MaskFrontIntroduction

“Mask”, released in March 1985 is regarded as one of the more classical works by Vangelis, an electronic symphony similar to the earlier “Heaven And Hell” (1975) and later “Mythodea” (2001) due to the heavy use of choirs and vocals. The often dramatic music on the album is divided in six movements which offer a somewhat dark atmosphere, supported by the voices of Guy Protheroe’s (uncredited) English Chamber Choir. According to choreographer Wayne Eagling, with whom Vangelis worked on the ballets of "Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus" (1985) and "Beauty And The Beast" (1986), the album 'is partly inspired a ballet that we were going to do together. We wanted to do a whole project and call it "Mask", about dance and people hiding behind facades. We had discussions about making a dance piece and about disguises and what is reality'.

This choral album is sometimes considered the final in a series of albums, together with the study of minute life on Earth “Soil Festivities” (1984) and the more abstract “Invisible Connections” (1985), all works in which Vangelis would break away from the style that had made him a popular and well-known composer for film, and which showcase Vangelis’ ability to venture into new musical worlds without limitations.

As with Soil Festivities the music is presented in a number of ‘movements’, all instrumental pieces of electronic music combined with percussion and vocals. The long and thematic tracks did not make good material for a single release, hence none were released from this album.

The lyrics heard on Mask is pseudo-latin, not real but made-up words to produce a particular vocal sound to fit with the music. When asked about this Vangelis responded: “I don’t have any prejudices, or you know preferences... Sometimes the limitation you have is the lyrics, the words. With lyrics you just are more precise, and let’s say.. more restricted if you want. And the listener immediately has to follow the lyrics, and he has to think a certain way. When you listen to instrumental music you are free as a listener to think whatever you like, which is I think better. That is the only maybe limitation that lyrics do. But the human voice is an excellent instrument.”

In 2017 Mask received a re-release which was personally remastered by Vangelis. This edition is decently remastered and remains true to the original recording, which makes it the recommended version to find if in need of a copy of the album.

 

MaskLPBackTracklist and credits

  1. Movement 1 (10:26)
  2. Movement 2 (3:20)
  3. Movement 3 (6:47)
  4. Movement 4 (8:36)
  5. Movement 5 (10:08)
  6. Movement 6 (4:23)
  • All tracks composed, arranged, produced and performed by Vangelis.
  • The English Chamber Choir conducted by Guy Protheroe (uncredited).
  • Engineered by Jess Sutcliffe.
  • Sleeve by Vangelis and Alwyn Clayden.
  • Studio ambiance by John Martin.

 

MaskCDDiscography

CD

  • 1985 Polydor 825 245-2, released worldwide.
  • 1992 Polydor POCP-2110 Japan (Polydor Popular CD Nice Price Series)
  • 2017 UMC 478 940-8 Europe (Remastered by Vangelis)
  • 2021 Polydor UICY-79707 (Golden Era Of Rock Continued (1976-1985))

LP

  • 1985 Polydor  825 245-1, released worldwide.

 

Recording studio

The music for Mask was recorded in Nemo Studios, London by engineer Jess Sutcliffe in 1984.

 

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