So, today we want to present you with a classical but at the same time modern, completely instrumental piece of music created by two musicians out of the ordinary.

As you might have noticed, ViaOmega feels duty-bound not only to metal, but to the finest arts in general. That’s why from time to time we want to introduce you to other art that we think is worth it. So, today we want to present you with a classical but at the same time modern, completely instrumental piece of music created by two musicians out of the ordinary.

The first member is singer and composer Shahriyar Jamshidi who plays the traditional intrument Kamanche (a four-stringed-spiked-fiddle) and the second mastermind is the classical musician Raphael Weinroth-Browne playing the cello. They are a world musical group that combines traditional and classical sounds, often based on improvisations. Their goal is to transcend cultural barriers. The world is their home.

After they had already released two albums, one of them fully improvised, they have now created “Of Shadows” as another record that was completely improvised. The result is an interesting album that leads you to musical landscapes that will cause vigorous feelings when exploring them. But still “Of Shadows” differs from its forerunner.

Whilst the first track “Beyond The Gate” gives you feelings of The Arabian Nights paired with some spurred, lively cello laps, the second piece “To Mourn” carries some deep, sentiment feelings. It is most interesting how the two different instrument sounds complement each other to achieve a maximum of intensity. You may just dream along and let the emotions flow whilst listening. Don’t be afraid to discover new territory.

It is almost unimaginable for a non-musician how it can be possible to improvise such an album, as it sounds so professional and through-composed. This in mind, most impactful is the 3rd track “The Rider” wherein the instruments seem to respond to each other from a distance, trying to find each other, before they can finally blend. But if two high-class musicians come together to join forces, obviously everything is possible and “improvisation” doesn’t mean a confused clutter, but stands for a thoughtful and experienced playing, trying to find a way to perfectly merge the sounds of their instruments into a unity of tunes, lead by emotions.

To sum it up, with these 6 long tracks that “Of Shadows” contains, you cannot do wrong if you want to experience something special that might widen your gamut of musical adventures. Let these sound constructs surprise you. Just let the world glide by when listening.

By: Uta Arnold

Via Omega Magazine

July 5, 2020