Medea

Composed to accompany performances of Euripides’ bloody revenge tragedy Medea at the EpÍdavros and Athens Festivals in 2011, Eleni Karaindrou’s music comments on the action using a new, modern translation by Giorgos Cheimonas. Karaindrou’s small ensemble draws on the traditions of the eastern Mediterranean and makes clever use of repeating motifs to tie the drama together. The sparse textures bring home the sense of isolation of Medea and eventual horrific conclusion of the story, with Karaindrou’s voice adding pathos to the drama. The use of a chorus, in true Greek tradition, is particularly impressive and the playing is flawless throughout.

However, what is really lacking is the sense of the music in situ. While the play’s atmosphere is communicated admirably, this remains music for a play, and it would have been far better to release a DVD of the performance - particularly since the stills reproduced in the CD booklet show what appears to be a deeply impressive occasion.