Aria

Paul Schwartz (Composer), Paul Schwartz (Conductor), Linda Watson-Brown (Performer), Michelle Ivey (Performer), Rebecca Luker (Performer), Sharon Bryant (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Linda Watson-Brown, Michelle Ivey, Rebecca Luker, Sharon Bryant
• Conductor: Paul Schwartz
• Composer: Paul Schwartz
• Audio CD (August 10, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B0002IQGF8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,251 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an album!, January 25, 2005

By 

Broadway Phantom (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aria (Audio CD)

I bought this album at the marked down aisle of the used bookstore. Usually, I don't buy CDs unless I have at least a vague idea of who's behind it, but the cover spoke to me. By the looks of it I could tell it was in the style of music I very much enjoy like E.S. Posthumus, Era (yes Era, not Aria) or even Enigma or Delerium. Boy was I NOT disappointed!
This CD is a gem that cost me just $1.99! What a diamond in the rough. Take it, lie down, close your eyes and enjoy the escape. 5 out of 5 stars in my book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible music from opera's master composers, March 3, 2006

By 

C. B Collins Jr. (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aria (Audio CD)

If I could give this CD 10 stars, I would certainly do so. Five stars is not sufficient to describe this wonderful work of art. I am an opera fan but I am certainly not offended by these contemporary arrangements which brings these wonderful works to a modern audience.

The selection "Willow" from Verdi's Otello is haunting and mystical. "Un Bel Di" from Puccini's Madama Butterfly soars. Other works from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas; or Mozart's The Magic Flute; or Bizet's Carmen are arranged to be unique and evoke the context of the original opera.

Rebecca Luker's voice is superb. The electonic approach to these classics updates them, but never replaces the originals. They were not meant to replace only to offer a unique approach to classics.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ethereally grounded., April 29, 2005

By 

Rax Cee (Lafayette, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aria (Audio CD)

the formula for paul schwartz' aria: classical + synthetic = ethereally grounded. all tracks are beautifully textured, moving, melancholic, at times haunting. the way he blended orchestra and electronic in aria produced music that is so unbelievably lush and inspiring. a must-have for eclectics.

Also recommended: State of Grace (Paul Schwartz) Journey (Various Artists) Golden Key (Isgaard)