Varekai

AMG Review of Varekai

Jonathan Widran
All Music Guide

Since it began in 1984, Cirque du Soleil's unique fusion of theatrical arts elements has enraptured more than 33 million spectators on four continents, with the show Varekai representing the 14th live production. Composed by Violane Corradi and produced by Natin Sawhney, this trippy, operatic, classical-/p>

ew age flavored recording is the soundtrack to that show and invites the listener into the visual experience by way of musical diversity and wide emotional landscapes. "Rain One" is a bit on the avant garde side, mixing vocal samples, exotic female whispers, and rain soundscapes with Eastern music textures. "Le Reveur" blends soaring foreign voices with an ominous wall of electronic sounds and groove. "Vocea" mixes this same type of percussive foundation with a melancholy string section and a violin solo. Overall, it's a fascinating mélange of world music and electronica that takes more than one listen to fully appreciate.