CD-Charts Position 1
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Echoes: The Einaudi Collection

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
from: Bmg

Release Date September 01, 2003
I love piano music and after hearing one of the tracks on Classic FM was determined to buy a copy of this CD. I was looking forward to listening to it but after the first three tracks I started to feel disappointed. Einaudi is best listened to in isolation - ie on Classic FM. An entire CD of his is pretty boring and rather depressing to be honest. There is little differentiation from one song to the next: most are solemn, ponderous, many are written in 3/4 time giving the impression of a long waltz. I think hearing a track on the radio amongst other music does Einaudi's music more justice but he needs to vary the tone, the rhythm, and the mood of his pieces more, in my opinion, to be considered a composer of any real worth or value. Someone ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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New Dawn

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Libera

Release Date March 03, 2008
Where does one begin. The latest album from LIBERA (new dawn) is out of this world. The selections are wonderful and Robert Prizeman as usual, has given us more of his wonderful music, that I personally feel, comes from God. The harmonies are breath taking and each solo is beautiful. I would like to say something about every soloist, but that would take way too long. From the six soloists I have chosen two to tell you about. The first is Tom Cully. Tom's voice will send shivers all over your body. He has a beautiful voice and his range will astound you. He also hits a few notes that will amaze you. In my opinion, his voice gets better every time I hear him sing. The other soloist I enjoy hearing, and watching is Josh Madine. Josh has ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 3
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Einaudi: Le Onde

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
from: Ricordi

Release Date May 02, 1998
I bought this Audio CD after listening to Myleene Klass's rendition of it on her Moving On album. This music is so relaxing and well worth buying. You won't be disappointed!

CD-Charts Position 4
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A Posteriori

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Enigma

Release Date September 25, 2006
This is just brilliant stuff from Engima. All the usual Michael Cretu genius has resulted in yet another stunning album from Enigma.

CD-Charts Position 5
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The Penguin Cafe Orchestra - A Brief History

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
from: Eg

Release Date November 12, 2001
what a fantasic album. i first heard of the penguin cafe orchestra on irelands classic radio whilst on holiday there. on my return home i bought a copy of "a brief history" and my ears have been truly treated. if you have heard anything by the pco but dont own any of their stuff, but like this sort of music then take the plunge you wont regret it and just like me treat your ears.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Albedo 0.39

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Vangelis

Release Date September 16, 1989
Produced in the 70's before he really hit the big time, this is a slice of what made Vangelis the master of synth rock. This is up there against Tomita and J.M. Jarre, and comes out very well. We all gasped that only one man was making such wonderful music, remember this was before PCs and samples took over the world. There are complex and melodic pieces alongside percussion. There is an other worldly feel to the pieces which explains why this music was used in Carl Sagans "Cosmos". The spoken title track is quite haunting and ethereal, the sound effects of the speaking clock and telephone dialling a little twee. A great introduction to synthesizers and the template for many a late night session staring at the clear night sky as a callow youth, dreaming ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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Heaven and Hell

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Vangelis

Release Date September 16, 1989
The first solo album and a great epic championed to a rock audience by the greatly missed Alan "Fluff" Freeman. Good themes with lots of monk style cloister vocals, scary synth effects and three absolute highlights: the Jon Anderson sung "So long ago so clear" -one of the very best songs he has ever written (and I am counting all his Yes classics) and sung - beautiful. The other stand outs are a galloping synth theme which has a Ride of the Valkries type feel and the main theme itself. There is a great atmosphere throughout moving from themes of dread and joy echoing the work with his previous 60s group on the classic 666.

The only downside and the reason why I have not awarded five stars, is that there are only two track entry points on the CD, so ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
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Chariots Of Fire

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Vangelis

Release Date November 06, 2006
With his album "Chariots of Fire", Vangelis hit the big time. The 1981 film for which the music was composed was enormously successful and exposed the composer to a large new audience. It also won him an Academy Award for Original Music Score.

The main theme, named "Titles" on the CD, has subsequently been used in many films and documentaries to the point of becoming a cliché. I must admit I don't get much pleasure from it these days. I think the main themes from soundtracks such as "Blade Runner" or "Antarctica" have lasted much better.

The second track, "Circles", is a very elegant piece with a hint of sadness about it. The next two tracks, "Abraham's Theme" and "Eric's Theme" represent the two British runners, the first theme sounding ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 9
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Preludes, Airs and Yodels: a Penguin Cafe Primer

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date August 05, 1996
Found this gem while looking for something else entirely. The Penguin Café are new to me - but not their music. You'll recognise Telephone and Rubber Band from a well known advert and I've heard Music for a Found Harmonium a thousand times without knowing who it was by.

This is a wonderful compilation and a great introduction to PCO's music, some tracks date back to 1976 but it includes a great 1996 ORB remix Pandaharmonium.

The PCO was the brainchild of the English composer and multi-instrumentalist Simon Jeffes (1949-1997). You can read more about this fascinating band on www.penguincafe.com but the music speaks for itself.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Penguin Cafe Orchestra

CD-Charts > Music > Neo-Classical
by: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Release Date July 06, 1987
I have loved this album since it was released. It is sounds strange the first time it is heard. If you like it will become part of your life and part of your soul.

I saw the Penguin Cafe Orchestra play at Islington Union Chapel in 2007 when they played three concerts. It was one of the most astounding concerts I have seen. The atmosphere was electric with excitement that was shared by both the audience and the players alike.

The music was, apparently, created by Penguin Cafe's founding member so that he and his friends could meet and share a common interest. Not many works are created for nine musicians from very different disciplines; two violins, a cello, a saxophone, an oboe, pianist and trash percussion. The musicians obviously love ... Read More: