Somewhat of a first for me in terms of albums owned, 'Pieces in a Modern Style' is a culmination of classical music performed in a uniquely eccentric and offbeat modern, almost trance-like fashion. Produced by the well known William Orbit, co-conspirator with Madonna on more than one occasion, and man of considerable breadth of talent, this album seems to offer an awful lot in way of content. Opening with a beautiful modern interpretation of Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, this album sets a mood of serenity and peaceful relaxation. Unfortunately, this album does not include the oft-airplayed remix of this piece, which sounds even better ...  Read the complete review

I first heard the name William Orbit associated with the production of a rather "unique" pop song by good old Harry Enfield. Remember "Loadsamoney" - erm, I do, but thankfully William Orbit can now be associated with a much more appreciative audience!! His current release, "Pieces in a modern style" is an eclectic combination of musical geniuses. William Orbit uses his fantastic musical ability and production skills to great effect and uses his magic on some of the world's most famous and able composers. I have found this album to be most relaxing and thought provoking. I have always been an advocate of listening to music to ...  Read the complete review

This latest album from William Orbit focuses on bringing classical pieces upto date by performing them with synths, strings, etc... It works very well, and the overall effect is good, it's just not as good as some of his earlier work. Adigio for Strings is a great track, but the Tall Paul remix (included on the Single) was a better version.... It's great to relax too, but it can be a bit too much for background music, so it's application is a little limited. The performances of Handels Largo form X, and John Cages In A Landscape stand out for me as being among the best songs here. If you like classical music then you'll like ...  Read the complete review

William Orbit shot to fame as the producer that restored Madonna to the top of the music world, and here he gives his trademark mixing and sampling to famous classical excerpts, ranging from Satie to Samuel Barber. It’s a nice album, and makes a nice change to listen to. Orbit should do some soundtracks, although his sound is actually becoming mainstream and he is clearly finding it hard to alter his style. Hard to believe this was the same man who produced Harry Enfield’s eighties hit Loadsa Money! If you like classical music with an edge, then Pieces In A Modern Style is definitely for you. Let’s see if Orbit can branch out and do some appealing ...  Read the complete review

Although William Orbit has produced the fantastic Strange Cargo collection (think the Mars Celebration advert - all my favourites in miniature) Pieces in a Modern Style comes across to me as a poorly veiled attempt to make money. The album, mainly riding on the back of his Barbers Adagio for Strings remix (which incidentally isn't included here in remix form), is not like other albums a dance oriented collection, but merely a reproduction of various classical pieces from Samuel Barber et al (including Gorecki, Vivaldi and Beethoven) but with modern instruments. However appealing this may sound the a classical fan, believe me it isn't. The ...  Read the complete review