Search - Walter Murphy :: The Best Of Walter Murphy: A Fifth Of Beethoven

The Best of Walter Murphy

Gonzalo A. Duque | Westland, MI United States | 05/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a compilation of 3 Walter Murphy vinyl LPs that he made under the now defunct "Private Stock" label, and produced by Thomas Valentino, "A Fifth of Beethoven", "Phantom of the Opera", and "Rhapsody in Blue". Before and after this series of recordings, Walter Murphy was and still is a jingle-writer, mainly for Thomas J. Valentino, INC., who owns Valentino Production Music. Murphy is a prolific composer, with a wealth of melodies and tunes. He has written music for numerous TV shows, in addition to his production music being utilized for many radio and TV projects. This CD contains virtually all of the tracks from his 3 vinyl albums, and shows some of the same arrangements he uses for library music. "A Fifth of Beethoven" was quite popular in 1976, as the disco craze was beginning. Murphy seems to have a love for classical music, and attempts to update some pieces by arranging them with a danceable beat. Remarkably, he succeeds! If you're a fan of classical music fusion, then by all means purchase this CD"

The Murphy treatment

LEE BENG AUN | PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR D.E. Malaysia | 12/03/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It took me some time searching for this album on CD. I have a record but fungus have got to it. His adventurous arrangement of
" A Fifth of Beethoven " was simply " unheard of " when it was included along with the Bee Gees in John Travolta disco movie hit - Saturday Night Fever. All the tracks have the Murphy treatment. Strictly for those who like creativity in their music and enjoy new musical directions. Its a pity that one can't get hold of his second album on CD ( again fungus have got to mine )."

What isn't there to like?

Ron Blum | Boston, MA USA | 11/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From "Flight of the Bumblebee" to "California" to "A Fifth of Beethoven," this music is nothing less--or more--than good time fun. Bringing an up-to-date (circa the 70s) beat to old classical tunes, as well as some new tunes, Walter Murphy creates a series of dance tunes that in its day was sure to raise anyone out of their stuffed sofas and on to the dance floor! The music is dated, true--it's very, very disco. But if you can move past that--or appreciate the music more for it--then this CD is just a great way of enjoying and grooving to some old Beethoven, Bach, and pals."