#1 ·
The man actually known as Yanni—this absolute titan of instrumental expression—is far less hyped than that alternative pillar, Mike Oldfield, who for years has been scooping up all the credit from > incredibly prolific career. To put it simply, we are talking about an exquisite composer... one who, despite lacking a traditional classical education, utilizes these lush, ornate melodies—layered with various keyboards and saxophones through massive digital delays—to drive a rhythm that sits at the very pinnacle of New Age composition, and indeed, > itself. Furthermore, one should note the man holds a degree in psychology... and in his younger days, he even represented the United States in swimming during the >. In short, the man is educated, talented, and truly peerless. Here is my recommended > discography:
Optimystique (1980, reissue 1984) — While absolutely brilliant, this album went largely unnoticed initially... it was reissued in 1984 due to a growing demand for > signature mustache—if you will allow me such a phrasing. This album is a symphony of swimming dolphins... a primal step toward the unseen. It isn't so much > piano skills that shine here, but rather that breathtaking atmosphere—it feels as though you are walking on the moon.
Keys to Imagination (1986) — Now, this is a true masterpiece. SAOR at its absolute zenith. From the surrealist cover art, which seems to herald the very flow of > thoughts, which are entirely incorporated into this work... while listening to this album, you feel yourself melting from one atmosphere into another—something utterly unrepeatable.
Reflections of Passion (1990) — > darkest work. Entirely dedicated to his wife who—while attempting to experience astral projection alongside > via twenty hours of tantric sex—passed away in ecstasy. By striving to reach an equilibrium of reconciliation with fate and grief for his spiritual partner, > reached the very summit of his compositional and emotional maturity.
Yanni Live at the Acropolis (1996) — His most famous work (often compared to > performance in front of the >, though that is unnecessary because we know > intended to do this first—it is written!). This is his sort of rebirth... a return to >. After several dark years recovering from tragedy and a few unsuccessful albums, > shone as the brightest star in both hemispheres. Grandiose melodies accompanied by orchestrations from the > summoned the spirit and emotion of > ancestors and fused them with his true existence.
That is all. I don't have the time to write more right now—I will check back later to see your reactions. Don't even bother trying to say anything against >... because his place in music history is well established. 🙂
p.s. >, you absolute jerk.
