Keith Emerson - Steinway To Heaven - Import CD

Credits:

Keith Emerson

Description:

An interesting concept -- an album of classical piano pieces performed by rock keyboardists -- is nicely realized on this compilation. While the star power of prog rockers like Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, and Patrick Moraz doesn't hurt, the other tracks are rounded out by an assortment of talented session players and bandmembers. Moraz's track, an overly jerky rendition of Chopin's Military Polonaise, is the only real disappointment of the lot. Wakeman contributes a gentle Pathetique, and Emerson rightly takes top billing with an octave-bouncing roller-coaster ride through Ginastera's Dance Creole. Aside from some tasty jazz improvisation by Brian Auger over Faure's Pavane, though, the performances here are surprisingly restrained and conservative. For classical listeners entering rock, or vice versa, it's a pleasant introduction to some of the finest works and musicians in these respective fields. ~ Paul Collins

Tracklisting:

1.Ginastera's Dance Creole - Keith Emerson
2.Beethoven's Pathetique - Rick Wakeman
3.Chopin's Revolutionary Etude - Jordan Rudess
4.Chopin's Prelude in E Minor - Chuck Leavell
5.Brahms' Variations on Paganini - Chris Ingles
6.Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata - David Bryan
7.Chopin's Military Polonaise - Patrick Moraz
8.Faure's Pavane Op. 50 - Brian Auger
9.Liszt's Sonnetto 104 Del Petrarca - Mark Robertson
10.Prokofiev's Suggestion Diabolique - Tony Hymas
11.Chopin's Raindrop - Dizzy Reed
12.Ravel's Pavane for a Dead Princess - Steve Porcaro