Customer Reviews

Aria 2: New Horizons

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

ARIA volume 1 was certainly a winner and this follow-up CD is fantastic. I liked the first CD so much that every time I went to the record store or online at Amazon I would look to see if Paul Schwartz and written a sequel. Schwartz selects wonderful works from classical music and re-arranges them so that they maintain the essential spirit and intent of the original but are made accessible for the ears of contemporary listeners. Thus, you owe it to yourself to listen to these gems.

Rebecca Luker's super voice is wonderful as she weaves a mystical mood with Monteverdi's Lament of Arianna; Catalani's "Ebben ne Andro Lontano" from La Wally; "Addio" from Verdi's La Traviata; "Barcarolle" from Offenbach's Contes De Hoffman and "Ave Maria" by Caccini. I looked Luker up on the web and found that she has starred in various Broadway productions. Her voice is incredible and Schwartz integrates her angelic sound into the electronic instrumentation. The "Ave Maria" is somewhat odd, with the strong precussions, but the choir and Rebecca Luker keep it within bounds.

This CD differs from the first ARIA in that we are treated to several instrumental works arranged by Schwartz. "Horizon" is a moody composition anchored by viola and cello. "Cantilena" is a piano solo played by Schwartz, a charming piece that echoes back to Verdi's "Addio" as well as the Croatina Lullabye sung by Clair Marlo.

A second outstanding singer, Clair Marlo, delivers "Sviraj, a Croatian Lullabye" which Schwartz offers in two distinct arrangements, once in Croatian and then again in English.

Faure's "Pavane" is very well done with Marc Antoine playing the guitar solo. The work is improvised so that a contemporary jazz interpretation is offered.

Steve Barton's voice, accompanied by the oboe, offers us "Leiermann" from Die Wintereise by Schubert. This is a dreamy sad odd spacey work with lyrics about a freezing ancient shoeless hurdy-gurdy man. The work is full of mystery and retains Schubert's complexity.

Paul Schwartz makes the outstanding compositions of previous generations come alive for contemporary audiences.

This is type of music I expect to hear: strong, complex arrangements executed with passion and flair. I first heard Earthbound, and knew instantly that Paul Schwartz is up to something. His work far surpasses others in this genre.

I especially love the vocals here. Some of the intros are a tad cliche, but I can live with that. The voice is convincing and energetic, masterful even. This is one of the best CDs I have bought in years.

This CD is arguably just as good as the first one I discovered recently. Go, get it. With all the crap that's out there you'll do yourself and your ears a favor! This is music for the soul, mixing chants and classical music with electronic instruments for a very satisfying experience indeed! Chances are you will pop out the CD more often than expected.

This CD speaks to the heart. It expresses powerful emotions of longing, grief, and tenderness. A baring of the soul with such beauty. Clair Marlo's vocals in Lullabye (Sviraj) are absolutely divine. It sends me. Here we are treated to at least three different vocals, not just Rebecca Luker, and they blend and flow so beautifully. It's just wonderful. What a treat. Can't say enough about this CD. I love it.

I love this album. This CD is a masterpiece! If you like Aria, you will love this too! This has more vocalists than the first Aria which I think has more instrumentals but I love it. I know you will love it too!

It is as though Paul Schwartz transports me away to some place when I listen to his music, such as Aria 2.

I enjoy all of Rebecca Luker's albums, and this Aria series does not disappoint. It's soothing and relaxing, and her voice is, of course, lovely.

I have never liked opera, but this music is a gentle introduction with enough contemporary addition to pique my interest. Very well done. I have also purchased the first Aria CD and also number 3.

For months, I own and listen to the first ARIA with amazement. Then, listening to the excerpts here on Amazon tempted me to get ARIA2. What a disappointment! Perhaps the success of the first Aria spoiled the talent in this sad production. It really tries to capture the essence of the original, and sadly fails. Got the impression they tried to make a formula from Aria(1) and ended up with a heavy handed technique. The effect in Aria2 is one of trying too hard, or just blase tiredness. I listened to this album with not even half the pleasure obtained from the startling ground-breaking first album. I had to put this in my easy listening section for use as mere background music. By the way, I ordered this album on Amazon as a used item with a vendor who described it as Like New - it arrived with food particles stuck to the playing side! And the multifold jacket appeared frayed and bent. On the postage I saw a fraction what I paid the vendor for shipment. Is it okay to reveal the vendor here??

review review review review blah blah blah blah and stuff, man.