Atmospheric Kronos
4
By McCarthy1
A beautiful recording of a hauntingly beautiful composition, played by one of the world's foremost new music groups. Though the recorded version will never measure up to a live Kronos performance, the clarity and quality of this piece bring the listener as close as possible to the real thing.
Like nothing else
4
By JG in MV
I actually learned about Sigur Ros through Kronos rather than the other way around -- thanks guys! What a beautiful job they've done with this song -- the cello glissados are perfectly timed, extended the perfect length of time and leave me drained. I love they way they get *just* loose enough before all pulling together again and releasing all the tension they've built. Fun, fun, fun.
Couldn't get into Star Spangled Banner, though.
Wow. Just wow.
5
By Stebo
"Flugufrelsarinn" brought me to tears. There, I said it. I'm seeing Kronos perform in Atlanta in two weeks and I couldn't be more excited.
Flugufrelsarinn is worth it.
5
By Logorrhea
Flugufrelsarinn is wonderful; a quietly intense piece - controlled yet impassioned and defiant. Kronos delivers tremendously.
Superlative musically and politically
4
By zerosontheloose
Well Boolez ... the music here is neither pathetic nor a gimmick. I heard Kronos perform both the pieces here live earlier this year and they were truly fabulous. On the SSB you might try to imagine that even an accomplished musician has reason to revisit a classic version of our 'anthem.' Compare Kronos not only to Hendrix but to Matt Haimowitz. They all are making statements of political dissent, offering reminders of what the US ought to stand for even as politicos and ideologues drive us from fiasco to catastrophe to disaster. Music should be engaged in the world. That is why I find Kronos so inspiring.
Finally recorded!
5
By Der Walle
Like some previous reviewers I first heard these songs in concert, last fall in Malmo, Sweden. A great concert in general, but it was Flugufrelsarinn that I really remember as outstanding. Ethereal, transparent, simply beautiful, yet powerful. Kronos as its best, in the sense that you cannot find anyone else do the same thing ("anyone" could record Gorecki...some probably even better.) The recording is almost as good as I remember the song from the concert. And as for Hendrix-style noise on SSB, well, it's at least fun in concert... The five stars are for the Sigur Ros cover anyway. Hope they will release more similar stuff.
Good introduction to Kronos Quartet.
4
By DharmaLogos
This is the first time I've heard Kronos Quartet, and I'm impressed. Flugufrelsarinn is an atmospheric piece that takes its time getting anywhere, but it's deceptively relaxing appearance hides a certain intensity and leaves the patient listener emotionally fulfilled. The Star-Spangled Banner is by far the most intense piece of music I have heard this month. I don't know how to get a violin to simulate amplifier feedback and whammy bar dives, but Kronos Quartet have done it amazingly. This is not Mozart's string quartet!
amazing
5
By NathanielP
Music doesn't often strike me the way Kronos' version of "Flugufrelsarinn" does. It is definitely best experienced in a quiet space with time to reflect. They add a ton of depth, intellect, emotion, and originality to the Sigur Ros track. I can't imagine anyone wouldn't be moved by this piece.
Fantastic
5
By chuki1
Saw Kronos play Sigur Ros live. It was amazing just like it is here.
Great music
5
By Quasicoolwriter
I'm not sure what the other reviewers were listening to. I played this piece in a Creative Writing class and the whole class, along with me, loved the piece. Kronos is an excellent group to cover the tones and textures of Sigur Ros.
