String Quart Tribute to Madonna

P. / Rans, R. Brown (Composer), J. / Bettis, J. Lind (Conductor), B. Madonna / Elliot (Performer), P. Madonna / Leonard (Artist), W. Madonna / Orbit (Artist), W. / Maldon, C. / Curtiss, D. / Leach, C Madonna / Orbit (Artist), S. Madonna / Pettibone (Artist), Jim McMillen (Artist), Jim McMillen (Artist), Da Capo Players (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 15, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vitamin Records
• ASIN: B00006JM8Z
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #435,074 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Spanning Madonna's entire career over nine songs, The String Quartet Tribute to Madonna is an entertaining, often whimsical look back at some of the most memorable pop songs of the latter 20th century. Performed instrumentally on violin, viola, cello, and bass, the arrangements stick closely to the originals, often simply replacing the vocal line with a violin. Often, the instruments will emulate specific sounds from the songs. For instance, the high-pitched squeals that drop between lyrical couplets in the verses of "Material Girl" are specific to that song and imprinted on listeners' brains. Here, the violinist pricks the strings of her instrument with her bow to achieve the same effect. It makes the performance, as to exclude the squeals would have been to kill the vitality of the song. Elsewhere, reverb is employed to the violin for ethereal effect on "Like a Prayer," "Crazy for You"'s already beautiful melody is accentuated by the warm tones of a cello, and "Ray of Light" is transformed into an outtake from a Bj rk album (which the original sort of was in the first place). ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Madonna and chamber music, April 24, 2004

By 

Aaken (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: String Quart Tribute to Madonna (Audio CD)

I knew that the Da Capo Chamber Players released excellent tribute recordings of Björk and Radiohead, I was very curious and excited to hear what they'd do with Madonna's work.
Madonna has used strings in her music since her Like a Virgin album, but this cd explores even more the core of her music, which is quite a test, since people usually assumes she's more a celebrity than a real musician.
Madonna and chamber music? A funny thought, but here she passes the test. Even though one might argue about the choice of songs (it's a shame they selected more of her earlier material), the arrangements are really well written, staying true to the originals, yet revealing her skills as a songwriter and melodist.
One highlight: 'Ray of Light', full of sparkle and energy, just like in the original version.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great album!, November 13, 2010

By 

ilya - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: String Quart Tribute to Madonna (Audio CD)

I had heard "Like a prayer" from it on Word Fashion Channel (I had forgot whose show it was) and I completely inloved in it. Musicians play wonderful and record quality is very well, so you can taste your acoustic system to play it. Just listen the samples and make your choice.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Stringed Tribute CD!, March 15, 2006

By 

R. Christensen "Ryan" (Newport Beach, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: String Quart Tribute to Madonna (Audio CD)

Very well orchestrated and performed by the Da Capo Chamber Players. Are these guys for hire or what? Amazing! I'm now looking into their other works as well. Highly recommended!