Don't mistake this album for another release from the Christian band by the same name. This album has several famous opera pieces including a number of sacred hymns with guest appearances from several rock guitarists.
As the insert says: "In theory, the two styles of music, rock and opera should be like ships passing in the night." Most people feel that since they are from different eras, they have nothing in common. The creator and producer of this project feels differently. The emotion and abandonment of the operatic voices can be combined with the power and drive of modern pop music creating a new sound which breathes new life into these timeless melodies. He wishes, hopefully, that today's rockers will get interested in a new genre, opera. The featured pieces are:
"O Mio Babbino Caro" - featuring Sewell Griffith/Clif Magness
"Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" - featuring The Boys Choir Of Harlem/David Foster
"Un Bel Di" - featuring Sewell Griffith
"Der Hölle Rache" - featuring Lori Stinson/Steve Vai
"Io Son L'umile Ancella" - featuring Rebecca Semrau/Clif Magness
"Ave Maria" - featuring Lori Stinson/Eric Johnson
"Caro Nome" - featuring Anita DeSimone/Steve Stevens/Lyle Workman
"O Divine Redeemer" - featuring Julia Bonilla
"O Soave Fanciulla" - featuring Rebecca Semrau/Charles Castronovo
"Panis Angelicus" - featuring Julia Bonilla
"Quando M'en Vo" - featuring Anita DeSimone/Dweezil Zappa
Does it work? Surprisingly well in the opinion of this rocker who manages to avoid opera whenever possible. The music is innovative and creative. Each piece stands by itself. The producer, Clif Magness, lets the music fit the lyrics. Favorites included "Un Bel Di" with its dance rhythms, "Caro Nome" with its flamenco guitar work, and "Quando M'en Vo" with its techno dance feel. The entire production is very well done. Do a whole opera this way and maybe you'd see me in the audience.
4 tocks
