Customer Reviews

Aranjuez

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is one of my favourite albums by Claus Ogermann. His string writing is excellent! I'm a composer/producer and have been studying the music and the string arrangements of Meister Ogermann for many years. Highly recommended.

Ce disque est mon préféré parmi des centaines, et mon préféré de ce chef d'orchestre et compositeur unique. L'une des pièces, Nightwings, est de composition complexe, avec des modulations surprenantes qui nous mène dans les méandres de voyages inattendus, un morceau de musique très original et très inspiré. L'ensemble du disque est tranquille et apaisant, avec cette combinaison rare de guitare électrique et d'orchestre symphonique. UN BIJOU !

Akkerman is the reason I bought it and his playing is excellent, but the match of Claus Ogerman's string arrangements with Akkerman's playing style makes for an awkward marriage at times. The arrangements remind me of Mancini, bordering on the edge of schmaltz. Sometimes the guitar work is too frenetic for the rather pastoral strings. The title cut is a nice jazzy arrangement of probably the best known composition by Joaquin Rodrigo. The balance between guitar and strings is at its best here. If you are looking for Akkerman solo guitar, I would recommend Passion, which is just guitar and fully showcases Akkerman's abilities.

This is a lovely example of the fluid lines and harmonies of Claus Ogerman. The guitar playing by Jan Akkerman is ok. But I bought this for Claus's arranging. He is the master!

Aranjuez is in the trademark Jan Akkerman vein. Here is a concept rarely used---classical guitar fronting orchestra which shows that Jan is not interested in sales but in making great music. Someone more interested in classical music might easily rank this production 4 or 5 stars. Me, I'm a rocker, and that is what Jan basically is.

I've been looking for this album for decades if you can believe it. So when I finally found it I definitely ordered it. The good news is that I liked it a lot. It makes me wonder what else you might have avavailable.

This CD is a must have for fans of Claus Ogerman. While Akkerman is up to the task of fronting Ogerman's orchestra, it is the arrangements that pull you in and stay with you. A gorgeous recording with a timeless feel, get this one and marvel at how amazing music can be.

To my taste, might be recommended for real fans of Akkerman only. Disappointing - easy listening muzak without depth and power. Better get Paco de Lucia