New Fantasy cover

New Fantasy

Lalo Schifrin · 1964

33 min · 8 tracks · classical music

A vibrant fusion of jazz, classical, and Latin rhythms that transports listeners into a cinematic soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Prelude #2 Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its intricate arrangements and lush harmonies, immediately showcasing Schifrin's adeptness at blending jazz with classical elements.
  • →
    Bachianas Brasileiras #5 — Schifrin's interpretation of Villa-Lobos' classic highlights his ability to traverse genres while paying homage to Brazilian music traditions, enriching the album's cultural depth.
  • →
    El Salon Mexico — This piece exemplifies Schifrin's flair for vibrant orchestration and rhythmic complexity, making it a standout track that resonates with both jazz and classical audiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative genre blend and orchestral integration mark it as a significant work in its field.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a classical piece, 'Prelude #2', featuring strings and woodwinds before transitioning into jazz-inflected tracks.
  • Each track incorporates distinct rhythmic elements, blending jazz improvisation with orchestral arrangements and Latin influences.
  • The final track, 'El Salon Mexico', showcases a vibrant climax with layered instrumentation that emphasizes the fusion of styles.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • vibrant cinematic soundscapes
  • playful rhythmic explorations
  • engaging in-order listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward single tracks
  • prefer slow-paced music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album showcased an innovative blend of genres, enhancing Schifrin's recognition.
Career context
By the time 'New Fantasy' was released in 1964, Lalo Schifrin had already established himself as a prominent composer and arranger in the jazz world. This album followed his successful work on the soundtrack for 'The Fox' (1964) and marked a significant step towards his later fame in scoring films and television series.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Dave Brubeck

Tracklist

  • 1 Prelude #2 Start here 5:00
  • 2 The Peanut Vendor 6:00
  • 3 Bachianas Brasileiras #5 3:50
  • 4 New Fantasy 2:30
  • 5 Slaughter on Tenth Avenue 3:07
  • 6 The Blues 3:06
  • 7 Sabre Dance 4:50
  • 8 El Salon Mexico 5:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata