The stage cantata David features Eleni Karaindrou's music for a unique piece of Aegean drama, a verse play with words by an unknown 18th century poet from the island of Chios. Its text first published only in 1979, invites a musical response and Greek composer Karaindrou rises splendidly to the challenge, imaginatively moving between past and present in her settings for mezzosoprano and baritone singers, instrumental soloists, choir and orchestra. Kim Kashkashian's evocative viola against strings may trigger associations with Karaindrou's acclaimed writing for 'Ulysses' Gaze'. The music also draws inspiration from the world of baroque opera as singers Irini Karagianni and Tassis Christoyannopoulos are brought to the foreground. Karaindrou's David is a work of changing music colours. Recorded live at the Athens Megaron, it was edited and mixed by Manfred Eicher and Nikos Espialdis for CD release. Personnel: Kim Kashkashian viola, Irini Karagianni mezzosoprano, Tassis Christoyannopoulos baritone, Vangelis Christopoulos oboe, Stella Gadedi flute, MarieCécile Boulard clarinet, Sonia Pisk bassoon, Vangelis Skouras French horn, Sokratis Anthis trumpet, Maria Bildea harp, Katerina Ktona harpsichord, ERT choir, Antonis Kontogeorgiou choirmaster, Camerata Orchestra, Alexandros Myrat conductor