Iona - Iona

Advantages: a great set of solo songs from the Waterboys front man
Disadvantages: none

...the next but this is exactly what Scott manages to do. Here we are treated to the art of "less is more" and "Iona" is a great example of the art. A barely audible acoustic guitar picks out a distant rhythm behind a set of moving and beautiful descriptive words and the only change in dynamic is achieved through a gradually rising distorted electric guitar that provides an otherworldly wash of sound in the background. Although the Waterboys were always regarded as an Irish band, due to being based there, Scott is a refugee from the land that shares his name and he pays homage to his old hometown in "Edinburgh Castle" a straightforward acoustic busker style ballad. Dublin gets it own recognition in "City Full of Ghosts", a personal reflection of the musical exploits of times gone by with specific references to the Waterboys. Dublin is a city... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great music, fantastic value for money and fine performance
Disadvantages: Onepiece with slightly overbearing clarinettist...?

...as violinist Iona Brown, cellist Keith Harvey and violinist Emanuel Hurwitz were founding members of the renowned English Chamber Orchestra. The music and performances: Ludwig van Beethoven (1779-1827), Septet in E flat, Op. 20: This work is scored for the unusual combination of clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello and double bass and is in six movements. It was first performed in 1800in Vienna, immediately becoming extremely popular. However, in typical "grumpy Ludwig" fashion Beethoven grew to dislike the piece the more popular it became! Unfortunately the performance here turns out to be the least satisfactory item on these 2 discs. Primarily because the clarinet part - played by Gervase de Peyer - completely dominates the interpretation to the detriment of the other players. At times, one feels that... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Some great music
Disadvantages: Compilations!

..., which is part of the Hebridean overture by Mendlessohn, Fingals Cave is off Mull and Iona in Scotland and the music was inspired by his visit there, although I'm sure he didn't visit in the midst of a winter storm as it is very beautiful music, and the very famous Piano Concerto No 2 by Rachmaninov (yep, him again and I can't play this one very well either!) You will know this, as the music was practically lifted note for note to create the song 'All by Myself' which opened Bridget Jones diary. The complete list for this one is: 1. Bruch Violin Concerto No 1 in G minor, 3rd Movement 2. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No 23 2nd Movement 3. Tchaikovsky: Rose Adagio ( The Sleeping Beauty) 4. Mendelssohn: Fingals Cave Hebrides Overture. 5. Brahms: Symphony No 3 3rd movement 6. Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Reed Flutes (The Nutcraker) - Everyones... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful