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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Classical crossover quartet Escala (formerly Scala) rose to fame after reaching the final of Britain's Got Talent in 2008. Comprised of Victoria Lyon and Izzy Johnston (on violin), Chantal Leverton (viola) and Tasya Hodges (cello), their debut album has been produced by the one and only Grammy-winning Trevor Horn (Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Charlotte Church). Escala mixes highbrow classical compositions with accessible pop songs, offering a diverse array of music that spans Barber’s "Adagio for Strings", Handel’s "Sarabande" plus Wings’ "Live & Let Die" and Robert Miles’ "Children". More unlikely are the appearance of Rob Dougan’s "Clubbed To Death", Led Zeppelin’s "Kashmir" and Craig Armstrong’s haunting "Finding Beauty". The range is suitably impressive, and though these ladies don’t like pushing the envelope overly much, they do create a mood of lingering elegance and class. --Danny McKenna
CD Description
Escala, the divine electric string quartet who caused a sensation in the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent 2008, finally unleash their astonishing debut album. Fusing contemporary sounds with classical instruments, Escala boast the freshest and most innovative sound of the year. Featuring the "Chi Mai" theme by Ennio Morricone, Craig Armstrong’s haunting "Finding Beauty", Led Zeppelin’s "Kashmir", "Children", by the Swiss Italian DJ Robert Miles, "Live and Let Die" by Wings and Escala’s signature tune, "Palladio", the eclectic collection showcases the girls’ wide-ranging love of modern music. The album has been produced by iconic, Grammy Award-winning British musician Trevor Horn, famed for his work with Cher, Seal, Paul McCartney, Pet Shop Boys, Charlotte Church, Mike Oldfield and many others.
Escala are violinists Victoria Lyon and Izzy Johnston. Chantal Leverton, a viola player and cellist Tasya Hodges, complete the line up. The ladies are deadly serious about their music, playing both acoustic and electric instruments and bringing stylish high-octane showmanship to their performances.
Escala are violinists Victoria Lyon and Izzy Johnston. Chantal Leverton, a viola player and cellist Tasya Hodges, complete the line up. The ladies are deadly serious about their music, playing both acoustic and electric instruments and bringing stylish high-octane showmanship to their performances.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
45 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Whilst not forgetting that there are already artists who do a similar thing - Bond, anyone? - Escala (formerly known as Scala before their rise to fame) are one of the classier music acts to come out of Britian's Got Talent and their album doesn't disappoint, with some great tunes, many of which you may recognise from use in films, or as background music in television shows or adverts.
"Requiem for a Tower" - The tower in question is because this song was used in a Lord of The Rings film trailer, I'm told, but you'll have heard this music numerous times on television programmes such as, erm, Britain's Got Talent.
"Palladio" - Although described on Amazon as "Escala's signature tune" (needless to say because they performed it on the programme), this beautiful Karl Jenkins composition was previously best known as "Allegretto" by Bond. I have to say, Escala's version is better and has more integrity, and as a track it's probably why most people will buy this album.
"Kashmir" - Brilliant storming piece featuring Slash (Guns N' Roses) on guitar. Not your typical classical music but, hey, who cares?
"Finding Beauty" - A less known song than some of the others, but a surprise highlight.
"Children" - Beautiful dance/classic fusion of the Robert Miles chillout classic. Whatever happened to him?
"Live and Let Die" - Better than you'd expect a string quartet to do, but still makes you want to dig out the Paul McCartney original. I'd have left it off, I'm afraid.
"Chi Mai" - Instantly recognisable classic staple by Ennio Morricone, done full justice by the band.
"Feeling Good" - Odd choice for the album, and perhaps doesn't work quite as well as imagined.
"Sarabande" - I think this is a cover of a Sarah Brightman song, but might be wrong.
"Clubbed to Death" - Another of those songs you're sure you've heard somewhere. Very good choice as a build up to the final track.
"Adagio for Strings" - Samuel Barber's classic, and a popular choice for classical musicians and dance music masters alike. Not my favourite version, and because it's one of my favourite pieces I've heard many, but a fantastic way nevertheless to end a highly assured and terrifically enjoyable album.
"Requiem for a Tower" - The tower in question is because this song was used in a Lord of The Rings film trailer, I'm told, but you'll have heard this music numerous times on television programmes such as, erm, Britain's Got Talent.
"Palladio" - Although described on Amazon as "Escala's signature tune" (needless to say because they performed it on the programme), this beautiful Karl Jenkins composition was previously best known as "Allegretto" by Bond. I have to say, Escala's version is better and has more integrity, and as a track it's probably why most people will buy this album.
"Kashmir" - Brilliant storming piece featuring Slash (Guns N' Roses) on guitar. Not your typical classical music but, hey, who cares?
"Finding Beauty" - A less known song than some of the others, but a surprise highlight.
"Children" - Beautiful dance/classic fusion of the Robert Miles chillout classic. Whatever happened to him?
"Live and Let Die" - Better than you'd expect a string quartet to do, but still makes you want to dig out the Paul McCartney original. I'd have left it off, I'm afraid.
"Chi Mai" - Instantly recognisable classic staple by Ennio Morricone, done full justice by the band.
"Feeling Good" - Odd choice for the album, and perhaps doesn't work quite as well as imagined.
"Sarabande" - I think this is a cover of a Sarah Brightman song, but might be wrong.
"Clubbed to Death" - Another of those songs you're sure you've heard somewhere. Very good choice as a build up to the final track.
"Adagio for Strings" - Samuel Barber's classic, and a popular choice for classical musicians and dance music masters alike. Not my favourite version, and because it's one of my favourite pieces I've heard many, but a fantastic way nevertheless to end a highly assured and terrifically enjoyable album.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
These girls are stunning in more ways than one. Loved them last year on BGT and couldnt wait for this album, and I wasnt disappointed. Highlight for me is Kashmir, one of my favourite songs of all time featuring my favourite guitarist of all time, bonus! Buy it now you will not regret it.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was totally blown away by this album. When purchasing, I never expected it to be so good, but, listening to it for the first time, it turly was something special. There are no bad tracks on the album, and it crosses classical with contempary music in stunning fashion. I'd urge anyone, whatever their taste in music, to buy this simply brilliant album.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
AMAZING
love the music and it plays wonderfully in my car, cd player, and laptop truly a great buy for long journeys x
Published 2 months ago by Lyd
Escala Magic
Fantastic performance with loads of energy - great for doing the housework, equally good for easy listening, dining in or lengthy car journeys
Published 3 months ago by Little-Moo
Fairly standard for a totty quartet
OK, so I saw Scala on BGT and flagged the name in my mind. I bought the CD off the back of that because I've got a weakness for jazzed up string quartets. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Duncan E. Philps-tate
Bond
This Escala record is an advert for ladies skirts legs and mid riffs as well as quality classical music etc.
Published 7 months ago by Mnemonic
Excellent product!
I received this CD and I listened it several times. It is excellent! I received it in excellent conditions and exactlyas promised from the seller
Published 7 months ago by A. Tiziano DEMARIA
escala
If you like Bond you will like this, however most of the tracks have been covered by Bond over several of their albums. but that aside it is enjoyable to hear.
Published 9 months ago by don hawkwind
revitalizing music
Yes, Escals builds you up and fills you with amazing colours and pictures in your mind. It also sounds GREAT in the car, LOUD, of coarse! Read more
Published 14 months ago by maryfriz
strangled cats ! (not)
Quite simply excellent , a truly talented group of girls. I've never invested any time on violin music before but this cd had changed that .
Published 15 months ago by blue aston martin
Much less than it's cracked up to be.....
I've bought the so called album and I must say that I haven't heard something that lame since and before....I know all the original songs... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Mitwisser
Classical crossover sensation
Heard Palladio (track 2) as part of sky sports advert a couple of months ago and decided as it was such a bargain to try it. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Ruth M-L
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