People who continue to listen to music produced in the highest possible resolution know what people who don’t are missing. Admittedly, listening while doing something else or trying to manoeuvre your way in dense city traffic, lower res will do. But for a serious and life-like experience, a three-dimensional superior quality with full dynamic headroom is an absolute must. Provided, of course, the producer knows his beeswax. TRPTK is such a music manufacturer and Galaxy Studios in Mol, Belgium, is the coveted place where it was done.

An odd way to start a review? I think not. Good musicians deserve it. Blooming talent and years of practice should not disappear in the impersonal and monotonous turmoil of loudness controlled stampede. And certainly not Marion von Tilzer & Friends’ gripping performance of ‘Music between Heaven and Earth’.

In the liner notes, Sharon Levinson describes the sad yet encouraging farewell letter of Vilma Grunwald “trusting wholeheartedly that love carries us through and beyond the end”, set to music by Marion von Tilzer in three parts plus 5 additional short pieces, the last one ending in the haze of Eternity. Don’t be misled by her compositional sobriety; the result is heartbreaking, reminding us that evil is never far away, as it is here today.

Upon my first round of listening, all participants seemed to be fully aware of the untainted loving character of Vilma’s final words. Playing with supreme tonal ardour and impeccable musical illumination, supporting the beautifully demure, yet spiritually invasive voice of Bella Adamova to perfection, is impressive.

Instead of judging each individually, I’d rather underscore the feeling of common endeavour that emanates from this unique album; its tale of sadness, hope and triumph that these eight talented players convey so convincingly upon us, the listeners. An accomplishment that hardly has any equal as regards sense and meaningfulness of Things. It makes one ponder over such often vague notions as destiny and purpose in life and creates self-reflecting moments. Will humanity ever learn?

This release is more than a compelling musical experience; it is a document that no one should miss.

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy, France

Copyright © 2023 Adrian Quanjer and HRAudio.net

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