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.
