Eleni Karaindrou: Dust Of Time

Theo Angelopoulos' 2008 film "Dust of Time" deals with the loss experienced by two Greek lovers separated by the Second World War, and the ways their loss is felt for generations. Eleni Karaindrou's atmospheric score is appropriately melancholy; she draws heavily on the folk traditions of Greece and Eastern Europe to evoke the sadness that permeates the film. She has an orchestra and an assortment of soloists, including folk musicians, at her disposal, but the majority of her tracks use only a few instruments: harp, violin, and accordion or bassoon, oboe, and cello, for instance. These small ensembles create a mood of intimacy that highlights the personal consequences of the larger devastation caused by the war. All of the music is either modal or in a minor key, so the mood is unrelieved by levity or joy. With the variety of instrumental combinations and the brevity of the tracks, the uniformity of mood isn't a problem. Karaindrou has an exceedingly light touch in her instrumentation, and she finds a broad range of ways to express grief, foreboding, and unfulfilled yearning. The performances, by the soloists and the Hellenic Radio Television Orchestra, led by Alexandros Myrat, are jewel-like in their delicacy and clarity. ECM's sound is immaculate, as is characteristic of the exemplary work of Manfred Eicher. The soundtrack is a lovely reminder of the film and should appeal to listeners looking for an album of gentle, contemplative, melancholy music with an Eastern European flavor. ~ Stephen Eddins, Rovi

Price: $15.98