nandywell

The track that accompanies the masked ball scene is truly the most bizarre piece of music that I've ever subjected my ears to. Its err.. well completely indescribable. I believe it was created by playing backwards spoken mantras by two Romanian priests. Bit of an odd question but, can anyone suggest anything similar sounding to this magical piece?

For those that haven't seen Eyes Wide Shut (and there can't be many that haven't) I'd much rather you listen to the music in context with the film but here it is anyway:

YouTube - masked ball jocelyn pook

Gazza

I've known the music of Ms Pook for many a year. She appears regularly in film and theatre, inluding Gangs of New York and Jarman's Edward II. She won an Olivier this year for the sound design of St Joan at the National Theatre.

The Masked Ball is from her album Flood - it's well worth getting if you like ethereal music. Likewise the album Untold Things.

Not exactly the same but full of wild and evocative vocals is Flamma Flamma (Fire Requiem) by Flemish composer Nicholas Lens. There are some sound samples at Amazon - A truly amazing requiem!

Nick Dando

You've led a sheltered life! Try Thomas Köner, Aphex Twin, Dome, Simon Fisher Turner, Coil, Psychic TV, Cabaret Voltaire, Laibach, Clock DVA, AC Marias, Boyd Rice/Non, Björk, Boards of Canada, Gavin Bryars, Einstürzende Neubauten, Brain Eno, Arvo Pärt, Henryk Gorecki, Flying Saucer Attack, Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, The Hafler Trio, Loop Guru, Le Mystère des voix Bulgares, Márta Sebestyén, Nijiumu, György Ligeti, Sir John Tavener, Popol Vuh, Terry Riley, Paul Schütze, Sigur Rós, 23 Skidoo.

Nick

batman

I enjoy Arvo Part and Gorecki (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs is awesome). Check out Preisner's tribute to Kryslowski .... magnificent.

"Do you know why fattries are called fattries .... it's because they are big and people make things in them."

Chris OD

Fabulous! Thanks for that, both the link to youtube, Dandywell and to Nick for the list of similar composers. As a long term listener to Radio 3's Late Junction (not so much now as it starts so late), I have heard several of them and I'm particularly fond of Boards of Canada, Gorecki, Jan Garbarek and the Hilliards not to forget Ozric Tentacles, those wonders of the festival circuit. I think "Jesus Blood never failed me" is one of the best pieces of music composed in recent times. I remember hearing for the first time and sat spellbound in the car until it finished. I will now have to go and track down all those other composers. Thank you Nck.

Chris OD

Sorry, I think something went wrong when I clicked "youtube" I was trying to direct you to Gavin Bryars on it and the clip of "Jesus Blood" with the wonderful Tom Waites singing along with the tramp. Hope you manage to find it, it's worth a listen.

1stas

I agree - Henryk Gorecki - truly amazing - the best version of this, in my opinion, is with the London Sinfonietta - David Zinman, conductor and Dawn Upshaw, soprano.

On a different note - Sigur Ros - Icelandic band - invigorating!

nandywell

If you haven't already heard it, give this a bash: YouTube - Ennio Morricone - Once upon a time in the West

batman

Check out Finnish band Nightwish ... opera metal. An acquired taste but very worthwhile.

"Do you know why fattries are called fattries .... it's because they are big and people make things in them."

1stas

Will do

William Orbit - Pieces in a Modern Style - truly awesome!