Escala - Escala

...twist is not new. Before Escala there emerged artists like Vanessa Mae and a strikingly similar ensemble 'Bond'. Nevertheless, this group were as finalists on the TV programme 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2008 and it was refreshing to see some talented instrumentalists on the show rather than the usual singer, dancer or novelty act. Escala are a string quartet of young women from London with two violinists, a violist (viola) and a cellist. They put ...
...beautiful, playing dramatic and beautiful music. And whilst I prefer to watch them perform, this album was a pleasant surprise...

==*~HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ALBUM~*==

I'm a huge fan of classical music and definitely approve of the contemporary style that many instrumentalists are adopting and here are some of my favourite tracks from the album:

===~Requiem for a Tower=== - This is a commanding piece of music that, ... more

The concept of leggy females looking sexy whilst playing string music with a modern twist is not new. Before Escala there emerged artists like Vanessa Mae and a strikingly similar ensemble 'Bond'. Nevertheless, this group were as finalists on the TV programme 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2008 and it was refreshing to see some talented instrumentalists on the show rather than the usual singer, dancer or novelty act. Escala are a string quartet of young women from London with two violinists, a violist (viola) and a cellist. They put on a great stage show - They are dramatic and beautiful, playing dramatic and beautiful music. And whilst I prefer to watch them perform, this album was a pleasant surprise...

*~HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ALBUM~*

I'm a huge fan of classical music and definitely approve of the contemporary style that many instrumentalists are adopting and here are some of my favourite tracks from the album:

~Requiem for a Tower

- This is a commanding piece of music that, when adopted as the theme tune for something, makes it sound awfully important and dramatic (As adopted for the Britain's Got Talent theme tune and Lord of the Ring's trailers). This is a great opening track that really grabs your attention.

~Palladio

- Palladio is another dramatic piece by who is, in my opinion, one of the best composers of our age - Karl Jenkins. Fabulous choice for their album and splendidly played!

~Kashmir

- This is a cover a Led Zeppelin track and it's my favourite track on the whole album although this is probably down to the fact that they borrowed Slash for the guitar solos in this. Is that cheating? Well, who cares - Slash rocks!

~Live and Let Die

- I adored this cover choice of this Paul McCartney and the Wing's song. I think that their playing in this is very skilled and that it sounds beautiful.

I love almost every track on this album and think that there were some excellent choices made ('Adagio for Strings' is another track many of you will be familiar with). 'Feeling Good' is probably the one track that I felt was unnecessary and underwhelming as I believe it is a piece of music that is only really great with vocals, although this is down to my own personal preference.
Nevertheless, this is an album which is musically very strong and I recommend it to any fan of classical music or anyone who wishes to expand their horizons in terms of musical genres. It is a bold album, somewhat rock and pop inspired, with excellent tracks that I would encourage you to give a chance.

*~Only £6.08 on Amazon~*

*~Thanks for reading~* x :) *~Also on dooyoo, October 2009~*  

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