Customer Reviews

Aria

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I probably would have given this album a higher score had I not heard Aria 2 first. This first Aria album seems like a bit of a jam session compared to the second: all sorts of genres are explored. Aeneas and Dido started out well, but then it got a little "groovy." One song (I can't remember which) was cheapened by an R&B laquer. As a result of the experimentation, the album at times seems to focus more on the novelty of combining genres than actually making an effort at a cohesive atmospheric focus. It's still an impressive synthesis, but if you want a more skillful (and moving) composition, get Aria 2 instead.

With Rebecca Luker's well-rounded operatic voice and beats that make you want to dance, Aria delivers a fine debut. The eight tracks here range from ballad-esque to songs with more of a groove to them, but each features haunting female vocals and beautiful synthesizer instrumentation and drum programming. This combination of the organic with the synthetic is yet another appealing aspect of this CD, as well as traditional mixed with modern. This is a CD to pick up and to give permanent residence in your player.

I recently got into Paul Schwartz's music in the past few months, beginning with "State of Grace". I absolutely loved that album, not to mention the concept of fusing classical and pop music together. The results simply takes my breath away. I moved on to "Earthbound", Paul's latest album which is another winner in my book. I didn't realize up until recently that I had already heard Paul Schwartz's work as a composer with his album "Aria". I kinda put that cd aside and allowed for other music to take hold of me in recent months. So I dug around in my massive cd collection and found my copy of "Aria" which I had purchased used at my favorite cd store. As I am listening to "Aria" for the first time in months, I immediately recognize Paul's work on this particular album. I can't really pinpoint my finger on Paul's sound but I definitely hear it here. On "Aria", the music is more classical with operatic vocals than what I'm used to hearing on "State of Grace" and "Earthbound" which are heavily influenced by pop music as well as classical music. The vocals are provided by Rebecca Luker and Michelle Ivey as opposed to Lisbeth Scott like on "State of Grace" and "Earthbound". And of course, Paul's choice in vocalists is impeccable. Both Rebecca and Michelle have absolutely stunning vocals. Musically, "Aria" is not my favorite Paul Schwartz album but it is still very good nonetheless. I jus prefer "State of Grace" and "Earthbound". I however enjoyed "Secret Tear", "Willow" and "Habenara" a lot. I am definitely a fan of Paul Schwartz's music and look forward to hearing more from him.

Purchased cd after seeing Rebecca Luker was in it (have seen her in a few Broadway musicals) sight unheard; now it is one of my favourites.

Maybe I've been living under a rock somewhere, but this music is all new to me and I'm blown away! Closing the gap in time and recognizing beauty in a relationship between the rhythms and sound effects of 21st century techno combined with the timeless passion of 19th century opera is an incredible concept! Equally balanced and not overpowering, it's the best of both worlds. This music will take you places if you let it! Even if you thought you'd never enjoy opera... this may change your mind!! Pace Pace mio Dio

As one who was raised on classical music yet became a fan of all things modern, I was thrilled at this collection of the most beautiful opera tracks, updated for our age. The voices, the beats, the music, the lyrics are all spectacular. In my experience, after someone hears this CD they end up buying it. No one does opera or electronica quite like Paul Schwartz (the man behind Aria and State of Grace). He has exquisite taste in the choice of music he updates, the singers he attracts to participate in the production, or the instrumental arrangement. If you end up buying and loving this (as it's impossible not to love), also try Aria 2 (more of sheer heaven).

I would have loved this CD if it was the first one I had gotten. However, I got Aria 2: New Horizon first, which I adore. Then I got this one
because I loved Aria 2 so much, but it's not as good. Paul Schwartz has done a marvelous production, but you can definitely tell that he
got more polished by the second project. If you are only going to get one, get the 2nd one.

I listen to this CD almost everyday and can't tire of this. I came across this music being played in a mind,body, spirit store in Irving,TX and had to buy it immediately. I love it and recommend it to anyone who needs instant mellowing and focus. Thank you for this work

Aria is one of those CDs that you can listen to in any mood. I usually listen to it in the car while driving through back country winding roads. Every few months I come back to the CD and discover something new that I like about it. I would recommend it to anyone to get it!

A buddy of mine loaned me this CD and I won't give it back. Now and then I'll stumble onto a wonderful recording like this (reminds me of first discovering Tim Story or Gustav Holst) and explore everything ever done by the artist until I obsess on something new. "Willow" has one of the best builds in any track I've heard lately and "Dido" sets a mood that is at once dark and sensual. I'll buy Aria 2 today.