Avantasia

I know I said I would disclose the story of Avantasia when I was writting two posts back. However, today I was talking to some students who are reading Atonement and a friend tried to explain the story to them.

Now, all of those readig the book backed away, fearing they would know the ending before they read it the story. I think that, in the same way, no one would really apriciate the Avantasia story if I explained it from beginning to end.

So here is what I am going to do. I will leave you a sort of introdction to the plot, the characters and the main themes that are being used. It will be up to you to finid out more, if it suits your interest. Then again, feel free to ask me if you see me around... or if you really think I should put up the whole story, just leave a comment.

So here it is:

Set in 1602, Avantasia tells the story of Gabriel Laymann, a novice of a Dominican Order, who used to take part in witch hunts and the like. However, he had a sister, Anne Held, who is captured and condemed to the stake.

Gabriel is thus torn between his religion and the love he has for his sister. As expected, he turns from religion, and his adventure against the Pope and the like lead to him to meet Vandroiy, a dwarf from the parallel dimension of Avantasia. Such dimension is in grave peril, as the Earhtly Pope tries to gain access to a power so great that both worlds collapse. Vandroiy gives Gabriel a promise, that if they manage to stop the Pope, they will save Anna from being burnt.

Yes, I know its a very short summary, but to say more would be to reveal the story!
Now, throughout the plot there are several themes developing. Apart from the clear fantastic motif, religion plays a major role, as Gabriel questions the status quo and breaks away from the Catholic Church. Closely related to this, Individualism and Enlightenment also play major roles. When Gabriel meets Vandroiy he learns about a different world, about the truth and to question his reality. From this, Gabriel becomes an individual separarated from all the laws and ideals that were forced unto him.

It must be remembered that the story is set in the 1600s, during the Renaissance. Avantasia encompasses many of the ideals that flourished at the time, as people began to be secularized and used reason for everything.

Personally, with this information, I would be really excited to learn more about the story. I hope I set the same spark in you.

Nouveau Flamenco

While I've been exploring different kinds of music and arts, I came across Ottmar Liebert, an old favorite who I had forgotten. Soon enough I found myself enjoying the likes of Paco de Lucia and Camaron de la Isla.

To be honest, my knowledge of this genre, flamenco, is very superficial. I have heard the all-stars of such music scene, but I go no further. However, from the little I've heard until now, I am captured. I believe that flamenco has some of the most virtuous guitarists throughout the music world.

For example, take any Rock/Metal musician. Or any guitar player for that matter. They may be able to play very fast phrases across the fretboard or make a stunning rhythm. But it cannot compare to the beauty and talent you see in Paco de Lucia and the like.

Flamenco music is comprised by a combination of joy, sadness, melancholy, intensity and love for life, all of which have an intrinsic value, making the music and the emotion dependent of each other.

This is a continuation of my last post, where I spoke about Putokazi, and how they relate their music to dance. Well, with flamenco, dance IS considered an instrument in its own right. Because flamenco is a very rhythmic genre, dancers are used as percussionists to accompany the guitars and the cantante (singer).

Here is an awe-striking performance by Paco de Lucia, called "Percusion Flamenca."

(What he says at the beginning, in Spanish is: "Some say yes, some say no. I have asked great musicians if I should learn music. They've told me no, that it isn't necessary.")


And here is a nice dance performance (The sound is not so great though):

The Signposts.

Officially, there is no defined genre for Putokazi (Which, in Croatian, means "Signposts"). I would classify them as "experimental music" because of their wide range of methods to express themselves.

Putokazi combines music from many cultures with their own, creating a unique harmony. To be honest, some of their pieces are rather strange, and it can be hard to acquire the patience to enjoy their music. Yet, there are other compositions which are really incredible.

The avant-garde style of the band is very interesting and appealing in many instances. Along with their music, the members of Putokazi engage in different forms of artistic expression. For example, in their performances each composition is sided by some kind of dance, whether it be ancient, tribal or contemporary.

In their website, which can be accessed here (At the top right you can change the language to English), Putokazi has developed a new concept where the viewer/listener will be more involved in the music being created. I am yet to try this new system, as you need to download a driver to view their work, and WS internet is not fast enough for that.

I find the idea very interesting, however. From what I've read, the interactive sessions will be dictated by the viewer in some sort of storyline. Taken directly from their website, Putokazi stated that they would "enable a richer and more personalized experience for people, to immerge them into the magical world of Putokazi where the past, present and future stories blend. Each viewer decides how he will take part in this unique story, dream or meditative experience."

Well, here is the song I like most by them (Which in fact got me to listen to the ensemble more extensively):