25-09-2021, 21:25
VANGELIS ~ Juno to Jupiter
![[Image: Vangelis_JunoToJupiter_cvr.jpg]](https://www.udiscovermusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Vangelis_JunoToJupiter_cvr.jpg)
"Juno's name comes from Greek and Roman mythology. The god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, and his wife, the goddess Juno, was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature.
— NASA"
Right … where to start?? Vangelis has given us another space inspired epic, along the same lines as Rosetta. One does not need to know anything about the craft and the mission to enjoy the album, but personally, I quite like to read up about it in order to understand the context and because I am curious as to what may be motivating the translation into sound. It’s worth paying a visit to the NASA and Wiki pages for anyone who is interested - https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/...index.html & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_(spacecraft).
In this instance, I would say that in addition to the absolute wonders of the technology that allows such explorations of deep space and the journey itself, mythology has played a large role in Vangelis’ interpretation – the album is based on the voyage of the Juno spacecraft/probe that is currently orbiting Jupiter. The mission was supposed to have ended this month, but NASA has extended it as the craft has exceeded expectations in terms of its operational ability which was calculated to have reached expiry by now because of the effects of radiation. Just a little extra something that amused me along the way – I see that the craft’s propulsion system was manufactured by a company named Moog Inc.
I wasn't sure where to post this as there are various elements - electronic and acoustic, orchestral and voice, and there are soundclips too, from NASA (at least, I would think that is where they're from, but it is an assumption) included in the opening and penultimate tracks. I listened on YouTube which means a less than seamless transition from one track to the next and is a bit of a jolt (even as premium subscriber, which is something I’m trying out – no ads – whoop!) – I look forward to hearing the whole album, with the tracks running smoothly from one to the next, just as soon as I can lay my hands on a copy.
The naming of the craft gives some insight to Vangelis’s train of thought IMHO – supposing any mere mortal might presume to know what that was of course! I felt it though – particularly in “Hera / Juno Queen of the Gods”. It has given me goosebumps each time I’ve listened to it – Angela Gheorghiu’s magnificent, rich soprano is something else, and she has sublime control – what a talent. I also think that one can discern the distinct personalities of Juno and Jupiter – the feminine and masculine – the ‘conversations’, the dynamics. I know, I know, flights of fancy - that is what happens - it's unavoidable!
This is a weighty piece of work – it sounds so … complete … is really the one word that comes to mind – a beautifully packaged, perfect gift. A master at the zenith of his craft – he has created something here of both magical beauty and gravitas – a formidable combination. I simply cannot imagine that even the most exacting of critics could deny Vangelis his rightful place as one of the most important composers of all time, whether or not he wants to accept that accolade, which he probably doesn’t! It’s a paradox - he does what he does for himself - to bring some beauty into the world, and because he can - not to satisfy any thirst for fame, and yet that is the outcome in any event.
Once again, a trigger for the imagination – put on the headphones and escape to the mystery and enormity of outer space for an hour and twelve minutes – it’s quite some therapy, I can tell you!
The full album - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVrRsvz7...JA&index=1
Chills ...
"Juno's name comes from Greek and Roman mythology. The god Jupiter drew a veil of clouds around himself to hide his mischief, and his wife, the goddess Juno, was able to peer through the clouds and reveal Jupiter's true nature.
— NASA"
Right … where to start?? Vangelis has given us another space inspired epic, along the same lines as Rosetta. One does not need to know anything about the craft and the mission to enjoy the album, but personally, I quite like to read up about it in order to understand the context and because I am curious as to what may be motivating the translation into sound. It’s worth paying a visit to the NASA and Wiki pages for anyone who is interested - https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/...index.html & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_(spacecraft).
In this instance, I would say that in addition to the absolute wonders of the technology that allows such explorations of deep space and the journey itself, mythology has played a large role in Vangelis’ interpretation – the album is based on the voyage of the Juno spacecraft/probe that is currently orbiting Jupiter. The mission was supposed to have ended this month, but NASA has extended it as the craft has exceeded expectations in terms of its operational ability which was calculated to have reached expiry by now because of the effects of radiation. Just a little extra something that amused me along the way – I see that the craft’s propulsion system was manufactured by a company named Moog Inc.
I wasn't sure where to post this as there are various elements - electronic and acoustic, orchestral and voice, and there are soundclips too, from NASA (at least, I would think that is where they're from, but it is an assumption) included in the opening and penultimate tracks. I listened on YouTube which means a less than seamless transition from one track to the next and is a bit of a jolt (even as premium subscriber, which is something I’m trying out – no ads – whoop!) – I look forward to hearing the whole album, with the tracks running smoothly from one to the next, just as soon as I can lay my hands on a copy.
The naming of the craft gives some insight to Vangelis’s train of thought IMHO – supposing any mere mortal might presume to know what that was of course! I felt it though – particularly in “Hera / Juno Queen of the Gods”. It has given me goosebumps each time I’ve listened to it – Angela Gheorghiu’s magnificent, rich soprano is something else, and she has sublime control – what a talent. I also think that one can discern the distinct personalities of Juno and Jupiter – the feminine and masculine – the ‘conversations’, the dynamics. I know, I know, flights of fancy - that is what happens - it's unavoidable!
This is a weighty piece of work – it sounds so … complete … is really the one word that comes to mind – a beautifully packaged, perfect gift. A master at the zenith of his craft – he has created something here of both magical beauty and gravitas – a formidable combination. I simply cannot imagine that even the most exacting of critics could deny Vangelis his rightful place as one of the most important composers of all time, whether or not he wants to accept that accolade, which he probably doesn’t! It’s a paradox - he does what he does for himself - to bring some beauty into the world, and because he can - not to satisfy any thirst for fame, and yet that is the outcome in any event.
Once again, a trigger for the imagination – put on the headphones and escape to the mystery and enormity of outer space for an hour and twelve minutes – it’s quite some therapy, I can tell you!
The full album - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVrRsvz7...JA&index=1
Chills ...
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson
![[Image: animated-lol-sign-image-0039.gif]](https://www.animatedimages.org/data/media/1327/animated-lol-sign-image-0039.gif)