Customer Reviews

The Best of Vanessa-Mae

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The violinist Vanessa Mae has been a recording artist and performer of classical music for a while now, but it was recently when I heard her version of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor which opens this album. Vanessa Mae combines the fiery passion and technical art of playing violin with the background music imitating the music that's hot today among the young- rock, pop, alternative, New Age. She is a revolutionary artist,
who comes off like a rock star who can play classical. And does she ever play classical! She has mastered the art of the violin in its detailed facets- intensity, sorrow, beauty, drama. The cd opens with Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach, which Miss Mae has arranged for violin and a rather upbeat contemporary background music. It is nothing like the Stokowski orchestra arrangement but it is very effective and quite pleasurable to hear. Very intense and lively. It actually makes you want to dance.

The Puccini opera Turandot contains the famous tenor aria "Nessun Dorma" which Vanessa Mae has arranged for violin. The romantic melody of the aria, the perfect balance of beauty and passion, are vividly displayed. The "softer" sounds of the violin are detailed and a perfect contrast to the stormy sounds of the Bach Toccata and Fugue that preceeds it. The rest of the music are colorful and engaging. There is a violin version of a tune from Scotland, more than likely a folk song. The Winter and Summer movements from Vivaldi's Four Seasons are excellent renditions and sure to amaze you with it's unconventional take.
Finally, the Devil Trill Sonata is aptly dramatic. The good thing about Vanessa Mae's music is that her violin is faithful to the original classical sounds of the pieces, even if the background "orchestra" is contemporary in nature.

Being a classical fan myself, I find this music wonderful. The only problem with classical music is that it can sometimes be slow. Vanessa-Mae's music is a mix between classical and contemporary music, and is spectacular. My favorite songs are Happy Valley and I'm Doun for Lack o Johnny, though all of them are great. They are all filled with emotion that makes it such a good CD. The music is dramatic, sad, and uplifting. I would highly recommend this CD.

I have heard of Vanessa-mae for several years, but it was not until recently that I became interested in her work after stumbling on some of her MTVs on youtube. After viewing "Destiny," "Contradanza," and "Devil's Trill" I found her music intriguing enough to try out her other works. After sampling several of Vanessa-Mae's CDs, I will have to say this is literally her best CD so far.

I enjoyed listening to the great majority of the compositions on this CD. Most of the tracks are up-beat, pop like, although with a stronger classical bend than Bond/Yanni. Nevertheless, several of the tracks are simply classical in nature. Therefore, this combination showcases the range of Vanessa-Mae's work very well. I am highly anticipating her next work, as I am interested to know how she is developing her violin skills - some of the compositions on this CD, although still refreshing, are around a decade old...!

But if this is your first introduction to Vanessa-Mae, this is the CD you should get.

I became a VM fan right after listening to this cd. My favourite piece would have to be I'm all doun for lack o Johnnie. Its simply enchanting, and it starts off with VM singing. Her voice is great, and can be heard on other tracks like I Feel Love, a song that sounds a lil disco-like [great for parties] and White Bird, which focusses more on her voice, than on her violin. Happy Valley is another track which is amazing. slightly more classical pieces like Bach street prelude, The four seasons- summer and winter shows off VM's wonderful techniques and skills. This cd is truly a gem, try it!

Vanessa-Mae music gives me energy. She plays the violin like nobody else can. If I need an attitude pick me up I play 'The Best of Vanessa-Mae'

I have listened to many songs/music by Vanessa Mae but by far my favorite would have to be "Storm"...This score has powerful bursts of emotion wrapped around an aura of unreality...Starting out slow, It explodes and captures the listener's attention throughout the song.. I recommend this cd to anyone who loves music.

The track list provided has ommited the fisrt song on the CD?

Track 1: The Art of War

The version of this release that I have has a total of 16 tracks.
Vanessa Mae is an accomplished violinist and performs beautifully in the traditional sense. What makes her stand out from the "crowd" of classical performers is her willingness to interpret great works of the past in new and envigorating ways.

Never knew classical could be so cool!

I love the track "Aurora"..it's my favorite.

I never listen to classical music, but I ended up getting this one since I liked her mix of classical and contemporary music.

Great for anyone looking for something new.

If you like Vanessa mae then you will love this one..Every time i listen to the album i like more and more everytime.. I also have the album entilted "The Violin Player" trhat one is just as good

my review is short, because this CD is so good and i enjoy listening to it almost every day. By the way if you looking for a CD that your child would enjoy, this is one of those CD's