Oliver Ganz Dance of the Arpeggiators Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Part 1')

Ganz takes the 'classical' approach to track titles here, so we essentially get 7 'parts' of 'Dance of the Arpeggiators'. Let's dive in.

A bright arpeggio and rapid glissandi open, appropriately enough, 'Part 1' of 'Dance of the Arpeggiators'. Crystal droplets of notes swirl around the sound-field. Pads swell in the background. It all sounds quite celestial, and very melodic. At the 2 minute mark a mournful lead enters the mix, it complements the swirling arpeggios perfectly. A bass throb mutates into a stomping bass sequence, and a stately drumbeat is added. The whole mix dramatically drops to just bass sequence and pad, before the elements are gradually re-introduced. It's an obvious trick, but very effective! What an excellent opener! Upbeat, melodic, sequence-lead EM of a very high standard. Bass throbs and a mid tempo, mid-register sequence suggest a moodier feel, 'Part 2' has arrived. Choirs and classic synth swells emphasise the mood before sweeping strings ram home the melancholy message! A beautifully haunting, clarinet-like lead is the icing on the cake. We do get 'beats', but they play a supporting role to the glorious melodics. Both Otarion and Jarre (Magnetic fields era) came to mind during this track. Another winner. Gradually the rhythmic elements of the track subside to allow the entrance of 'Part 3'.

A marimba-like rhythm and vaguely guitar-like sequence get us under-way. Symphonic pads swell. A syncopated rhythm starts up, with heavier 'accent' snare 'cracks' ensuring drama and variety – it's a well-handled mix. Everything is kept in check until the 3.30 minute mark when the rhythm becomes heavier and a strident lead take the track firmly into upbeat territory. Sequences come and go, the symphonic touches ebb and flow – Ganz keeps the track fresh through a real feel for arrangement. A slow fade of all elements except for a 'loping' arpeggio is the cue for 'Part 4'. Beautifully analogue bass squelches and choral pads are added to this skeleton. Acoustic piano adds the first melody of the piece. A second, high register arpeggio is added. Another, typically emotive, lead is added – again played with a clarinet-like sound. A sudden change occurs after 3 minutes as we are left with the sequences only, which just build gradually in intensity before drums and pads are again added. Celestial pads add a real sense of elation, reinforced by 'virtual' guitar work. 'Part 5' opens with symphonic pads and 'squelching' lead. Choirs swell, a steady drum beat underpins the melodic work, and a rapid arpeggios hover in the background. It, again, feels like Jarre in symphonic mode – praise indeed!

'Part 6' opens atmospherically with a hollow digital pad, water-droplet notes and a 'pan-pipe'-like melody. A heavily delayed sequence makes it's presence felt by the 2 minute mark, and is soon joined by a busy drum track – it works well against the atmospheric backing.

Acoustic guitar (again virtual I assume) open 'Part 7'. They fade and are replaced by 'hissing' sounds, smooth pads, a steady beat and stately sequence. The mood is beautifully upbeat and melodic. We fade to a close.