"Adagio for Strings" is a track by Dutch DJ Tiësto. It was first released in January 2005 as the fourth single from the album Just Be. A Trance remake of the classical music composition by Samuel Barber, the track takes the melody of the aforementioned piece (which is in time) and adapts it into time. In 2013, it was voted by Mixmag readers as the second greatest dance track of all time.What is the greatest dance track of all time?

Background and composition Tiësto began using Adagio for Strings as the opening piece for a filmed concert in the Netherlands. In an interview cited by Rolling Stone Australia, he explained that he chose the piece because he wanted “a grand opening with a track people already know,” presented in a different stylistic form.

Critical reception EDM House Network characterizes the work as an example of Tiësto's “genre-defying” approach to electronic music. Nexus Radio similarly notes that the track demonstrates his ability to merge styles and create a version that “transcends traditional boundaries.” A review on DeBaser observes that the title Adagio for Strings commonly evokes its use in Oliver Stone's Platoon, which has become part of its broader public identity.

Tiësto's version has been repeatedly described as one of the defining tracks of his career. We Rave You referred to it as his “most famous” release. AllMusic lists the commercial single editions as being released in 2005.

Formats and track listings

CD, maxi-singles Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, United States Maxi-single "Adagio for Strings" (Radio Edit)–3:28 "Adagio for Strings" (Original LP Version)–9:33 "Adagio for Strings" (Danjo & Styles Remix) - 11:22 "Adagio for Strings" (Fred Baker Remix) - 8:18 "Adagio for Strings" (Phynn Remix) - 7:09

Germany, United Kingdom Maxi-single "Adagio for Strings" (Radio Edit)–3:25 "Adagio for Strings" (Original Mix)–9:35 "Adagio for Strings" (Fred Baker Remix) - 7:11 "Adagio for Strings" (Danjo & Styles Remix) - 11:31 "Adagio for Strings" (Phynn Remix) - 8:26 "Adagio for Strings" (video) - 3:31 Includes a photo gallery and an interview taken from the DVD Tiësto In Concert 2.

12" vinyl Independence Records, Universal Licensing Music (ULM) 12" Vinyl "Adagio for Strings" (Original Album Version)–7:23 "Adagio for Strings" (Radio Edit)–3:47

Nebula, Magik Muzik, Media Records 12" Vinyl "Adagio for Strings" (Original LP Version)–9:33 "Adagio for Strings" (Fred Baker Remix)–7:11

Nebula, Magik Muzik, Nettwerk America 12" Vinyl "Adagio for Strings" (Danjo & Styles Remix)–11:24 "Adagio for Strings" (Phynn Remix)–8:18

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2005)PeakpositionIreland (IRMA)20Romania (Romanian Top 100)47US Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales4

Year-end charts Chart (2005)PositionUK Singles (OCC)225Chart (2006)PositionHungary (Dance Top 40)79

Certifications

Official versions Just Be Album Version (7:23) Parade of the Athletes Album Version (5:57) Parade of the Athletes: Unmixed Album Version (9:34) Danjo & Styles Remix (11:31) Fred Baker Remix (7:11) Music Video (3:31) Original Mix (9:35) Phynn Remix (8:26) Radio Edit (3:25) Wrongun! Remix (7:55) W&W 2012 Rework (6:17) Blasterjaxx Remix (6:53)

References

External links About Adagio for Strings Discogs