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Melenkurion

by Richard Heufkens

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1.
Haruchai 10:02
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2.
Kiril Threndor 11:58
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3.
Aliantha 09:47
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about

In the late seventies Stephen Donaldson wrote The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, a fantasy trilogy that was released in a Dutch translation in the early eighties. I was profoundly impressed by the fictitious world from these books, although less charmed by the unbelieving main character. In the early nineties I decided to write a musical suite based on this in my firm opinion unparalleled epic.

The first part was Haruchai; anyone who read the books will recognize this very distinctive tribe, and its role in particular, in the bass part of this piece. I decided on a number of contrasting themes with enough room for repetition, judging endurance a characteristic typical of the Haruchai.

Deep in Mount Thunder lies the mysterious cave of Kiril Threndor, where great powers reside. From this cave Thomas is summoned for the first time into the Land – which, however, is outside the scope of the story musically told in the second part, about two friends who want to see the world at the other side of the mountains. Putting their money where their mouths are they embark on a journey, albeit apprehensive for the dangers that lie ahead, reminiscing hearth, home, and all familiarities they leave behind. Their journey turns out to be unexpectedly taxing, and the weather isn’t very accommodating. A heavy storm pounds on them in the mountains, growing ever fiercer. Was it a good idea to leave hearth and home? When all hope seems lost, they chance upon a cavern leading to an imposing cave offering not only shelter from unforgiving elements, but also a display of the most beautiful sights. Suddenly light glimmers at the end of a tunnel… Euphoria seizes them both with the realisation they reached the new world! And did they live happily ever after? Well, yes… until commonplace boredom set in and curiosity struck once more, with the land beyond the horizon beckoning…

Aliantha is the generic name of the nourishing, even healing berries growing all over the Land, given shape in the fixed theme that in various appearances express the many different areas they can be found. If you listen carefully, you'll hear the Ranyhyn galloping the Plains of Ra.

credits

released November 23, 2023

Richard Heufkens - guitars, keyboards & programming

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