Disney Goes Classical: Plush Orchestras with an Occasional Vocal Surprise

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra takes on Disney hits with lush arrangements and a few awkward detours

If you appreciate Disney melodies and orchestral music, Disney Goes Classical brings the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra together with special guests like Matteo Bocelli and Renée Fleming for fresh versions of songs from The Lion King, Frozen, Toy Story, and more. This single-disc CD comes in a sturdy jewel case with artwork that nods to Disney’s charm. At just over 11 ounces and about 12 by 12 inches in size, it has a solid physical presence.

The packaging holds up well thanks to thick inserts and a dependable clasp—so it won’t fall apart on you if it ends up tossed in a bag or drawer. The included booklet is pretty basic, though, limited to artist names and track titles without any liner notes or details about arrangements.

Musically, the album favors a modern orchestral style over historic classical authenticity. Expect grand strings and bold brass sections with a cinematic polish rather than period instruments or subtle classical phrasing. It’s more soundtrack-style than anything straight out of the Baroque or Classical eras. Some listeners will find this exciting and energetic; others might feel it lacks the refinement or nuance of traditional classical recordings.

Most tracks are instrumentals where the orchestra crafts lush, enveloping soundscapes. Highlights include rich cello lines on Circle of Life and sweeping strings on Let It Go. But there’s a catch: three tracks feature vocals, and the album doesn’t specify which ones. These vocal parts vary widely—from operatic soprano to Matteo Bocelli’s tenor to a male baritone ensemble performing When Somebody Loved Me. If you prefer an all-instrumental listening session, these unannounced vocals can disrupt the flow unexpectedly.

That omission on the track list is a notable drawback. Without any indication of vocal presence or performers, you have to guess when those turns happen, which could be frustrating if you want uninterrupted orchestral music for background play.

On the technical side, the sound quality is clean with minimal hiss or distortion. The dynamic range feels modest, aiming for smoothness over power, so don’t expect thundering brass blasts or jaw-dropping crescendos. The disc itself is robust enough for everyday use but can pick up light scratches that might cause minor playback issues if not handled carefully.

To sum it up, Disney Goes Classical suits Disney fans looking for a lush, contemporary orchestral take on familiar songs, especially as background or casual listening. It’s neither a strictly classical album nor a fully vocal-based soundtrack, sitting somewhere in between with a slick production style and occasional vocal surprises. If you want clear labeling of vocals or historically authentic classical performances, this isn’t the one. But for a polished modern spin on these beloved tunes—plush, cinematic, and easy to enjoy—it fits the bill well enough.