Search - Mikis Theodorakis, Maria Farantouri :: Faces of the Sun - Poetica

Farandouri in fine voice

02/28/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Theodorakis has been writing fine music for a long time, and no one sings it as well as Maria Farandouri. This CD contains two song cycles, Poetica from 1995 and Faces of the Sun from 1987, the latter newly arranged for this recording. The instrumentation is adequate at best, and several of the musicians seem to lack empathy with the music or Theodorakis' style. However, Maria Farandouri is in fine voice, as always. When Theodorakis and Farandouri last toured Australia they were showing obvious signs of their age, Theodorakis stiff and Farandouri limping heavily. As they walked slowly onto the stage they were like wounded survivors of their many battles for freedom and humanity. They did not disappoint their audience then. And they do not disappoint on this CD. It contains some lyrical, warm and passionate songs. Most notable, the concluding song, "Aftoktonia efedrou minos" ("Suicide of a reserve month") has Farandouri singing with all of her heart and soul, in that rich low register which no other singer could ever emulate. Even after half a dozen playings, this song still makes my hair stand on end. Well worth having! [SW]"