OPÉRA SAUVAGE (OST)

This is one of Vangelis' moodiest album, with only the finale Flamants Roses to put some dynamism into the proceedings. As such, however, this track breaks the mood that has been consistent since the album begins. And for the most part, this track keeps the mood, there is just one section where an electronic bombastic orchestra kicks in. This piece also features Jon Anderson on harp. The album opens with the strong melody of Hymne. I was playing this one time and someone commented that it sounded like a wine commercial, which it was in a way, since Gallo had used it in one of their commercials. Despite that, it is a fine piece, bucolic and warm, and provides a good start to the album. Reve, following, is a soft slow piece and the longest here. A soft simple rhythm helps drive the piece. It's not going anywhere, it's just going. Calmly. L'enfant is a classic track, used as the theme for the film The Year of Living Dangerously. An ethereal tone gives the main melody a floating sheen. This track, and Hymne, are both found on the compilation Themes. The following three, Mouettes, Chromatique, and Irlande, are short beautiful mood pieces that are presented in their simplicity. Irlande gives a haunting melancholy mood, while Chromatique simply revolves around a chromatic chord progression. This is perhaps the spaciest piece here. And we end on the aforementioned Flamants Roses.

Opera Sauvage seems to be one of Vangelis' more popular albums, and rightly so. As Heaven and Hell set the standard, this album is the most central expression of Vangelis' art. If you want to know what Vangelis sounds like, start here. An essential album, not just for the hardcore fan, but also for fans of good music and casual fans of Vangelis. Can't miss this one. And as a plus, this is also Vangelis' best cover. A woman photographed in soft focus stares out of purda at us with dark mysterious eyes. A friend of mine discounted the CD version simply because this picture became that much smaller. A beautiful cover that actually fits the music inside. Haunting and inviting, much like the album itself. Opera Sauvage is an album that floats through the twilight. Just go along and don't worry about the brief storm towards the end, it will only help you appreciate the peacefulness more.