Michel Legrand ~ Michel plays Legrand

If you think you are unaware of this master of a composer, pianist, conductor, and arranger--you have probably heard his works behind the scenes of some of the most classic movies, and only have known how glorious his music is, not his name. Michele Legrand has been performing his musical magic with the ivories since the 1960's. Performers such as Streisand, Shirley Bassey, and Liza Minnelli turn to him for the ultimate in orchestration and composition.
On this incredible cd we are treated to 12 tracks of harmonious, passion evoking music. "Watch What Happens" from the movie Umbrellas of Cherbourg was a successful stretch in an operetta. You might be more familiar with "Windmills Of Your Mind" which was highlighted in the Thomas Crown Affair. One of my very favorite Legrand tunes is "The Summer Knows" from Summer Of '42.
In my opinion, he is the greatest contempory composer of the 20th century. One cannot fake Michel Legrand. He is a master at the ABA form. However, his secret is using deceptive resolutions in his works yet making everything locigal by the end of the piece. For example, "What Are You Doing For The Rest of Your Life", begins in A minor, working so smoothly to A flat minor in the bridge and subtly transcending back to A minor. This is a grand CD of good audio quality highlighting Legrand's musical genius.

tracks

01. Summer Me, Winter Me (4:52)

02. What Are You Doig The Rest Of Your Life ? (6:53)

03. The Summer Knows (5:05)

04. This Quiet Room (5:04)

05. Brian's Song (The Hands Of Time) (5:20)

06. Watch What Happens (11:25)

07. You Must Believe In Spring (5:27)

08. How Do You Keep The Music Playing? (5:59)

09. One At A Time (5:21)

10. Little Boy Lost (3:26)

11. La Valse Des Lilas (Once Upon A Summertime) (4:28)

12. The Windmills Of Your Mind (4:49)

The Summer Knows