Irene Papas: Odes (1979)
Past and future collide in this collection of Greek folk songs featuring electronic composer Vangelis.
Kronomyth 8.0: Odes to a Grecian yearn.
Irene Papas, grand dame of Greek cinema, was also a gifted singer who, in addition to scores of film credits, had three albums to her credit, two with electronic composer Vangelis Papathanassiou. That opening sentence, with its uncommon number of commas, sets the stage for Odes. Originally released as an Irene Papas solo album, subsequent reissues have rightly co-credited the album to Vangelis, who plays the instruments, produced and arranged the album, and contributes two “new” songs to the album. Most of the pieces on Odes are traditional Greek songs that have been adapted for Vangelis’ distinctive sound. Papas sings them in a strong, resolute voice rich with melisma, which is apparently a common technique in traditional Greek music, a carryover from the Ottoman occupation. The songs are at once ancient and modern, their sentiments timeless: war, death, pride, love. To my ears, Les 40 Braves, Neranzoula and Menousis are the standout tracks. In those songs, Papas and Vangelis balance their contributions to create powerful music where both the human and machine speak divine truths. An honorable mention goes to La Danse du Feu, which would have felt equally at home on the celestial Spiral. Listening to Odes, my disappointment with Jon and Vangelis only deepens. Papas clearly understood her role: bring warmth and emotion to the material and let Vangelis worry about the music. Every singer is, in a sense, an actor, but few singers could tap into the deep reservoir of roleplay so readily available to Irene Papas. Even clothed in only echo (Les Kolokotronei), Papas captivates. With so many albums to his credit, I wouldn’t tell you that Odes is the first, second or third Vangelis album you need to hear. It’s a passion project for him, with Papas providing most of the passion. Still, it’s a moving and, at times, beautiful record that, once heard, may stay with you for years.
Original elpee version
A1. Les 40 Braves
A2. Neranzoula (La Petit Oranger)
A3. La Danse du Feu (Vangelis Papathanassiou)
A4. Les Kolokotronei
A5. Le Fleuve
B1. Racines (Vangelis Papathanassiou)
B2. Lament
B3. Menousis
Traditional songs unless noted. All songs arranged by Vangelis Papathanassiou.
The Players
Irene Papas (voice), Vangelis Papathanassiou (all instruments) with choir (Iaa Paraschou, Sotiris Zalidis, Stathis Zalidis, Kyriakos Kajourakis, Vasilis Kapetaniannis). Produced by Vangelis Papathanassiou.
The Plastic
Released on elpee in 1979 in France (Polydor, 2473 109) with gatefold cover.
- Re-issued on compact disc in 1998 (Polygram Int’l, 833 864).
- Re-issued on remastered compact disc in 2007 in the UK (Universal, 1720633).
