Search - Robert Benford Lepley, New York Voices :: Ancient Tower: Poetry of Rilke

"Unlistenable"? Definitely Not. . . .

ROGER L. FOREMAN | Bath, Maine | 12/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can understand some people not finding this CD to their liking--it is a bit abstract, both musically and lyrically. It is, however, most definitely not "vocalise" or "unlistenable," as two previous reviewers have stated. The poetry is beautiful--Rilke's visual imagery is bold and striking--and Meryl Streep does him proud with her readings. The vocal arrangements are complicated, repetetive and cyclical at times (I think that's good), and energetic. New York Voices have certainly expanded their repetoire with this CD. It isn't WHAT'S INSIDE, HEARTS OF FIRE, NEGOTIATIONS AND LOVE SONGS, or SING, SING, SING. I love listening to this CD while grading papers or reading. It is an excellent CD and has found its way into my regular rotation in its spot. It's not a car CD (too intimate) or a jam CD (too contemplative) but is a wonderful CD to relax to, be a bit meditative, and clear out my head of its clutter. . . . Unlistenable? Hardly. . . . Everybody's cup of tea? Not likely, either. That's good music--I would be much more concerned if everybody did like it. . . ."

A True 5-Star CD

Jordan Davis | Los Angeles, CA United States | 08/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm amazed that two of the reviewers couldn't connect with this CD, because any listener with an ear will enjoy how even basic major triads are so filled with emotion and intensity that their lack of complexity is completely hidden. Kim Nazarian, the NYV current soprano, does an excellent job of bringing her usual intensity and "bite" to the arrangements. While I believe some tracks are more interesting than others, there can be no mistake that this is a strong album certainly worth purchasing. Again, we see the New York Voices expanding their repertoire, singing what is certainly not jazz. Their vocal interpretations of these songs is, to say the least, dynamic. The execution of these arrangements is a lesson for all vocal groups, be they choral or jazz-oriented. I highly recommend this intense, yet beautiful interpretation of the poetry of Rainer Maria Wilke."

Great poetry, dreadful music

Morgen L. Stiegler | 10/30/1999

(1 out of 5 stars)

"skip this one... the music is unlistenable.."