Yanni, the worldly new age composer and musician, has played around the world – including famously recording his breakout live album/video “Live at the Acropolis” (which is the second biggest selling music video of all time behind “Thriller”), and more recently performing in Egypt in front of the pyramids. This past Saturday he performed at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in front of a lively, near sell-out crowd.
And while you may have thought of his music as easy-listening background music – or the music you hear at Epcot around the giant water fountain or before the “Illuminations” show – the live translation of the music was energetic, powerful and masterfully performed by top-notch musicians.
The just under two-and-a-half hour set was prominently instrumental and with risk of sounding corny he let his 13-piece band’s instruments do the singing. Violin, trumpet, and even harp solos early on showcased the musicianship of the band he travels with. What stood out was the fact this wasn’t a “serious” night at the orchestra – the band was having a great time and it showed – from high-fiving after a solo to Yanni himself jumping around the stage – it was a relaxed vibe on stage. But again, it was the musicianship that stole the show – with a stand out being the two violinist with their duets that played-out more like a duel.
The set-list leaned heavily on the breakout Acropolis album’s material, as well as some newer material including a unreleased song that he teased the Orlando audience was among the first to hear.
It may have been Yanni’s name on the ticket but it was a collective effort of him and his band performing at the the highest level that made for a great show.
