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John Williams:Cinema Serenade Vol.1 or Vol.2?
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Topic: John Williams:Cinema Serenade Vol.1 or Vol.2?
azahid
Oscar® Winner
After hearing a few tracks of Williams Cinema Serenade compilation
featuring Itzhak Perlman on the net, I have dediced to go along and
order it.Im just curious about the second Volume :Cinema Serenade 2. Is this also
a worthwhile purchase?Are their any reviews anyone could point out for me to check out?
I remember Ford Thaxton focusing a whole show on that album on his radio show. just dont
remeber if it was Vol 1 or Vol 2.
Your feedback is greatly appreciatedregards
Amer Zahid
posted 02-04-2001 12:34 AM PT (US) wistiti
Oscar® Winner
Well, I'm not very impressed by volume 2. The first one has a better orchestral performance, the sound also seems a bit better. The selection is extremely good, and so are the arrangements.In the second Cinema Serenade, the selection is not really what I would consider the best of the golden age. I really don't care much about half of the chosen themes. This leaves the other half, which is not very pleasing either. The arrangements are actually bad. Too much focus on Perlman's performing ability rather than on the music itself.
Whereas I listen to the first volume quite often, I almost never listen to the second. If you want to end up with a good violin player showing his ability to perform, and at the same time screw up a great movie theme, pick volume 2. If you want to hear great movie themes, very well performed by a great violin player, pick volume 1 and play frisbee with volume 2.
posted 02-04-2001 06:35 AM PT (US) John C Winfrey
Oscar® Winner
I am sorry, my friend, I did not like either one of them. I have heard so many versions of these themes and have several different recordings of everything on them. The performances weren't all that exciting and kind of slow in tempo on many. Sorry, just not that impressed with them. I traded both volumes on something else at a local store. John.
posted 02-04-2001 11:13 AM PT (US) PeterK
FishChip
azahid, it really depends on whether or not you want just another re-hash of classic old themes. If you're looking for a compilation recorded with the intent of replicating the originals as best as possible, look elsewhere. However, if you're hunting for a beautifully recorded anthology of classic movie music, Volume Two is a beauty. Sure, liberty has been taken with the scores, after all, the violin is the centerpiece - which makes sense, if you understand what is meant by "serenade." It may not be for the hardcore movie music collector, as you can see from posts previous. Personally, though, I think Volume 2 is quite respectful, intelligent piece of memorabilia from the Golden Age.
posted 02-06-2001 08:43 PM PT (US) Old Infopop Software by UBB