Customer Reviews

Piano Concerto, Suite & Caribe

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I happened to hear a little of the Piano Concerto over the radio and found I wanted to hear more. It is rare that I run to get a CD but this is, deservedly, an exception.

Michel Camilo is from Santo Domingo, and his music is infused with jazz and Caribbean rhytmns. He is a graduate of the Juilliard and is known as a formidable pianist. The Piano Concerto was commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and is a work of remarkable melodies. Jazz elements are blended with the more classical to create a tuneful and engaging work. The piano part is extensive and Mr. Camilo proves that he had a command of the keyboard. The Andante movement is particularly beautiful and has the lightness of Ravel or Poulenc. The final movement is all energy. Overall, this concerto is a wonderful combination of classical, Latin and jazz elements I think that listeners who do not care much for classical recordings will enjoy this disc.

The Suite for Piano, Strings and Harp is more influenced by jazz and is an enjoyable and breezy piece to listen to. The Latin roots of the composer are very evident. Of course, the piano plays the major role and Mr. Camilo proves he is a great jazz pianist. Finally, there is Caribe, Mr. Camilo's signature tune and a piece that first attracted attention.

I've only listened to the CD once although I'm qualified to review it. I saw the world premiere of the concerto in 1998 in Washington, DC by the NSO and have been waiting for the release of this CD for a long time. I've had a Proms recording of it from 2001 that I found online, but it's great to finally have a real CD recording so I could hear some of the nuances I've missed. Although this was written in the mid-90's, you'd never know. It would describe it as romantic era with a Latin twist. When I say with a Latin twist I don't mean bad American composers trying to give their music a Latin twist like so many seem to try to do. It has a standard concerto structure fast-slow-fast and high degree of difficulty in the final movement with a big finish. If you're not sure whether you like classical music you should try this because it's a good piece that would make you want to listen to more. At the same time if you're already a fan, there is much to hear the 2nd 3rd and nth time you listen to it. I am going to see the NSO play it this weekend again and I can't wait!

If you already know Michel Camilo's solo and trio renditions of
Yarey, Remembrance and Blacky, you will be blown away by the
orchestral version. If you are into Tropical Jam, as I am, then
you will get a kick out of this version with strings. Check it out!

With this album, Michel Camilo goes from his usual latin jazz to full scale orchestral arrangment. This concerto is not a total divergence from his usual work, still carrying latin rhythms and a jazz feel, but theres something more. With a full orchestra, Camilo paints a audial image and takes you on a journey that seems filled with emotion and movement. While listening, one can almost see the dancers moving through a modern ballet, telling a story with each movement. A wondeful piece for anyone who likes classical, jazz, or just something a little different.

Piano Concerto, Suite & Caribe
For lovers of dance rhythms and lively piano music this is just the thing! Camilo combines latin rhythms, piano concerto style and just more than a hint of jazz here and there. The result is guaranteed to keep you awake on long car journeys and probably have you jiggling in your seat. Quite apart from that the piano concerto has some beautiful instrumentation.

In fifty years when musical directors are selecting music for
symphony orchestras, Camilo will be programmed with Bernstein,
Copland and Gershwin.

This is a fabulous CD. He is a master! Just play Caribe for a sample