Markus Reuter, Vasco Trilla, Àlex Reviriego - Música Fúnebre (Self-Released, 2025)

 

By Stef Gijssels

Before we discuss the performance, let's have a look at the ingredients. 

First, there are the 'flat bells' of Spanish percussionist Vasco Trilla, as demonstrated on this video.

Second, there is the Philips Philocorda organ, built in the sixties. I will let you read about the instrument on the Wikipedia link. 

Third, there is the inspiration from "Musique Funèbre" by Polish composer Witold Lutosławski. The funeral music is dark and ominous. 

The music, the bells and the organ together present this trio's own rendition of the "Música Fúnebre", with Markus Reuter on the organ, Vasco Trilla on his twelve bells and Alex Reviriego on double bass. Reuter is a multi-instrumentalist, usually active in rock music on the Chapman stick, yet also known for his sound sculptures, with more than 140 albums on which he features. Alex Reviriego has appeared on many albums on our blog, notably in the company of Vasco Trilla and other artists from Barcelona or on last year's "Yellow Belle Quartet", or the "Desarbres Ensemble" from 2024. Trilla needs no introduction.

The music stands out for its distinctive sonority: a shadowed organ and tolling, solemn bells strengthened by carefully drawn bass lines and the hushed rasp of muted strings. It unfolds at an unhurried, deliberate pace, assured in its direction, sustaining a paradoxical stillness charged with tension. Gentle yet wandering, it carries a deep gravitas, colored by sounds that arrive with quiet surprise.

The liner notes describe the music even better: "The music has no direction. Neither a clear beginning nor an ending. Like poison ivy, it just expands in an erratic manner, slowly imposing its evil nature to the space surrounding it. Its roots deepen slowly into your consciousness until it gains control of your soul". 

That should get your interest and attention!

Listen and download from Bandcamp.