Murcof - The Versailles Session

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 10 / 1 / 2009

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Review

In August, 2007 Mexican composer Murcof was commissioned to write the score to the annual nightly water spectacle of Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes. Thus it would make sense to have a DVD release just as well. Not yet though, instead search video websites for a taste of the spectacle. The score of abstract music he wrote for the installation of larger than man-sized silver balls in the grand Parc Versailles worked like the sound of thunder, as flashes reflected from shiny cannon balls. Impressions of the serene beauty of Parc Versailles echo on this audio document still. Versailles was designed for the biggest showdowns and a visit is bound to leave a great impact. The six tracks bear imposing qualities indeed. Unlike the absolute Sun King who built the palace, the music is arresting. The structure builds on minimal music and drone while performed on baroque instruments. The overture is the most conventional piece of 'The Versailles Sessions' - with, I think, an unwantonly recorded mobile phone bleep in the background,. Murcof then digs deep into the sinister realms of Louis XIV whose rule brought death and torment to so many. This aspect of Louis XIV's rule tends to get forgotten during a visit to his grand place. Yet fear not, you will love what Murcof shall do to your inner self. On 'A Lesson For The Future, Farewell To The Old Ways' he puts in great melody lines after grim abstract sounds start the track. Next is a monumental and haunting collage which provides a sound warning of deforestation. The spooky vapours from voice and instruments come as the prelude to frosty tundras taking the place of leafy parks such as Versailles. Murcof, like most, was in two minds I suppose. Such a wonderful place, created though by a horrible ruler. From the onset, Murcof intended to progress beyond what he achieved before when he was composing and recording music from computer glitches. The use of baroque instruments - string, keyboard and wind - is at its most misleadiing on 'Spring In The Artificial Gardens' due to its ambient sense of growth. The closing track refers to the times predating Versailles and features a characteristically medieval flut. The hand of the master shows when he manages to include it over what could be a dubstep pattern. If performed with electronic instruments 'Lully's "Turquerie" As Interpreted By An Advance Script' would be dancefloor filler. Murcof has moulded a lasting document from an opponent and anachronical input. Therefore I find the word sessions a little derogatory. This is chamber music for the 21st Century.

Track Listing:-

1 Welcome to Versailles
2 Louis XIV's Demons
3 A Lesson for the Future, Farewell to the Old Ways
4 Death of a Forest
5 Spring in the Artificial Gardens
6 Lully's Turquerie As Interpreted By an Advanced Script

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