Mythologies II
Studio Hill, 2024
8/10
The composer Danaë Xanthe Vlasse sees her work fleshed out by the vocalists Sangeeta Kaur, Hila Plitmann and Omar Najmi and Robert Theis’ piano, where The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra soundtrack the 8 selections.
The soaring vocals and flowing instrumentation of “Medusa & Perseus” opens with Najmi’s booming tenor voice alongside the glorious strings and Theis’ elegant piano.
The middle belongs to “Andromeda”, where 6 chapters emit mystery, tension and rich interaction between the many violins, violas and cellos. Theis’ poetic keys become the focus in the middle of the track, and Kaur and Plitmann’s harmonic sopranos create much sublime beauty.
“Dreams Of Ithaca” exits the listen, and it’s a calm, intimate moment, where the emotive piano is met with glorious singing, dreamy bouts and cinematic swelling and meticulous, orchestral dynamics.
A record that pays homage to Vlasse’s Greek heritage, this is a complex effort but easily accessible, and will resonate with ears towards classical, chamber and orchestral ideas.
Travels well with: Amber Weekes- A Lady With A Song; Yuka Mito- How Deep Is The Ocean