Search - Philip Aaberg :: Cinema

IC B.
Reviewed on 2/12/2019...

Such a beautiful record.

Some may know Philip Aaberg from his "Blue West", a more visible disc with the appropriate "prestige" marketing: something to consider. This collection of unusually sensitive solo piano arrangements from film scores is unexpected and immediately recognizable as the work of one talented, devoted musician. I just have to write this because I don't want anyone to suppose this is a generic "mall piano" disc, somehow -- it's not. It is tender and has a very specific, clean style, given to an usual set of selections.

My go-to disc for clearing my mind for better things than noise. Very worth your attention.

Just listen to the first track -- from Cinema Paradiso. That's all I ask.

Tracklisting:
1. Cinema Paradiso
2. Diva: Sentimental Walk
3. My Brilliant Career: Andante Cantabile (Quartet Opus 47)
4. Awakenings: Last Dance/Dexter's Tune
5. The Story Of Naomi Uemura: Theme For Naomi Uemura
6. Heaven's Gate
7. Romeo & Juliet: Love Theme
8. Belizaire The Cajun: Madame Sosthene
9. Cinema Paradiso: While Thinking About Her Again/First Youth/Maturity
10. Our Town: Conversation At The Soda Fountain
11. Our Town: Story Of Our Town
12. The Shaker Film: High Plains
13. My Brilliant Career: From Foreign Lands And People (Kinderszenen Opus 15)
14. Awakenings: Dr. Sayer

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Cameron Ashley H. from LACEY, WA
Reviewed on 2/28/2007...

Great!

Simplicity made stunning

Valerie A. Lord | Malta, NY United States | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As in other Philip Aaberg recordings, the piano style is simple, yet profoundly moving. The melodies of these powerful movie themes are allowed to manipulate the background harmonies in a way that the essence of the theme always predominates. ( Oooo- that sounds SO pretentious!!) The choices of material will cater as easily to music lovers as film lovers, as much of the material comes from the rich source of independant and foreign films. What a treat to hear a performer pay tribute to CINEMA PARADISO, MY BRILLIANT CAREER, OUR TOWN, and other films which realized the dream of melding film with music. This is my absolute FAVORITE Aabeg recording. Trust me...if you LOVE "earth abides" on the windham hill "Winter Solstice III" CD, purchase this one... it sparkles."

One of the finest rainy day solo piano albums you can find

David B. Spalding | Chromejob-dot-com | 10/29/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A young classical pianist once released an excellent album titled simply "music for a rainy day." THIS is the album that I like to play on any kind of day, and also to fall to sleep to. Aaberg has done a great service to several film composers by arranging their tender and evocative themes to the solo piano setting. Aaberg's touch is light, and the combined effect is of several storytellers' voices (musically, at least) gently emanating from the piano, rather than being played. Do I sound a bit "over the top?" If you have a chance to hear this album on a good hi-fi, you'll agree. Sadly, it's out of print, but if you can acquire a good copy here, you won't be disappointed. I mentioned falling asleep with this CD, but it is also, um, great candlelight dinner music as well."