| | Frank Zappa Orchestral Favorites CD Frank Zappa Discography of CDs
 (1 Customer Review)
Personnel includes: Frank Zappa (guitar); Michael Zearott (conductor); Dave Parlato (bass); Terry Bozzio (drums); Emil Richards (percussion).
Recorded at Royce Hall, Los Angeles, California in September 1975.
The material on this album originally was intended to be part of a four-record set called Läther, prepared for release in 1977. Then Frank Zappa got into a disagreement with his record company, Warner Bros., and Läther was split up into several different releases as part of a contractual agreement. The results were dumped on the market during 1978 and 1979, while Zappa moved on to his own record label. Orchestral Favorites consists of material recorded on September 17 and 18, 1975, with a 37-piece orchestra, and includes such familiar Zappa themes as "Duke of Prunes" (from Absolutely Free) and "Strictly Genteel" (from 200 Motels); "Bogus Pomp" also consisted largely of 200 Motels music. The themes are melodic and often majestic, with various startling juxtapositions and changes. This was the first release of Zappa orchestral material since Lumpy Gravy and a precursor of things to come. ~ William Ruhlmann
ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES contains five symphonic works written by Frank Zappa, performed by Zappa himself and his mid-'70s rhythm section with a full orchestra. Recorded at the Royce Hall in Los Angeles in 1975, ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES is similar to Zappa's other symphonic works (parts of BURNT WEENY SANDWICH, 200 MOTELS, etc.). The album was not released until four years later however, due to a skirmish with Warner Bros. Zappa wanted to release a three-record set entitled LATHER, which was to include material from ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES plus the other late-'70s releases SLEEP DIRT and STUDIO TAN. But Warner Bros. forced him to release the complete work as separate albums (LATHER did finally appear as a three- disc set in 1996).
New versions of "Duke of Prunes" (originally on 1967's ABSOLUTELY FREE) and "Strictly Genteel" (from 1971's 200 MOTELS) can be found here, as well as the lengthy album closer "Bogus Pomp," which also contains material previously found on 200 MOTELS. Also included is the brief composition "Naval Aviation In Art?" and the abstract "Pedro's Dowry." For those interested in discovering Zappa as symphonic composer and arranger, ORCHESTRAL FAVORITES is highly recommended. Orchestral Favorites Music Frank Zappa Orchestral Favorites Songs | 1. | Strictly Genteel |
| 2. | Pedro's Dowry |
| 3. | Naval Aviation in Art? |
| 4. | Duke of Prunes |
| 5. | Bogus Pomp |
|
Orchestral Favorites Music Orchestral Favorites Music Review Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)  One of FZ's best
"Orchestral Favorites" presents Frank Zappa's "classical" experiments at it's apex. The arrangements, orchestrations and performances are tight and played with the humor so closely associated with FZ's "rock bands". Great care was taken in the actual recording and mixing of this music and the listener is treated to wide array of timbres and specific left and right pannings. There is never a dull moment. The choice of material is excellent and thoroughly "Zappa" in approach. One of the most striking things about this CD is Zappa's genius for juxtaposition of musical styles, and of course many parodies abound. Strauss waltzes, Rite Of Spring rhythms, Boleros, 12 tone excerpts, Webernesque String Arrangements, Varese-Electronique, Broadway, Scarey Movie Music etc...It's non stop fun. The CD also contains FZ playing some wicked idiosyncratic guitar (hints of "Zoot Allures") on the tastefully orchestrated "Duke Of Prunes". A thrilling performance.
Now some critics have been hard on Zappa because of his penchant for writing complex dissonant melodies. But in many cases if you listen a few times you will hear that they have a memorable flavor to them - you just have to expand your listening palette and memory. In this CD we are treated to some of Frank's most charming and playful melodies. Check out the sweet, expressive tune played by the harmonica on "Strictly Genteel", or the sneaky melody played by the trombone and violin in the hilarious "Pedro's Dowery". The existential wedges in "Naval Aviation In Art" are chilling,not to mention so many robust, dynamic moments in "Bogus Pomp".
Zappa was a master of form. Even in complex pieces such as these the form is clear and believe it or not, it's still pop! This makes for a totally enjoyable album that should be in everyone's collection. It will open up your mind to check out all the other great 20th century work Frank drew from as well as his own musical universe.
Wonderful stuff with a sense of humor from an artist who lived to create art.
Submitted by John (Stony Brook, NY, USA)
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