When the entire lot of one hit whiners have come and gone
03/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have concluded that people who are forced to listen to the music they might not voluntary listen to ought not to farm out their opinions to the rest of us. By that I mean, I have read some merciless criticisms of Karl Jenkins and Adiemus' work on these very pages by the Amazon.Com gods. In stark contrast, I have read more evenhanded reviews of those who have purchased Karl Jenkins and Adiemus' music because they are fans of Jenkins' work or were turned on to his music by others who already had one or more of the Jenkins - Adiemus CD's.Personally, I think the man is a genius. I have heard music from his CD's that I have never heard anywhere else by any other musician/composer. There simply is no one to compare Karl Jenkins or Adiemus to, there are, however, many who copy his sound with some degree of success, but it cannot and will never compare to Jenkins' work.If you are not a fan of the mediocre drivel we are all forced to hear these days on the Top 40 charts, then you are bound to like Jenkins music. If you are one of the people who feel that the wrong people get Grammy's every year, or have grown weary of one hit wonders and whiny singers and singer-songwriters, then you will probably like any of the Jenkins - Adiemus CD's.To those self-proclaimed critics of Amazon.Com, please try to keep in mind that the music you review is just that, music ... not some major piece of legislation that needs to be voted down for the sake of national security.When the entire lot of one hit whiners have come and gone Karl Jenkins will still be around ... that I have no doubt about."
The most important music of the millennium.
08/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is quite simply the most awesome CD that I have ever listened to. A classical collection of varied styles with a decidedly choral feel, it's perfect construction and delivery gives it an instantly accessible, contemporary feel. Majestic, powerful and invocative; and yet haunting, sombre and reflective in equal measures. Beautifully melodic arrangements played wonderfully by the London Philharmonic Orchestra interwoven with the stunning vocal talents of Miriam Stockley (impressively multi-tracked), one of the UK's finest singers. Karl Jenkins is surely one of the most talented composers alive today. If you like music - buy it immediately."
A collaboration of music skill and imagination
M. B Hazen | Jacksonville, Fla. | 08/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a classical music collector finding myself being intrigued with the invention of ways to bring classical music to today's audiences. Karl Jenkins is a thoroughly trained classical composer with an ear toward tomorrow. With his tasteful use of electronic overdubs,and his wonderful, sensitive knowledge of early and modern music, he has put together a marvelous stepping stone from Khachaturian into the world of Enya and ethnic genres. It's a wonderful discovery. Try it! You'll LOVE it!"
Adiemus I, II, III - Best Music of Millennium
Amy N. Sakmyster | Penfield, NY USA | 03/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Two years ago, I purchased Adiemus I, Songs of Sanctuary because I was intrigued by the hybrid of classic European music and vocals with the dynamic compositions of ethnic songs, rhythm, and vocals. This album reminded me of haunting scenes and landscapes in Nothern Europe I visited, and within moments took me to the sunny extremes of an African paradise. I enjoyed this CD so entirely, I purchased Adiemus III, Dances of Time, last year, another extraordinary masterpiece, bringing the worlds of music together with grace, and life. But of all three of these albums, Adiemus II, Cantada Mundi, I believe, is Jenkins' best work. The music is more symphonic than the first (which is carried through in Dances of Time), but there is more depth to this ablum that I cannot explain. It is an awakening to listen to this music, and Jenkins' has truly captured the meaning of life with his music. Also, wonderful vocals by Miriam Stockley, one of the finest singers in this world."
Cantata Mundi - Adiemus at its best
Musical CPA | Westerville, Ohio, USA | 08/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"?Many of us form mental images when we listen to music. When I listen to Adiemus, I sometimes
see [apologies to composer Karl Jenkins and primary vocalist Miriam Stockley]
National-Geographic-style Maori\Masai\Zulu women dancing around and singing in their
villages while the London Symphony Orchestra lingers in a nearby glade. Composer-genius
Jenkins has managed to meld ethnic-style vocalizations, many of them exuberant and\or
hauntingly beautiful, with rich Western European orchestrations in the late Romantic-to-now
style. The result is a unique genre that is instantly recognizable and can be downright infectious.
Fellow Amazonian cannot go wrong choosing any of the first 4 Adiemus efforts, but my personal
favorite is Cantata Mundi. Followed closely by Adiemus IV [substitute leprechauns for those
Zulu singers, although, come to think of it, they are there too - go figure for a CD that is based
upon Celtic legends], and just ever so slightly behind, Songs of Sanctuary and Dances of Time.
All will delight lovers of original, beautiful music."