Customer Reviews

Aria 3: Metamorphosis

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

But what have YOU done lately that will last? --Besides, of course, calling a pop CD kitsch? Wow, fearless and original move there...

Yeah, I'm a little vexed by that dumb editorial review. Who wouldn't be? As is the case with so much that takes a drubbing in pop culture these days, if you will just relax, quit sweating the maintenance of your ironic attitude and listen without prejudice, there are great rewards to be reaped here.

Will Schwartz's enterprise live through the ages like the sources of its musical inspiration? Frankly, that doesn't concern me one little bit. I enjoy it, adore it, can't get enough of it in the now. That's more than enough for me, thanks, and for any fans of listenable, emotionally effecting music, I'd suggest. If I can put it on six months from now, and still feel the thrill, that's just a fringe benefit.

A+ Excellent. Enjoy!

I was first introduced to Paul Schwartz four years ago when I bought "State of Grace I", and since then his music has conquered my hears and my heart. I bought Aria III out of curiosity, for more than once I have become disapointed with following works of various other artists. I was proven wrong from the moment I pressed play. Contrary to the editorial review, there is nothing "cheesy" about "Ombra ma Fui", it has a lovely and well balanced melody that is just the lift off to what is going to be a lovely voyage through a field of great master works ( the original composers) complemented with a touch of modernity that can appeal to even the less drawn to classical music.
Forget the electronic sounds, just press play, "close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax". It is uplifting and very reccomendable.

Aria Metamorphosis 3 is traditional opera with an upbeat contemporary spin; and in some cases, almost like the New Age sound of Enigma. Fans of Sarah Brightman will love the vocals of Rebecca Luker!

The first time I heard anything by Paul was on a "sampler" of "world music" called "Elevation". It had one of his "Aria" tracks, and it was immediately my favorite; so I found and bought Aria and Aria II. Aria III is absolutely up to the same standards as the first two.

I love this CD. It's especially wonderful when it's rainy outside and I'm curled up by the fire inside. My son who is 16, blind and autistic loves it and plays it over and over. I think he taps into the immediate relaxation and beautiful blend of classical with technology.

I'm with all the others. Who cares if this somehow "interprets" the classic correctly or not? It is pleasing to the ears and that's all that matters.
Minneapolis, MN

Opera purists may frown on Paul Schwartz's "Aria 3", but I find it to be a magnificent effort in taking some beautiful themes and making them, well, simply divine. For example, Monteverdi's "Pur ti miro" is spellbinding. I have listened to the earlier "Aria" CD's and this is my favorite.

I purchased this after listening to samples, never having heard of this "group" before. The vocals are stunning, the clarity of the music is absolutely top notch, and the variety of beats used to mix the aria's is refreshing. There is a good variety of music here, some with vocals, some without. Personal opinion: "Ombra mai fu" is so good, it warrants a purchase of this album, even if you don't find the rest of the songs so hot.

As in Aria 1 and Aria 2, the incredible lyric soprano voice of Rebecca Luker delivers excellent music, song after song. She gives us an interpretation of Handel's Serse; a selection from Puccini's La Rondine; another selection from Verdi's La Traviata; an aria from Handel's Rinaldo; another nice selection from Puccini's Madame Butterfly; and a final selection from Monteverdi's L'Incoronazione.

The CD also has 6 instrumental works, arranged by Paul Schwartz. There is a very nice interpretation of Handel's tragic Sarabande, with vocals by the Joyful Company of Singers and words from Psalm 7. This piece reminds me of the tragic majesty of Carmina Burana.

Paul Schwartz consistently delivers powerful reinterpretations of classical music for modern ears.

I'd have to agree with Iconophoric and his assessment of mr. Dilibertos' view of this CD. Mr. Diliberto should go get a real job.

I first heard the original ARIA release in a Borders store back about 1997 or so. Loved what i heard from the beginning ( and i'm NOT an opera fan ), and immediately purchased it.
In fact, while i was selling my house i would often play this CD while prospective buyers were touring the place ( on low volume ) - more often than not i'd hear "...what is that beautiful music you're playing?..."

Not sure if i helped sell more CDs or not, but it helped the mood of the prospective buyers.
A couple of years later, i purchased the 2d ARIA CD - again - by hearing just one of the tracks.

I haven't been disappointed and recommend these works to anyone who is willing to open their minds to something different with a fresh approach to something usually considered 'uggh'.

I had long enjoyed State of Grace, and was recently turned on to Aria 3. Imagine the delight when I found out Paul Schwartz is the man behind both these projects! (Love the web and all the details I can get!) This album is wonderful, IMHO, great chill-out music. The 2 last bonus tracks are especially nice.
I MUST know - please help here - who plays the drums on track 13??? Great drum track!
I confidently recommend this, and State of Grace is worth checking out as well. Enjoy!