THREE ODES

In 1984 Melodyia released Edward Artemiev's ''Ode to the herald of good", a work composed actually four years back, especially promoting the Olympic Games of Moscow in 1980, re-released with a pair of bonus pieces in 2002 on Electroshock Records as ''Three odes''.The album features Artemiev as an arranger and composer, handling also the keyboards, along with some guest vocalists and instrumental help by the Melody Ensemble, directed by Georgy Garanian, the State Orchestra of Cinematography, the State Russian Choir, the State Moscow Choir and the Children's Choir of Moscow Choir College.

Soundwise this one shows Artemiev moving a step closer to Symphonic Rock and Classical Music, still the album is strongly grounded in his principles as a composer of Electronic Music.''Ode to the herald of good" is actually a long suite, divided in seven pieces, which is based on electronic ambiences and symphonic orchestrations, however the presence of guitars, clean Russian vocals and drums make this a decent Symphonic/Electronic Rock entry.Spacey layers and synth-driven orchestrations meet with some bombastic guitar solos and leads with a heavy Classical aura, creating a dreamy and delicate listening experience.Vocals are an acquired taste, they sound a bit pompous and even poppy, trying to reach a wider audience.The album contains also lots of dominant choirs, which produce a cinematic atmosphere next to Artemiev's electronic explorations, he never actually abandoned his love for bizarre TANGERINE DREAM-like sequences, but the omnipresent vocals will even add a Pop Opera feel in the process.This step closer to Symphonic Rock is further powered by somekind of sampled organs and harsichord appearing in the album and this material will often flirt with HORIZONT, IN SPE and other ex-Soviet Progressive Rock combos.

I consider this work as a guiding light for the future works launched by bands like 7 OCEAN or LITTLE TRAGEDIES.The powerful vocal parts along with the Classical colors, grandiose orchestrations and heavy keyboard content are sure to please both fans of Symphonic Rock and Electronic Music.Recommended and genuine Symphonic/Electronic Opera, arranged by a monumental figure of Russian music.