A very good modern interpretation of classic opera
Sergiy Beketov | 02/11/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I should agree that nowadays more and more composers return to retro styles and classics because almost everything has been tried and it's hard to make something new. I should also admit that it's plenty of attempts to re-make classics in order to be comfortable to ears of modern youth. That's right. But not so many of that composers, producers make a really good stuff. Aria's are that rare beauty from all other garbage.Although I can't tell you that I like Aria 2 more than Aria, it's still very good, with more melancholic notes, inlcuding very subtle guitar samples, violins, violas, cellos and, of course, electro textures. Paul Schwartz had made a very good job in this new album. But, nevertheles, I can't not to mention about the lenght of several tracks and strange to me dublication of Sviraj (lullauby)/Lullaby (Sviraj) - the same music, the same voice.Anyway, if you're into modern beats and at least a bit into classics, this music is for you!"
Another Hemisphere
Connie O'Brien | Winnemucca, NV USA | 09/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"On a recent trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina I accompanied my daughter to the hotel gym. It was late, the gym was about to close for the evening. While waiting I heard some interesting sounds over the PA. It obviously was not canned music, I had the feeling that the woman closing up the gym had put on her own CD to work by. When I asked her what it was she told me it was Cafe del Mar. I had never heard of this group, but I went over to Musimundo (the Wherehouse of Argentina) and asked for it. The young man's face lite up when he heard me request Cafe del Mar. He told me they're incredible and sold me two CDs. I have been so attached to ARIA, I haven't even heard the other one yet. Aria is a wonderful interpretation of classical opera. I suppose you would have to call it techno music, but I prefer to keep it unclassified as it contains not only modern sound but Opera and some Jazz overtones. The artist has succeeded in rearranging some spectacular arias in a most interesting format. Please treat yourself to Aria, by Cafe del Mar. It is superb. My only complaint is that it only has eight delectable tracks, too short!"