This is Mike Oldfield with a twist. Virtually all instruments are played by Orchestra but the sound is distinctly Oldfield. The first Track "Harbinger" actually harps back to Tubular Bells itself. Hayley Westernra features on two tracks but her voice does not "Drown" the music, rather it enhances it as an additional instrument. It is one of those albums that you will listen to and immediately like just one or two tracks but after a few listens, you will come to appreciate that each track flows into the next and love it as a whole.
'Music of the Spheres' is Oldfield's album-length crack at classical, and it should please lots of people. At the very least, he recording quality is marvellous, and naturally balanced (by any classical industry standards). Oldfield is not a true classical musician - he has collaborated with Karl Jenkins - with great success - in translating this work. But this album is a true classical work, and it certainly avoids that criticism as the structure is immaculate.
Any negativity towards this album will come from die hard Mike Oldfield fans, who will most like complain that its not 'Tubular Bells'!! Personally i think 'Music of the spheres' is the best album Mike has done.
This whole album make the hairs on my neck stand up!! Its beautiful, emotional and a complete work of art. This album must be purchased!!