Released 20 years ago
Malphas: Book of Angels Volume 3
Sylvie Courvoisier · 2006
46 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A compelling blend of avant-garde jazz and intricate melodies that challenge traditional structures while exploring dark, mystical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Azriel — Opening the album, Azriel sets a haunting tone with its minimalist yet expressive piano work, establishing Courvoisier's unique voice in the project.
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Kafziel — This track features dynamic interplay between instruments, highlighting the ensemble's chemistry and demonstrating Courvoisier's ability to weave intricate narratives through sound.
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Sammael — Sammael offers a compelling contrast with its rhythmic intensity, showcasing a more aggressive approach while still maintaining an ethereal quality that defines the album.
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Boel — Boel exemplifies Courvoisier’s compositional depth with its layered textures and climactic build-up, creating a captivating listening experience that encapsulates the overall ethos of the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and distinctive avant-garde elements while maintaining a cohesive sound.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate extended techniques on instruments, such as prepared piano and unconventional drumming, enhancing the avant-garde feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intricate melodies that provoke thought
- dark, mystical themes for exploration
- short bursts of intense expression
- dynamic contrasts that surprise listeners
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek predictable listening experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2006, Malphas: Book of Angels Volume 3 comes as Sylvie Courvoisier's follow-up to her acclaimed album, D'Agala. At this point in her career, she was solidifying her reputation within the avant-garde jazz scene, collaborating with prominent musicians and expanding her exploration of complex compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Myra Melford· Tigran Hamasyan· Marilyn Crispell
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Azriel 4:15
- 2 Basus 3:28
- 3 Rigal 4:16
- 4 Kafziel 4:24
- 5 Labariel 6:22
- 6 Zethar 1:49
- 7 Paschal 5:22
- 8 Boel 4:35
- 9 Sammael 3:07
- 10 Padiel 6:29
- 11 Sretil 2:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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