Earlier today we learned of the sad passing of Hungarian violinist György Pauk, at the age of 88. A fitting tribute can be found on the Daily Telegraph website
As that obituary indicates, Pauk was a specialist in the music of fellow-countryman Béla Bartók, whose violin works he recorded for Naxos. The playlist below includes a couple of those recordings, put in context of works by Schubert, Tippett (the Triple Concerto) and Brahms, whose piano trios he recorded for EMI with his regular collaborators, pianist Peter Frankl and cellist Ralph Kirshbaum. You can listen to these recordings below:
Published post no.2,367 – Tuesday 19 November 2024
On Friday the sad news of the death of Peter Sinfield was announced, at the age of 80. Sinfield was a member of King Crimson, the legendary progressive rock band, from their founding in the late 1960s. A detailed obituary can be read at the Guardian website.
He would go on to write the number one ballad Think Twice for Céline Dion, an illustration of his versatility, but here at Arcana we wanted to remember him for his part on one of the 1960s’ most dramatic songs, King Crimson’s 21st Century Schizoid Man:
On this day, 174 years ago, the premiere of Schubert’s String Quintet in C major took place in Vienna, Austria.
The string quintet was brought to prominence by Mozart’s masterpieces in the form, using the standard string quartet line-up of two violins, viola and cello with the addition of a second viola. Beethoven wrote an underrated quintet for the same instrumental combination, but Schubert chose to use a second cello. His much-loved quintet, completed three weeks before his death, is a desert island choice for many people on account of its heavenly Adagio. Here it is, played by the Borodin String Quartet and cellist Alexander Buzlov:
As the name implies, Travelogue is a cosmopolitan album from the studio of Egor Antoshchenko, a Russian artist based in Nepal.
While essentially an electronic producer he brings in a wide variety of influences from further afield, inspired by field recordings made in Seoul, Vietnam and Nepal and also from the ambience of Buddhist temples.
What’s the music like?
Very spacious, and great on headphones. Yak 40 uses a successful blend of techno and ambient but adds a more beat-driven approach – before incorporating his surroundings to use Travelogue as a colourful diary, reflecting those journies through the prism of his own style.
Other Shores reflects the beauty of the Koh Chang Island setting where it was written, reflecting the shimmering sea against a spatial backdrop, while Goa was the starting point for the excellent Swirls, with an urgent four to the floor beat. Hummingbirds is suitably colourful and evocative, its broken beat and probing bass sounds giving way to rich colour up above. A similar approach powers the rich tapestry of Mahalaxmi Unltd, while Glassworks shows more of a Detroit influence. Vox En Go is more driven, as opposed to the softly voiced Anatta, a reflective album closer.
Does it all work?
It does, because the music keeps moving, the listener taken on a tour of regions that vary from exotic to more urban.
Is it recommended?
Very much so. This is an album made with love, for the music itself but also for the locations and cultures inspiring it. Because of that, Travelogue is a set of electronic postcards full of colour and personality.
For fans of… System 7, Blu Mar Ten, Ultramarine, Four Tet, Transglobal Underground
Listen & Buy
You can listen to Travelogue below:
Published post no.2,364 – Saturday 16 November 2024
One True Pairing is the moniker for Tom Fleming, once of Wild Beasts – and is a vehicle that he has used for frank and honest commentary on his life.
In some commendably honest interviews, Fleming has spoken of his mental health difficulties, exacerbated by addiction, but has explained too how music has helped bring him round from them to a much safer space.
Having given notice of his solo potential with his self-titled debut record in 2019, Fleming returns with a host of instrumentalists in tow, but with his guitar kept closest to him.
What’s the music like?
Fleming is a confidential songwriter, letting the listener in to all corners of his world. This is most apparent on songs like Doubt, where he honestly offers up the lyric “I will always do what it takes, but there’s a doubt I can’t shake”. I Don’t Want To Do This Anymore goes further, regretting that “again, we’re lying in a puddle that we made”.
That he makes these brave asides is value enough, but when set against the beautiful instrumentation, chosen with regular collaborator Josh Taylor-Moon and producer John ‘Spud’ Murphy, the results are compelling. Prince Of Darkness is like a coiled spring, Fleming’s urgent vocal offering reassurance from the calm bed of guitars around it, before a sweeping harp takes over. Endless Rain is on firmer ground, and Midlife Crisis finds impressive resolve in the face of its doubts.
Throughout, Fleming’s voice is as personal as could be, its husk burning a path into the listener’s soul. At times this can lead to uncomfortable truths – A Landlord’s Death especially – while elsewhere it feels like a consoling hug. Ruthless Streak is darkly coloured but its string harmonics take it through a fever dream.
Perhaps most affecting of all is Frozen Food Centre, a beautiful epic where swirling guitars back a song about childhood, with the reassurance of home but the threat of spectres lurking in the aisles of the supermarket.
Does it all work?
It does. There is some remarkable music here, written out of necessity – and it makes a powerful impact.
Is it recommended?
Very much so. Those remembering Wild Beasts would be well advised to add One True Pairing to their collection if they haven’t already, as would those whose heads might be turned by songs with a folky edge. On this record Tom Fleming is in the same space as the listener, pouring out heart and soul, and his music resonates deeply with both.
For fans of… Wild Beasts, Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, John Martyn
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