Björk at the Royal Opera House (2002 TV Special) User Reviews

an overwhelming experience

[Ray-80 · 10/10 · 27 August 2003]

This exquisitely filmed and recorded concert at the Royal Opera House (the 5.1 surround entirely envelopes the listener) showcases Bjork at her finest-- and helps underscore the distance between her talent, knowledge, and unpretentiousness from the vapidity of the American pop divas currently running rampant around the globe. Mahler collides with techno, Benjamin Britten mingles with Matmos, and the ethereal sounds of a stunning Inuit choir mesh seamlessly with Bjork's completely unique own voice (which has never seemed stronger nor clearer than in this concert). A singular experience: a sonic (and visual) odyssey as complex and rewarding as the artist herself.

Bjork at her finest

[jdcarlin · 10/10 · 20 August 2003]

I managed to catch this one on TV entirely by accident. Bjork performs with a full orchestra, a choir from Greenland and her usual techno band. As watching full-on spectacles that is all too typical with concerts (ala Cher, Janet, etc.), Bjork returns to the concert experience that beautifies her music rather than distracting from it. Watching her actually sing her music (instead of lipsync in her videos) with the full complement of musicians like she did in the studio absolutely put goosebumps on the back of my neck. Instead of massive choreography, pyrotechnics and high wire acts, Bjork concentrates on her music and elevates to a level I've never heard before. If you're a Bjork fan, you absolutely must see this concert! If you're not a fan, watch it and you'll be come one.

Apollo re-birth in the shape of a girl...

[gameros · 10/10 · 10 April 2005]

Royal Opera House, Scenography, Microbeats (real-life), Harp, Orchestra, Chorus, Björk! What else can you ask for a perfect live performance? This is definitely the best show ever given by an artist. I like Madonna, and her shows can whet your appetite... but that's what they are: Shows. This is not a show, this is a performance: THE PERFORMANCE!

This video made me feel in ecstasy: my skin went chilled... I can't describe how beautifully this masterpiece made me feel. Listening Zeena playing her Harp, and Björk emotionally singing in "Generous Palmstroke" can make your way to ecstasy; or the Overture with the novecento orchestra making you feel truly alive, every sense is alert of the sounds they perceive:

"...Sounds go through the muscles These abstract wordless move : ments They start off cells that haven't been touched before THESE CELLS ARE VIRGINS..." -- Headphones by Björk

I truly recommend this video to every person who enjoys music, real music, not just classic or pop... any kind of, for Björk is Apollo in the shape of a girl: Goddess of Music!