Two Words, One Answer.
moribund
 Moribund Music: Can Classical Music Be Saved? $32.50 This book set out to answer frequently asked questions about the future of classical music. It addresses the question of whether popular music has taken its place and if so, how much this matters; and explores the origins of the split between classical and popular music, the rise of youth culture and the concept of elitism, together with the consequences of these changes. The phenomenon of 'crossover' music is addressed, and the arguments in favor of, and against, its use as an introduction to classical music for new audiences are put forward.In a wide-ranging discourse, the author tackles many of the issues that divide music lovers, including audience behavior and the place of music in schools. A major focus is on the problems of opera: the accusation that it is inherently sexist, the question of original languages as opposed to translation, surtitles, amplification and production styles. This book is essential reading for all those interested in how music plays an essential and informative role in everyday life.  The Matrix Revolutions $13.96 I originally bought this soundtrack just for the song "Neodammerung." Having a dislike for techno-style music, I thought that the other songs were just that. However, I found that the other songs on the CD were less technoy (if such is a word) than they sounded in the movie. For those who do not like techno, this would still be a great buy. A Review of the Tracks by letter grade: 1. Matrix Revolutions (Main Title) - Haunting melody from the opening of the movie; has a feel of imminent danger. B 2. Trainman Cometh - Don't let the calm beginning fool you; the song quickly becomes tecnno-filled, despite how out of place it may sound. D- 3. Tetsujin - Techno. Enough said. If you like techno music, for you. Not for me. F 4. In My Head (Pale 3) - Techno again. See rating for #3. F 5. Road to Sourceville - An odd song. The beginning has a loud overtone as Neo sees a vision of The Source, and then goes calm and quiet as they travel to the Oracle. C+ 6. Men in Metal - There is a military feel to this song. It is filled with determination and hope even in the face of overwhelming odds. One of the pleasant surprises of the CD I came across. A 7. Niobe's Run - Frantic chase through the catacombs. Expresses urgency, slight, ever so slight techno touch that barely detracts from my enjoyment. C+ 8. Woman Can Drive - Continuation of previous entry. C+ 9. Moribund Mifune - Desperate battle quickly becomes sad and depressing as Mifune dies. Touching, in its odd little way. B- 10. Kidfried - Battle song continues as Kid tries to open the gates. Has a slightly more youthful feel than the other battle songs. B 11. Saw B**** Workhouse - Misleading title: should be "Arrival at the Source." The difficulties of Neo and Trinity are easily audible as they fight the machines to try and get to the Source. Slightly technoy, but that does not detract in this case. B- 12. Trinity Definitely - Touching and evoking song filled with sadness. Beautiful. A 13. Neodammerung - At last, the master song. Epic titans dueling. The reason I even bought the CD. A++ 14. Why, Mr. Anderson? - An amazing song that continues the above song. A+ 15. Spirit of the Universe - Touching song as the war comes to an end. Enjoyable. A- 16. Navras - Music from the end credits; starts out with a new version of Neodammerung, and then it becomes a techno mess. F For the few songs I mentioned liking, it is worth getting the CD. Perhaps not at full price, but if you like techno music, then that would be no problem.  Moribund $21.50 Travel with Lt. Sam Garrison in a spellbinding 'whodunnit' with a cast of unforgettable characters and circumstances involving a psychotic serial killer, ethical choices and a love story with surprising consequences. The results will shock you. |
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