Musicals are always interesting to write about. I have no knowledge about this particular one, yet I am confident I can conjure the most obscure imagery just by listening to it. Raynald Grenier is one of the most experienced indie composers I’ve written a critique for. At this point what I say is just commentary. His new album include compositions that form Beth & Noa: The Ballet.
The first track is the prologue. This is instant enough to prove the level of experience this man wielding the wand has. It immediately not only provides the time and space for the occurrence, but also sets the scene for the probable image. The gallantry of the instruments, the tension and passion is all palpable through these sound waves alone. An angelic choir glides down and takes over The Fortress, the next track. It is a slow, acoustic piece-the wind instruments perfectly wailing to create the desired effect of melancholy. The ballet is coming together slowly in my minds eye.
From war and peace
As the soldiers march down, By This Sword plays in my mind. It is almost a setting for a knighthood, a brave and noble prince on a handsome steed. The pomp and ceremony lies within the notes that Raynald Grenier uses to create crests and valleys of emotion. Will You Always Love Me (Pas de deux) is where I can visualize the ballet actually coming together. It almost sounds like fragments from Swan Lake, and Natalie Portman’s intense performance is something I can picture.
Wrath of The Gods has the foreboding tone you would expect from a song like this. They scorn, from their ivory thrones. The matrimony they see of love before them does not please them, and their orthodox scorn creates a great deal of discomfort on stage. The battle we would expect then would ensue, with Soldiers at War. Merciless killing, life being lost-all captured in a breathtaking moment by this master composer. The march, tone and notes are perfected to use segments we can all relate to.
The Ambush is the silent taking of the prince. It creates that silent mystery, the shrewd slinking around. The piano and strings layer to create a dense fog of mystery and suspense. As the deed is done, we hear the song that would speak for death itself. Noble Knight, Rest in Peace is a solemn farewell to a brave soul. The images just the music is able to construct is more than impressive.
A compromise. For The Sake of the Kingdom looks at an exchange-of words and favors in hopes that change can be brought about. Even in moments of silence, Raynald Grenier knows how to navigate a single instrument to give direction. The Epilogue seamlessly transcends to the ending this beautiful visual and musical composition created. Raynald Grenier has once again created music fit for a 1000 week musical performance, where the music transcends and in moments upscales the drama on stage.
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Discovered via http://musosoup.com
