Most achingly-beautiful music

Speaking of popular songs from the 1950s, another one that I feel deserves mention in this thread is Al Hibbler's 1955 recording of "Unchained Melody."

The 1965 recording of that song by the Righteous Brothers, BTW, is probably the best known of the countless other covers which have been recorded, but IMO doesn't hold a candle to the Hibbler version.

Regards,
-- Al

First time I heard it Al from a movie score no less. I agree it is a great interpretation of that song, thanks for the link!

Saw Tom Harrell at the Vanguard this week...he played a song called "Journey to the Stars" (duet - piano and trumpet). It was as close as I've experienced to hearing a person's spirit, rather than his body, playing music...it was as though he disappeared entirely. Profoundly beautiful experience.

Thanks, Tubegroover. Glad you enjoyed it! The text and some of the commentary at the link are a bit misleading, as Al Hibbler's recording of "Unchained Melody" was not the version used in the film. The song was sung in the film by an opera singer named Todd Duncan, as seen here. The Hibbler version, along with a couple of other versions which also became hits, were released around the same time. Innumerable other versions followed in later years and decades.

Best regards,
-- Al

Mozart Violin Concerto #3: Anne-Sophie Mutter (DG set of Mozart violin concertos, 2006)

Beethoven Symphony #5: Herbert Von Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic (DG set of the 9 Beethoven symphonies, recorded in 1963 in the "old" concert hall in Berlin)

"The Girl in the Other Room": Diana Krall (CD by the same name)