Peter Scholes, The London Philharmonic Orchestra - Kashmir: Symphonic Led Zeppelin (1997)

The empirical approach of the British can be seen in almost every field. The Royal Philharmonic, as well as several others, have symphonic arrangements of popular or "non-classical" music. Jaz Coleman's arrangement and the London Philharmonic's interpretation under the baton of Peter Scholes along with the recording makes this album a philharmonic poem. It is a compilation of various Led Zeppelin songs; however, they are arranged in such a way that one feels as if s/he is listening to a symphonic work. The first three tracks--or "movements"--share a common theme; so, it is not possible to listen to them separately. The fourth movement, "Stairway to Heaven" is the slow movement of the symphonic work. I am not to write a critiqué of the album, nor am I to evaluate Jaz Coleman's orchestral arrangement. But, a few things:
* It starts with an overture-like, free-style introductory movement. It is the overture in the sense that it gives the general spirit of the whole work; it certainly doesn't contain any tunes that we are going to listen to.
* The second movement, 'kashmir', comes so naturally that the listener takes a different stance and starts really "listening" to the music all through the album.
* The so-called authentic musical instruments are added to the whole work not as decoration but as integrated and indispensible elements of the music.
* The musical blast of the 'kashmir' after the overture must be especially mentioned.
* The tracks all follow almost the same structure, with a cadenza-like passage towards their end. They are especially worth listening to. My favourite is the one in 'kashmir' at 4:30, played by the (Arabic?) violin, and the orchestral cadenza at 6:20.
* The arrangements all sound like film scores; hence highly impressive.
* The optimal level of reverb effect only adds to the total sound ambiance. It is not uncommon to hear this effect, but its level is superbly adjusted.
* The tracks are long enough. They don't come to their ends quickly, but you have the sensation of having a tasty meal slowly chewing each and every portion. But, they are not unduly long either. When a track is finished, you are satisfied. If you want something more, you can order one more--listen to the track again.
* One might ask why wome other songs of Led Zeppelin's were not selected. I could, perhaps, enjoy listening to 'Since I've been loving you'. However, the album is not to be listened to as isolated tracks. I wouldn't recommend listening to it in the shuffle mode. The total effect would be lost.
* The re-arrangement of the songs for a philharmonic orchestra is almost something to be given as a sample. It keeps the flavour of the original; yet adds divergence to it so that it becomes both something you are accustomed to and something you are listening to for the first time.
* The booklet contained in the paperback cover is also designed in accordance with the general spirit of the album. Read it as you listen to the music. The artwork is also a part of the whole album.
* Listen to it either through some quality equipment or through earphones.