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Track Listings
| 1. The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Part One) |
| 2. The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner (Part Two) |
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This recording was released in the 1970's, on, of course, L.P. Those of us around at the time well remember the appalling quality of many vinyl pressings then (there was an oil crisis, and recycled vinyl was used for many pressings). It took me three attempts to get a good copy of this. What first drew my attention to the disc was a short section from it, 'Homeward Bound', which was played on the radio by the late, great, John Peel. This is sung by the young ladies of Queen's College, London, and a hauntingly beautiful moment it is.
It's quite difficult to describe the musical style of the album as a whole. Bits of melody here and there, some general sound effects, and a couple of moments which make the spine tingle. One of these is when the Mariner comes across the Angel of Death; this is a sudden, shocking moment where the narrator, Robert Powell (a fine performance throughout) is suddenly heard in a weird, distorted, voice, as though from beyond the grave. You won't forget it.
There is that wonderful traditional song, 'Homeward Bound' which I've mentioned, and there's a point where Mike Oldfield comes in with electric guitar adding a real bit of that 'tingle factor' to this amazing piece. I really don't think Bedford has produced a finer work, one which exists somewhere between popular and classical. It draws to a suitably calm close. A close that was ruined on the old L.P.s by inevitable clicks and pops. Well thank God for CDs.
There are only two tracks on this CD. So you can't go straight to 'Homeward Bound', which you may well want to. But the work's only 40 minutes long, and you need to hear it all. In 1970's speak, it's an experience.
I urge you to try it.
It's quite difficult to describe the musical style of the album as a whole. Bits of melody here and there, some general sound effects, and a couple of moments which make the spine tingle. One of these is when the Mariner comes across the Angel of Death; this is a sudden, shocking moment where the narrator, Robert Powell (a fine performance throughout) is suddenly heard in a weird, distorted, voice, as though from beyond the grave. You won't forget it.
There is that wonderful traditional song, 'Homeward Bound' which I've mentioned, and there's a point where Mike Oldfield comes in with electric guitar adding a real bit of that 'tingle factor' to this amazing piece. I really don't think Bedford has produced a finer work, one which exists somewhere between popular and classical. It draws to a suitably calm close. A close that was ruined on the old L.P.s by inevitable clicks and pops. Well thank God for CDs.
There are only two tracks on this CD. So you can't go straight to 'Homeward Bound', which you may well want to. But the work's only 40 minutes long, and you need to hear it all. In 1970's speak, it's an experience.
I urge you to try it.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
My favourite album of all time. Has a kind of spiritual quality as opposed to/as well as an emotional one. It can envelope you like a great film. Just awesome. So original it is beyond categorisation. Awesome guitar work by Oldfield, hauntingly beautiful Homeward Bound. I just love this work soooo much. Makes you glad to be alive. Wiith cover art by Gutav Dore this must be the coolest album cover ever ! This is art which stretches the boundaries.
24 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
A wonderful telling of the poem, narrated hauntingly by Robert Powell, (of Jesus of Nazareth fame).
This piece links together narration, vocals, Bedford's distinct piano and Mike Oldfield's unmistakeable sound, to create an overall journey with the Mariner, through disease and death to ultimate salvation through his penance.
Highlights: most of part two, but the finale *The Rio Grande* is beautiful.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Very disappointed
I think i was hoping for the equivalent of the recording of Grey's Elegy that Robert Powell did with Rick Wakeman and what I have finished up with is something I will probably... Read more
Published 3 months ago by TallestQS
More Toccata than Legato
This CD only just merits four stars. It was purchased on the spur of the moment: I had no idea what to expect, save to say that I am a fan of the poem, appreciated that Bedford had... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Nicholas Casley
would not buy it again
I thought when I bought this CD that someone would be reading The Ancient Mariner to back ground music or interdispersed with it , it turned out to be just NOISE !
Published 18 months ago by Mr. D. Williams
Rubbish
I have to agree with Mr Dodd on this one.
As a fan of Mike Oldefield I purchased the LP when it first came out. Read more
As a fan of Mike Oldefield I purchased the LP when it first came out. Read more
Published on 6 April 2010 by Herts Review
Disappointed
I turned this CD off after about five minutes. Utter rubbish. I did not want to give it a star but had no alternative.
Published on 8 July 2009 by Mr. T. J. Dodd
not a fan
I just had to give my opinion on this cd as I had ordered it on the recomendations of the other reviewers,
first of all if you are not a fan of david bedford then give this a... Read more
first of all if you are not a fan of david bedford then give this a... Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2008 by Mr. Peter P. Wakefield
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