Antarctica is hardly the continent one would describe with the adjective above. Yet the concept of melting is of concern, considering global warming. The latest musical collaboration from Valmar Kurol and Michael Stibor, their fourth CD together, Valmar’s fifth album of Antarctic music, recently reached Toronto. It has been in frequent play ever since. Confirming his affection for the continent, in strong force since his first visit in 1993 to Antarctica.
Mysteries of Antarctica: Myths and Realities breaks new ground for the duo. Previous recordings were orchestral in sound, cinematic really, often New Age. Music that was calming yet inspiring, leading to either introspection or active creation, both experiences are always welcome. The instrumental rock stylings on the album are a new and very enjoyable direction.
Stibor emphasizes in the liner notes, writing part of the introduction, that for most, if asked, Antarctica would sound just as noted above, as composed for the first four CDs. But for Stibor Antarctica, “arguably more than any place on Earth, is a true melting point of different peoples, cultures, and backgrounds.” Referencing that however temporarily, the people who live, study and work there, all listen to a variety of music on various devices.
Valmar’s introduction concurs with his musical collaborator. The two chose a “fusion of rock, dance and world sounds, with plenty of electric guitar solos.” Their compositions reflect how they have channeled their artistic licence in order to portray “various themes based on the realities of past eras, and myths about the continent.” The liner notes are, as always, very meaningful, adding to the enjoyment of each and every composition by providing essential – and quite educational - background.
But the music speaks for itself, beginning with the very first cut, “Continents Drifting Apart”. This jazz influenced track focuses on the history of our planet, on continental drift, effectively utilizing solo instruments as a metaphor for the continents, which are still moving, mere inches a year. Valmar notes that some scientists estimate that in the distant future the Earth will again be a subcontinent.
The third selection on the CD, “Samba Antarctica,” is a dance track “for a prehistoric tropical Antarctica.” A gorgeous, lush track, reminiscent slightly of Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto’s bossa nova stylings, yet most definitely a toe-tapping, swirling samba.
The continent once supported a temperate rain forest, a startling fact. Confirmed by a truly rocking tune, “Dinosaur Extinction Blues.” Stibor’s guitar work is mesmerizing; according to Valmar via e-mail the licks were practically a “first take!” An excellent composition inspired by the fact that dinosaur bones were found during the 1980’s in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. The liner notes that this knowledge led to imagining “stomping along with dinosaurs in a warmer, swampier Antarctica.” This tune is energetic proof of that image.
Perhaps the most captivating, dare one say memorable cut is “Finding Endurance.” I have previously written here about Ernest Shackleton’s epic Trans-Antarctic Expedition – both about the splendid IMAX movie, a must-see, as well as contemporary recollections of how the crew survived after the ship “Endurance” was trapped in the Weddell Sea, where it eventually sank. In March of this year an international high-tech expedition located the wreck, at a depth of 3 km on the floor of the sea. Worth googling, the BBC posted some amazing photographs. Valmar writes in the CD booklet that beyond being a paean to Shackleton’s “iconic tale of courage, seamanship and good luck” the track pays homage to the brave people of Eastern Europe today. “Finding their own endurance through the utter devastation of bombs and in refugee camps.” What with such powerful imagery, this cut is difficult to listen to without being deeply moved by history and the present. Quite the appropriate alternate inspiration.
Valmar has through his music led at least one soul to further knowledge about the mysterious continent and its realities. The public library has been a fount of valuable information; quality memoirs and histories are available in Toronto’s TPL system. A visit is encouraged.
The website
www.mysteriesofantarctica.com is under construction but may already be operating by the time this reaches the reader. The tunes are available through
iTunes and at
amazon.com. Soon to be on
Spotify. Highly recommended.
TÕNU NAELAPEA
