Jozef Van Wissem — It Is All That Is Made

With ‘It Is All That Is Made’  Jozef Van Wissem has created a solitary, contemplative moody piece of timeless folk music.  Performing on the historic Renaissance lute (an instrument I was hitherto unfamiliar with) and absorbing influences from all throughout history, Wissem somehow synthesizes it all into this incredibly simple yet remarkably deep music that seems simultaneously of our modern age and hundreds of years old. 

There are few technical aspects to focus on - Wissem always performs alone, and the songs consist of a couple well thought out figures alternated or played repeatedly, with very emotional stylistic variations thrown in here and there.  The silences here are as important to the music as the notes.  The emotive qualities of these pieces are raw and almost heartbreaking in their overwhelming sincerity.

If you're not in the mood, it can be hard to listen to this album.  It is a very serious affair, and it moves slowly.  However, for those times of reflection when so much music seems shallow and lacking in soul, this album truly shines.  You have to let it seep into your being.  This could mean playing it a few times before you do anything but tune it out, as I did.  Now, when I hear this album, it brings me to tears.

The wonderful poetic titles can provide an entry point for the album.  Without gorgeous phrases like "Darkness Falls Upon the Face of the Deep" and "The Heart's Blood Pours Forth Over the Flood", I don't think I would have understood the feelings intended in these pieces so quickly. All the pieces are beautiful, but "The Heart's Blood" stands above the others.  It is simply breathtaking & This is a simply fantastic album.