Classical Disney
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In recent years, we have seen many cover albums drawing upon many of the famous melodies that Disney has brought into our lives. In one series of CDs, this trend has evolved into a unique manifestation that has brought forth from the incredible musical genius of Donald Fraser.

The works entitled Heigh-Ho Mozart and Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach bring us the classic Disney melodies in the style of great classical composers. The concept of this endeavor is truly inspiring, but what impressed me the most is the attention to detail in the actual arrangements. Keeping true to many stylistic minutias, Fraser has evoked many of the great masters including Antonin Dvorak, Johann Strass, George Frederic Handel, Peter Ilyich Tchaikivsky and American composers Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and Scott Joplin.

Many recent animated movies are represented in the works from Fraser. He captivated the sounds of Pocahontas in Colors of the Wind (HHM) in the style of Antonin Dvorak. Fraser even includes some quotes of Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in the opening seconds of the work. And later develops the bold brass writing that evokes Dvorak’s essence. The piece is very much Dvorak and is an intellectual homage to the great composer.

Fraser also utilizes the dynamic periods of early music in his arrangement of the Circle of Life (BBB) from Pocahontas. The work is sung in Gregorian Chant by the Voices of Ascension, conducted by Dennis Keene. This track is very inspiring to the trained ear and is awe-inspiring. The lyrical elements of the song and fluidity make this track one of my favorites.

Fraser also tackles more modern composers in that of Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland. Fraser encompasses Leonard Bernstein in the Randy Newman hit from Toy Story You’ve Got A Friend In Me. This playful arrangement is inspired from the annals of Bernstein musicals. You hear quotes from West Side Story and Candide, which was a short-lived production on Broadway, but one of Bernstein's most cherished works. The sultry use of the saxophone, a Bernstein trademark in West Side Story, is used to perfection in this work. The landscapes evoked in this piece are masterful and the orchestration is marvelous.

The textures and colors in this series of CD’s make any musician dwell upon its sincere attempt to rekindle an appreciation for the great composers in the context of great Disney melodies. The grandeur of this series only reflects the great musical accomplishments of the past and the impressive arranging skills of Donald Foster. The musical themes are legendary. The attention to detail rivals Disney Itself. And this collection should be apart of any Disney Music Library.