This particular version seemed a bit slow to me when I started listening to it, but once I hit that magical 2:00-minute mark, I was sold. There are no words, really.

“Give for the noblest of efforts your pow’rs;
Blest and be blest, is the law of love.”

Still, something didn't quite jive for me—too many "not-entirely-right moments" to explain as merely the result of a generational difference—so I dug a little deeper.

"A four-movement symphonic poem, Suite Algérienne was inspired by Saint-Saëns' trips to Algeria, then a French colony on the continent of Africa. Although no authentic Algerian music exists in this piece, Saint-Saëns used melodic tendencies of the native Algerian culture."

"The members of the Danish String Quartet also have affection for folk. They are plenty happy playing Haydn and Brahms, but their new album, Last Leaf, is entirely devoted to old Nordic folk melodies and dances, which they've arranged for string quartet."

Before you give in to the (perfectly understandable) despair, head on over to YouTube and take a quick look at this two hour and ten minute video of the legendary Pablo Casals performing Bach's legendary Unaccompanied Cello Suites.

Yet another example of a truth that I've come to appreciate more and more as the years have gone by: great conductors are great because of the work they do in their rehearsals, not because of what they do in their performances.

This track's part of an album called "At Home With Friends," and while some/most of the other collaborations leave me a bit cold(er), this one makes it worthwhile.

I usually prefer The Original Work, but sometimes, I'm forced to make exceptions.

I've always loved Newman's music, and not just his cinematic stuff. There's always something so "lived-in" about his voice; something so clever (yet sincere) about his lyrics.