In the late '80s and early '90s it had become somewhat fashionable, trendy, and chic for symphony orchestras to perform and record
rock & roll classics. Indeed, some of the orchestral transcriptions of
Yes and
Pink Floyd are amazing and even essential. No
rock & roll artists have been more exposed in this light than
the Beatles. There are literally dozens of CDs available of
John Lennon/
Paul McCartney tunes by symphony orchestras,
classical pianists, and/or chamber orchestras.
Imagine by
Ofra Harnoy is one of the best. This CD features
Harnoy on solo cello accompanied at times by
the Oxford String Quartet or
the Armin String Quartet. But the real treats on this outstanding CD are her solo performances.
Harnoy plays with such grace, restraint, and feeling that these pieces, sans vocals, take on new meaning. Hearing these familiar
pop tunes in
ambient and
minimalist stylings is a delightful experience.
Lennon and
McCartney have been justifiably hailed as the greatest songwriting duo ever. Their lyrics tell great stories and are great poetry.
Harnoy's restrained and reverent cello tells new versions or adds chapters to the originals. Her version of
"Michelle" becomes a bittersweet dirge and powerful dark
minimalism.
"Yesterday" will have deep listeners contemplating their own fates and mourning losses. Of course, no
Beatles collection is complete without
George Harrison or
Ringo Starr selections.
Harnoy's arrangements of
"Here Comes the Sun" and
"Octopus' Garden" are brilliant. There are two of
Lennon's solo compositions as well. The title track,
"Imagine," is killer.
"Free As a Bird," one of the "lost pieces," is true to form also. Oddly enough, there are no pieces from
McCartney's solo career. This CD is lots of fun, entertaining as hell, and absolutely essential for
ambient listeners and fans of the Fab Four. ~ Jim Brenholts
![Live [MCA]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0076732601327_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Live [MCA]")
