Search - Michel Legrand :: Michel Plays Legrand

Michel Legrand--A Master

goldcoastreviews | 08/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you think you are unaware of this master of a composer, pianist, conductor, and arranger--you have probably heard his works behind the scenes of some of the most classic movies, and only have known how glorious his music is, not his name. Michele Legrand has been performing his musical magic with the ivories since the 1960's. Performers such as Streisand, Shirley Bassey, and Liza Minnelli turn to him for the ultimate in orchestration and composition.On this incredible cd we are treated to 12 tracks of harmonious, passion evoking music. "Watch What Happens" from the movie Umbrellas of Cherbourg was a successful stretch in an operetta. You might be more familiar with "Windmills Of Your Mind" which was highlighted in the Thomas Crown Affair. One of my very favorite Legrand tunes is "The Summer Knows" from Summer Of '42.In my opinion, he is the greatest contempory composer of the 20th century. One cannot fake Michel Legrand. He is a master at the ABA form. However, his secret is using deceptive resolutions in his works yet making everything locigal by the end of the piece. For example, "What Are You Doing For The Rest of Your Life", begins in A minor, working so smoothly to A flat minor in the bridge and subtly transcending back to A minor.This is a grand CD of good audio quality highlighting Legrand's musical genius.--CDS--"

THE GRAND MICHEL PLAYS LEGRAND

Anthony Horowitz | MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA | 10/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If there is a more consistently marvelous album of piano music performed by the composer, I have yet to find it. One of the wonderful things about Legrand is that it's impossible to hyperbolise regarding his writing or his performing. He is "taste" and "technique" personified.

This album is a must for anyone who wants to hear how these songs should be performed.

TONY HOROWITZ"

Sunlight on his fingertips

Vitagoni | Sydney, Australia | 08/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sunlight on his fingertips

The very bright talent of Michele Legrand you can feel especially when Maestro is playing piano himself.

I heard some orchestra performance of Legrand before, that was good, but I was still thinking about him just like about pop music composer.

Now I think different - he is Genius!"