Pieces In A Modern Style - William Orbit > Reviews > Rainbow

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Not applicable
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it rate alongside the competition	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Offers a unique interpretation of classical music .
Disadvantages:	Can blend too easily into the background .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

William Orbit's 'Pieces In A Modern Style' is an innovative, pioneering, briiliant album. If you are expecting such pieces as Ferry Corsten's Remix of 'Barber's Adagio For Strings' then you should not buy this album because the music on it bears little resemblance to the popular dance version.

However, you should buy it if you have an open minded approach to classical music, because in my opinion that is the genre to which this album belongs. Others would disagree, such as the directors of the classical music chart who for some reason believe that this album does not fit the classical genre.

William Orbit has taken several classical pieces by well known composers (such as Beethoven, Satie and Barber) and arranged them in his own, individual modern style. Some have been arranged with subtlety, such as 'Barber's Adagio For Strings', and don't sound particularly different compared to the originals.

Others are more adventurous, such as 'Cavellera Rusticana'. They still sound like the originals whilst at the same time being innovative, creative and very different.

Each piece on this album is interesting. Understanding how Orbit has modified the original sound of each piece is what makes this a fascinating album to listen to.

It is best to listen to this album after being already familiar with the original pieces. Otherwise you will not appreciate how clever it is. However to a person who is not familiar with classical music this album may make it more accessible.

'Pieces In A Modern Style' would make good background music if it wasn't so engaging.