Portraits So Long Ago So Clear [Original recording remastered]

Vangelis | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 11, 1997)
• Original Release Date: March 11, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Polydor / Umgd
• ASIN: B000001EJ8
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,235 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

VANGELIS RETRATO - SO LONG AGO,SO CLEAR

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vangelis revealed, December 30, 2000

By 

"michaeleve" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portraits So Long Ago So Clear (Audio CD)

I don't know what Vangelis could possibly say in words that he hasn't said in music in this album. For a reputed recluse, this compilitation is very revealing, it's his statement to us, "Here I am". I don't think it coincidental that he begins with 'To the unknown man' and after he has taken us on a musical exploration of his life, he sends us on our way with a casual 'So long ago, so clear'.

In 'Portraits' the recordings are not organised chronologically. It's more like a developmental process beginning with his early work in sythesizers and electronic orchestration (see 'Pulstar' and 'Alpha'). There are selections hinting at personal growth also such as the childlike sounds of 'Italian Song' and the innocence of 'La Petite Fille De La Mer'. Collaborative works with Jon Anderson, who could be called the voice of Vangelis come next, and then we are treated to the grand and epic orchestral pieces. Tracks such as 'I'll find my way home' and 'State of Independence' no longer hint at personal development, they speak directly to self discovery, spiritual quests and growth. These themes are also woven into 'Conquest of Paradise' and 'Chariots of Fire' and tell me that 'Hymn' and 'Antarctica' don't make you contemplative.

I agree with the other reviewers who say that it is awkward to play individual songs out of sequence because of the bridging technique, but I think it's deliberate. To me the real enjoyment of this collection comes from listening to it in one sitting. Let Vangelis tell the story of his life in music without interruption. It's a beatiful story.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!, September 19, 1999

By 

Linda Petersen (Temecula, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Portraits So Long Ago So Clear (Audio CD)

This album doesn't deserve a 5. It deserves a 10! It is by far the most beautiful collection of music that I've ever listened to! Most muscisians have a habit of being redundant on their music. The sounds and the style of their music will have a similar quality. Not this album! The opening song, "To the Unknown Man" has a beat similar to a march! The second song, "Italian Song" sounds much like music in the alternative category. The third piece, "Pulstar" is something you would expect to hear in the movie, "Star Wars". The fourth, "La Petite Fille De La Mer" favors classical. Pieces five, six and seven vary between alternative and songs similar to soundtracks. Number 8, "State of Independence" has a jazzy style to it. Nine, I would put in the category of New Age. And, of course, "Chariots of Fire", we are all familiar with! It's all here! Soundtracks, alternative, new age, classical, jazz, marches, hymns! Absolutely nothing monotonous about this album! This is one I will never tire of. A brilliant piece of work!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully breathtaking, September 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Portraits So Long Ago So Clear (Audio CD)

Even though it's a compilation album, this Vangelis CD is rich in indellibly dulcet and dynamic synthesizer melodies that will placate the souls of New-Age fans and many others. The four tracks featuring Yes' Jon Anderson are absolutely astounding with his ethereal vocal style. The title track, "So Long Ago, So Clear", will melt away any hardened heart with Vangelis & Jon at the helm of its light, almost lullaby-like sound and lyrics! Also includes the Oscar-winning theme to "Chariots of Fire".