Gary Schnitzer,
Serenade

Label: Violin Romance
Year: 2002

(2½ out of 5)

A veteran of the Fort Worth Symphony and other regional orchestras, violinist Gary Schnitzer opted to leave the symphonic rat race and pursue gigs at weddings, dances, and other special occasions. Such events are not known as seedbeds for musical creativity. Generally organizers want something pretty, they want something familiar, and they don't want anything that requires serious listening. That also sums up Mr. Schnitzer's latest release, Serenade: pretty, familiar tunes so innocuous that they easily fade into the background.

From pop favorites like "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" and "Love Me Tender" to such community band standards as "Shall We Gather at the River" and "Simple Gifts," Schnitzer and friends deliver a pleasant enough 50-minute package of saccharine strings. There's nothing challenging here, nor is there intended to be.

Consider Serenade an interactive business card if you're looking for musical talent to enliven an upcoming special occasion. You might also consider the album if you're looking for soft instrumental music to spice up a romantic evening.

Buy: Amazon

February 7, 2005