Aria 3: Metamorphosis

Aria (Artist), Paul Schwartz (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 21, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Koch Records
• ASIN: B0002PUH7Y
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,090 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Souping up the classics with whatever contemporary music pulse is current at the moment has a long history. Some artists, like Emerson, Lake and Palmer, aspired to classical grandiosity. Others, like Michael Murphy and his discofied "A Fifth of Beethoven," turn classical melodies into pop hooks. Paul Schwartz falls somewhere in the middle with his Aria project, of which this is the third. Electronica grooves and effects angle their way through songs "based" on operatic works by Handel, Verdi, Puccini, and Monteverdi. Schwartz begins with a bar set high by some of these melodies, beautifully sung by soprano Rebecca Luker. Whether singing solo or in multi-tracked choirs, her voice opens heavens' gates, but she has to slog through some pedestrian arrangements to get there. Schwartz understands the difference between an orchestra and a synthesizer and with only a few exceptions--like the cheesy opening to "Ombra Ma Fu"--deploys each in appropriate measures. "Ascension," based on a Monteverdi aria is particularly striking with its underlying electronic ostinatos cycling through the breathtaking refrain. But too often, Schwartz's strings are saccharine and his rhythms clichéd in a music that uses high art only to reach for the facile. Like most classical-pop crossovers, time usually renders a verdict of kitsch in the first degree. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Call it "kitsch" if you want Mr. Editorial Reviewer, but..., March 10, 2005

By	Iconophoric - See all my reviews

But what have YOU done lately that will last? --Besides, of course, calling a pop CD kitsch? Wow, fearless and original move there...

Yeah, I'm a little vexed by that dumb editorial review. Who wouldn't be? As is the case with so much that takes a drubbing in pop culture these days, if you will just relax, quit sweating the maintenance of your ironic attitude and listen without prejudice, there are great rewards to be reaped here.

Will Schwartz's enterprise live through the ages like the sources of its musical inspiration? Frankly, that doesn't concern me one little bit. I enjoy it, adore it, can't get enough of it in the now. That's more than enough for me, thanks, and for any fans of listenable, emotionally effecting music, I'd suggest. If I can put it on six months from now, and still feel the thrill, that's just a fringe benefit.

A+ Excellent. Enjoy!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Listening Pleasure!, February 15, 2005

By	Christopher J. Cotter (Sarasota, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Aria Metamorphosis 3 is traditional opera with an upbeat contemporary spin; and in some cases, almost like the New Age sound of Enigma. Fans of Sarah Brightman will love the vocals of Rebecca Luker!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Close your eyes , take a deep breath and relax"., April 12, 2005

By	Josiane Santos (Porto, Portugal) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was first introduced to Paul Schwartz four years ago when I bought "State of Grace I", and since then his music has conquered my hears and my heart. I bought Aria III out of curiosity, for more than once I have become disapointed with following works of various other artists. I was proven wrong from the moment I pressed play. Contrary to the editorial review, there is nothing "cheesy" about "Ombra ma Fui", it has a lovely and well balanced melody that is just the lift off to what is going to be a lovely voyage through a field of great master works ( the original composers) complemented with a touch of modernity that can appeal to even the less drawn to classical music.
Forget the electronic sounds, just press play, "close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax". It is uplifting and very reccomendable.