Music of James Last: 100 Popular Classics

Several decades ago I purchased an excellent LP by James Last, entitled "Music From Across the Way," which I loved. However, over a great many years I more or less forgot about the quality of this excellent musician. In fact, MFATW was primarily pop music from the 70s, and it provided little insight into what this man and his music provide, in terms of total quality and listening enjoyment.About a month ago a good musical friend from the Netherlands, Frank Deckers, struck a chord with his on-line enthusiasm about this orchestra, and we exchanged views. As a result, I took the plunge and ordered "Music of James Last: 100 Popular Classics," and now I am "re-hooked," if you will.This exotically beautiful album has found a semi-permanent place in the dashboard of my car, all five CDs worth. The album features an endless variety of virtually flawless renditions of several musical genres, from classical to pop to country to international selections, and "truly enjoyable" does not even begin to describe the musical experiences derived from "just listening."James Last is a master of the musical arrangement, and as a result, it is most challenging for me to select my "favorite songs" from this album. However, I will take a stab at it by mentioning one of them, since this song, as arranged by James Last, represents not only the very best from him, but is more or less of a template for the interpretive genius of the man.James Last's arrangement of "The Power of Love" is quite literally his orchestra's very best effort and is unforgettable. His selection of instruments for the development of the song as it moves along is beyond merely "appropriate," as it actually presents for the listener the evolution of a love affair. The employment of the strings at the outset represents the tentative and soft nature of love's initiation and progress, and like true love, it builds as a crecendo through the use of brass and percussion. The power of the song, as presented by James, encompasses both the emotional and physical aspects of falling in love, and even the acts of love themselves. Simply a wonderful rendition of Celine Dionne's great hit of the same name, but this version is even more unforgettable in its fantastic use of instrumentation.As I said, this song represents the effort and quality put into every recording in the album, and this is also one of the best "deals" ever presented by Amazon.

James Last music is for all types of people

This is a fine collection of music, popular, classic etc.I enjoy this music most every nights that I am at home.I have gifted my close friends with this product.

James Last has historically offered the most diversified arrangements around. A favorite of ours, this setis a really good cross-section of his music only wish it had been DVD - Last's orchestra is even more fun towatch

The best of all his work and he was the greatest at putting the Pop Music and Movie as well as the Classical songs in one setting. They are uplifting and relaxing and they are all pleasant to listen to! I met the man a long time ago myself and he performed some great stuff with his band and orchestra. The ABBA songs for me are the best as I love that group's music to this day as well. He did a great job on all his other CDs, Albums, and Tapes he released over the years. Never lost my money on any of his purchases. This Cd is the best for all song tastes and back-round or mood settings I have ever heard! We were blessed to hear what he crafted for all of us-He will be missed! BSM-Texas!

James Last is one of the finest orchestral instrumentalists of our times & he has richly lived up to his reputation with this ultimate/immaculate selection of tracks. In this box-set, he has chosen the 100 finest, most popular & evergreen melodies of contemporary music & of times gone by. His symphonic pop orchestra has encased this music in the unique, vibrant, refreshing & expressive style that can only be that of Last - built to last the vagaries of time!In any case, you couldn't possibly go wrong with a purchase of a box-set of James Last's music & certainly not with this one. So, go for it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Highly, highly reccommended!

Most of the music was great. However, there is a CD that is more like electronic music which I did not enjoy.But, that could just be me. There are four CD's and only one we did not enjoy. Well worth buying, but not his best.

all james last now in my collection awesome music

Musik perfect for relaxing and it is a great deal.

Brought as a present. Good price .

Muy variado en ritmos además de gustoso

初めてジェームズラストのLPを買ったのが高校生の時だから今から５０年前。それ以来何枚か買ってきたが、この５枚組は最高の出来だと言える。アレンジのセンス、最新のデジタル技術による高音質によって心から楽しめるものとなっている。CD1 Popular Favourites, CD2 Stage & Screen, CD3 All My Love, CD4 Around The World, CD5 Classical Favourites.彼の幅広いレパートリーがこの５枚組に凝縮されている。入門編としても超お勧め。余りの音質の良さにオーディオセットのチェック用CDとしても活躍しています。

Exactly what I was looking for A good retrospective of his career.