Customer Reviews

The Best Of Walter Murphy: A Fifth Of Beethoven

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

 

 

This CD is a compilation of 3 Walter Murphy vinyl LPs that he made under the now defunct "Private Stock" label, and produced by Thomas Valentino, "A Fifth of Beethoven", "Phantom of the Opera", and "Rhapsody in Blue". Before and after this series of recordings, Walter Murphy was and still is a jingle-writer, mainly for Thomas J. Valentino, INC., who owns Valentino Production Music. Murphy is a prolific composer, with a wealth of melodies and tunes. He has written music for numerous TV shows, in addition to his production music being utilized for many radio and TV projects. This CD contains virtually all of the tracks from his 3 vinyl albums, and shows some of the same arrangements he uses for library music. "A Fifth of Beethoven" was quite popular in 1976, as the disco craze was beginning. Murphy seems to have a love for classical music, and attempts to update some pieces by arranging them with a danceable beat. Remarkably, he succeeds! If you're a fan of classical music fusion, then by all means purchase this CD

From "Flight of the Bumblebee" to "California" to "A Fifth of Beethoven," this music is nothing less--or more--than good time fun. Bringing an up-to-date (circa the 70s) beat to old classical tunes, as well as some new tunes, Walter Murphy creates a series of dance tunes that in its day was sure to raise anyone out of their stuffed sofas and on to the dance floor! The music is dated, true--it's very, very disco. But if you can move past that--or appreciate the music more for it--then this CD is just a great way of enjoying and grooving to some old Beethoven, Bach, and pals.

Buy this CD for the instrumentals alone. The songs with vocals aren't nearly as good. Nevertheless, Murphy's reworking of classical songs shows genius.

It took me some time searching for this album on CD. I have a record but fungus have got to it. His adventurous arrangement of
" A Fifth of Beethoven " was simply " unheard of " when it was included along with the Bee Gees in John Travolta disco movie hit - Saturday Night Fever. All the tracks have the Murphy treatment. Strictly for those who like creativity in their music and enjoy new musical directions. Its a pity that one can't get hold of his second album on CD ( again fungus have got to mine ).

Most of the cd sound the same. I wanted flight 76. Too bad it wasn't the exteded version.

Originally, only a few tracks caught my attention like California Strut, Flight of the Bumblebee, and some ballads. Listening to the extended version of Fifth of Beethhoven and other classic tunes changed all that. I know that I've been listening to some of these tunes without knowing the respective titles at all. I'm glad I've purchased this album because I'll no longer listen to the tracks without knowing the titles now. This is a good album.

I had bought this 78 record in the 60s, and loved it. Since phonographs/stereo records are not used anymore, didn't think I would ever find them again. (I don't think they are around anymore). I listen to them all the time on my computer.

It is ok, but I would prefer the original since all of "A fifth of Beethoven" (which we owned in the late 70's) was MUCH better

I'm in awe of this cd. I bought the lp back eons ago and couldn't find anyone with a turntable to burn it to a cd, so I set out to se if they had it on cd at amazon.com.
thank you

This music has long been a favorite. I use it as a theme for most adult gatherings. My copy was damaged, and I am pleassed to have a new one. I look forward to enjoying if for a long time.

B.T Lewis