Product Review

An extraordinary concert recording of the music of Eleni Karaindrou – the Greek film and theatre composer, and long-time ECM recording artist. This is an important chapter to Eleni's already distinguished discography, Elegy of the Uprooting is more than a "live album." It is a comprehensive resetting of Karaindrou's musical history, integrated into what she has called "a scenic cantata." This is a perfect introduction to Eleni’s music as well as an essential purchase for her many admirers. The material on the double-disc set is effectively a summary of her greatest music for stage and screen – an epic journey in colors, sounds, and rhythms, shedding light on the themes of uprooting, exodus, exile and homecoming. Though she is known as a film and theatre composer, Karaindrou’s music stands very ably by itself without the context of the films and theatre productions. A large cast was assembled at the Athens Concert Hall for the three days of sold-out performances from which this album is drawn.