1. To My Champion And Commander [6:52]
  2. Oh, My Sweet Springtime [8:41]
  3. I See Your Bridal Chamber All Bedecked [1:36]
  4. Rhapsody [5:26]
  5. Beauty Of Your Virginity And The Splendor Of Your Purity [4:41]
  6. Resurrection [7:23]
  7. Song Of Songs [11:13]



product
info		 Originally recorded at Vangelis’ Nemo Studios in London in 1982, this digitally remastered version of the album was also remastered by the maestro himself at his home studio in Greece.
Music arranged, produced and performed (all instruments) by Vangelis
Track 4,7 composed by Vangelis
Track 7 translation of Solomon's poem by Lefteris Papadopoulos

As an actress Irene has performed in many plays and movies.



review		 The year 1986, during which Vangelis used his London Nemo studio for the last time, was to be the year of collaborations with artists he'd worked with before. Apart from this second one with Irene Papas, Milva came by to get material for her "Geheimnisse" album and work started on (not yet officially released) material with Jon Anderson.
The previous album with Irene Papas had been "Odes" and its traditional Greek theme is continued here, in the form of various hymns associated with the period in the Greek Orthodox religious calendar called Easter. But on this recording the sound is somewhat lusher and more in keeping with the ones normally associated with Vangelis. All hymns, apart from the third one sung a cappella, have extensive arrangements which makes it hard to tell how much music is traditional and how much original. The instrumental track 'Rapsodia' appears to be composed especially for this album but a lot of the rest of it also sounds like vintage Vangelis. It is possible to make out the original simple hymns (after all, they have to be easy enough to be sung by "untrained" vocalists) but take for example 'Christos Anesti' which ends with a beautiful original piece or the opening track which Vangelis similarly makes all his own.
The final piece 'Asma Asmaton' is really extraordinary and proves the ideal vehicle for Irene Papas to let loose her dramatic skills as the actress who also plays the ancient Greek dramas. Apparently, it conveys a rather orgiastic ode from one woman to the beauty of another, in a modern setting by Lefteris Papadopoulos.

2000. Ivar de Vries



review		 I'd just like to say that both Vangelis & Irene Papas are on superb form on this album!
The music is bombastic - mean, moody & magnificent!
(I have the "Voices" album & consider it appallingly insipid and uninspired compared to this. Do you agree, Vangelis fans?)
Anyway, Vangelis seems to be enraptured & Ms Papas voice is delightful.
On the strength of this I shall purchase the "Odes" album also...

2002. Marcus Stevenson / Scotland



review		 This album sounds sounds like the predecessor of Odes. The instrumentation is lush but minimal, I'd say it's basic Vangelis synth pads just here and some bass drums. Odes, which was recorded first has more sounds, variety, production and memorable melodies.
Anyway, Irene Papas voice is a delight to hear singing, specially in Asma Asmaton, the best interpretation of a poem I have heard, although I don't understand a word of Greek, Irene knows how to transmit the feeling.

2005. Pablo Perez Benitez / Uruguay