Search - Tomita :: The Tomita Planets

Everyone should own some Tomita

J. Michel | Nashville, TN | 12/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tomita is must listening for anyone into both classical music and electronic music. Tomita's version of Holst's the Planets is an interpretation of the symphony on an array of analog synthesizers (think Moog) and other recording equipment. He throws in his own twists into Holst's score and makes it sound quite modern (for 1976). I'd say that if you like electronic music, you must own two essential albums by Tomita, The Planets and Snowflakes are Dancing. If you've ever seen Carl Sagan's series, Cosmos, or watched Star Gazer on PBS, you'll recognize the background music as Isao Tomita."

Tomita

J. Milton | MA | 04/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of my favorite "transcriptions" of Planets. Listening to this in college introducted me to classical works that has led to life long love of good music. Tomita had the ability to help you "visualize" music, through sound. Wonder what ever happened to him...he seems to have disappeared after the early 80's?"

Space Age music from Space itself!

99D2Kid | Morton, PA | 12/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first listened to Tomita's "Planets" it was used as a soundtrack for a special on the planets (how appropriate!). In my opinion, this is some of the best electronic music ever made. Tomita is genius. And his cover of Holst's "The Planets" which was named "The Tomita Planets" I believe is his best work.



Created in the mid-70's, Tomita takes the classic work of Gustav Holst and gives a high-tech electronic makeover. One could really call it "Space-age" for its futuristic sound and spacey sound effects. In the beginning of Mars, a special opening introduction that gets the mood going, as well as a piece that sounds like a rocket ship taking off. Word of advice: don't turn it up too much in the beginning!



It captures all the planets perfectly, and all of them live up to the original masterpiece of Gustav Holst. Mars is dark, epic and powerful. Venus is breathtaking, dreamy, and beautiful. Mercury is upbeat, fast-paced & exciting. Jupiter & Saturn (together on track) is epic, upbeat, joyous, mysterious, and in some parts a little haunting. Saturn is the best of the two. Uranus & Neptune (also together) are filled with mystery and wonder. Uranus having a more joyous mood while Neptune is sadder & more darker. Following Neptune is the finale of ghostly-ambient "choir" and slight reprise of the opening titles.



There are only five tracks on this CD, for each one is over seven minutes long (except Mercury, the shortest). This is one that surely stays with you and can definitely be considered one of the best albums of all time.



If you love Tomita's work, Holst's original "Planets" electronic-age music or looking for something new to try, this album is worth listening to.



The "Mad Mind" has spoken."