Customer Reviews

Kamen: The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms

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Let me make it clear--if you want an objective or "expert" review, seek elsewhere, because this won't be it. Rather, this is a very emotional reflection upon the music, its composer, and the value it holds to me. I had the chance to observe Michael Kamen on his Internet forum for a few days before his unexpected death in November 2003, and this certainly seems to capture what I learned about who he was. I feel that even this "fleeting glimpse" accentuates the response I have to this album even more...but it's undeniable that the quality of the work itself has a lot to do with it. I greatly enjoyed listening to this.

I'll start with The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms. Yes--I can hear the influences of other composers in there, most notably (for me), Stravinsky. But it doesn't disturb my listening at all. One must remember what this piece was intended to be--it was commissioned for the millenium. I believe that its purpose was not to push *too* far--but to be a thing that people could connect with, envision. It is inventive, but at the same time *must* appeal to the familiar in order to accomplish its purpose. (The same goes for the Shostakovich-like part in "Marking Homework" in An American Symphony.) That, more than anything, embodies the spirit of Michael Kamen--he was all about bridging the gaps between genres and audiences that to him shouldn't have even existed in the first place. Look at his excellent work in the Metallica S & M project for another shining example of this "bridge-building" work, or the "Finale" of An American Symphony.

As to the symphony itself, I am quite pleased. Just as Michael did, I feel a great connection to the imagery and history of the Southwestern U.S., and particularly through the flute and percussion work I get that sense from it. Some pieces have darker parts in them--but there are also wonderfully bright sections to balance them out, such as a beautiful moment in "In the Moonlight" starting on Track 6 at about 5:35, where I envision seeing a thing that perhaps I feared...that is then revealed to be an object of great joy instead. The peace that comes from that is really very wonderful. The first track on "The Prayer" is also a particularly moving section, indeed the sort of uplifting thing I like as a backdrop for my meditations. The progression of the music throughout is "just unusual enough"--it can't be predicted by a first-time listener, but at the same time it does not go *too* far. I can't explain exactly how, but I can certainly hear certain signatures of Michael's throughout.

This CD also has all five parts of An American Symphony, which appeared in the movie Mr. Holland's Opus. I only saw the movie a few times in the years since it was released, and the *impressions* of the music, even if not the note-for-note particulars, burned themseves indelibly upon my brain. Among my favorites are the powerful "Iris" theme, and the hauntingly beautiful "Rowena". The latter is a tune that, upon seeing the movie a few weeks ago for the first time in years, became instantly familiar the second I heard it again--I felt as if I'd found a tune I'd been seeking for all the intervening time in my own musical meanderings. That, more than anything, ought to serve as a testament to what Michael wrote here. My only wish unfulfilled on this particular CD is that the mesmerising piano rendition didn't appear here. Trust me--it's worth renting or buying the movie to hear, and I hope very much you'll do that along with purchasing this CD.

The "Finale" now has a strange parallel meaning to what it held in the movie. The music program having been cut off suddenly, the students Glenn Holland has had over the years gather to give him a glorious send-off, and to prove to him that his career, even abruptly abbreviated as it was, had a tremendous influence. That influence is the legacy of him that they will carry in their hearts. So it is now with the man who was truly behind that music. The first symphony, too, is about legacy. The Anasazi people who actually created the art that inspired Michael are not here, either. But just as their tradition and their work has survived all these years, so will his, through a form of memory we know as music.

I truly hope you will open your hearts to the music and the memory...to know its power and joy.

--Written in memory of Maestro Michael Kamen

I found Michael Kamen's <The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms> on the Decca label (289 467 631-2) very enjoyable indeed but I think I spotted echoes of at least a half dozen other compositions from the past. The press release states that this symphonic poem is "original in sound and spirit but classical in its form." Dedicated as it is to the Native American Anasazi people who were more advanced than were many areas of Europe at the time, this piece uses the feelings of the past (the Old Moon) to foresee the future (the New Moon).

Instantly there spring to mind similarities with "Rites of Spring" and even "Billy the Kid," not to mention "Russian Easter Overture," along with a good dash of "Grand Canyon Suite" and several other works that evoke a mythical past. None of this makes the work any less enjoyable and a good case is made for it by the National Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin. In fact, I highly recommend it.

"Mr Holland's Opus--An American Symphony," which concludes the CD, is a lovely reminder of that popular film; and its four short movements (the longest lasting 4:35 minutes) profit by some classy casting such as having violinist Leila Josefowicz as soloist in the second movement. Very pleasant doings, this time with BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Now if the production people would stop this nonsense of printing the program notes in white over colored patterns so you can go blind trying to read them, we might appreciate the work even more.

I first discovered Michael Kamen's music when i purchased the soundtrack for "Mr Holland's opus"(A portion of which is on this disc).In an era when tax levies are being failed left and right and music programs are the first to go by the wayside, I wish we could count on his guidance one again, may he rest in peace. His frequent pleas to save music programs will be his true legacy.
On to this delightful disc. New moon in the old moon's arms is a curious blend of styles and time periods that begs to be cranked up on the stero. A true delight for the senses! Right now I am trying to find all of his works for my collection that are still available.

While I must admit to discovering this music because of the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps' great 2010 show based upon it, I find the complete tone poem extremely enjoyable and refreshing. Highly recommended!

I purchased this album after hearing a selection on the local classical radio station. Tracks 3& 4 "The Prayer," are so graceful, peaceful. They lift my heart in a fulfilling way that is hard to describe. I like the symphony in its entirety, but those two tracks are very special. In addition, the "Mr. Holland's Opus" symphony on the latter tracks is similar when taken as a whole: a bonus.

The Kamen: The New Moon in the Old Moon's Arms CD is awesome! After hearing an excerpt during a flight, I searched for a long time for this CD. It is wonderful. The tempo comes and goes in waves. The music is more an experience than anything. Highly recommended.

This CD is fantastic! I bought it because I saw it had an English Horn solo on one of the songs and was starting to learn to play the instument at the time. I was extremely pleased with the rest of the songs as well. They have a very inspiring quality to them and there is not a song on here that is not positively fabulous. A must have for any person who loves classical music. It keeps with traditional motifs but at the same time goes far above and beyond those same motifs. This CD would be a valuable addition to any collection. It is very enjoyable to listen to and relax to the sounds of perfection.

For the casual fan of classical music this is perfect bllend of old and new themes. Although for even my non-classical ears it is a bit dense and overly done at times. At times the suite reaches such startling contrasts that you begin to wonder if indeed you are stil listening to the same disc. The build up to crescendos comes crashing down to earth, slowly building softly back up and soaring high in graceful flights of fancy amidst the clouds. In the second movement, "Kokopelli and the Eagle" and "The Prayer," a sense of peaceful tranquility is achieved prior to the transition into "Sunset." Michael Kamden paints pictures on his musical canvas that invoke the spirit of the past, the great southwest civilization of the Anasazi comes to life. When the flute plays amidst the symphonic orchestration it is as though you can envision Kokopelli playfully dancing and leading his people. If you read the song titles and close your eyes you will embark upon a musical journey across time and space. The native American imagery will capture your imagination as the music dances through your head. "Mr. Hollands Opus-An American Symphony" which is featured on the second half of the disc is an eloquent musical statement that is rich and stimulating. It is like having two discs as the music is quite different from the "symphonic poem." Obviously Michael Kamden is able to crossover to audiences oustide of those more attuned to the sublties of classical music. I found the music very relaxing and at times exhilirating. If you are a person who likes classical music but feels a bit intimidated by the scope of the music this disc is right for you. This is a highly entertaining disc with cinematic qualities.