Customer Reviews

Aria 2: New Horizon

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I happened to stumble upon the first Aria cd on an NPR radio station a few years ago. I was blown away and immediately went out and bought myself a copy of it. I'd never heard of opera put to such tastefully done synth, slow beats, and enhancements, and the disc was an instant favorite. I saw Aria 2 in a music store recently and literally passed it up because I thought surely there was no way the first one could be outdone. I was wrong! After hearing the samples here, I got goosebumps from just the little 20 second bits. Once I finally got this one home and listened, some of the songs are so beautiful they almost move me to tears. My hat goes off to Paul Schwartz for successfully marrying two types of music without diminishing either. It's absolutely beautiful and passionate in a very pure, clean form.

I picked up the first Aria CD and enjoyed only a few songs (but I still enjoyed it a lot). I picked up Aria 2 and was totally blown away. This album from beginning to end is just incredible. I am not an opera fan, yet I can't seem to put this album down! My favorite on this album has to be Ebben (Track 2). It's one of those songs that just puts a smile on your face. I highly recommend adding this album to your collection!

Many movies try to repeat their success with a #2 version and fail. The people responsible for aria2 have gone a true step higher than their last release into this unique type of blend. They have truly something new in the new age world. Mixing famous arias with "fusion jazz new age" music. The vocals are excellent,no complaints there.It is very relaxing yet stimulating the senses at the same time,no complaint there. To get picky I must comment on the drum beats "sound tracks"(if they are not you have fooled me)Though they use it less on this recording it still is the weak spot from people with a fabulous idea in music. The CD sounds like a lot of work. In my opinion they miss getting an "A" simply due to that. Yes I was a drummer. The really deep tones will give your woofers a needed workout. Again it is a pleasure to get lost in their music. Please understand you might not recognize the arias but you will recognize a new direction in sonic tones and artistry.

This is a phenomenal cd. I am amazed that Paul Schwartz was able to follow up his first Aria project with an even stronger offering. If you are like me, you may be put off a bit with normal "opera" recordings. Do not be fooled. This is a very modern interpretation which will impress you the whole way through. If you enjoy this cd, please check out the B-tribe cd's "Suave Suave" & "sensual".

Aria 2 is a vast array of different musical styles all rolled into one. Paul Schwartz draws on classical voices with contemporary beats and beautiful string arrangments that occassionaly drone out the voices-(that's about the only flaw I can think of)-that and a little too much added bass.... (or maybe I'm just playing it too loud.) The point is that Paul Schwartz did an all around great job, but I suppose that it could have been better, hence the 4 star rating. Rebecca Luker (of a Secret Garden) has a highly enjoyable voice that can be a bit contagious at times, seeking refruge by her exquisite singing. Clair Marlo's contribution to Sviraj (Lullabye) is an excellent addition to broaden New Horizon as well. It's probably the best song on here, that and Leiermann which is performed by the only male singer: Steve Barton. I used to think that German was an ugly language (as I tried to learn it once and found myself spitting too much), but this song is absolutely breathtaking, and as someone pointed out, a bit spooky, especially when he starts building his voice to a crescendo... Another fav. is Ave Maria. It starts out fast with crazy drum loops that definitely gives it a new age vibe; then "boom!" the symphony opens up and steals the show with the voice of Rebecca Luker joining The Joyful Company of Singers choir. I've heard many renditions of that song but none quite as interesting as that. Another to listen for is Horizon. I get a sad sense of longing emanating from that song that almost makes me wanna cry. But don't shed those tears for it soon breaks through to light, giving you a feel of pure elation.

I've owned this CD for about two years now, and I still can't listen to it without stopping whatever I'm doing and letting the music reach me. Something about these soaring vocals and rich, complex instrumentals touches me more deeply in my spirit than anything I've ever listened to. Hands down, my favorite CD of all time!

While Pavarotti brought opera to commercialism by singing cheesy pop song with boyzone & some bubblegum pop stars, Paul Schwartz is able to combine opera with new age material and leads opera into an entirely new dimension. The haunting voice of Rebecca Luker together with Schwartz brilliant arrangement of the music let the listener experience a totally different spiritual enjoyment. One do not need to say too much, just listen to Track 10. "Ave Maria". The percussion and drum beats of this track are exotic and merging the beats with traditional opera aria somehow created an element of "chance" in the music. Luker uses her voice well, passionate and expressive yet ethereal. Well, what can I say but,"THIS IS THE MOST STYLISH ALBUM I'VE EVER COME ACROSS!" And wouldn't it be great if we can watch opera that is being sang in this way too?

I have only recently stumbled upon these 2 CD's by Aria and have instantly fallen in love with this music genre. The voices are hauntingly beautiful (Sviraj blows me away each time) and the fusion with mainstream electronic beats and rhythms make it a modern gem. I'm not a huge fan of opera, but after listening to this, I have slowly become a believer. But if you compared the two CD's by Aria, I would still pick their first album as I had discovered more songs that moved me...but that is personal taste. If you find that the 2 CD's are not satisfying enough and has only whet your appetite for this style of music, then also check out other artists including Emma Shapplin (Carmine Meo), Filippa Giordano and Mythos.

All I can say is this is a true masterpiece! It's up there with Enigma/Deep Forest/B-Tribe/Mike Oldfield, etc.....Don't believe me, hear some of the samples. I bet you'll buy it immediately! It's sort of Classical works with a new modern electronic twist to them. Check out the first CD also!

This CD blew me away. I'd never heard music by this artist before, and I feel as though I've discovered a TREASURE! An absolute treasure. My ears were having orgasms just listening to the melodies. I don't claim to know much about classical music - but I do know good music when I hear it. After listening to this jewel of a CD, I will be sure to checkout others by ARIA. I highly suggest buying this one for yourself and anyone else who enjoys music. I can't wait to share it with my friends.