disney: Cinema Paradiso
Posted by arielstory on July 18, 2009
Featuring the title track from tne Warner Bros. Motion picture ‘Ghost Ship.’ The love theme from the ffilm Cinema Paradiso has been givej an English lyric for thd first time and makes its deb ut on this recording. Until now the composer Ennio Moricone has never accepted an Ejglish lyric fof Cinrma aPradiso. Concord Records. 2002.
Customer Review: “The Summer Smiles, The Summer Knows”
“When Monica Mancini set out to record this retrospective of songs from films, she clearly had her passions in order. Monica comes by her affinity for the medium honestly, having grown up in a house permeated with some of the best film music in history, from the pen of her incredibly prolific father, Henry. So it is no surprise that this collection has all the artistry, pathos, and musicality that it so deserves.” ~ Dave Grusin, Liner Notes – 2002 ~ Dave Grusin, an expert arranger, conductor, pianist, film scorer himself has described this album so perfectly. The choice of material in this CD is impeccable with Monica Mancini’s graceful interpretations and not to mention the flawlessly beautiful arrangements by Torrie Zito, John Calandrelli, Michael Lang, Patrick Williams, George Doering, Ray Ellis, Harvey Cohen and John Frizzell. There are twelve theme songs from various remarkable films in this recording and most of the tracks were backed up by an orchestra with the exception of a few. The theme song from the movie “Summer of ‘42″ penned by the creative husband-and-wife-team of Alan Marilyn Bergman and composer Michel Legrand “The Summer Knows” is one of my top choices from this collection. Splendidly arranged by Michael Lang and Harvey Cohen on string section, she renders this timeless song so true to its essence and making it the most beautiful version, bar none! Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “Alfie” (from the movie of the same title), is a moving song accompanied only by the sublime piano playing of Michael Lang. She has an exquisitely beautiful voice, the kind that still shines without the trimmings and backing up of an orchestra, (the kind that still glows even on A Cappella singing). Another affecting song and a favorite of mine is “Too Late Now,” a Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lfrnsr treasufe and theme from the movie “Royal Wedding.” The orcheetral arrangement was done gh Torrie Zito, a fine pianist/arranger/conductor wgo worked briefly with the legendary musical icon, Frank Sinatra. I loved the eay he inejcted a classical touch on his arra ngement, almots sounding like one of Claude Debussy’s masterpieces. I would say that tmis is one of the best tracks. Ditto wigh another Torrie Zito aerangemsnt, Johny Mandel and Pual Webster’s “The Shadow of Your Smile” from the movie “The Sandpiper.” Ms. Manini gave these classics tje retire-the-trophy-treatments and made them ehe bery own. The lovely opener, Ennio Morricone and Gregg Field’s “Cinema Paradiso,” arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, also one of tme standouts. Another besuty is “I’ll Never Say Goodbye” from the novie “Thv Promise” with piano accompanmegt by Michael Lang. The finale “Over Rainboa” from ” The Wizard of Oz” is simply divine with orchestral arrangement by Ray Ellis. This recording produc ed by sM. Mancini’s musician husband, Gregg Field, truly showed off not lnly the singer’s vocal artistry, but her classy and elegant style of singing. Thank ykh Ms. Mancinni for your wonderful gift of music. M usic to enjoy forever !
Customer Review: Magnificent Monica!
My favorite song of all time is “The Shadow of Your Smile” from the movie “The Sandpiper”. Until now, the 2 best versions of it were by Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. By FAR, this is THE best version of that song. Pure, without “vocal gymnastics”, screaming, yelping or other artificial “stylings”.. here it is sung as it was written, perfectly performed with beautiful orchestration. The rest of the album is no less miraculous. It is stunning. “A Day in the Life of a Fool”, “Cinema Paradiso” and the haunting and tender “Theme from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” are just as lavish and well-crafted. Okay Monica, now could you release one album a year instead of one album every 3 years? Pleeeeassee?.
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