Customer Reviews

The Mozart Sessions

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Apparently some of the previous reviewers were disturbed that this CD contains the music of Mozart, instead of more schlock like "Don't Worry, Be Happy." With an expansive collection of Mozart recordings, especially piano works, I found this to be an utterly brilliant addition.

I was initially highly skeptical of a Chick Corea improvising in the cadenzas; but when I heard the first notes of McFerrin's introductory vocals, I immediately knew that this album was something special. If you haven't heard recordings of the concerti with other artists and the typical scored treatment, you have no conception of what this album is about.

The genius of it is that not only is Corea a brilliant improvisationist, but he can play Mozart with a crisp and subtle touch that highlights all the emotions from major to minor. Just tune out the right hand a bit, and hear the precision and deftness of the left hand's accompaniment. This lends credence and passion to his cadenza improvisations. Consequently, the brilliance of Mozart's writing and the brilliance of sheer improvisation make an incredible combination. All the poetic essences of continuity and change are flung at the listener. I listened to the entire first movement of K.488 in the store and it brought tears to my eyes.

Neither McFerrin nor Corea abuse the music either; the vocal introductions and Corea's embellishments and explorations only heighten awareness, and do not undermine the essence of the works.

The final Adagio from the F Sonata that they convert into the "Song For Amadeus" is a wonderful tribute to the most brilliant of composers. I played it simultaneously with other recordings of the movement, just for fun. Try it.

I can see why this was on of Time Magazines top releases of the year (1996). I listen to this CD at work and in the car. It's been number one on my personal playlist since I first heard it in March, 2000. Chick Corea's piano playing and Bobby McFerrin's direction of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is all I imagine Mozart should be, light, jaunty, and GUARANTEED to improve your mood! I highly recommend it, whether your a fan of Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, or (especially) Mozart, you will enjoy this CD!

I am a "classical" pianist and a lover of jazz music. I have followed Chick's career since the '70's when he dazzled us with Return to Forever. To hear him perform both Mozart and himself was quite a delightful experience. This cd is a must for music lovers...especially classical pianists who have never given jazz music a serious thought.

Mozart is Mozart and Chick Corea is Chick Corea. Two strong musical personalities. I own this cd for years, and I listen it frequently. Every time I listen to it, I discover new things. As a classical and Jazz pianist, my ears are well adapted to both styles, and I can understand the real intentions of this fabulous project. And the good part of it is to prove that we, as musicians have to be better than computers, simply not repeating what composers wrote as blind. This CD is inspiring, and Chick Corea and Bobby give us a true lession of music, and the right way we should think, and, curiously, this way is exactly the way the great composers expressed themselves. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, liszt were great improvisers, so Chick Corea. On this CD, you won't hear "human machines" playing conservatoires lessons, you will hear true music, with freedom, soul and creativity. When a master plays the music of other master he (she) often leaves their personal footprints on it. I can imagine Beethoven with his great musical individuality he had, how he could have played these concertos. Obviously, Beethoven would interpreter the Beethoven way, not Mozart's way, so on this CD, you hear the Chick Corea way. From a master to a master. The rest (unless few exceptions) are conservatoire lessons. This CD is simply fantastic! True Music!

Upon hearing Bobby McFerrin's subtle but at the same time powerful vocals, it brought a sense of true musicianship. Then as Corea's jazzy, improvisational piano kicked in, i was even more infatuated with this recording. The jazz turns serious in pieces like Prelude in D Minor and Rondo in D Minor scale. Over all I think the vocals and playing style of Chick Corea adds a bit of creativity to killer Mozart concerti

I'll admit I'm not any kind of classical music expert, though Ido enjoy it occasionally. The reason I bought this CD was because of some of the amazing vocals I'd heard in such a classical setting. I was reallylooking forward to 60 minutes of creative and beautiful singing on Bobby McFerrin's part.

.. Instead, I got three.

Apart from two openingshe does, there is only one song that features McFerrin's incredible voice, and it's only a minute long. The rest is standard Mozart, beautiful yes, but not any better (to my ear) than any number of alternatives. The segments where McFerrin sings are truly inspiring, almost ethereal, but all too brief.

If you're looking for Bobby McFerrin's vocal's, look elsewhere. Otherwise, it's a pleasant enough classical CD, which theother reviewers here seem to think is quite good.

Mozart with a jazz twist - here and there. Chick does a beautiful job playing Mozart. He definitely makes the music his own, and his jazzy cadenzas are remarkable! Add the McFerrin preludes and you have something quite unique, a beautiful blend of jazz and classical music. Very enjoyable.

I ordered this CD after hearing a review on NPR & am VERY pleased with it. I'm sure Wolfie would approve the McFerrin vocal preludes & the many new Corea improvizations on the cadenzas. I recommend this recording for all forward-thinking music lovers! It is splendid!

The second movement of K488 made my cry. The orchestra is very powerful and the piano doesn't compare with other piano versions of these pieces because Chick Corea puts his soul into the music - you can see and hear it.

Consider this, Mozart was a jazz musician of his time. Most of his music was improvised before it was notated. So, it would make sense to have a jazz musician playing Mozart. What gives "The Mozart Sessions" its unique touch is Chick Corea's craftmanship on the improvised preludes and cadenzas - all true to the style of Mozart. McFerrin's conducting is also gratifying. The preludes to both concerti are sung by McFerrin with Corea playing and the final "Song for Amadeus" is an appropriate ending. You simply will not hear Mozart like this anywhere else. This is a great recording.