Description:
This is one of a new breed of albums, an embryonic hybrid genre where polished pop sensibilities meet elements of classical music. It may be marketed as classical and reviewed as crossover, but like the simultaneously released Ascolta by Izzy, it is something different. There are 12 songs in standard four-minute pop formats. Thomas Otten plays electronic keyboards, his sounds ranging from clearly digital soundscapes to acoustic instrument samples, while the production has all the gloss of adult-orientated pop. Yet Otten is a countertenor, and instead of a pop band, he is supported by piano, cello, violins and the lovely soprano
This is one of a new breed of albums, an embryonic hybrid genre where polished pop sensibilities meet elements of classical music. It may be marketed as classical and reviewed as crossover, but like the simultaneously released Ascolta by Izzy, it is something different. There are 12 songs in standard four-minute pop formats. Thomas Otten plays electronic keyboards, his sounds ranging from clearly digital soundscapes to acoustic instrument samples, while the production has all the gloss of adult-orientated pop. Yet Otten is a countertenor, and instead of a pop band, he is supported by piano, cello, violins and the lovely soprano of Caroline Mutel. Apart from an arrangement of Handel's "Ombra Mai Fù" and a setting of a sonnet by Petrarch, the songs are mainly by Frederic Momont and sung in French. This adds to the silvery Euro-ambience such that one might imagine this the soundtrack to a designer art-house drama, while it is only a matter of time before one of these watercolour themes becomes the backing to a luxury car commercial. Relaxing yet somewhat melancholy in its melody, Close to Silence is attractive atmosphere music, a Jon and Vangelis for the 21st century. --Gary S Dalkin
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Manufacturer: Emi Classics
Release date: 18 September 2000
Number of discs: 1
EAN: 0724382645023 UPC: 724382645023
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