As a reviewer (especially when I review on The Review Broads), I try to keep an open mind. Add to the fact that I am a Woodstock-era child of the 60's and 70's PLUS I went to college to dance (ended up going for dance therapy), so I love me some Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, or Ravel.
I got in the car (which is where I do my serious listening), popped in the CD and headed off for a little shopping (knowing that the Mall I wanted to go to was about 50 minutes away in the Palm Beach area). I was greeted with a moving opening to "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Wait, I know what you're thinking. Nirvana on violin? Seriously.
Garrett is a classically trained violinist who has kept one foot grounded in the world of the masters, while stepping out with the other in the hardcore world of Rock. He easily transitions from classical style violin to fiddling as he moves from Bach (Toccata) to Aerosmith (Walk This Way). While I can't say that I enjoyed EVERY song, I fell in LOVE with his rock arrangement of Beethoven's 5th (The 5th), which I found particularly compelling. As a matter of fact I enjoyed each of the updated versions of classical symphonies. On the flip side (side "B" of this review), I have to say that I found songs like "Walk This Way" and "Live and Let Die" somewhat hollow.
My take is that this is a mixed bag of music and I'd MUCH rather listen to him play classical with a rock twist. Most modern music just doesn't have the depth that it takes to make this work. Still, I'm keeping my eye (er, ear) on David Garrett. He's a VERY talented violinist.
A child prodigy born in Germany, Garrett has been amazing fans around the world since he was a young boy. By age 12, Garrett was playing on stage with the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Russian National Orchestra. His self-titled debut album, David Garrett, debuted in the states at #1 on the Classical Crossover Chart and held the position for 31 solid weeks in 2009
Track Listing:
- Smells Like Teen Spirit
- November Rain
- The 5th
- Walk This Way
- Toccata
- Vivaldi vs. Vertigo
- Master of Puppets
- 80's Anthem
- Live and Let Die
- Asturias
- Kashmir
Rock Symphonies is available for purchase on Amazon.com or at your local CD retailer.
Thank you to Music Moms for providing this CD for my review. I was in no way compensated and all opinions are strictly my own.
GIVEAWAY
Extra Entries
- Blog about this giveaway on YOUR blog!
- Follow Champagne Living - on the sidebar
- Subscribe to Champagne Living for FREE
- Link to this giveaway on your Facebook page
- Follow me on twitter
- Add our badge to your blog/site
- Click HERE to tweet this giveaway
Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you've done any of these (if you already subscribe or have our badge - please note that in the comments as well).
* This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and over and ends on September 10, 2010 11:59 EST.
* The winner will be randomly chosen and their information will be sent directly to the sponsor
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 comments:
shared on facebook
i shared on facebook
I'm an e-mail subscriber
terzorn@aol.com
Subscribe by e-mail.
hirschfarm@hotmail.com
Tweet here: http://twitter.com/MamaXXI/status/22284711497
shared on facebook
shared on facebook
google follower
rss subscriber
Tawnda M. fb shared
I subscribe and am a Facebook fan
lizard_trouble@hotmail.com
Subscriber to Champagne Living.
jsutton.colorado(at)gmail.com
Follow you on twitter@akds33
jsutton.colorado(at)gmail.com
Tweeted giveaway:
http://twitter.com/akds33/statuses/22832135608
jsutton.colorado(at)gmail.com
Count me in please :)
ktgonyea at gmail.com
I'm an e-mail subscriber
terzorn@aol.com
love his music-follow blog
aunteegem@yahoo.com
email sub
aunteegem@yahoo.com
Email subscriber. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Post a Comment