Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Paganini... Malmsteen?? Judging by the quality of his Concerto Suite For Electric Guitar And Orchestra In E Flat Minor Op.1, Malmsteen's name definitely belongs in that league. Composed by the maestro himself and performed with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Maestro Yoel Levi of the Atlanta Symphony), Malmsteen's Opus is definitely a defining moment not only in his career, but in the history of guitar music itself.

You see, many have tried to blend Rock guitar with classical music, most fail miserably managing to sound like a mix between elevator and K-Mart music, few have succeeded to some extent, NONE have achieved the musical nirvana that is Yngwie's Concerto. The Maestro composed an actual Classical concerto where the Electric Guitar is the featured instrument and the orchestra complements it, which makes for an interesting blend of classical and shred at it's best. In other words, this album will blow your mind because you have never heard anything like it in your life.

Yngwie made the right choice by picking a Baroque Orchestra like the Czech Philharmonic, since it's very heavy in strings and it's also one of the best Orchestras in the world. Imagine Yngwie shredding away while being accompanied note by note by an incredible string section, mind-blowing, isn't it?

On a side note, I've already been hearing comments from the so-called critics that are saying that Yngwie is just "following Metallica into the symphonic realm." To this I will say the following: (a) Yngwie is a trendsetter and not a follower (b) Yngwie's Concerto was recorded long before Metallica's lame attempt (c) Metallica just had Michael Kamen add muzak to some of their "hits" (and I use the term loosely). Yngwie COMPOSED the entire Concerto - Every single note for every instrument, which makes it even more impressive. Listen to it, and you'll understand exactly what I'm talking about.

The pinnacle of Malmsteen's illustrious career, the Concerto is a must have for every Malmsteen fan, Guitar fan, classical music aficionado and simply anyone with an interest in music. This is the album that you should play to your unborn child while he/she is still in the womb, this is the album with which you will redefine your musical taste. To sum it at all up... YOU MUST OWN THIS MASTERPIECE!!

Shred Pick - The Complete Concerto

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

Check out our interview with the maestro.

Check out our review of Yngwie's latest Rock album, War To End All Wars.

For Official Yngwie Malmsteen Information, check out his website at www.yngwie.org.

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