Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Gromit
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The OST was unusual because it was largely synthesiser music in what was a period film. But strangely it workEd very well. But after Conquest of Paradise, Mythodea, and Alexander, Vangelis has evolved a more classical sound and this album refects that. The 30 year old material is respectfully treated and anyone who loves the original music will not be disappointed. And the new stuff complements it perfectly. I was a bit worried that this album might be a catastrophe but instead it is a triumph.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I had a hard time imagining how the Chariots of Fire material could be re-envisioned, while both respecting the original material and not turning into a parody of the music from 1981. In hindsight, I now wonder: Why did I doubt Vangelis would hit the hammer straight on its head?
Chariots of Fire (The Play) is a wonderful new album. The few tracks included from the original album were updated ranging from slightly to heavily, while some of the themes are used in the new material. At the same time there is a big bunch of completely new themes and tracks, and it all works together as if time did not pass. It's not that the new music is in the style of the old tracks. I hear no CS80 or any of the defining instruments of the original soundtrack. It's just that it works!
The power of this album is incredible. Vangelis thunders away as if he's reaching for an Olympic medal himself. Of course, at other times he rests and quietly brings out the moods and emotions of the silence before (and after) the storm.
Great results! The album may not be as polished as some of this other albums, but this makes it feel as if you are sitting right in front of him, while he's flying his fingers over the keys.
With such great results......
Let the Olympics begin! Now we already have something to remember them by.
Chariots of Fire (The Play) is a wonderful new album. The few tracks included from the original album were updated ranging from slightly to heavily, while some of the themes are used in the new material. At the same time there is a big bunch of completely new themes and tracks, and it all works together as if time did not pass. It's not that the new music is in the style of the old tracks. I hear no CS80 or any of the defining instruments of the original soundtrack. It's just that it works!
The power of this album is incredible. Vangelis thunders away as if he's reaching for an Olympic medal himself. Of course, at other times he rests and quietly brings out the moods and emotions of the silence before (and after) the storm.
Great results! The album may not be as polished as some of this other albums, but this makes it feel as if you are sitting right in front of him, while he's flying his fingers over the keys.
With such great results......
Let the Olympics begin! Now we already have something to remember them by.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Kon-Tiki
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
In the midst of the current Olympic hype, after several years of waiting for a new Vangelis album, there is a strong temptation to give all 5 stars to this record unless it is really disappointing (be assured, it isn't). However, after listening to it about 10 times, I am trying to be more balanced with my judgement. Especially that we have a very strong benchmark which is the Chariots soundtrack album from 1981.
The new stage play album also presents the heroism and emotions like the soundtrack album does, it is full of bombast yet there are plenty of tender passages too. A major difference however is, that while synthesizers seemed to be the most adequate instruments for the soundtrack, many tracks of the stage play are so classical that even an orchestra could perform. As far as my opinion is asked, I prefer synthesizers not to imitate an orchestra but find their own sounding, which was so obvious on the soundtrack album. I was happy to note, though, that after a few choral albums from Vangelis in the last decade, there is no choir employed now, all new tracks on this album have been composed, arranged and played fully by Vangelis.
The stage play album starts really strong, thanks to the well-known tracks borrowed from the soundtrack album, and also the excellent Physical Energy with all its intensity, and Home in the Glen which a highlight of this album due to its wonderful bagpipe orchestration. The second 5 tracks are rather classical: slowly flowing harmonies, usually quite restrained. Belief, Ballard and Eric's Pleasure are all pleasant songs without making strong impression, I believe Vangelis could write a dozen of them a day.... Read more ›
The new stage play album also presents the heroism and emotions like the soundtrack album does, it is full of bombast yet there are plenty of tender passages too. A major difference however is, that while synthesizers seemed to be the most adequate instruments for the soundtrack, many tracks of the stage play are so classical that even an orchestra could perform. As far as my opinion is asked, I prefer synthesizers not to imitate an orchestra but find their own sounding, which was so obvious on the soundtrack album. I was happy to note, though, that after a few choral albums from Vangelis in the last decade, there is no choir employed now, all new tracks on this album have been composed, arranged and played fully by Vangelis.
The stage play album starts really strong, thanks to the well-known tracks borrowed from the soundtrack album, and also the excellent Physical Energy with all its intensity, and Home in the Glen which a highlight of this album due to its wonderful bagpipe orchestration. The second 5 tracks are rather classical: slowly flowing harmonies, usually quite restrained. Belief, Ballard and Eric's Pleasure are all pleasant songs without making strong impression, I believe Vangelis could write a dozen of them a day.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Jeeves
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Vangelis has always been a favourite of mine for the past thirty years or so.He is such a talented musician.The first time that I noticed a piece of his music was hearing the Jon and Vangelis "I Hear You Now".And then someone played me the original recording of Chariots of Fire.I instantly fell in love with it,such a brilliant film score.And I never tire of hearing it played.
Now I have recently purchased his new CD for the stage production of Chariots of Fire,The Play.I have played the disc a few times and I have to say that I think it is beautiful.The newly composed tracks fit around the original ones so nicely.I think that any Vangelis fan will find this CD a valuable addition to their collection.
Now I have recently purchased his new CD for the stage production of Chariots of Fire,The Play.I have played the disc a few times and I have to say that I think it is beautiful.The newly composed tracks fit around the original ones so nicely.I think that any Vangelis fan will find this CD a valuable addition to their collection.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
But this one does, and in incredible style.
I've always enjoyed the original soundtrack album for the film, and like others here was unsure about a remake, and wondered how the original spirit could be retained. I would have given the film soundtrack 4 stars, but this is easily worth all 5. The music is powerful, emotional, moving and absolutely right. The depth and scale is staggering. The themes from the first album have been retained and intertwined with new ideas but the finished whole is seamless and fits together perfectly.
Vangelis has pulled off something that few others could and somehow improved on the already very good original. I'll admit I've been a fan for 37 years or so, but not all of his work has hit the right spot for me. This one does. Thank you Vangelis for a remarkable achievement.
I've always enjoyed the original soundtrack album for the film, and like others here was unsure about a remake, and wondered how the original spirit could be retained. I would have given the film soundtrack 4 stars, but this is easily worth all 5. The music is powerful, emotional, moving and absolutely right. The depth and scale is staggering. The themes from the first album have been retained and intertwined with new ideas but the finished whole is seamless and fits together perfectly.
Vangelis has pulled off something that few others could and somehow improved on the already very good original. I'll admit I've been a fan for 37 years or so, but not all of his work has hit the right spot for me. This one does. Thank you Vangelis for a remarkable achievement.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 7 reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new version of the music made famous by the film
Vangelis has always been one of my favourites and Chariots of Fire one of his most famous works. For the 2012 Olympic revival of Chariots of Fire as a stage play, Vangelis... Read more
Published 4 months ago by M. Kidger
3.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasantly surprised, but want more!
While I have not seen the play, so therefore cannot comment on how successfully this music relates to it, I must say that I quite enjoyed this album. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Richard Miranda
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Great returns with his great old school style!
This album is a wonderful masterpiece! It brings us the flavours from electronic and instrumental inspiration of Vangelis (that from '80). Read more
Published 7 months ago by Roberto de Oliveira
2.0 out of 5 stars
Horrible
I've been a Vangelis fan for some thirty years now and in that time I've come to expect a certain standard of music from the great man; from his instantly recognisable composition,... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Pen Name
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
