "Two Guitars" from Russia and folk songs from Japan, Europe,and the British Isles arranged with such artistry that they will readily evoke from each listener intense emotions. The splendid orchestrations found on the Tango tracks also evoke a variety of emotions, with Whatever Lola Wants, Hernando's Hideaway and Takes Two to Tango, offering playful amusement, and such tracks as Blue Sky, Orange Vendor, and Tango Delle Rose combining captivating tango rhythms with time honored melodies made ever more delightful by the unique, cathedral sound identified exclusively with Mantovani. In an interview at the time of the Tango album's release, the ever perfectionist Mantovani expressed his delight with the musical outcome,noting that he tried "blending fine melodies with exciting rhythms to produce a sound that is stimulating.." Acquire this two CD-set, and new and old Mantovani fans will know the maestro was right on the mark in his assessment of this incomparable musical journey."