Klaus Schulze: Rheingold (2008)

Klaus Schulze - Rheingold

KS Album 50

Track Listing (CD 1):

1.	Alberich	24:54
2.	Loreley	39:35

Track Listing (CD 2):

1.	Wotan	10:03
2.	Wellgunde	14:56
3.	Nothung	11:20
4.	Nibelungen	31:27

Notes: Lisa Gerrard sings vocals on "Loreley" and "Wellgunde".

Rating: 4½ Stars

This is the 50th solo album recorded by Klaus Schulze. The first five tracks are live, recorded at an open-air concert at Loreley, Germany on 18th July 2008. The last track, "Nibelungen", was recorded in the studio.

This is a much better album than "Farscape". To me the reason is obvious. On the previous album Klaus Schulze was supporting Lisa Gerrard, but here she's supporting him. Klaus sets the tone for the live performance, and Lisa expertly adds improvised vocals. This is the way they should work together.

The Loreley concert was an emotional event for Klaus Schulze fans. It was his first concert for five years. Many had feared that he would never perform live again. What's also notable about the CD release is that it's a genuine live recording. We hear the audience noises, whether it's their applause or their cheering. This is in contrast to the usual live recordings like "Moonlake".

The unusual step was made to release the concert on both CD and DVD simultaneously. It's a two-DVD set, with the unedited concert (the first five tracks) on the first DVD and an interview with Klaus on the second DVD. When "Rheingold" was released I decided not to buy the DVD, but after Klaus Schulze's death I'm feeling nostalgic. The DVD is now out of print, so I'll have to buy a used copy on Ebay. It's worth it.

The music is excellent. I've deducted half a star because I don't find "Alberich" up to the quality of the rest of the album. The other tracks are pure Schulze, with or without Lisa Gerrard.