I was first introduced to Paul Schwartz four years ago when I bought "State of Grace I", and since then his music has conquered my hears and my heart. I bought Aria III out of curiosity, for more than once I have become disapointed with following works of various other artists. I was proven wrong from the moment I pressed play. Contrary to the editorial review, there is nothing "cheesy" about "Ombra ma Fui", it has a lovely and well balanced melody that is just the lift off to what is going to be a lovely voyage through a field of great master works ( the original composers) complemented with a touch of modernity that can appeal to even the less drawn to classical music.
Forget the electronic sounds, just press play, "close your eyes, take a deep breath and relax". It is uplifting and very reccomendable.

But what have YOU done lately that will last? --Besides, of course, calling a pop CD kitsch? Wow, fearless and original move there...

Yeah, I'm a little vexed by that dumb editorial review. Who wouldn't be? As is the case with so much that takes a drubbing in pop culture these days, if you will just relax, quit sweating the maintenance of your ironic attitude and listen without prejudice, there are great rewards to be reaped here.

Will Schwartz's enterprise live through the ages like the sources of its musical inspiration? Frankly, that doesn't concern me one little bit. I enjoy it, adore it, can't get enough of it in the now. That's more than enough for me, thanks, and for any fans of listenable, emotionally effecting music, I'd suggest. If I can put it on six months from now, and still feel the thrill, that's just a fringe benefit.

A+ Excellent. Enjoy!

Aria Metamorphosis 3 is traditional opera with an upbeat contemporary spin; and in some cases, almost like the New Age sound of Enigma. Fans of Sarah Brightman will love the vocals of Rebecca Luker!

Opera purists may frown on Paul Schwartz's "Aria 3", but I find it to be a magnificent effort in taking some beautiful themes and making them, well, simply divine. For example, Monteverdi's "Pur ti miro" is spellbinding. I have listened to the earlier "Aria" CD's and this is my favorite.

The first time I heard anything by Paul was on a "sampler" of "world music" called "Elevation". It had one of his "Aria" tracks, and it was immediately my favorite; so I found and bought Aria and Aria II. Aria III is absolutely up to the same standards as the first two.