Schnittke: Peer Gynt

Advantages: Features some classics
Disadvantages:

...This album recorded by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke is my favourite of all Erasure albums as it features some of my personal greats such as: Victim of Love, Sometimes, It doesn't have to be and The Circus. The tracks were released around the time where Erasure's popularity was high. This CD also features three extra tracks: It doesn't have to be (remix), Sometimes (remix) and In the Hall of the Mountain King which is from the Peer Gynt Suite No. 1. This CD is mainly upbeat with the only slow song "If I Could". As ever Bell & Clarkes are simply mindblowing, they must really put some thought into them!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Bonney's gorgeous voice; intelligent singing; great selection of songs
Disadvantages: No translations included

...perfectly captures the rapt stillness that characterises this song. Bonney has the ability to ‘colour’ different words in different ways, illustrating why her voice suits the German lieder genre so well. It’s just a shame more lieder isn’t included on this album! This is immediately followed by Greig’s ‘Solveig’s Song’ from Peer Gynt. This much-performed song has a rich and weighty orchestral accompaniment and Bonney’s lyrical voice has a haunting tone and simplicity which lends itself perfectly to the sad character of Solveig. I was surprised at Bonney’s success with the two Sibelius songs, initially fearing that they would be too ‘big’ for her voice, but she has a striking expressiveness here and the gorgeous virtuoso piano accompaniment by Antonio Pappano reinforces... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Every tune's a winner
Disadvantages: Nothing new

...Beethoven- Symphony no.5 (1st movement) (the one that goes da da da DUN, da da da DUN, you know the one I mean…) Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue Ravel- Bolero Grieg- Peer Gynt (In the Hall of the Mountain King) If you don't know these pieces, then this would be an ideal CD for you if you feel you ought to know what the most commonly known classical pieces are. It could be treated as a mini-course on accepted masterpieces, and the booklet, (minimal, 2 CD-sized sides per CD), gives you a pert selection of related anecdotes to astound your friends with. (For example, Rutter's pick is "A Gaelic Blessing". The notes tell you that choirboys refer to this piece as "garlic dressing". Radio 3 would not share this blasphemy with you I'm sure! If you already know all these pieces (and are something of a music buff), don't instantly dismiss this CD. I'm a music... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful