Cousteau's Dream

Vangelis

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Real Music
• ASIN: B00004X0E5
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #114,488 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Vangelis - West Across the Ocean Sea

2. Kamal - Shakuhaji Tales

3. Richard Burmer - Sun's Comin' Out

4. Aria - Un Bel Di

5. Yanni - Secret Vows

6. Kitaro - Nageki

7. Kenny G - Theme from "Dying Young"

8. Kevin Kern - To Sleep on Angels' Wings

9. 2002 - Stella Maris

10. Tim Wheater - Circle's Edge

11. Michael Hoppe - Lachrymosa

12. Vangelis - Eternity

13. Frederic Delarue - Future of the Sea

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A mix-and-match compilation project packaged as a tribute to the memory of Jacques Cousteau, the famed ocean explorer and environmental crusader, Cousteau's Dream is a low-key, high-minded collection of soft instrumental works compatible with an ocean's most serene state. Few of the mostly keyboard-generated compositions on this disc stir waves, making it an appropriate choice for laid-back listeners who favor the idea of tranquil ocean-gazing on a becalmed afternoon. The assembled tracks, from Vangelis, Aria, Kitaro, and others, along with two original pieces (including "Sun's Comin' Out," a semireverential work for trumpet and keyboards from Richard Burmer), exude a more earnest New Age inclination. Subtle grooves appear during Kamal's twinkling "Shakuhaji Tales" and periodically in Aria's "Un Bel Di," but the overall tone of the disc is better reflected by a worshipful, requiem-like selection such as Michael Hoppe's "Lachrymosa" or the brief, solemn beauty of Vangelis's "Eternity." The Kenny G tune, "Theme from Dying Young" seems a little out of place here, though 2002's Enya-like "Stella Maris" is a treat. The label, Real Music, says its EarthSea Institute will donate more than two dollars from each disc's sale to environmental groups. --Terry Wood

Product Description

Oceans of beauty caress the senses in this emotionally evocative tribute to Capt. Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Ranging from tribal to operatic, poignant to passionate, "Cousteau's Dream" is a musical voyage of hope and inspiration for what one person can do to change the world.

From each purchase of a CD, approximately $2.50 will be donated by Real Music's non-profit EarthSea Institute to The Cousteau Society and organizations with similar goals of protecting and preserving the earth and its inhabitants.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications, October 3, 2000

By	Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The folks at Real Music seem to have a real knack for putting together exceptionally good compilations. "Cousteau's Dream" contains work from recent releases as well as some early ones (1987 Yanni, 1990 Kitaro), and there is a very international flavor to the album as a whole. A generous portion from the sale of each CD will be donated by Real Music's non-profit EarthSea Institute to The Cousteau Society and organizations with similar goals of protecting and preserving the earth and its inhabitants. A noble cause, and a great album to help promote it! Several of the contributions are from Real Music artists (Kevin Kern, Tim Wheater, 2002), but most come from other sources such as Vangelis, Yanni, Kitaro, Kenny G, Richard Burmer, Michael Hoppe, Aria, Kamal, and Frederic Delarue. With such a variety of artistic styles, it is amazing that this album is so seamless. Smooth enough to use as a backdrop, but still interesting enough to listen to actively. Highly recommended!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Uneven collection, August 28, 2000

By	M. Williams (Traveller) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I hate to cast a shadow on a worthy (fund-raising) release but this was a terribly disappointing purchase. Some of the tracks were rather clumsy (Yanni) or derivative (2002's Enya rip-off) and there didn't seem to be any match between the tracks and the avowed conception for the album. The mix levels varied so much that I had to keep playing with my volume control. Licensed Massage Therapists beware!

Why is Kenny G's "Dying Young" theme on this album? Music-lovers beware.

The 2 short Vangelis tracks (from the soundtrack of 1492:Conquest of Paradise) are harmonically more interesting than the companion tracks. However the track "Eternity" did not seem to fit a Cousteau/Aquatic theme. It would have been more fitting to use some of his music from the album "Oceanic" (heck - buy that album and send a few bucks to the Earthsea Institute) or to publish some of the unreleased music Vangelis created for early Cousteau documentaries.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully relaxing, April 18, 2001

By	Barbara "Queen of her castle AND her home lib... (beautiful Charleston, SC) - See all my reviews

This is a terrific blend of relaxing music. The pieces played give a definite feel of peace and water. This is one of my best choices I've purchased and play daily while reading cleaning or just relaxing with my feet up. And such a great cause. :-}