Allegro assai - Bobby McFerrin, Mozart, Wolfgang Am
Allegro
Romance
Rondo (Allegro assai)
adagio [Improvisation on Mozart's Sonata No. 2 in F Major,]
Bobby McFerrin's signature falsetto envelops a poignant, wordless melody, embellished by piano flourishes that uncomfortably tow the line between classical decorum and Chick Corea's airy, modal jazz style. Suddenly the mus... more »ic segues into the opening of Mozart's D Minor Concerto. The A Major Concerto (K. 488) is similarly introduced. While the smooth, thick orchestral fabric suggests forces larger than a chamber aggregation, McFerrin clarifies important woodwind details (the elusive bassoon, for instance, in K. 488's slow movement) and infuses the outer movements with controlled brio. By contrast, Corea's Latin-tinged, improvised cadenzas (and overeager embellishments during solos and tuttis) lose their novelty over repeated hearings. Elsewhere, Corea's literal, dutiful phrasing smacks more of a talented student than a daring and vibrant pianist whose impact on jazz is unassailable. --Jed Distler« less
Bobby McFerrin's signature falsetto envelops a poignant, wordless melody, embellished by piano flourishes that uncomfortably tow the line between classical decorum and Chick Corea's airy, modal jazz style. Suddenly the music segues into the opening of Mozart's D Minor Concerto. The A Major Concerto (K. 488) is similarly introduced. While the smooth, thick orchestral fabric suggests forces larger than a chamber aggregation, McFerrin clarifies important woodwind details (the elusive bassoon, for instance, in K. 488's slow movement) and infuses the outer movements with controlled brio. By contrast, Corea's Latin-tinged, improvised cadenzas (and overeager embellishments during solos and tuttis) lose their novelty over repeated hearings. Elsewhere, Corea's literal, dutiful phrasing smacks more of a talented student than a daring and vibrant pianist whose impact on jazz is unassailable. --Jed Distler
Subtle treatment -- Ingenuity, Creativity, and Precision
Nichomachus | 06/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Apparently some of the previous reviewers were disturbed that this CD contains the music of Mozart, instead of more schlock like "Don't Worry, Be Happy." With an expansive collection of Mozart recordings, especially piano works, I found this to be an utterly brilliant addition.I was initially highly skeptical of a Chick Corea improvising in the cadenzas; but when I heard the first notes of McFerrin's introductory vocals, I immediately knew that this album was something special. If you haven't heard recordings of the concerti with other artists and the typical scored treatment, you have no conception of what this album is about.The genius of it is that not only is Corea a brilliant improvisationist, but he can play Mozart with a crisp and subtle touch that highlights all the emotions from major to minor. Just tune out the right hand a bit, and hear the precision and deftness of the left hand's accompaniment. This lends credence and passion to his cadenza improvisations. Consequently, the brilliance of Mozart's writing and the brilliance of sheer improvisation make an incredible combination. All the poetic essences of continuity and change are flung at the listener. I listened to the entire first movement of K.488 in the store and it brought tears to my eyes.Neither McFerrin nor Corea abuse the music either; the vocal introductions and Corea's embellishments and explorations only heighten awareness, and do not undermine the essence of the works. The final Adagio from the F Sonata that they convert into the "Song For Amadeus" is a wonderful tribute to the most brilliant of composers. I played it simultaneously with other recordings of the movement, just for fun. Try it."
Ah, that's nice!
Daniel G. Palese | Lakewood, Colorado USA | 06/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can see why this was on of Time Magazines top releases of the year (1996). I listen to this CD at work and in the car. It's been number one on my personal playlist since I first heard it in March, 2000. Chick Corea's piano playing and Bobby McFerrin's direction of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is all I imagine Mozart should be, light, jaunty, and GUARANTEED to improve your mood! I highly recommend it, whether your a fan of Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, or (especially) Mozart, you will enjoy this CD!"
Great Mozart interpretation & improv - truly innovative.
Maria Novales | USA | 10/19/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a "classical" pianist and a lover of jazz music. I have followed Chick's career since the '70's when he dazzled us with Return to Forever. To hear him perform both Mozart and himself was quite a delightful experience. This cd is a must for music lovers...especially classical pianists who have never given jazz music a serious thought."
What you'll hear is a Master playing a master's music.
Dihelson Mendonca | CRATO- BRAZIL | 08/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mozart is Mozart and Chick Corea is Chick Corea. Two strong musical personalities. I own this cd for years, and I listen it frequently. Every time I listen to it, I discover new things. As a classical and Jazz pianist, my ears are well adapted to both styles, and I can understand the real intentions of this fabulous project. And the good part of it is to prove that we, as musicians have to be better than computers, simply not repeating what composers wrote as blind. This CD is inspiring, and Chick Corea and Bobby give us a true lession of music, and the right way we should think, and, curiously, this way is exactly the way the great composers expressed themselves. Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, liszt were great improvisers, so Chick Corea. On this CD, you won't hear "human machines" playing conservatoires lessons, you will hear true music, with freedom, soul and creativity. When a master plays the music of other master he (she) often leaves their personal footprints on it. I can imagine Beethoven with his great musical individuality he had, how he could have played these concertos. Obviously, Beethoven would interpreter the Beethoven way, not Mozart's way, so on this CD, you hear the Chick Corea way. From a master to a master. The rest (unless few exceptions) are conservatoire lessons. This CD is simply fantastic! True Music!"
Musical sublime
Dihelson Mendonca | 11/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Upon hearing Bobby McFerrin's subtle but at the same time powerful vocals, it brought a sense of true musicianship. Then as Corea's jazzy, improvisational piano kicked in, i was even more infatuated with this recording. The jazz turns serious in pieces like Prelude in D Minor and Rondo in D Minor scale. Over all I think the vocals and playing style of Chick Corea adds a bit of creativity to killer Mozart concerti"