Search - Eleni Karaindrou :: Music for Films

Feeling

pissadakis | Khania, Greece | 06/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Music for Films is a beautiful collection of fine music pieces of older film work of Eleni Karaindrou. That is the reason which does not allow a direct classification of this work. Is it jazz, is it minimalism, is it classical music? Or it is a delicate superposition of all of these different music trends? The album includes fine melodies, originally recorded to cover specific paths of film scenes. For somebody who has seen the films the music matches with the memory, the landscapes, the characters. For the others, this music creates the feeling of an un-expectable event, the picture of an unknown place; however unpredictably familiar to the memory of the listener. Karaindrou wisely composes oboe and piano, traditional greek instruments with west-come saxophone and delivers unique sounds and feelings. The presence of the composer on piano and Jan Garbarek on saxophone fortifies the strong personal character of the album. Adagio is one of the most delicate and simultaneously powerful music pieces I ever experienced. Rosa's Song (singed by Karaindrou) is a mellow track, of excellent lyrics and solid passion. I keenly recommend this album to listeners familiar with the music of Karaidnrou and the film works presented, but also to those which are attracted by jazz and "sensible" minimalistic music. Without a doubt, this type of music is the best company for late hours or memory searching."

Greece, Music, Cinema, Reflection and History

S. E. Vogiatzis | Athens, Greece | 05/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Naturally, when you review a CD you have to say something about the music. Usually yes. But this CD takes me further. Makes me reflect about 20th century. I treat it more like a valuable, well-written book. And I come to the conclusion that 20th century has been a very unmusical century.



Though every aphorism has a certain totalitarian sense - not to mention enough quantity of nonsense - in terms of comparative analysis, the statement holds a lot of truth. The 20th century much adored imrovisation was many times taken to the extreme limit of producing sound for the sound. 20th century coupled music with commerce. In a tight, suffocating bond. 20th century exploited music in various ways: to promote political ideas, to sell goods, to kill time.



But 20th century also produced works like the one in question. Works that stand above a mere music event. A kind of soundtrack to a (not so ) fictional film named "Greece 1945-1974". A kind of painful soundtrack which produces a feeling of separation, of insecurity, like the one you get by looking to the picture on the cover of the CD.



As for the music it is more than enough to pick the Adagio. Close your eyes when you listen to this short part and honestly ask and answer to yourself: Is this a 20th century Greek composer or a highly esteemed master from a distant past? How come that a few minutes composition contains so much poetic energy? How can music become so narrative? Talent you may say. Talent for sure. Incomparable one.



But modern Greece either devours or disregards her children, at least the talented ones. Karaindrou is and will remain marginally known to the public.



In a way, it is better to stay as it is...

"

A wonderful selection from Karaindrou's 1980's work

Marius Cipolla | 07/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eleni Karaindrou's scores are never less than beautiful and more than able to stand apart from the films for which they were written. This is a selection of some of her most delightful pieces from the 1980's. Together they make a wonderful, absolutely timeless recording to listen to and enjoy.



The mood is often elegaic. Karaindrou is sometimes charged with being gloomy by hostile or indifferent critics; that this is a shallow judgment is apparent throughout this selection. Rather, each piece is richly evocative of a mood of reflection. It is music which helps one to focus. I am a writer, and this music is perfect to listen to as I search for the right words.



The pieces from "The Beekeeper" (O Melissokomos) are graced with the presence of saxophonist Jan Garbarek and I urge Garbarek fans to seek out the Melissokomos soundtrack, well worth owning in its own right as a showcase of the dynamic talents of both musicians."