Track Listings (6) - Disc #1| All Artists: Harry Revel, Billy May, Leslie Baxter Title: Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Basta Records Release Date: 5/4/1999 Album Type: Box set, Import Genres: Dance & Electronic, Special Interest, New Age, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists Styles: Meditation, Easy Listening, Vocal Pop, Traditional Vocal Pop Number of Discs: 3 SwapaCD Credits: 3 UPC: 723723545329 |
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Search - Harry Revel, Billy May, Leslie Baxter :: Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin
 | Harry Revel, Billy May, Leslie Baxter Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman and the Theremin Genres: Dance & Electronic, Special Interest, New Age, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Originally released as a series of 78 rpm recordings for Capitol in the late 1940s, this set collects the work of Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman, the leading theremin virtuoso of his age. After adding theremin to a number of succes... more » |
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Amazon.com Originally released as a series of 78 rpm recordings for Capitol in the late 1940s, this set collects the work of Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman, the leading theremin virtuoso of his age. After adding theremin to a number of successful films (most notably, Spellbound, The Lost Weekend, and The Day the Earth Stood Still), Hoffman (a podiatrist by profession) teamed with British composer Harry Revel. The result: three albums that introduced this oddly provocative instrument to the world. On Music Out of the Moon, the tone is optimistic futurism with Hoffman guiding his instrument through dramatic swoops across the universe while an enthusiastic chorus oohs and ahhs at the wonder of it all. With tracks like "Lunar Rhapsody", "Mist O' the Moon," and "Radar Blues", Moon may be the most unintentionally hilarious disc in the set. The second disc, Perfume Set to Music was, according to the liner notes, inspired by "world famous perfumes." The music, of course, is as ridiculous as the concept. The chorus remains on Perfume, but the mood is a bit more sedate, stepping away from futuristic jazz and utilizing more string arrangements. On Music for Peace of Mind, listeners are instructed that "This music has a message, if you will open your mind and heart to receive it. Turn down the lights, relax in an easy chair, and listen. Then, for a few stolen hours, perhaps you will warm to happy memories and blissful hopes." Oh, you will, all right, you will. --S. Duda Similar CDs
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CD ReviewsUnique & rewarding, but for hardcore fans only MilesAndTrane | Chicago, Il USA | 05/22/2004 (3 out of 5 stars) "Be warned, most of your money spent on this so-called "box set" will be paying for the gatefold-style casing, paper disc sleeves and the accompanying 28-page booklet. Each of these albums clock in at under 20 minutes, combining for a total of only 54 minutes of music across all three discs. Nonetheless, this is truly vintage; embodying the rapid, dashing orchestral sounds of WWII movie previews and Warner Brothers cartoons. Whenever my wife's friends hear this music, they always get a crooked face and say, "This sounds like an old Disney movie."The first two discs, "Music Out Of The Moon" and "Perfume Set To Music" (arranged by Les Baxter), sound like a game show orchestra tuning in some otherworldy sounds; Hoffman's theremin flirts alongside a piano, harp, strings, and even a vocal choir (not quite the Ray Conniff style if that irritates you). The great Billy May conducts the last disc, "Music For Peace Of Mind". The expressive song titles on this disc indicate the gentle mood that is intended, emphasized by wavy flutes and strings. The first track, "This Room Is My Castle Of Quiet", swallows my thoughts up and takes me away every time I hear this. Hoffman restrains himself with the theremin; most of the songs have small passages where he is buried deep within the orchestra or not heard at all.The aforementioned booklet details the theremin's origin, as well as an explaination of Hoffman's induction into music (he was a chiropodist by trade). A couple of these tracks have appeared on Volume 3 of the Capitol Records Ultra-Lounge series, and I recommend buying that as well if this disc really excites you. I enjoy this box set but I would endorse it more for fans of lounge music than for fans of the theremin." Delightful!!! John Grimlan | Los Angeles, California United States | 03/22/2002 (5 out of 5 stars) "Beautiful light orchestral compositions in the classic post-WW2 style, featuring the Theremin as a solo instrument. If you're looking for spooky sci-fi Theremin sound effects, this ain't it. (For that, check out the DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL soundtrack.) Discs 1 and 2 were orchestrated and conducted by the great Les Baxter, disc 3 by Billy May, when both were only in their late 20s. I bought this set to add to my extensive Les Baxter collection, and am very glad I did! As to why 3 discs when all the music could've fit onto one, I wondered that too until my set arrived in this morning's mail. Each disc comes in its own little sleeve that reproduces the cover art and liner notes from the original 78rpm album, plus an excellent accompanying booklet with more notes. A perfect collector's item!"
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