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Conquest of paradise
May 01, 2007 04:32 PM 2708 Views
(Updated May 01, 2007 06:41 PM)

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Before I set forth, I'd just like to say that New Age synth based music might not be everyone's cup of tea but for ears and minds that have been subjected to a wide array of horrible music... this will come across as that aural DETOX you need. On with the review...


It's been almost two decades since I first heard PULSTAR blare on my little radio. This was the song that had introduced me to the world of Electronic music... it was also my first experience with a genre that this legend helped pioneer - new age music.The legend, the child prodigy who started composing at the age of four is none other than the Greek composer - Vangelis.


A lot of you are already privy to the work of this incredible musician / composer. And I can lay a bet that it would have to be the Academy Award winning soundtrack of that incredible movie "Chariots of Fire" (which was sadly mutilated by Rajesh Roshan for his brother's movie... Khoon Bhari Maang). To me, Pulstar was the introduction to a love affair that has been going on for years - my love for new age music.


There's a lot one can write about this self taught genius. He revolutionized synthesizer based music and composed some of the most memorable pieces of music, most of which are movie soundtracks (including the Harrison Ford starrer - Blade Runner).


His music is essentially built upon a solid wall of sound created by an array of synthesizers backed by chimes and tubular bells, percussions and the occasional vocals which sometimes would be operatic, gregorian chants or even just a narrative. The result is either songs that whip you into a frenzy (like Pulstar) or sooth you to a point where you wish you were floating through the galaxy with your eyes closed (like Hymn).


Since this is a review on a compilation of his works titled Portraits - So long ago so clear, I'll just get straight to the point.


Portraits - So long ago so clear


Portraits, I admit, is not my favourite Vangelis CD. That distinction now falls to another compilation album that I own - The Definitive Collection. Having said that, I would still rate Portraits as one of those records that you must own.


The Songs


Slip in the disc and you're subjected to the opening notes of TO AN UNKNOWN MAN. Vangelis weaves his magic through tracks like La Petite Fille De La Mer, Himalaya, Hymn, Antarctica, the brilliant Conquest of Paradise, Pulstar and of course - that classic - Chariots of Fire. 15 tracks later, you'll feel a load lighter.


My personal picks from this record would be:


Pulstar: Its exactly as the name sounds - Pulsating and Stellar. Hear this once and it will linger in your mind for the rest of your life. A quality that most of Vangelis' tracks possess.


Chariots of Fire: The track that made me explore the world of synthesizers. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, take time out to do so. The song in its context invokes an emotion that is best experienced than narrated.


Hymn: On those days when depression takes over, listen to Hymn... it works.Conquest of Paradise: From the ambient tones that the song kicks off with to those incredible chants... this is the conquest of your mind...


Conclusion


I had originally decided that I'd never write this review. The bond I have with new age music - Vangelis, Enya etc. - is such that I often find myself lacking in conveying the message across. Words cant describe certain emotions. Words cant describe Vangelis.


~finis~


Read more on Vangelis if you want to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vangelis


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