CD Feature/ Spiracle: "Ananta"

Even though Händel’s „Water Music“ was written almost 300 years ago, it has remained immensely popular until this very day. Apart from the fact that its melodic motives are among the most accessible and uplifting in the entire Classical repertoire, its relation to water, one of the fundamental elements of human existence, surely must have played a part in this. Maybe in 300 years from now, listeners will treat the output of the Mystery Sea label with similar love and respect. And “Ananta” could then well be regarded as one of its archetypal movements.

For most of the time, Mystery Sea releases seem to dwell underneath the aquatic surface, hiding in their comfortable, dark mould in the remote corners of the Mariana Trench. “Ananta” is different. It consists of one single cluster of pan-spectral tonalities, which gently ondulates and changes its barycentre in slow-motion, but never moves from there. Even though the bass frequencies rumble menacingly and get the upper hand in the middle part of the piece, when it appears to be ebbing off into silence, it is the brightly shimmering upper harmonics, which have the strongest physical effect, drifting on the music’s skin like a glistening and glowing light beam. This majestic, supranatural and flickering aural phenomenon gradually turns into a part of the environmen, softly embracing the listener like a comforting aurora borealis. On top of this endless ocean, there is a dose of short wave static, gliding by effortlessly and dropping water-fall-like into infinity. The result is disturbing, yet intensely relaxing, just like a vision of a day on the beach: You’ve got your blanket, a basket with fresh apples and cheese sandwiches and a copy of “Waiting for Godot” by your side. What more could you possibly ask for?

It all falls apart of course, once you start asking questions like: “Isn’t this too long?” or “Shouldn’t something finally happen now?” or “Where are the drums/melodies/vocals (mark accordingly)?” So don’t. It is said that Händel composed his “Water Music” to appease King George I. “Ananta” could well do the same to your mind. With a little luck, this will be a Classic in 300 years from now.

By Tobias Fischer

Homepage: Mystery Sea Records