CD-Charts Position 1
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Pachelbel's Greatest Hit

from: Red Seal

Release Date October 13, 2003
It goes without saying that if you like Canon, you'll love this CD. It contains fifteen delicious variations of the Canon (and one Gigue). There are one or two versions that are bound to become your favourites. For one of the most repetitive songs around, I'm amazed to say I've never tired of this song. You know where it's going, but it's still relaxing and uplifting, whether as background music or to listen mindfully (try listening through headphones to feel ultra calm and wonderful!). Would probably make great background music at a party or wedding reception, shop etc. This CD is a regular feature on my CD player. It's great value for money too. There should be more like it!

CD-Charts Position 2
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Snowflakes are dancing

by: Tomita

Release Date February 07, 2000
Everyone who has reviewed this album so far remembers where they first heard it, which says a lot for it's impact. My own awakening to Tomita's extraordinary interpretation was at Vancouver Planetarium in 1977. Some of the tracks accompanied a wonderful show, and I was so impressed that I asked the operator to tell me the name of the artist. I bought the vinyl edition in Vancouver and still have it. I am delighted to find a remastered CD available. Debussy's music is normally delicate and sparkling with sunlight. Tomita gave the themes operatic depth which, to me, swell the richer colours while preserving Debussy's magical qualities. As a frustrated film-maker i'd love to use these versions as a background to romantic scenes.

CD-Charts Position 3
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Pictures at An Exhibition

by: Tomita

Release Date October 12, 1991
A classic album, full of humour, inventiveness and colour. Listening to it now, I'm blown away by the painstaking work that must have gone into producing this on old analogue equipment: Moogs and suchlike. A star is lost for the abysmal quality of this new "surround" mix. Whole chunks of the melody get lost in the midfield at times. A huge shame.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Different Dimensions

by: Tomita

Release Date November 22, 1997
If you like modern electronic music and you occasionally like to chill out to classical music then you should buy at least one Tomita album. Since this is the supposed 'Best of' then it really ought to be this. It combines the two styles of music together in a way that not only compliments the originals it reinvents them also - making them increadibly interesting in the process.

Electronic Music for Brains as well as Ears

CD-Charts Position 5
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Bolero

by: Tomita

Release Date July 14, 2008
If you like modern electronic music and you occasionally like to chill out to classical music then you should buy at least one Tomita album. Since this is the supposed 'Best of' then it really ought to be this. It combines the two styles of music together in a way that not only compliments the originals it reinvents them also - making them increadibly interesting in the process.

Electronic Music for Brains as well as Ears

CD-Charts Position 6
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The Planets

by: Isao Tomita

Release Date February 15, 1991
This as a piece of electronic music is stunning - and over thirty years old so Tomita had to program the entire thing. It's a journey to and through the Solar System. It begins with someone singing the theme (one of the best themes I have ever heard) to someone else who, captivated by the theme's beauty and so the beauty of the Planets, sets out on a journey to see... The different parts of the work describe the different planets. Believe me, this is beautiful music. Holst is the creative one here but Tomita has interpreted it so beautifully and made it accessible to modern ears.

CD-Charts Position 7
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Bermuda Triangle

by: Isao Tomita

Release Date November 05, 2007
This is an album to put on and LISTEN to. Do not use it as background music or you'll miss a lot of the music and ambience. I first heard this on vinyl when it came out and it has remained ingrained on me ever since. This Japanese CD re-issue is superb. The packaging reflects both releases of the album as it includes a booklet similar to the gatefold sleeve that I remember as a youth. Sound quality is stunning retaining all the dynamics that figure so heavily in Tomitas renderings. It is only within the last few months that I've sought out the orchestral versions of some of the Prokofiev and Sibelius selections and was even more impressed with the Tomita versions as a result. It's an experience.

CD-Charts Position 8
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The Best of Tomita

by: Tomita

Release Date February 11, 1985
Isao Tomita and Walter/Wendy Carlos were the pioneers of classical music on synthesisers in the 1970s. A rash of very inferior imitators followed, probably best forgotten.

But Tomita used the sythesisers musically, with sympathy and understanding of the music, and this CD, a 'sampler' compilation from his albums, gives a fine picture of what he achieved.

This was something genuinely new and interesting in its day and is deserving of a place in the collection of every classical music lover.

Listen for example to Debussy's "Reverie", taken to a whole new feeling of wistful remoteness - I defy anyone who is not a total music snob to say that this isn't quite beautiful.

"Snowflakes are dancing" ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Kosmos

by: Tomita

Release Date July 09, 1991
For some reason I was never able to get my hands on a copy of Kosmos on vinyl and had to wait for the CD release to come out and how I enjoyed it. The dynamic range is amazing and although purists of music may laugh its one of those albums that you can listen to time and again.

So I was very happy with this CD UNTIL I got my Surround Sound system.. and now I am VERY VERY happy... Tomita and the RCA engineers must have had fun playing round with the mix to get so much movement into the tracks. Instruments chase each other round the room but not to a point that makes you feel travel sick. I thought the dynamic range was good on normal stereo..its even better with surround sound and the sub woofer.. "Space Fantasy" really does shake the room ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
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The Planets

by: Tomita

Release Date May 25, 1991
The Bringer of peace as arranged by Tomita is the most exquisite piece of music you'll ever hear.