Beaubourg is a studio album by the Greek electronic composer Vangelis, released in July 1978.

Overview

It is a concept album inspired by the architecture of the homonymous complex area, specifically Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. He visited the area in 1977, and recalls "I was very impressed. I returned to London and I recorded my album Beaubourg quickly, spontaneously. So I 'felt' Beaubourg, but that does not mean that Beaubourg is only this: I can redo Beaubourg in 30 different ways". The recording took him less than a month.

Vangelis noted that many people in the beginning had difficulty listening to it, but later appreciated it. He said it can be played in the background.

Composition

It is entirely synthesizer-based, highly experimental and abstract; together with Hypothesis (recorded in 1971 and unofficially released in 1978) it is often considered to be one of Vangelis' least accessible works.

Steve McDonald of AllMusic noted that the album is a "difficult listening" due to its style and "great dark synthesized tone poem". Henri Stirk from Background Magazine similarly rated the 2013 edition by Esoteric Recordings with 2/5 stars.

Track listing

All songs composed and arranged by Vangelis.

  1. "Beaubourg, Part I" – 18:09
  2. "Beaubourg, Part II" – 21:05

Personnel

  • Vangelis – keyboards and other instruments

Production

  • Vangelis – producer, arranger, original LP design
  • Keith Spencer-Allen – recording engineer
  • Marlis Duncklau – assistant engineer
  • Louis East – graphics
  • John Dyer – art director
  • Veronique Skawinska – photography

Production (2013)

  • Vangelis – remaster
  • Frederick Rousseau – remaster sound engineer

References

  • 'Elsewhere' webpage entry