Klaus Schulze - Electronics Wolfgang Tiepold - Cello ‘Ballett 1’ was originally part of the out-of-print 10CD box ‘Contemporary Works’.
After ‘Vanity of Sounds’ and ‘The Crime of Suspense’, ‘Ballett 1’ is a further album that is available on its own. ’Ballett 1’ – the first of four albums in this series – was produced together with cellist Wolfgang Tiepold, who was also involved in the 78s work ‘X’ and ‘Dune’, ‘Trancefer’ and ‘Audentity’. Tiepold enjoyed much freedom for his solos, as for instance on ‘Agony’, on which his music is intensively wide-ranging. Ballett 2 from Contemporary Works Iwas also re-released. It is identical to the original release, with no bonus material. For those unable to purchase the complete 10-CD set before, this is a wonderful opportunity to explore this daring work, showing Schulze at his adventurous best.
The moody “Atmosp’ere Concr’ete” starts things off, slowly churning for a few minutes before launching into the 30-minute epic “Kagi’s “Agony”from Ballett 1. Classic smooLament”.Though not overly cheerful, it is not nearly so downcast as th synth pads meld with Wolfgang Tiepold’s wonderful cello playing, as Thomas Kagermann adds flute, violin, and non-intrusive vocals that serve as a third contributing instrument. “Wolf’s Ponticelli”picks up the pace if not the melancholy mood as crisp percussive rhythms ensue, along with strong synth soloing throughout.
Breathy wood flutes add a nice twist to“The Smile of Shadows”and bring the disc to a successful conclusion.