"If you have any of Dominic's other cds - you must buy this one. His interpretations of these classical pieces are absolutely wonderful. "Presto" is a wonderfully upbeat, very distinct (and very Dominic) version of Bach's violin partita. "Gymnopedie No. 1" is another lovely piece on this cd. "Moonlight Sonata" is beautiful on the guitar (this coming from somebody who can play it on the piano). Sting (who I think has one of the most distinct and amazing voices ever) sounds very angelic on this CD. Chris Botti is wonderful as are the other musicians who joined Dominic in this collaboration. This is a great CD. I had to listen to it a few times to get a real feel for it and absorb it, at first. I think I might have expected the pieces to sound more like the original compositions sounded. Once I listened to the cd a few times, Dominic's arrangements really grew on me. Now, I love it and I listen to it all the time. It's great background music as well as being very relaxing to listen to. Dominic Miller is a brilliant musician who continually leaves me in awe of his talent and his thoughtfulness."
Beautiful work
Chris Letempt | Marietta, GA United States | 09/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just saw Mr Miller do an opening set before the Sting/Annie Lennox concert in Atlanta. Then he got busy doing the Sting material I love. What an exquisite experience.
I was lucky enough to get Mr Miller's autograph on this album and found him to be a really nice guy.
This is a great album and one that I can listen to over and over again. The remake of "Shape of My Heart" is outstanding, especially with his long time partner Sting on vocals.
This album is a must have. Thanks Dominic!"
Elegant and masterful
jc | 03/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This impeccable offering from a consummate guitarist is not to be missed. These superb renderings of much loved pieces of music are both profound and respectful. A depth of passion contained within a framework of exquisite clarity sweeps through each selection on "Shapes." And for icing on the cake, there are noteworthy guest appearances by Placido Domingo, Sting, Chris Botti, and Alejandro Lerner. Probably best known as Sting's guitarist, Dominic Miller has a rich body of work all his own, well worth obtaining, and enjoying."
Classical guitar magnificence
pemungkah | California, USA | 05/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I too first heard Dominic perform as Sting's opening act in the second half of the Sacred Love tour. I ejoyed the set, and was prepared for the disc to be entertaining, but not as remarkable as it is.
In the little bend into the first note of the CD, Miller lets us know that what he's got in store for us will be subtle, respectful, elegant, and astoundingly technical and beautiful at the same time; that he respects and loves the music he's playing, but will play it as himself and from his heart, not just as a technically superior musician. His choices in the Bach pieces in particular are brilliant, unexpected, and profoundly affecting. The recording is very clean and very intimate.
I highly recommend this album to pop fans who aren't particularly interested in classical music, and to classical music fans who don't particularly like pop. Some very sophisticated arranging along with Miller's brilliant performances will convince both sides that maybe there's more in the other's camp than they thought."
Relaxing music doesn't get any better than this
Robin J Sainty | Milton Keynes, Bucks United Kingdom | 05/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dominic Miller's Shapes is exquisitely beautiful.
From Bach's Air on a G String to Sate's Gymnopedie. From Moonlight Sonata to Sting's glorious vocals in Shape of my heart, everything about this album is stamped with class.
Turn down the lights and lie back and enjoy."