Review of Vanessa Mae’s Choreography album
Vanessa Mae’s first outing on the Sony Classical label, Choreography puts aside the pop and electronica of her previous albums in favor of the earthy and almost spiritually transcendent quality of the world’s traditional musical forms, from Eastern European (“Sabre Dance”) to South American (“Tango de los Exilados”) to African (“Tribal Gathering”) to Indian (“Raga’s Dance”).
The album tracks were composed and arranged by a diverse group of artists including Vangelis (of “Chariots of Fire” fame), Grammy awardee Bill Whelan, Indian film composer AR Rahman, and European composer Walter Taieb (who produced The Alchemist’s Symphony based on the fiction of Paolo Coelho). Also on the album are two pieces that are no doubt familiar to audiences of classical music: Aram Katchaturian’s “Sabre Dance” and George Frideric Handel’s “Minuet.”
Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Vanessa Mae keeps her music upbeat; as usual, her playing is very energetic. Her solos surge above the orchestral music and the occasional drumbeat or chant, leaving no doubt as to who is the commanding artist. Vanessa Mae’s quick playing provides a powerful counterpoint to the orchestra’s and other performers’ parts, but discerning listeners may tire of her limited dynamic range despite her clean violin technique.
Listeners of either classical or pop music who are looking for something lively will definitely like Choreography, which also lends itself as an interesting introduction to the violin and to classical and world music in general. Each track conveys some of the distinctive feel of its representative country, and you find yourself traversing continents without missing a beat.
With almost equal parts soulfulness and verve, Choreography is worth a listen regardless of whether you’re in a recliner or on the dance floor.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
