Customer Reviews

Fantasia 2000 (Blisterpack)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This new recording of the Soundtrack to Fantasia 2000 is an impressive effort. Both the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmoinia Orchestra, under James Levine perform these works, most of which are arrainged for the orchestras by Bruce Coughlin. I think that he attepted and succeeded in keeping the original Fantasia Spirit in the new pieces. I must say that hearing Kathleen Battle singing in the Elgar Pomp and Circumstance section is a treat! The Firebird Suite section will test your stereo system to its utmost! The liner notes are not as well done for Fantasia 2000 as they were for Fantasia, but then Deems Taylor did the liner notes for Fantasia, and there is no one to match him in this endevor. I can only hope that this will be the first of many Fantasia sequels to come. Like many I am curious to see the movie when it comes out, and I will be curious to hear the DVD-Audio version of the soundtrack when it comes out in July of 2000. I also feel that the Philharmonia Orchestra should have had equal billing with the CSO on the cover. I recently found out that the Disney folks
decided not to issue the soundtrack on the DVD-Audio format.
A pity.

The original Fantasia was a work of pure genius, and without a doubt, the one thing Walt Disney could be proud of beyond all else. Fantasia 2000 not only lives up to his spirit, but surpasses it as well. At first I was a bit skeptical when I learned that they would be ditching the entire program from the original. (Save "The Sorceror's Apprentice" as it is heresy to kill the mouse!) But the folks at Disney have done a marvelous job selecting the new pieces. Not only do they compliment all that has come before them, but they dare to go in new directions. After all, can you think of anything more progressive than a Gershwin piece in Fantasia? I am looking forward to the movie, hoping and expecting the animation to do the music justice. But the CD, in the meanwhile, will have to suffice. And it does. For the one truly remarkable thing about the original Fantasia was not just the classical music, but the classical music being so well played. And Fantasia 2000 keeps up the tradition of a fine performance by the orchestra. Definitely for fans of classical music, and anyone who likes a good tune, in general.

This CD is not only for the fan of Fantasia but for any classical music lover as well. On one CD comes a wide range of classical music, from Beethoven's 5th to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Everything is wonderful about the CD- the recording, the selections, the pictures from the movie that dance around your head while listening. The Pines of Rome will always be one of the greatest symphonies, it's even better on this CD. I was paticularly happy with the Shostakovich selection, he is one of my favorite composers. Anyone of any age will love this CD, I'm 14 and listen to it all the time. It might be a great way to introduce classical music to the kids. I can't say much more besides buy this CD, you won't be disappointed, and if you live by an IMAX theater be sure to check the movie out!

Just by listening to this CD you can tell what kind of movie Fantasia 2000 will be. The music is superb. The Pomp and Circumstance segment is one of the best. The new interpretation of The Sorcerer's Apprentice is great. This is definitely a must have for all Disney Fans and for all classical music fans. I can't wait to february when I will have the chance to see the movie when I take my vacation in Orlando, Florida.

Fan or not of classical music, Disney's selections for "Fantasia 2000" is a wonderfully energetic and completely accessible collection for listeners of all ages. The version of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" is worth the price of the cd alone. There seems to be less pretense in the selections than in the previous soundtrack. And from the looks of the clips from the new film, so does the animation. The "Blister Pack" edition is nice looking and I believe they are all individually numbered. But the soundtrack itself is exactly the same. This is only neccessary for the a true collector. SInce they are both the same price here you might as well get it. This is a guess. I thought the Collectors edition was only available at the Disney Stores. Might want to double check on this before ordering.

Excellent! This may be by favorite Disney soundtrack ever, because I love classical music, more than others. All music sounds great, especially Respighi's Pines of Rome, and Stravinsky's Firebird Suite.

This a perfect CD for music lovers. It is a perfect CD to buy for your Disney collection. The music sounds great.

This may be the best collection of classical music for all ages. If you're the parent who wants to teach your kids how good classical music can be (because many other music is taking over the popularity reign.), this CD is excellent.

When you watch the movie, feel the music and sight. After all, you know the movie is better that CD.

I call both the CD, and the exact film, 2 thumbs up! about

What can you say about this piece? Next to the ballets of Copland and Stravinsky, the most awe-inspiring piece of all time. Even without Fantasia 2000 this piece would have its own story. From a Roman aspect this would be a perfect piece of historical reference, and Respighi uses every drop of his orchestra. The music is specifically divided into 3 movements.

The first depicts the gaudy, over-the-top aspects of Roman culture. From the mischievous orgies to the happiness of its rulers and subjects to live in what they surmise as the greatest civilization in the world.

The second section tells of a personal story: one is sentimental and sublime at all time. Possibly a mother sending her son off to a conflict and wondering if he will ever return. Or the separation of loved ones: wife from husband, father from children.

The third and final section sums up the real spirit of Roman culture. The people while arrogant, boastful, and proud of their own civilization, were extremely spiritual and superstitious and thankful for their lives on earth. The last march shows both the triumphs and weaknesses of these people and their leap into a possibly glorious or tragic fate. But whatever the outcome they will stand tall and strong ready for whatever comes their way.

This soundtrack is a definite buy. James Levine helps extol emotions and power like no other. My only complaint would be the the Firebird Suite is horribly truncated from its original form. Look for a more complete version (a Bernstein version is recommended) of, in my opinion, Stravinsky's best ballet.

I bought this CD on Amazon.com about a week ago and i couldn't wait for my package to arrive! This has got to be the best CD i have ever bought from Amazon.com! After watching Fantasia 2000 on the IMAX screens, i was amazed and entranced by the pictures portrayed by the Disney Artists from hearing the beautiful music. All of the music is wonderfully played and well arranged. My favorite out of all the songs in the CD is Rhapsody in Blue. After seeing Fantasia 2000, i have devoted my life to learning how to play the piano just to play Rhapsody in Blue! That shows you how good the music in this CD is. This deserves a 10 star review, but Amazon only allows 5 stars... go figure...

After seeing Fantasia 2000, I was expecting the soundtrack to lose a little- a little- without the visuals. I was very pleasantly surprised to find that, if anything, the soundtrack more than holds up its end. What you're left with without the movie is a wide, yet easily accessible, variety of classical music beautifully performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Dukas' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" reappears here, along with the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth. But this collection ranges much further than that. Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" (better known as the Graduation March) appears here, including four of the marches, not just the best-known "graduation march." It ranges even to Stravinsky. The Firebird Suite was an excellent choice, as it will provide an introduction to Stravinsky and some of the more divisive elements of 20th century classical music without overwhelming them with the dissonance of The Rites of Spring. An excellent album, whether you want a reminder of the movie, or just want to broaden your range and appreciation of classical music.

The pieces on this CD are all amazing compositions, but the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performances of them take the music to a higher level. The CSO shows why they are the best orchestra in the world. The soft, delicate sections are played with extreme sensitivity, and when called upon, the group can blow down the wall with amazing quality and emotion. Tubist Gene Pokorny and bass trombonist Charlie Vernon anchor some of the most intense brass moments ever recorded. The last three minutes of The Pines of Rome are absolutely unforgettable! Go buy this CD even if you have no interest in seeing the film!