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Two interesting
releases from one Volker Rapp. Firstly, the Schloß Burg Live Concert
recording from 1995 is made up of many recognisable themes- the rendition
of Jerusalem is especially powerful.
Because no info
came with this disc and most of the cover notes are in German I haven't
the faintest what's going on. There are several interludes of spoken verses,
that do go on a bit, again only in German. Ron Boots and Eric Van Der Heijden
give their services admirably on many of the pieces, which keep playing
on my mind but I can't put titles to them.
The musicianship
is of a high standard, creating classical overtones, obviously for the
fans who were there. For the casual listener the spoken words do detract
from the music. |
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Now this is
better. With "Seven Pillars of Wisdom” we are treated to 23 tracks of flowing
instrumental delights, this time Volker showing his compositions.
Interesting
sound effects mix well with strong rhythmic electronics, dynamic with ground
shaking climaxes, all the time strong on the classics.
This is not
your conventional synth album, in fact its so diverse there's something
here for everyone. Melodies are carefully blended to create powerful atmospheres
with great webs of shifting sounds, backed up by a crystal clear production.
In no way is it repetitive. Far from it, one very polished performance
crossing many boundaries. Check it out.
MICK GARLICK |
