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04.22.11

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Queen’s Rhapsody: The Hits Of Queen

2004 | Label: KOCH Records / Entertainment One Distribution

Considering their trademark subtlety — the demure stage presence, modest costuming and hushed vocals of singer Freddy Mercury, guitarist Brian May's restrained solos — Queen seem an unlikely choice to get the symphonic pops treatment. Undaunted, the London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which has gained dubious international fame for its best-selling Hooked on Classics series, tackle a dozen numbers from the pomp-rockers 'extensively platinum-plated catalogue, embellishing the selections with strings, brass and a chorus seemingly weaned exclusively on ABBA albums. A few cuts yield cheesy fun: the swooping "Kind of Magic" should appeal to Erasure and Take That fans; "Radio Ga Ga" swirls and eddies like a disco classic; and "Flash" suggests John Williams (Star Wars, Close Encounters) trying his hand at something from Rocky Horror Picture Show. Then again, what is there to add to "Bohemian Rhapsody" that Wayne's World didn't already?

Night at the Philharmonic

Queen's original interpretations are timeless and pefect, so why get something like this? Freddy Mercury was a great composer and it's worth exploring hearing different arrangements of his works. Unfortunately this recording neither works at the rock level or the classical level. Not enough bite and edge and not enough sophistication or musical adventurousness makes this only one or two steps above Lawrence Welk or Sing Along with Mitch.

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grt

petestitch

I think that this great I like Queen as a group but The Royal Philarmonic Orchestra taken on this is something else. I for one give this 5 stars. Petestitch.

By Contrast....

AndromedaRoach

I have never listened to Queen, have no intention to, and I like this album. (And hatred grows.) Not as good as the Sting, Pink Floyd and Jean-Michel Jarre symphonic albums also available on eMusic, but good nonetheless.

just a taste...

missionfan

...of this crap.... I only listened to the previews of each song.... Freddy is rolling over in his grave..............

awsome

davger90

not as good as queen but hey it sounds good and they tried

Not the original, but...

EMUSIC-KIWI

I don't think anyone could do justice to Queen better than Queen, but if you like orchestral arrangements of things, this is well done, and a fitting tribute to Queen by the classical establishment.

Music Lover