Customer Reviews

Chronicles Of Man

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

 

 

Made in GER in 2000, Serial# RWCD-34, Playing Time: 63 min.

This album is exclusively performed on the piano, but unlike many of Rick's other piano collections, this disc demonstrates his versatility in inspiration and performing.

Even though the music is relaxing, melodies range in style: from the almost classical "The Chapel By Candlelight" to the perkier "Jesters At Court". The tracks are different enough that you don't get the feeling it's 13 identical songs with different titles.

I preferred this album to its predecessor, "Preludes To A Century", probably because the melodies are more versatile.

If you play it loud enough, you can almost hear the waves crashing on the shores of the island...

I must agree with Kevin's review of this release. It sounds as if Rick's heart is really into this one! To those that have Heritage suite, this one could be a companion disc, perhaps just a little less intense. Far superior to Preludes to a Century, which is still a nice CD. I highly recommend this CD to anyone that LOVES a well done piano CD. Perhaps I should have rated it 4 1/2 stars....

Bruce

As far as the comparisons the other reviewers made, I must admit I dont own Preludes to a Century, but I do own Heritage Suite, Country Airs, and the Piano Album, all of which are acoustic piano works. I consider Chronicles of Man to be by far the best. The melodies are excellent, and it honestly seems very inspired. I liked many things from the other piano albums, but I think this album shows Rick at his best in both composition and execution (at least as far as piano music goes). My favorite tracks are The Siege, The Abbey Garden, The Ruin, and The Monastery. I bought the CD because I fell in love with the melody and chord progression of The Abbey Garden from a soundclip. An excellent piano album, as I would expect from Rick.

One of Wakeman best albums of ever, this is truly a beautifully evocative and most charming piano masterpiece. Thank you for another gem, Rick!

This new cd is quite the same thing as Wakeman's most recent cd called Preludes to a century, which is a fine record: with just Rick and his grand piano, no more. Although I am a big Wakeman fan, he is getting too repetitive. With all the respect this great master deserves: too much records means less quality. Chronicles of Man is a fine cd but if you already own Preludes, you will find nothing new composition-wise. The execution is excellent but the songs are nothing really great.