Valkyrian Music

Klaus Schulze & Lisa Gerrard
Big in Europe vol.2 – Amsterdam (live DVD)
Released 19th September 2014
Electronica/ Ambient
Released via M.I.G. (Made in Germany) Music

‘Big in Europe vol.2 – Amsterdam’ is a live DVD from the electronic artist Klaus Schulze (ex- Tangerine Dream) in collaboration with the singer Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance). This is a recording of their “Bootleg Concert” filmed in Amsterdam back in 2009.

I’ve never actually been to a Klaus Schulze live show so this live DVD is as close as I can get to the real deal. So for those who are unfamiliar with his work, I am now able to provide a basic introduction to his style. Mr. Schulze prides himself in the creation of experimental electronic music using a variety of synthesizers with an emphasis on improvisation in the spirit of the moment. His songs are mostly lengthy, atmospheric instrumentals with a somewhat tranquil ambience to them.

The concert has a rather slow start and it took me a while to get used to the atmosphere. I mean, I do like some electronic music but my taste leans more towards the dance/trance or industrial styles. This is not what Klaus Schulze is about. His songs are much slower and more atmospheric than the stuff which I’m accustomed to hearing. Then there is the fact that all you see in the beginning is Mr. Schulze alone on stage with all his synthesizers. His songs are really not the kind of tunes that someone can sing along to so the interaction with the audience is limited and not as frequent as it might be with a rock or metal band.

It wasn’t until Lisa Gerrard took to the stage that I actually began to appreciate this show. Her melodic voice and vibrant stage presence makes the songs sound more dynamic. The combination of electronic/ambient music with her operatic-styled, angelic vocals works surprising well on here. The songs ‘Prisengracht‘ and ‘The Polish Rider‘ are good examples of how fusion of the two styles works in harmony. One thing which I can’t get my head around though is Mr. Schulze’s experimental songs that are more more akin to synthesizer noise than anything resembling actual music.

In summary, watching this DVD has been an interesting experience. I’m not overly familiar with the work of either artist. Having seen this performance, I think that Lisa Gerrard’s music might be more appealing to me than the experimental electronica of Klaus Schulze.

3/5

Iza Raittila

This entry was posted on 12th October 2014 at 9:20 pm and is filed under Gig, Live with tags Dead Can Dance, electronic, Gothic, Klaus Schulze, Lisa Gerrad, live DVD. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.