Mike Oldfield

[Robbie]

Mike Oldfield is currently working on his debut classical recording, for choir and orchestra, set for release through Universal in October. Using musical and lyrical themes associated with the ancient festival of Halloweíen, this is powerful and emotional music that is bound to appeal to Mike Oldfield fans, and beyond.

[AlexS]

I've heard about this - it will surely be interesting. A full, epic orchestral suite from Mike again will be surely welcome.

His autobiography, "Changeling" is out next month - that should be an interesting read.

[Robbie]

You can read lot of interesting points from Tubular Bells era, how TB was made, how Mike became famous.

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/...icle_id=448545

[Robbie]

Motor Cycle News has published a video interview with Mike about his motorbikes and how riding them inspired his new symphony projet, 'Music of the spheres'.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...eldbikesvideo/

[HippyDave]

Mike Oldfield is currently working on his debut classical recording, for choir and orchestra, set for release through Universal in October. Using musical and lyrical themes associated with the ancient festival of Halloweíen, this is powerful and emotional music that is bound to appeal to Mike Oldfield fans, and beyond.

This sounds great - really looking forward to hearing this... 8))

[Robbie]

Great concert video!!

Guilty (Mike Oldfield's Exposed Tour concert Wembley 1979)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zfc59a...eature=related

[Jock]

I'm not impressed by Music Of The Spheres. It was labelled as "The Planets for the 21st Century". Which I think is a huge insult to Gustav Holst. I enthusiastically rushed out to buy it, but deep down I had reservations that it wouldnt work.

As much as I love Mike Olfields music, I really do think that he must of had delusions of granduer on this project. Hats off to him for attempting it, but it hasnt worked. If the compositions would of been done in the normal Mike Olfield style then it would of been great. Making it an orchestral arrangement lessened its impact to the point where its nearly muzak. Just like The Symphonic JMJ. It shouldnt exist.

And it should certainly never be classified in the Classical Music genre either, simply because it used a classical orchestra. The theme tune to The Simpsons was written, arranged and recorded using a full size orchestra, but you never hear that on Classic FM.

[Graham]

Same here Jock, I wasn't too taken back by Music of the Spheres either. I've got loads of his music, both instrumental and lyrical, and for the most part like it all. Tubular Bells II still remains my all time favourite piece, while maybe not as original or groundbreaking as the first album, still stands today, for me, as one of the single best "follow-up" albums ever written. Unmistakebly Tubular Bells, yet different at the same time. That's a hard act to follow.

I look forward to this new album with hesitation!

[Jock]

Tubuluar Bells II is brilliant. A highly polished version of the original. I think Trevor Horn was involved on the production with that, which would explain why it sounds so good. When that came out in the early 90's I played it continuously.

I think my favourite would have to be Songs Of Distant Earth. Then Voyager.

[Graham]

Same here Jock, I used to have Tub II on repeat, every night, for weeks on end! Even today, it's as poloshed and refreshing as it was when it first came out. A true classic in every sense.

Good choices on your favourites too, they are both great.

What do you think to Tub III?