Category: Classical

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Classical Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows Soundtracks (Digital)

PSYCHO – SUITE FOR STRINGS III. THE SWAMP {Cover} (by Jura Margulis: The Most Frightening Music in the Universe)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 2:33 Min.

In homage to composer Bernard Hermann’s score for 1960’s Psycho film, Russian pianist Jura Margulis contributes this orchestral track.  This instrumental cover appears on the 2009 classical compilation album: The Most Frightening Music in the Universe.

REVIEW:

Despite the instantly ominous undertone, this track quickly becomes too quiet.  Listeners will have to crank up the volume just to capture the instrumental’s full effect.  Possessing a remarkably authentic sound, this cover succeeds in conjuring up one’s imagination of Anthony Perkins as the original Norman Bates. 

Yet, the track is likely too short to leave enough of a lasting impression, as far as being a solo download option.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             4 Stars

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Categories
Classical DC-Related Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) MARVEL-Related Music & Radio Shows

THE LAUNCH: CONDUKTOR’S THEME (by John Morris Russell & The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Superheroes!)

SUMMARY:                                   RUNNING TIME: 4:50 Min.

Composed by Pete Anthony, this original orchestral piece is performed by conductor John Morris Russell and The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for their 2012 cover tribute album, Superheroes!  It’s Track # 10 for the album.

REVIEW:

Perfectly suited for the album’s theme, it’s a terrific sci-fi/fantasy overture for the imagination — either for super-heroics or blasting off into deep space.  Well-performed by The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, its classical-themed originality is a definite plus.  In that sense, “The Launch: Conduktor’s Theme” can hold its own against the DC & Marvel movie instrumentals covered on Superheroes!         

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   7½ Stars

Note: Also recommended from this same album is the exclusive “To the Rescue!” TV tune medley  With voice-over work by Adam West, the tune homages George Reeves’ Superman, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman, The Super-Friends (with Wendy, Marvin, & Wonder Dog), the 1960’s animated Spider-Man series , and, of course, West’s own Batman.

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Categories
Classical Digital Songs & Albums Individual Tracks (Digital Albums & Singles) Music & Radio Shows

MOONLIGHT & MADNESS (Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Night Castle)

SUMMARY:                                         RUNNING TIME: 5:04 MIN.

From their 2009 album, Night Castle, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra incorporates a gothic rock opera approach to piano-influenced elements of Beethoven and Chopin.  

REVIEW:

“Moonlight and Madness” easily conjures up stormy Halloween Night images of either the Phantom of the Opera or Count Dracula wiling away some free time hidden away in the darkness composing a five-minute rock instrumental.  An ominously funky brew of high-caliber heavy metal seamlessly meshing with refrains of classical music makes this tune truly inspired.  Pulsating with a catchy melody, “Moonlight and Madness” is another classical gem in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s arsenal.      

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

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