On August 8, 2000 "Scorpions" released their album "Moment of Glory".
As its name hints "Moment of Glory" was meant as a unique project for the band's 35th anniversary, celebrating their long career.
The album was recorded in collaboration with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and features re-arranged songs from the Scorpions' repertoire, classical interludes, a cover song, and the new single "Moment of Glory."
Initially, English composer Andrew Powell was asked to provide arrangements for the album. However, when Michael Kamen, the next designated arranger, gave up the job to work with "Metallica" on their album "S&M", Austrian arranger and conductor Christian Kolonovits stepped in as the right collaborator. Kolonovits' contributions were pivotal in blending the band's hard rock sound with orchestral elements.
The "Moment of Glory" concert program premiered at the Hannover EXPO in June 2000, with Christian Kolonovits conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. This live performance was filmed and released on VHS and Video CD in December 2000. In 2001, the show toured seven cities in Russia and the Baltic countries, with Kolonovits and Scott Lawton alternating as conductors.
The result is a grand, ambitious project that blends the raw energy of rock with the sophistication of classical music.
The album includes orchestral versions of classic "Scorpions" songs such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "Wind of Change", "Send Me an Angel", "Big City Nights", "Lady Starlight" and "Still Loving You." It also features new compositions like the title track "Moment of Glory."
Apart from Klaus Meine, the album features guest vocal performances by artists such as Zucchero and Ray Wilson.
One of the standout tracks on the album was the opening track - "Hurricane 2000" - a reworking of "Rock You Like a Hurricane". The addition of orchestral elements transforms the classic rock anthem into an epic, cinematic experience with a great dramatic opening. It also served as the official theme song for the Sabres Hockey Network broadcasts, emphasizing its broad appeal.
The album title track "Moment of Glory" is the only new song written specially fo the occasion to celebrate the band's 35th anniversary as a "moment of glory". It was the official anthem of the EXPO 2000 in Hannover, Germany, encapsulating the album's spirit. It’s a soaring, uplifting piece that showcases Klaus Meine’s emotive vocals and the orchestra’s sweeping arrangements.
The album also includes "Deadly Sting Suite": An instrumental medley based on "He's a Woman, She's a Man" and "Dynamite", this track highlights the intricate interplay between the band and the orchestra, creating a powerful and evocative musical journey.
The band decided to include one cover song "Here in My Heart", which was written by Diane Warren and previously recorded by Tiffany, this ballad gains new depth with the orchestral backing, allowing Meine's heartfelt delivery to shine.
The fifth track "Crossfire" repeats the main theme of the Russian song "Moscow Nights".
While "Moment of Glory" received mixed reviews, with some fans longing for the band's harder edge, the album's innovative spirit is undeniable. Though at times it may feel overly grandiose to traditional rock fans, the blend of rock and classical elements is executed with precision and the collaboration with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra adds a new dimension to the "Scorpions" music, highlighting their versatility and creativity.
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