Opera Sauvage

by

Vangelis

Edit

This is the first and only Vangelis recording I have on an actual vinyl record. I truly cherish the entire album. So far, I have not replaced it with the c.d. format. For some odd reason I seem to love the warmth and nostalgic sound of all the pops and clicks created by the record's surface.

The best tracks are Hymmne and Reve. Some of the keyboard arrangements (such as in Reve) do sound a bit dated. However, for 1979 it was pretty high tech stuff. Quite a few of the elements and sounds that Vangelis created for Opera Sauvage served as a prelude to the same sonic characteristics he would later utilize for the soundtracks of Bladerunner, Antarctica, and The Bounty for the early'80s. There is something naturally organic, yet technically mechanical to Opera. This is a fantastic production to listen to late at night for having a good night's rest! It is also a great introduction into Vangelis' next musical career phase for recording movie soundtracks ( though, not sure if Opera Sauvage was a European film or not)...

Comprised of seven tracks, Vangelis' Opera Sauvage was released in 1979. The material is in a New Age musical direction. The songwriting, musicianship, and sound quality of the album are pleasing. My favorite compositions are "Reve," "L'enfant," and "Chromatique." With a length of almost 13 minutes, "Reve" is a well-written piece. At first, I found this composition to be pleasant, but meandering; after repeated listens, it grew on me, though. "Reve" is also relaxing, quiet, serene, beautiful, and captivating. The curious-sounding "Chromatique" displays a nice melody with an interesting, eerie keyboard timbre. The CD insert contains two color photos--one of these is of Vangelis. The disc is just over 43 minutes. Opera Sauvage is an album that I actually rate 3.5 stars. I recommend it.