SOUNDeSCAPES

The material on this album was mostly inspired by an area of the Carpatian mountains close to my home town in Transylvania. It also served as a good pretext for composing a series of pieces of music that have as main theme the escape from the urban environment.

Please note: Real Player is needed to play the track samples.

1. Out of civilised monotony (Expectations/Urbania/Outside)

A melancholic, quiet theme as intro: anticipation of a future mood that only the voyage can turn into reality. But of course the city is intruding: a city with its grandeur and culture - and monotony. But then outside it's a different world - hence also a radically different sonic ambiance.

2. Far from crowds I.

The city is left behind - there is an immense amount of space suddenly, but also the inevitable touch of melancholy that comes with the change of environment.

3. Open spaces

First real glimpses of mountain wilderness: exotic spaces and always changing shapes - a welcomed change from the constructivist stability of urban patterns.

4.Far from crowds II.

Return of the intro theme, in a developed form - the expectations are now reality.

5. Into the storm (Abandoned village/Storm gate/Cloud race)

One can often find in the valleys of the Carpatian mountains abandoned villages, emptied during the dictatorial regime. Delicate folk patterns, coloured tiles, houses and church yards - and no people. My first experience of such a place coincided with the arrival of a storm into the narrow valley. Clouds racing by, above the village and being reflected in the Mures river that just started its journey down the mountains - a surreal sight.

Please note: this track now can only be found on the Sonic Images/Earthtone Records "Noua Romanie - Rebirth of a nation" compilation album.

6. Sunset

Bright colours changing into collections of tree shadows...

7. Village dance

A folk dance at 1200 meters altitude in a village called Neagra. It is always tempting, until one joins in - then the initial joy and energy changes promptly into complete fatigue and a quiet contemplation of the rhythms.

8. Peace (Pines and stars/Forest night/Bonfire elegy)

Back to the tents - clear skies over an indescribably dark pine forest.

9. Sunrise

A dim light breaking through the curtain of trees, then the Sun suddenly takes over the landscape.

10. Ascension (Preparations/Struggle)

The 1300 m high summit Espezer is easily accessible, but the upward struggle is never pleasant. Then the spiraling theme signals the last meters and the last dose of adrenaline...

11. Summit

One never jumps around with joy. Just breathe in and out, contemplate the landscape below.