Totentag

by Jim Brenholts Totentag is the first and only electronic opera. Klaus Schulze, one of e-music's true innovators, created this double-disc extravaganza. It comes with a detailed synopsis in both German and English. The opera tells a dark tale of angst, despair, and depravity. Listeners will get that from the music; the vocals, in German, can be a bit overwhelming -- they take away from the superb music. Schulze is at his Berlin-school best for this soundtrack. (The ideal package would include four CDs -- these two and two with the score only.) Despite the overbearing -- and over-the-top -- vocals, this is an excellent set that is also unique.