This whole cd is just piano, cello, and viola, played live. It's so simple, much less experimental than any of their other records, but nonetheless, a great album. I would buy the cd if you can-- the artwork is as lovingly crafted as the music (they printed it themselves), and is replete with Schiele's paintings. It gives the music even more meaning.
I've been listening to this album for nearly ten years now and it still takes me to a real special place. I put it on and it just puts me in a compelling, creative state. I dig Rachel's other albums, but this was the first for me and the best. I appreciate its stripped down feeling and lack of experimentation that future Rachel's offerings had. Its just all about the motion, kind of like Schiele's line work.
Of all of the Rachel's albums I find this one to be the most straight forward, meaning the instruments and their application are typical of a small ensemble. Orginally written to accompany a dance theatre in a piece about Egon Schiele, the music has a narative tone to it as the songs express various themes and play to different emotions. The Rachel's other albums tend to be a bit more textured and follow less traditional song structures. Check out Systems/Layers as well for a more experimental music approach by the group.
I know very little about chamber music and even less about classical, but that did not dissuade me from falling in love with the majesty and simple beauty of this album. If the cello makes you weepy, get out the hanky. Not to say this is some sort of depressing dirge, just the opposite! I have never been so satisified after listening to an instrumental album. Go to your quiet place, turn off the lights, lay down, close your eyes and drift away to this masterpiece.
