Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bobby Mcferrin, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra :: The Mozart Sessions

The Mozart Sessions
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bobby Mcferrin, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
The Mozart Sessions
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (7) - Disc #1

Bobby McFerrin's signature falsetto envelops a poignant, wordless melody, embellished by piano flourishes that uncomfortably tow the line between classical decorum and Chick Corea's airy, modal jazz style. Suddenly the mus...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bobby Mcferrin, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Chick Corea
Title: The Mozart Sessions
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sony
Original Release Date: 10/1/1996
Release Date: 10/1/1996
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Classical
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Vocal Jazz, Bebop, Vocal Pop, Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Instruments, Keyboard
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 074646260128, 074646260142, 074646260180

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Bobby McFerrin's signature falsetto envelops a poignant, wordless melody, embellished by piano flourishes that uncomfortably tow the line between classical decorum and Chick Corea's airy, modal jazz style. Suddenly the music segues into the opening of Mozart's D Minor Concerto. The A Major Concerto (K. 488) is similarly introduced. While the smooth, thick orchestral fabric suggests forces larger than a chamber aggregation, McFerrin clarifies important woodwind details (the elusive bassoon, for instance, in K. 488's slow movement) and infuses the outer movements with controlled brio. By contrast, Corea's Latin-tinged, improvised cadenzas (and overeager embellishments during solos and tuttis) lose their novelty over repeated hearings. Elsewhere, Corea's literal, dutiful phrasing smacks more of a talented student than a daring and vibrant pianist whose impact on jazz is unassailable. --Jed Distler

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CD Reviews

Subtle treatment -- Ingenuity, Creativity, and Precision
Nichomachus | 06/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Apparently some of the previous reviewers were disturbed that this CD contains the music of Mozart, instead of more schlock like "Don't Worry, Be Happy." With an expansive collection of Mozart recordings, especially piano works, I found this to be an utterly brilliant addition.I was initially highly skeptical of a Chick Corea improvising in the cadenzas; but when I heard the first notes of McFerrin's introductory vocals, I immediately knew that this album was something special. If you haven't heard recordings of the concerti with other artists and the typical scored treatment, you have no conception of what this album is about.The genius of it is that not only is Corea a brilliant improvisationist, but he can play Mozart with a crisp and subtle touch that highlights all the emotions from major to minor. Just tune out the right hand a bit, and hear the precision and deftness of the left hand's accompaniment. This lends credence and passion to his cadenza improvisations. Consequently, the brilliance of Mozart's writing and the brilliance of sheer improvisation make an incredible combination. All the poetic essences of continuity and change are flung at the listener. I listened to the entire first movement of K.488 in the store and it brought tears to my eyes.Neither McFerrin nor Corea abuse the music either; the vocal introductions and Corea's embellishments and explorations only heighten awareness, and do not undermine the essence of the works. The final Adagio from the F Sonata that they convert into the "Song For Amadeus" is a wonderful tribute to the most brilliant of composers. I played it simultaneously with other recordings of the movement, just for fun. Try it."
Ah, that's nice!
Daniel G. Palese | Lakewood, Colorado USA | 06/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can see why this was on of Time Magazines top releases of the year (1996). I listen to this CD at work and in the car. It's been number one on my personal playlist since I first heard it in March, 2000. Chick Corea's piano playing and Bobby McFerrin's direction of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is all I imagine Mozart should be, light, jaunty, and GUARANTEED to improve your mood! I highly recommend it, whether your a fan of Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, or (especially) Mozart, you will enjoy this CD!"
Great Mozart interpretation & improv - truly innovative.
Maria Novales | USA | 10/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a "classical" pianist and a lover of jazz music. I have followed Chick's career since the '70's when he dazzled us with Return to Forever. To hear him perform both Mozart and himself was quite a delightful experience. This cd is a must for music lovers...especially classical pianists who have never given jazz music a serious thought."