26th June 2006
Only two soundscapes from the performance in Florence but as anyone knows it’s all about quality rather than quantity. Time Reflection has a light, diaphanous aspect to it in which the haunting lead melody seemingly arrives on a gentle breeze moving the string chords in languorous swells. The minor notes colouring this piece suggests a slightly pensive mood which continues during At The End Of Time. Like the sparse strokes seen within Japanese calligraphy Fripp’s simple contemplative lines combine to create something that has meaning and focus. The latter piece in particular suggests the beneficial qualities of being still even if for only a few minutes.
This is music that is in essence an invitation to engage. Sadly for Fripp and company the performance was killed stone dead by flash photography.
In his diary, he reflects, “If the performer is disrespected, they leave. If the audience continues to actively disrespect them, it can’t also ask the artist to remain on stage whilst it does so.
Otherwise, what to say? Last night, something was lost.”
