Respighi: Church Windows; Brazilian Impressions

Advantages: A classic recording of a popular classical piece
Disadvantages: None that I can hear

...--Ottorino Respighi-- Respighi (1879-1936) was one of the great orchestra composers of Italy (a nation whose composers are more often associated with opera). Born into a family of professional musicians, Respighi was educated with greats such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Max Bruch. Deriving inspiration from the likes of Richard Strauss as well as ancient and medieval musical styles, Respighi showed great talent as a composer as well as an arranger and synthesiser of new presentations for old music. Such is the case with the pieces in this recording, Ancient Airs and Dances. --Ancient Airs and Dances-- This has become one of the more popular pieces of Respighi in the late twentieth century; many know Respighi only through these works, and others have heard this music without knowing the origin or Respighi's role in their presentation. Largely... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Class music from abroad
Disadvantages: None

...Marcelo D2 I had not heard of, until I was playin on FIFA 2005. I heard Profissão M.C. and fell in love with his music instantly! The album is packed with Brazilian style music, samba types if you catch my drift. If you are aprehensive about gettin it because it's in a different language, then don't be! The music speaks its own language anyway. This album has a mixture of Brazilian Samba, Rap and Regge! You will be seriously impressed with the quality of this album. I am a fan of 311 and would recommend it to all other 311 fans! Also if anyone wants to try something new and exciting; then I would definatley recommend this album! Best Track: A Procura Da Batida Perfeita... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Musically excellent AND politicised!!!
Disadvantages: none spring to mind.

...that unerpins ADFs best work. The first single "Fortress Europe" has a similar rushed feel to it but is infinitely more enjoyable because of the vaguely Arabic vocal refrain weaving in and out of the background. Time and mainstream acceptance haven't dimmed the band's political zeal, at its most overt here on "19 Rebellions" which deals with the inhumane treatment of inmates in Brazilian prisons and which is reminiscent of The Pop Group in many ways. The stand out track and one that screams out to be released as a single is "1000 Mirrors" which manages to be both warming and haunting at the same time thanks to a caught-you-in-an-instant hookline and a characteristically peerless vocal performance from Sinead O'Connor (who incidentally is also on fine form while guesting on Massive Attack's "100th Window" album). We are living in times... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful