Heathen Harvest - Ataraxia - Arcana Eco (Book & CD)

Neoclassical

Artist: Ataraxia

Title: Arcana Eco (Book & CD)

Label: Ark records

Genre: Neoclassical

Resource Links:

Ark Records is an Italian based music label that has produced several albums by Italian neoclassical musicians Argine. Following in their tradition of promoting Italian neoclassical music Ark records has produced Arcana Eco in honor of the luminous Italian neoclassical masters Ataraxia. Arcana Eco pays tribute to Ataraxia’s fifteen year recording career with a 164 page book and a 6 song CD.

The Arcana Eco book is written by Ferruccio Filippi and is comprised of six individual chapters. Ferruccio Filippi offers the reader an in depth glimpse into the career of Ataraxia through a complete discography, interview, as well as personal reflections and commentary on each of Ataraxia’s albums. The chapters are titled stone, water, passages, dream, contemplation, and light. These titles reflect the mysticism that is Ataraxia and give a glimpse into the thoughtful approach Ferruccio Filippi has taken in introducing the music of Ataraxia to the reader.

The Arcana Eco book is decorated throughout with photographic offerings contributed by Livio Bedeschi. The photographic content is a beautiful mixture of black & white and color photographs that captures many facets of the band. Photographs include live shots of the band in concert, photographs of the band members posing in natural settings, and several images of band members dressed in medieval and enchanted regalia. Livio Bedeschi’s photographic art gives the book a visual element that allows the reader to become more deeply emerged in the enchanted world of Ataraxia.

The Arcana Eco CD features seven songs offered for this publication by Ataraxia. Three offerings are previously released songs that have been re-recorded and reworked for this occasion. These compositions include “Nossa Senhora dos Anjos” taken from the live album “Os Cavaleiros do Templo.” Fans of Ataraxia will find this gem to be filled with all the feminine power and neoclassical grandeur that they have come to covet. Track two titled “De pourpre et d’argent” is taken form one of the more recent albums titled “Spahir.” Track three titled “Astimelusa” from the album “La malédiction d’Ondine.”

The other four songs featured on the Arcana Eco CD are new offerings recorded especially for this release. These songs include "Cobalt", “Mirsilo”, “Fire in the woods" and “The Island of docteur Moreau.” These four songs take inspiration from a number of sources including ancient goddesses, nature spirits, pagan rites celebrated in forested groves, and the adventures of a shipwrecked and marooned character on a tropical island. As always Ataraxia delivers crystalline neoclassical compositions filled with myth and magic and brimming with rich lustrous instrumentation.

Arcana Eco is a must have for all Ataraxia fans. Ferruccio Filippi and Livio Bedeschi have done an impressive job of capturing the magic and enchantment of Ataraxia. This long overdue tribute to one of the most established acts in the neoclassical genre is a must have for any Ataraxia fan. If you are not an entrenched fan but rather a curious explorer Arcana Eco is an excellent introduction and guide to the vast offerings of Ataraxia. Allow yourself the chance to be swept away by divine female vocals and lush instrumentation as you explore the musical world of Ataraxia.