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
Fauré'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