Yanni: Live at the Acropolis (1994)

Memorable, crazy movie

Good movie but grossly overrated

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

I first saw this concert on PBS back in 1995 and had to have it right away. Through the years of moves and storage and kids and jobs and family and lending it out - it got lost. Well, I finally replaced it a few years ago - and had the same exhilarating feeling I had watching it all those years ago. And still do - every single time I watch it. It never fades. Out of all of Yanni's concert videos I think this one is the best. It is simple yet dynamic. Yanni clearly shows his talent for composition. The orchestra directed by Shardad Rohani was spectacular -- and the band members - the best musicians in the world. I am impressed with them all but Charlie Adams on drums just blows the audience away and the keyboard expertise of Bradley Joseph is strikingly phenomenal. This is an amazing concert that will live on forever in music history.

This concert was so successful that it led to another one several years later. What the long delay in the third video is, I have no idea but Yanni fans are getting impatient. This and the following "Tribute" tapes/discs are SO good it's been tough waiting for the third.There is a big different between Yanni's work with his small group and when he performs with a big orchestra, and this was the first evidence of that. I've watched this video/DVD now for over a decade and it's still some of the best music I've ever heard - and seen. The colors from the purples, reds, yellows, etc that change all the time on the historic Acropolis site are beautiful, almost as beautiful as the music emanating from the musicians.You can always tell Yanni's personal musicians from the rest of the orchestra: they are dressed a bit different and all have the long hair! The most visible and electric of them all is violinist Karen Briggs, who just astounds with her playing. I never get tired of seeing her play. Here is a woman with great talent and style. She hams it up a bit, but who cares? Speaking of hams, no one seems to mug in the spotlight more than drummer Charlie Adams, but he's so likable no one minds. He draws a big laugh in the middle of his long, impressive solo. Enjoyable, too, are the solos by bassist Rick Federrici and pianist Julie Homi, whose cat-like looks mesmerize me.There is not a bad song in the bunch in this incredible concert. I hate to sound cliché-like, but this music is so good, so classy, it will endure for a long, long time. Music like this never goes out of style.

Simply marvelous! I first saw this concert on TV in China in 1994. I have seen it a hundred times since and I continue to love it even more. This is very personal listening, you provide the wick and the fuel and let the music light your fire. I take my hat off to all the musicians on stage especially the woman in red and the conductor. The violin duet they perform on 'within attraction' is nothing short of magical. I think this is the kind of performance that simply can not be repeated. It was a once in a lifetime show and am sure all the musicians on stage will live to remember those moments for as long they live. It was very special.

If there ever was anything like the perfect live performance... this MUST be it. While other concerts might tickle your fancy when it comes to your particular taste, this one meets the highest expectations of any true music-lover. The setting (the Acropolis), the lighting, the music and it's acoustics, the atmosphere, the moderate but distinctive glamor; everything tells you you're watching -and listening to- something special.I never heard of Yanni before I saw this stunning performance. Since the verbal introduction (however enthusiastic) of my friend did not convince me I started watching this DVD with certain skepticism. After my friend had pressed "play" however, it didn't take much longer than 5 minutes for me to get lost in -what only can be described as- an explosion of pure melody, visual pleasure and utter entertainment. It won't matter if you're into R'n'B or Hard Rock ... if you truly love music then you'll most certainly appreciate this masterpiece. This live performance probably sets the standard for a long, long time to come.Queen at Wembley was superb, no doubt about it. Now filter that experience, condense it, multiply it and add vintage.I'd recommend this ear/eye candy to anyone that has developed a taste for good music and all it's aspects. I'd also advise you fully exploit the quality of your audio-system when viewing Yanni at The Acroplois.