Customer Reviews

Super Hits

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Long before a well-earned reputation for sartorial eccentricity, Wladziu Valentino Liberace was a proven pianistic virtuoso who, at age 21 toured the midwest with the Chicago Symphony orchestra. In his early 20s Liberace began redefining his musical repertoire, performing classically-influenced arrangements of popular tunes in nightclubs. This was also when he added joke telling, interacting with audiences and taking song requests to the act. During his late-1940s Las Vegas stint, Lee began appearing with his signature candelabrum and was now billed by last name only.

At the height of Liberace's mid-1950s fame, his half-hour TV show got higher ratings than all others, including I LOVE LUCY. Although critics often panned Lee's performance technique, audiences loved him; throughout a long career he played to sold-out houses in both America and overseas. After decades of success (and much personal controversy), Liberace died in February 1987 of complications from AIDS. He was 67 years old.


LIBERACE SUPER HITS (from COLUMBIA/LEGACY) may not contain (despite its title) any Top 40 recordings, but it does offer an excellent sampling of the man's considerable keyboard skills. All vintage tracks are monaural. "El Cumbanchero" (#6) shows evidence of rechanneling.

This budget-priced CD has no liner notes beyond a one paragraph blurb and contents list.

PROGRAM--

[3:06] Begin The Beguine
[3:07] September Song (vocal)
[2:07] Liebesträum (Love's Dream)
[2:04] Kitten On The Keys
[5:57] Warsaw Concerto
[3:01] El Cumbanchero 3:04 $0.99
[5:18] Fantasie Impromptu, Op. 66
[4:46] Spellbound Concerto
[1:24] Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out the Barrel) (TV soundtrack)
[3:22] Chopsticks

TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 34:12