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Odos Eis Ouranon La Via Verso Il Cielo Ataraxia & Autumna et sa Rose Equilibrium Music CD#: EQM 004 This two-CD collaboration between the European neo-classical groups Ataraxia and Autumna et sa Rose is rife with singular sounds. While the instrumentals are gorgeously performed, the vocals occasionally border on the aural equivalent of exfoliation with sandpaper. Despite its missteps, this CD makes for an unusual experience that gradually beguiles the listener with its very strangeness. The piece "Strange Lights" sets the stage with its elegant arrangements of classical guitar and rain drum, which brings to mind a summer shower in clear skies. "Shelmerdine" and "Bonthrop" highlight the same dark contrast between the cascading classical sounds of piano, drum, and other instruments, with brooding, raspy vocals. Their cryptic lyrics give "Tu es la Force du Silence," "Faust in una Sala Maladetta," and "Les Tisseuses Lunaires" a darkly operatic feel; "Ophélie" uses a medieval-style flute melody to weave a sad, lullaby-like melody around the guitar harmonies, reflected in the poignant vocals evoking Shakespeare's tragic heroine. Ataraxia infuses "Seas of the Moon" with chanted mantras and bell-like sounds that contrast with the histrionics of the rest of the CD. The music itself is straightforward but the unconventional vocal arrangements lend an undercurrent of turbulence and unease to each piece. Many of the pieces were recorded in early 2005 at a joint concert between Ataraxia and Autumna et sa Rose at the church of St. Michele in Rovigo, Italy. Despite being recorded on location, the sound quality is superb, without any of the distortion or scratchiness that one often associates with a live performance. The consummate musicianship of the performers is in evidence with each confident note. Yet this is anything but traditional classical music. While superficially it bears a resemblance to the strains of earlier composers, the atonality of some of its components brings to mind more modern works by musicians such as Alban Berg and even Philip Glass. Ringing with despair and futility, this compilation dredges up discordant sounds and fuses them into a hypnotic brew. While not suited for every ear, those with an interest in modern classical music and 21stcentury composers may well find new favorites buried within this CD. --Richard Mackenzie

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