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In 1995, Vangelis created a work to pay tribute to one of the most intriguing artistic minds of the Renaissance. Its true purpose was to help fund and support the National Gallery of Art in Athens, and so 3000 copies were made. However, the popularity of this product was astounding. In fact, people were obtaining copies from other people. It seemed that the privilege to listen to that music was only given to those that can afford it. In 1998, however, everything changed. The limited edition is now unlimited. There are also new treasures to be discovered, like when you visit an art gallery and you see something you have never seen before.
| Tracklist (El Greco) | Origin (Foros Timis Ston Greco) |
| Movement I | Movement I |
| Movement II | Movement II |
| Movement III | (new track) |
| Movement IV | Movement III |
| Movement V | (new track) |
| Movement VI | Movement V |
| Movement VII | (new track) |
| Movement VIII | Movement IV |
| Movement IX | Movement VI |
| Movement X (Epilogue) | Movement VII |
[3] MOVEMENT III
This piece features a sampled harp and flute playing a combined style of Medieval/Renaissance folk and Baroque. People on the Direct Mailing List have complained about the sound quality of the track (background hiss) and its "misplace" compared to the rest of the album. However, I can sense the place in the album due to its spring-like delicacy that it presents itself. To me, it sounds like 1492. I can see El Greco learned and travelling through the streets and buildings of Italy where learns a different style of painting, different from Byzantine icons. This is the track that convinced me that if a film version of El Greco should appear, this should be the soundtrack.
[5] MOVEMENT V
This is another new track added to the El Greco piece. This one may seem out of place because it illustrates the tranquil nature of Vangelis that pops up here and now. It is the very similar to Oceanic, and hints Private Collection. The atmosphere is very dream-like and feels like you are sailing to distant shores and lands. However, if you ever look at El Greco's paintings, the color choices do not seem to fit the piece.
[7] MOVEMENT VII
This one, when you listen to it, illustrates a festival. I can see a whole town energized and full of life and a party taking place. There will be entertainers, magic show, fantastic displays and of course... the festive atmosphere on everybody's face. It takes me back to the Middle Ages/Renaissance and helps me to see the joy in the realm of darkness.
