Seven of Michael Torke's most popular orchestral showstoppers are presented on this 2012 compilation in Decca's 20C series, which surveys the most important works of the 20th century. The listener who is unacquainted with Torke's eclectic and ingenious compositions will get a clear idea of their originality as well as their slickness, and the high energy of his music as a whole is likely to leave a strong impression.
Music for Airport Furniture is a gorgeous minimalist work in which a string quartet broods on limited harmonic material; occasionally, a hint of melody ruffles its slow-moving and placid (but is it really?) surface. It doesn’t take much imagination to hear Whittington’s (b. 1953) description of the emotions associated with airports mirrored in this work, which is nearly monotonous but never boring, given the sensuousness of the harmonies. Imagine Bernard Herrmann crossed with Morton Feldman (Bernard Feldman? Morton Herrmann? Burton Mannfeld?), and you’ll get the general idea. ... It’s a beautifully creepy way to spend 23 minutes.
Dutch rock group. Formed in 1967 by former Motions, The guitarist Robbie van Leeuwen, joined by Cor van der Beek (drums), Klaasje van der Wal (bass) and Fred de Wilde (vocals). Their first single hit the Dutch Top 40 in 1968. Shortly thereafter, Mariska Veres replaced de Wilde as their lead vocalist. In 1969 and 1970, the group enjoyed a worldwide chart success with “Venus”, followed by several other hit singles…
This soundtrack album to the acclaimed BBC television series Blue Planet – Seas of Life is by George Fenton. Isolated from their accompanying videos, soundtrack albums often just don't hold up. Even if you haven't seen this television program, however, that is not the case with the Blue Planet CD. Indeed, the music here works quite well as a "sit down and listen" album. It also seems that the neo-classical arrangements surely capture the mystery, majesty, beauty, playfulness, power, and even terror of the ocean world very well. You may be reaching for a towel after listening to this one.