Customer Reviews

Digital Moonscapes

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

 

 

Reviewer John Diliberto has not done justice to this album by his review. I believe he has missed the point of the LSI Philharmonic. Yes, the sounds were intended to replicate orchestral sounds, but only insofar as they are sonic replications in their particular orchestral sound class. What Carlos ended up with is not precise, ear-fooling instrument replicas, but rather, a large ensemble of orchestral instruments that occupy the same sonic families as their acoustic counterparts. The horn sounds, for instance, are more abrupt than acoustic horns, slightly off color, and to those expecting actual horns can come across as being slightly like horn caricatures, but they fit precisely into the spot in the LSI that acoustic horns do in a traditional orchestra. It's this placing of sounds in their acoustic family that makes the individual sounds of the LSI work so beautifully together.

I have always thought the orchestral sounds used in this album have complimented the compositions (which are excellent), not sabotaged. Yes, I would love to hear a live, orchestral performance of these works, but for me, the LSI is as real an "orchestra" as any other.

To summarize, when you listen to this CD, don't try to hear exact orchestral replicas. Instead, think of it as an impressionist orchestral painting, not an orchestral photograph. I admit that my affection for the album is slightly tainted by a love "vintage anything audio", but try to keep these things I have said in mind when you listen to this music.

Digital Moonscapes has disappeared from my collection more than once.

Each time, i've replaced it.

Originally, I was introduced to Carlos through her work included in a couple of Stanley Kubrick films (The Shining, A Clockwork Orange). Digital Moonscapes is unlike any of this film work, preferring to sail on an esoteric plain best suited for a planetarium, but equally enchanting on a home system. The playful compositions do sound a little "new-agey" or even dated (as an earlier reviewer stated) in their tonality but this release is more enjoyable then some of her more praised works.

I find this to be a relaxing, optimistic record full of wonder. I do prefer the original artwork, though. I also recommend Sonic Seasonings, A Slightly more challenging listen, but much more fulfilling.



Also check out, Sonic Seasonings

Though 25 years of incredible studio innovations has powered through the music landscape since its initial release, Wendy Carlos and her "LSI Philharmonic" retains a wonderful freshness that is not always found in electronic music from the era.

Without the use of samples, Carlos created a digital replication of an orchestra for the compositions that comprise Cosmological Impressions (Genesis, Eden, I.C. {Intergalactic Impressions}) and Moonscapes (Luna, Phobos and Delmos, Ganymede, Europa, Io, Callisto, Rhea, Titan, Iapetus). It is a soundscape of powerful and cutting-edge artistry that is a shining example of the genius of Carlos.

There is no tarnish on this silver, since it is actually pure gold.

A truly glorious recording, just what I want in music, with brilliancy, sensitivity, and beauty. This is a must have for every music lover worth the name.