the East Village Opera Company
La Donna
© 2004 Canal Records (616892557227)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
The pomposity of opera meets the majesty of rock... and vice versa - bold re-interpretations of classic Italian arias.
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The East Village Opera Company is an exciting new project founded by singer Tyley Ross and Multi-instrumentalist Peter Kiesewalter. La Donna is an album of Italian opera arias and Neapolitan folk songs in unorthodox musical settings, including unabashed 70's arena rock, sultry bossa nova, four-on-the-floor disco, celtic and bluegrass-tinged ambience- sometimes all in the same song. Ross and Kiesewalter, are joined by over 20 musicians on this disc including guitarist Vernon Reid (Living Colour), banjo master Tony Trishka, Blue Man Group music director Byron Estep, and a string ensemble from the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada.
For more information and to hear their new Decca Records release,
please visit:
www.eastvillageoperacompany.com
Reviews:
Village Voice: December 5th 2004:
Musicians Peter Kiesewalter and Tyley Ross take classic opera tunes and back them with rock instrumentation, resulting in a giddy evening resembling a long version of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". They don't call 'em rock operas for nothing.
Opera makes its way downtown
Trendcentral.com
July 14th
Opera has been trying to be cool for the past few years. In 2001, we saw Charlotte and Carrie, in an episode of Sex and the City, attend the Metropolitan Opera decked out in satin gowns and opera glasses. That same year MTV aired the less traditional Carmen: A Hip-Hopera, starring Beyonce Knowles and Mos Def.
Currently, the East Village Opera Company may just have what it takes to bring opera to the masses. The 11-piece rock band plays traditional opera pieces, such as 'La Danza' and 'Vesta La Giubba', and then breaks into either a funky disco beat or heavy metal guitars. We¹ve heard it described as 'Trans-Siberian Orchestra meets Baz Luhrmann meets De La Guarda'. With theatrical, ironic rock bands such as The Darkness being a hit with trendsetters, we think the East Village Opera Company may attract a crowd looking for a dose of culture with their downtown cool.
Aria experienced
The East Village Opera Company electrifies the classics
for a new generation
Time Out New York
July 2004
By Steve Smith
My folks would drag me to operas as a kid," Peter Kiesewalter explains of his earliest encounters with the exalted artform. An Ottawa, Canada-born multi-instrumentalist, Kiesewalter even made the pilgrimage to Bayreuth, Wagner'' fabled German bastion of musical mythmaking, for a performance of Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg.
"Mind you, I was six - and I fell asleep!" Kiesewalter recalls with a laugh. "The benches were hard, and (the opera) was long." Still, the seating wasn't the only thing that left a mark on the young Kiesewalter: "Especially with some of the Mozart operas, the arias really stuck in my head."
Nowadays, Kiesewalter, 37, is creating his own impression with the East Village Opera Company, an ensemble he cofounded in 2001 with vocalist and fellow Canadian Tyley Ross. In a city with no shortage of fine operatic institutions, Kiesewalter and Ross stand apart from the crowd: Their "company" is in actuality a rock band augmented with a string section, its repertoire a mix of arias and songs performed with pop-music amplification and theatrical flair. And while the company lacks a house of its own, it has established a local base at tony downtown nightclub Joe'' Pub, where its performance on Wednesday 30 will be the third since its New York debut here in March.
Given their eclectic tastes and solid training, Kiesewalter and Ross's groundbreaking project seems almost predestined. "My formative musical years were the 80's, which, reflecting back, was the worst decade for popular music," Kiesewalter says, laughing. At the University of Ottawa, he immersed himself in the classical clarinet repertoire, paying the bills by playing keyboards in local groups that included a swing band and an Afro-Celtic ensemble.
Meanwhile, Ross applied his own classical training to a burgeoning career in musical theater, starring in a Canadian production of Tommy before moving on to Miss Saigon on Broadway. While both Kiesewalter and Ross established themselves as recording artists in Canada, their paths had yet to intersect.
During a 1996 run of shows with Canadian songstress Jane Siberry at the now defunct Bottom Line, Kiesewalter was offered the reins of The Downtown Messiah, New York's seasonal presentation that recasts Handel's oratorio as a setting for pop-music performers. Relocating to the city the following year, Kiesewalter found employment as a composer at ABC-TV, for which he would craft hundreds of cues in every imaginable style in his tiny home studio. In 2001, he was approached by director Derek Diorio to create contemporary settings of traditional arias on The Kiss of Debt, a film that featured Ross as an aspiring opera singer.
Striking a common chord immediately, Kiesewalter and Ross soon envisioned a life beyond the film for their collaboration. Supported by a band that included some of New York's top soloists (including rock guitarist Vernon Reid and bluegrass banjoist Tony Trishka), the pair completed 11 tracks for the East Village Opera Company's debut CD, La Donna, which was released earlier this year. The disc treats arias and songs such as "Vesti la giubba," "La Donna e mobile," and "Ave Maria" with disco beats, blazing guitars and defiantly cheesy '80's-style synthesizer flourishes.
Unapologetically grandiose, the East Village Opera Company flies where countless other classical-crossover efforts have plummeted because Kiesewalter, Ross and their bandmates approach their pop-music leanings with the same respect and experience that they apply to their classical source material. Their success hasn't gone unnoticed by recording-industry representatives, who have hovered at each performance.
As yet, Kiesewalter and Ross have only been able to pursue their project as time allows; still, the duo continues to foster more elaborate designs. New vocalist Anne Marie Milazzo will make her debut on Wednesday, vastly expanding the group's repertoire. Kiesewalter imagines the company sharing bills with more flamboyant rock bands, while also teaming up with orchestras for pops concerts - which it plans to do later this year in Canada. "That's something that excites me," Kiesewalter says, "to walk out with charts for an orchestra, rehearse once or twice and blow the roof off the opera house."
Reviews:
Opera makes its way downtown
Trendcentral.com
July 14th
Opera has been trying to be cool for the past few years. In 2001, we saw Charlotte and Carrie, in an episode of Sex and the City, attend the Metropolitan Opera decked out in satin gowns and opera glasses. That same year MTV aired the less traditional Carmen: A Hip-Hopera, starring Beyonce Knowles and Mos Def.
Currently, the East Village Opera Company may just have what it takes to bring opera to the masses. The 11-piece rock band plays traditional opera pieces, such as 'La Danza' and 'Vesta La Giubba', and then breaks into either a funky disco beat or heavy metal guitars. We¹ve heard it described as 'Trans-Siberian Orchestra meets Baz Luhrmann meets De La Guarda'. With theatrical, ironic rock bands such as The Darkness being a hit with trendsetters, we think the East Village Opera Company may attract a crowd looking for a dose of culture with their downtown cool.
Time Out New York- March 4-11
Live review
A recent live performance in (Joe's Pub) confirmed what debut album La Donna promised: the East Village Opera Company's Tyley Ross and Peter Kiesewalter understand that the key to successfully dressing opera arias in rock & roll regalia is to respect the music's emotional core. When "Vesti la giubba" broke into a giddy disco beat, onlookers leapt up and danced; likewise, Rossini's jaunty "La danza" prodded by heavy-metal guitars, threatened to become a spontaneous singalong. Still, there's no mistaking the Broadway-bred Ross's genuine love and affection for his material. Live, the group's charisma is inescapable and infectious. Bring ear plugs, but see
the band now while you can still get close.
The Ottawa Citizen -February 28 2004
La Donna -3 and a half stars
The East Village Opera Company is a musical project that was conceived in
New York by two musicians from Ottawa: Peter Kiesewalter, best known as the force behind such Ottawa bands as the Angstones, Fat Man Waving and Six Mile Bridge; and Tyley ross, a graduate of Canterbury High and Canada's original Tommy (he played the lead in the Toronto run of Pete Townshend's musical). Even for those not overly familiar with opera arias, there are plenty of rewards, they include the fluid intimacy of Ross' singing and the diversity
of Kiesewalter's arrangements, particularly on the title track and an incredible version of Ave Maria.
As the classical strings (courtesy of NACO players) give way to bombastic
rock, it will remind you of Queen or Metallica, until something happens to
divert the songs into bluegrass, Celtic or even disco territory. The sense
of rock theatrics gives it an edge that's not too serious, and guests like
Living Color guitarist Vernon Reid and banjo virtuoso Tony Trishka deliver
inspired performances.
The New Yorker
February 16th 2004
The retro obsessed local music scene has given short shrift to the prog-rock of the seventies. No more, now that the East Village Opera Company is open for business. This international outfit goes straight to the source, with rock, disco, and otherwise amplified interpretations of Verdi, Rossini, and so forth.
Time out New York
Steve Smith- February 19th 2004
The East Village Opera Company, an 11-piece rock band, remains truer to opera's flamboyant spirit by taking far greater liberties with its sacred texts. Broadway-bred vocalist Tyley Ross lends his plaintive tenor and ardent falsetto to familiar selections radically reshaped by Peter Kiesewalter. "Vesti la giubba" breaks into a disco beat punctuated with Tuvan throat-singing samples; "Una furtive lagrima" is all Latinate sway and breathy sighs; and metallic guitar vies with Celtic flute in "La danza." Ironically, however campy their arrangements, Kieseswalter and Ross strike far closer to the heart of their material than does Amici Forever's cloying confectionery.
X-Press Magazine
Steve Baylin -February 19th 2004
**** Four stars!
"The pomposity of opera lends itself well to the majesty of rock," reckons Peter Kiesewalter, one half of the East Village Opera Company. "Or is it the other way around?" Kiesewalter and vocalist Tyley Ross throw caution to the wind on La Donna, a collection of rearranged opera classics polished to modern day perfection. Ave Maria with staccato jabs of crunching distortion? A sparkling rustic banjo coursing through Panis Angelicus? The sweaty dance beat of Vesti la giubba? Purists may cringe, but the inspired Kiesewalter and Ross (alongside supporting musicians including John Geggie, Tony Trishka, Fred Guignon and Vernon Reid to name a few) display such affection for the material that it's hard not to enjoy the ride. Everything Queen's Night at the Opera should have been.
The Ottawa Citizen
Lynn Saxberg- Live review February 24th 2004
The East Village Opera Company at the National Arts Centre
While mop-top superstar Josh Groban was channelling the operatic power of his voice into a concert of pseudo-classical pop songs in the National Arts Centre's Southam Hall on Sunday, a couple of artsy types from Ottawa were on another stage in the same building having their way with some authentic opera arias.
"If you're here for the Josh Groban concert, you're in the wrong place," joked singer Tyley Ross near the start of the East Village Opera Company's first public performance. "Josh is down the hall."
The creative team behind the East Village Opera Company was joined by a full band and a couple hundred muscially open-minded souls to celebrate their new disc, La Donna. It was an exhilarating evening as Handel got a groove, Verdi got a drum jam, Leoncavallo got a disco beat and some other composer got an Eminem-style rap. OK, not all of it worked, but it was bold, adventurous and loads of fun.
reviews
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BHPRecords
author: AK.LoveGood 4 the Soul...
EVOC
author: JaneBought BOTH albums after hearing them on the CBC...I'm going to have to buy more, 'cause I'm wearing out the ones I have....it's the perfect response to all the overly loud hip-hop down here. And I LOVE CD-BABY!!! You're "thank you letter" is posted over my desk at work....beautiful, brought tears to my eyes....:::sniff::...you LIKE me, you really LIKE me...
east village opera company
author: rosemariei saw the group at the LIED CENTER, LAWRENCE, KANSAS. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE MUSIC,SO BEAUTIFUL I WAS SO TOUCHED AND MOVED. PLEASE COME BACK SOON. I HAD TO GET BOTH ALBUMS, MY FAVORITE IS NESSUM DORMA, ALL THE ARTISTS ROCK!!!!
la donna
author: deborah riccioEVOC is great. They refresh the old classics my 8 year old grandaughter saw them in concert in rhode island this past summer and it was a great introduction to opera she has memmorized some of the songs and loves to sing along with them. thanks evoc nanadeb
La Donna by EVOC
author: IngridWas thrilled to hear that new artists manage to combine classical music with other types and still make it come out terrific. Am glad I bought this CD
East Village Opera Company
author: BurtVisited their concert in Amsterdam, great great performance. Bought the latest CD and enyoing it. Please come back again.
Great look at things to come
author: DaveThis CD is a great look at things to come from EVOC; their second CD is even better. Buy them both, and listen to this one first. Thank you CD Baby, for helping to make this music available!
Love the East Village Opera Company, so talented, cd is great
author: ChristineFirst I would like to say I love CD Baby, the service is fast and they have a great sense of humor. This CD is a keeper. I fell in love with the East Village Opera Company when I saw them in concert. I just had to have their cds, this is the second one of theirs that I bought. I haven't had it off my cd player since I got it!
Fabulous service and CD!
author: ChachaI was so happy to get my new CD this week. I was thrilled with my first East Village CD but I was a bit unsure about buying online...I was 100% satified with CD baby's transaction and service and the music is devine!
EVOC rocks!
author: CarolynI've long been an aria and torchy, Italian love songs fan - and wanted to pass that love along to my grands. The answer - EVOC. The music is beautiful, the arrangements perfect and fun and just what was needed. Not only do the kids love it - I've converted a few anti-opera folks into genuine EVOC fans. Can't wait for album 3, I see them every chance I get.....
Fabulous
author: ValerieI loved the fusion of opera and rock. Just listening to the beautiful music gives me chills!!!!
fantastic
author: Leo EckrothI first saw this group on "breakfast with the arts" and although I am not particularly interested in music, let alone opera, I had to get the album. And now -- I cnn't stop listening to it. Even went back and got their earlier album. Can't wait to see them in person.
Love it and their new album!
author: Jane SeamansSoothing then edgy w/ a slight Queen-esque vibe. I highly suggest buying or downloading The EVOC - an essential addition to your music collection. (NOTE: Unnecessary flesh on the cover - no need to settle into raunch.)
Gorgeous..and Addictive!
author: Mia TempleI saw these guys on A&E's Breakfast with the Arts and I HAD to hear more! What can I say? This CD is perfection--gorgeous, fresh interpretations of the Opera classics we all know (or at least recognize); why isn't this being played on the radio? I've listened to it every day since buying it, and it just gets better & better! THANK YOU!!
Just Gr8!!!
author: Francois BrunelleYou will not only love this album...you will want to do like I did and go see their show! This group is aboslutely GR88888888!
Simply, beautifully wonderful! Thank you for this!
author: Renee FarmerI first heard this music in a performance on the A&E channel while flipping channels. I was captivated! What is this?? THIS is opera? THIS is rock? WOW! This is COOL! Braving the holday crowds, I went out and bought the cd. It keeps the essence of opera but adds the spice of rock which could be tempting enough to lure kids to actually listen to opera. What a great thing that would be. Thank you East Village Opera Company for bringing your vision to us all! Renee Farmer a_new_renee@hotmail.com
You've got a refreshing winner here. A neo-classical breakthrough.
author: Art T.You may be surprised to learn that there are actually some diehard "Classical Music" fans who have been waiting for years to hear an injection of modernity into our fine music. East Village Opera Company has fnally opened the door. I have a feeling that even the Great Masters would be impressed with this latter-day resuscitation. Cheers and Best Wishes, Art T. (adtjr49@aol.com)
Interesting and powerful music
author: MusilosophyI like this blend of Opera and rock music. Good!
TEVOC is great!
author: Anne D.La Donna is a fabulous experience, combining timeless opera with timely rhythms. "Panis Angelicus" gives angelic sustenance to the soul.
fresh retro sound
author: David C~Although not as well produced as the commercially available CD, this debut of TEVOC is phenomenal in concept and highly enjoyable again and again. I do wish I could find more of the lyrics so I could sing along, but the CD will definately find itself on repeat in my stereo and mind.
- author: Jenni
I love the CD and the group! Can't wait for another release! I loved the email sent about CD was packed and shipped. Great experience with CDBaby
Excellent CD........I look forward to more releases.
author: MaureenExcellent CD, I look forward to more releases.
One of the best CD's I heard in quite a wile.
author: Louis RotunnoI thought the CD was absuality fantastic. A good mix of opera as well as Italian favorites done like I have never heard them done before. Great job.
la donna shows how to combine exciting artists in a great production.
author: jothe arrangements on this CD showcase various instruments, such as the clarinet, as well as the vocal beauty. the versatility and originality of their scored arrangements to make the musicians, singers, and compositions all sound fresh and exciting are the keys to this band's greatness.
Unbelievably fantastic!
author: BetsyThe CD has clarity so that all the artists are heard and the voice quality is true. I crank up the volume in my car to share the experience!
Inspiring
author: Rose MarieThe CD is so inspiring I wish I had the words to sing along with it. Having sung the Panis Angelicus & Ave Maria with a choral group this interpretation is fabulous.
Excellent background to the POWER of the 2nd CD
author: JenniferI purchased this CD after the second EVOC was released in 2005. I LOVE the second CD, which highlights the versatility, skill and inventiveness of the musicians, and the addition of the female vocalist, AnnMarie, opens a new dimension. A second lead singer supplementing Tyley allows the group to expand repetoire and create a delicious tension and dynamic that absolutely explodes the band's power. "La Donna" presents strong material that stands on its own, and lets us explore how these wonderfully talented musicians continue to evolve. I hope they record more!
This is a must buy
author: LeslieI am usually not one to listen to my CDs over and over but this one I played twice in 24 hours, it is that good. Can't wait to buy their second CD now. I plan to use this CD as some of my select great music for walking on the treadmill.
Can't stop listening to this CD!
author: RosLove some arias but can't sit through an opera? Love talented musicians? Love a great voice? Love superb instrumentals? This is the CD! I truly can't stop listening to it, enjoying each track more and more! The banjo in La Donna is to die for!
Unique, Edgy, Brilliant, with Genius Talent!
author: MaryThose who want to taste the delicious and beautiful arrangement of music must hear this CD. I went to a feast of my soul with Ave Maria. This CD presents a captivating and new way of listening...with the singer's bell-like voice that could touch an angel! I am spreading the message! ! ! Ave Maria!
Thank you for your care. I will tell everyone I can about you!!!!!!
author: Mike E. MazzeiAgain thank you for the care you've shown for my CD. I as well as my town are currently running a global campaign to inform the world that the music industry simply can not continue with out the aid of CD-baby. I am so pleased. Till my dieing breath I will spread the word. Thanks again. MEM
great CD
author: Mitchell GarnettIf you like this CD, check out Atylantos (Jean-Patrick Capdevielle) or Carmine Meo (Emma Shapplin)
When it's good, it's great!
author: ScottThe stuff that works on this CD really really works. Some of the songs are moving, exciting, and still in the spirit of the words (foreign-language as they may be) being sung. About half of them feel dull and trite to me, which is why I can't recommend it fully, but when they get into the right groove, it's just awesome and brilliant.
Best CD in my collection!~
author: Tracey M. PareceThis CD is fantastic. I love opera, and I love this CD. My boyfriend hates opera, but he loves this CD. If you are considering buying this CD, do yourself a favor and order it. The sooner you order it, the sooner you can start listening. Ave Maria is breathtaking, La Donna E Mobile is fun. There is not a bad track on this CD!~
loves it!
author: Benjamin KlipfelGreat concept, great songs...
Fantastic!!
author: clarissaThis is definately the best opera CD I have ever listened to! The rock is just the perfect amount to have a bit of edge that makes it totally enjoyable. I had to buy a copy for my mother after she heard it, and she listens to nothing else since.
A shining light in a sea of mediocrity...
author: Michael CohenFinally, music that takes a leap of faith over the chasm between rock and opera (and quite successfully). I have yet to take this CD out of my player since I got it. This CD is worth every penny, and then some. Free your mind and take a listen. You'll be glad you did. Bravo...
Bravo...just what the music world needs!!!
author: QuinnBeautifully composed and sung!! A wonderful energy comes out of this cd and the sounds are breathtaking. A merge of so many wonderful sounds and types of music, everyone should listen to this cd with the volume way up!!! No matter what your age or musical taste, you will sure enjoy The East Village Opera Company.....Bravo!!!!
Fusion leaves the kitchen ...
author: StevennIf Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and the rest of the operatic masters were alive today, this is what we'd hear. Good songs are good songs and can evolve with changing musical execution. In La Donna, EVOC has extended this notion to opera. Rescoring these arias to include electric guitar, more agressive percussion, and other mainstays of modern music production resolves into a fresh new sound that remains comfortably familiar to the opera buff, while standing on their merits as just really good songs, played really well.
Tyley and Opera a Hit
author: Dr. Robert R. SmaleIt was great to see Tyley and the band perform these pieces live a few weeks back in concert here in Toronto. The show was amazing! I had to buy the CD and found it equally inspiring. So great to see this amazing Canadian talent getting the dues he deserves. That rocked up version of Vesti la Giubba was powerful and the Ava Maria moving. Can't wait for future CDs from the band and to see them perform live again. Bravo Tyley and Pete.
Tyley Ross' voice haunted me until I got this CD
author: Bert S.Like a lot of people who bought this CD, I was hooked by Tyley Ross singing Ave Maria while Jeff Tuttle skated at the Worlds in Moscow. In the way that Rubens' women are beautiful because they just border on being obese, Tyley Ross' voice, augmented by the unique instrumental arrangement, is haunting because it is just this side of harsh. The effect is haunting, primitive. I was transported by it. I am glad I found the CD; the other tracks are just as fascinating. (Too bad, ESPN did not credit the group; I had to search the web to find it.)
fresh, delightful, energizing
author: KellyI'm sitting at work with the music from this CD still bouncing in my head. I love it- it is the most interesting CD I've bought in a long long time. Like others, I heard EVOC first on CBC Radio and had to track it down. Bring on more EVOC!
Refreshing, relaxing and unique (but in a good way :-)
author: KevinLike Lois, I first heard Ave Maria during Jeff Buttle's ice skating performance in Moscow. I enjoyed that rendition so much, I felt I had to hear the entire CD and I was RIGHT! This is one of the best CDs I have bought in many years. Even for the non-opera lovers, this is a great buy. Can't say ENOUGH good about it!!
I have never heard anything like it!
author: GloriaThis CD is truly extradionary. I first heard the Ava Maria on TV when the skater from Canada skated to the song. I was then on a quest to find the CD. I love this CD. Everyone in the family loves the WHOLE CD.
Phenomenal
author: LoisI would never have known of this group if it wasn't for a track (Ave Maria) featured in a figure skater's performance on EPSN one weekend. Even the commentator said she never quite heard a version like it, and I too was entranced by the unique rendition. So after some internet searching, I luckily found the CD its on and promptly bought it. Now I love the whole album! Very interesting renditions of classic opera songs -- who would ever have thought of rocking to actual opera! Even my 85 year old mother who is a serious opera buff said she enjoyed it! Now we can't wait for future releases. A+
It makes "my heart soar ....."
author: HedyI have played this CD for everyone entering our home; husband, kiddies and friends - they all love it. Great way to introduce some of them to opera.
This is incredible music!
author: LouiseI have never been an opera fan, but this music is amazing. The musicians are fantastic and Tyley sings like an angel. This is infectious music of top quality. I can hardly wait for their next CD.
A needed shot in arm for great opera arias
author: Carol HindleyI thank GOD the morning I happened to turn on CBC Radio One and heard tracks from EVOC's debut CD. It was like someone had opened a window and breathed new life into these diverse operatic gems. If you felt that Freddie Mercury was on to something, then you owe it to yourself to hear how these highly talented 21st century musicians have now set the stage for a wholly new and easily accessible genre. Bravo!
Phenominal concept, unbelivable execution
author: Ken MurphyI found in La Donna, a phenominal musical concept - Classical music played using the instrumentation and voice of today. The musical precision lives up to the standards required by this music. I have listened to many of these cuts as performed by some of the best orchestras and classical vocalists - musically, EVOC is every bit as good. I can't wait for the next CD!
gotta have it!!!!
author: Lorna NewmanI heard this on CBC radio and loved it then checked out the samples on CD Baby and bought it immediately! I have played it for friends who also love it! Lovely mix ... even the kids love it! Can't wait for other releases and for news about any other lable deals!
Absolutely Great!
author: Cindy MurrayI heard this CD on the CBC radio one day, and thought I had to have it. I just rec'd it in the mail this morning, and have been playing it over and over. This CD puts a ton of zip into Opera, and will attract young people to the opera world.
Opera humour at its best. I am open to more like this.
author: Glen WilliamsThank you for bringing some sunshine into a retired pianist's world. It is a great feeling to know that there are excellent musicians who are able to see the other light side of serious music. Brings back memories of Spike Jones. Keep up the good work (Do you guys practice?)
What Fun!!!
author: Hope HolinerI can't remember having more fun listening to a CD. The music is so great, and the arrangements, production and performances are wonderful. It's so nice to hear arias that are more about the music than about the "vocal instrument." I love it!!!
Great CD, hasn't left my CD player since I received it.
author: TinaAlready awaiting their next release. Surprised their work isn't more widely available or played. Never though I would like Opera but this has completely changed my mind. Great buy!
Puts opera into an intimate new context. Expressive and original.
author: Joan DigbyThe CD invites concentrated listening. Because the song settings for familiar operas are so inovative, not just the lyrics but the music behind them become important and new. Not every track has the same depth and originality, but so many are seductively new that it is worth listening to all with an open mind. The CD brings opera back to folk and popular roots. It brings life to a tradition that seemed to august to reinvent. But this group has done just that. Bravo.
Love opera? Hate opera? This one's for you.
author: Sandra JanneyWhether you love opera, hate opera, fear opera or can't believe anyone would get dressed up to listen to the stuff, this CD's for you. Inventive, smart and respectful of the material.
Beautiful, imaginative arrangements of opera "chestnuts."
author: Leila ZogbyArias are not "sacred cows." They were the pop songs of their time, so why shouldn't they become pop songs of our time? The instruments blend beautifully with the voice to produce imaginative renditions of these classic, lyrical tunes.
kicks butt
author: Ben TaylorThis CD is incredible. I have never been a real fan of opera, but the premise behind the CD was crazy enough that I decided to buy it. I haven't hardly stopped listening to it since. I can't wait till the next one comes out.
Incredible!!
author: Bop CityFor the dedicated high-brow opera lover this CD may be considered blasphemous, but for the rest of us, this is simply fabulous music. The singing is great; MOST of the arrangements are fitting (okay, the disco on "Vesti la Glubba" might be a bit out-of-place.). This is a great CD for freeway driving.
Love It!
author: Andrea CecchiIt is very rare that you buy a cd and love all the tracks on it. What inspiring interpretations of these pieces. I only heard a portion of an interview on wnyc and am so happy I did. Looking foward to more music.