The Dresden Performance

Chronique

In 1989, Klaus Schulze, the pioneer of Euro-electronic space music, accepted an invitation to perform at an outdoor concert in the then East German city of Dresden. This double-CD package contains two long compositions that were captured live, plus studio versions of material which Schulze had prepared for the concert. The Dresden Performance utilizes an immensely expanded emotional and musical palette to encompass what has previously been ignored or swept under the carpet by many new age composers. Here, in all of its humanness, is a powerful depiction of "The Dark Night of the Soul," expressing the spiritual warrior's initiation of endurance while crossing frontiers of alien landscapes. The pulsing rhythmic foundations of each piece create a timeless reflection on the process of the Hero's Journey. Along the way we are confronted by apocalyptic subsonic demons that symbolically represent our primal impulses, darkest fears, and disowned grief. And yet, amid this trial by fire, the angelic voices of the Feminine send out soothing waves of comfort, compassion, forgiveness and hope. This is challenging music that accurately portrays the awesome power of the archetypal unconscious with its metallic nightmares and glittering celestial cities. Through repeated listenings Schulze's message becomes even more clear -- in order for true healing and love to become real, we must learn to value and accept the Shadow with the same willingness and enthusiasm we employ to covet the Light.

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