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Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
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Reviews

Christian Decamps — Merlin et les Dragons
(Musea FGBG 4373.AR, 1992, CD)

by Mike Ezzo, Published 2001-12-01

Merlin et les Dragons Cover art

I was curious as to why this CD never seemed to get much attention before. Though a reissue from eight years ago, I had never heard of its existence until now. I soon found out why. "Raconté par Christian Décamps," reads the cover of the CD, which I interpreted as "sung by." After spinning it I find out no; it means "recited by." And this is what makes all the difference in the world, since, unlike a musical production, the work doesn't transcend language barriers. Furthermore the spoken story takes center stage, sublimating Michel Rubin's soundtrack music far to the background. And there are no instrumental interludes as you would find in an opera. The star of the show is clearly Décamps, whose voice assumes all the various characters in this Arthurian story, adapted from the "histoire de Iain McCaig." He does a fabulous job, I must say, as his voice suits well this kind of dramatic narrative. But as it is, the work will likely only garner interest from French speakers. I can't make much of it myself, I'm sorry to say...

Filed under: New releases, Issue 23, 1992 releases

Related artist(s): Christian Décamps

 

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