.com Souping up the classics with whatever contemporary music pulse is current at the moment has a long history. Some artists, like Emerson, Lake and Palmer, aspired to classical grandiosity. Others, like Michael Murphy and his discofied "A Fifth of Beethoven," turn classical melodies into pop hooks. Paul Schwartz falls somewhere in the middle with his Aria project, of which this is the third. Electronica grooves and effects angle their way through songs "based" on operatic works by Handel, Verdi, Puccini, and Monteverdi. Schwartz begins with a bar set high by some of these melodies, beautifully sung by soprano Rebecca Luker. Whether singing solo or in multi-tracked choirs, her voice opens heavens' gates, but she has to slog through some pedestrian arrangements to get there. Schwartz understands the difference between an orchestra and a synthesizer and with only a few exceptions--like the cheesy opening to "Ombra Ma Fu"--deploys each in appropriate measures. "Ascension," based on a Monteverdi aria is particularly striking with its underlying electronic ostinatos cycling through the breathtaking refrain. But too often, Schwartz's strings are saccharine and his rhythms clichéd in a music that uses high art only to reach for the facile. Like most classical-pop crossovers, time usually renders a verdict of kitsch in the first degree. --John Diliberto
P**H
Aria Three
The Aria series is a haunting modernized tribute to opera, and beautiful music in general. This is a great effort, and you are sure to recognize some of the melodies. The vocals by Rebecca Luker are very strong and leave a lasting impression. Very Sarah Brightman-esq.Here is the complete listing of TracksOmbra mai fu (after Handel's Serse) - AriaFurioso (after Handel's Sarabande) - AriaSogno (after Puccini's La Rondine) - AriaMetamorphosis 2: Danae - AriaBallo (after Verdi's Ballo in Maschera) - AriaInterlude: L'Orchestre Engloutie - AriaAmami (after Verdi's La Traviata) - AriaLascia (after Handel's Rinaldo) - AriaFarewell (after Puccini's Madama Butterfly) - AriaMetamorphosis 3: Cyane - AriaAscension (after Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione di Poppea) - AriaMetamorphosis 1: Arachne - AriaFurioso (after Handel's Sarabande) - AriaOmbra mai fu (after Handel's Serse) - AriaAnd for the hard core Paul Schwartz and Aria follower, here is a list of all the players.Paul Schwartz Primary Artist,Piano,ConductorMark Berrow ViolinHugh Burns GuitarCaroline Dale CelloLiz Edwards ViolinGarfield Jackson ViolaGavyn Wright Violin,Concert MasterDermot Crehan ViolinMary Scully BassKatherine Shave ViolinBen Chappell CelloPeter Lale ViolaPatrick Kiernan ViolinBoguslaw Kostecki ViolinJackie Shave ViolinBruce White ViolaRebecca Luker VocalsPaul Gardham Bass,Horn,French HornJulian Leaper ViolinRebecca Hirsch ViolinRachel Bolt ViolaWarren Zielinski ViolinPaddy Lannigan BassSimon Fischer ViolinNaomi Wright CelloZoe Lake ViolaJoyful Company of Singers Choir, Chorus,Vocal EnsembleBeatrix Lovejoy ViolinStephen Orton CelloPerry Montague-Mason ViolinJacqueline Shave ViolinNicholas Rodwell ClarinetMichelle Ivey VocalsBenedict Cruft ViolinChristopher Tombling ViolinBoguslav Kostecki ViolinDavid Woodcock ViolinJonathan Williams CelloPeter Hanson Violin
C**.
Fantastic , romantic, moving music!
This is like a new and better, upbeat classical music along with some remarkable voices ! Every time I play it, after several songs, especially in the car, almost everyone will ask "who is this..it's so beautiful!" I find it relaxing, but I also play it when I need motivation to clean!..I have requested several of the songs to be played at my"celebration of Life".Avia Maria is so incredible , I don't think you could find a song anywhere as moving! I plan on ordering severalmore for gifts and an extra for me!
R**E
ARIA 3 is a new take on classical music another Amazon purchase
I love classical music and ARIA 3's numbers are based on some of the great classical composers. My taste in music is very eclectic so this fits right in, and I can actually listen to this cd while driving. I can't drive while listening to meditation music. I first heard this cd while shopping in my favorite crystal store and it was playing in the background. The voice sounds almost angelic,(or maybe like a mermaid would sound while enticing sailors) Anyway I, recommend this cd as a great background music experience. I even play it on my housecleaning sprees. Once again thank you Amazon for carrying the great music selections that you do, and for the great service.
B**E
ANOTHER MASTERPIECE from Paul Schwartz
I own every one of Paul Schwartz's works, and they are all exceptional. There is some repetition of melodies, but his creations mixes it up so it's just as interesting. Rebecca Luker's voice is gorgeous. "One" (there's many) of my favorites on this CD is #7 - Amami. It's very sensuous. I have always loved the exquisite way he mixes classical, drums, strings and voice. Schwartz takes classical/opera to a whole new level - LOVE it. I'm PATIENTLY waiting for his next release.........
T**T
Aria 3 - Great!
I started with State of Grace II , then I then III. I liked these Paul Schwartz albums so I tried the Aria collection. I liked the singer on the State of Grace albums, but Wow! Rebecca Luker has this clear fantastic voice.Each tract seemed to be better than the last until # 11 Ascension (or 'Pur ti miro') I stopped working on the computer and just listened. Such a clear ethereal voice! Well worth buying. You will listen to it over and over.
W**M
Music to escape by
Paul Schwartz is one of my favorite escape artists. I will usually listen to his Arias when I'm in "one of those moods". I'm still trying to figure out what that means but rather than listening for artistic merit, I listen for the dreamy escape - the mood transportation. Schwartz has his critics - most musicians do - but he cannot be faulted for offering music that is better, arguably, than costly psychotherapy.
M**R
One of my favorite albums
I heard one of the tracks on Accuradio.com and had to have the album. This is one of my favorite albums. Highly recommens this recording.
A**R
They are great. I play them so much I ordered another ...
I own all 3 of these Cd's. They are great. I play them so much I ordered another set...
S**Y
love it. it was recommended to me and I ...
love it. it was recommended to me and I bought one and then ended up buying all three. lovely listening music.
R**A
探していた物を購入できて良かったです。
以前ずっと探していたのですが探し方が悪かったのか中々見つからなくて半分諦めていました。ひょんな事から最近探し出してアマゾンさんで見つけたので思わず購入しました期待通りでした
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