Freudiana

From the liner notes...
Freudiana (froid'i-ana) n. 1. The generic term encompassing the archaeological relics, books and objets d'art collected by SIGMUND FREUD (1856-1939). Contemplation of these items is known to have inspired many of his ideas. 2. The term may be broadly used to include any facet of his life, his works and their derivatives.

FREUDIANA is the brain child of songwriter and musician Eric Woolfson who hit upon the idea of researching the life and works of Sigmund Freud with a view to their musical potential. Fully aware that doing justice to genius of such magnitude would involve the highest degree of commitment and application, he set out to retrace Freud's footsteps and explore his realms in what turned out to be a voyage of self-discovery. What resulted was not the story of Freud but rather an image of the composer seen through a Freudian mirror.

Fortunately there was much biographic information available to add clarity to the aura of mystique surrounding this extraordinary man. Freud's homes in London and Vienna, now museums, were truly in- spirational. Literary source included Freud's classic cases whose real identities he concealed by use of names such as Wolfman, Ratman, Dora, Little Hans and Schreber, the Judge. In addition, Freud's writings on his discovery of the 'unconscious', his well known theories such as the 'Odeipus Complex', the 'Ego' and the 'Id' and his great masterpiece, 'The Interpretation of Dreams' all served as spring- boards for musical ideas. Also enlightening were Freud's own influences such as the French hypnotist Mâitre Jean-Martin Charcot and Freud's group of followers in Vienna who became known as the 'The Wednesday Club'.

After the initial research and development of the songs, Eric went into the studio with his long time 'project' partner Alan Parsons and for three years they worked on this recording with the help of literally hundreds of musicians and vocalists.

About halfway through the recording process, the material was revealed to theatrical producer Brian Brolly who was associated with many landmark musicals such as 'Cats' and 'Phantom of the Opera'. With Brian's encouragement and help, they developed the concept still further into a musical and the first stage production of 'FREUDIANA' has its world premiere in December 1990 in Vienna at the historic 'Theater an der Wien'.

Although both this recording and the stage musical emanate from the same source and share the same musical compositions, they are quite distinct and different in both style and approach.


The End Of The Project?
From 1988-1990, Eric Woolfson worked on his own "project" -- compositions dedicated to the life of Sigmund Freud. Eventually, the idea blossomed into a musical. All of the music and lyrics were written by Eric, with the exception of an instrumental piece which Alan contributed. According to Alan, this "project" began as just the next APP album. When all was said and done, two Freudiana albums emerged. This Freudiana studio album was released exclusively for Europe by EMI in 1990. There was also the Freudiana German original cast musical soundtrack, released by EMI Electrola.

According to the Avenue, this work has had negative impacts on the relationships between Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson as well as between Eric Woolfson and Brian Brolly.

Eric wanted to continue pursuing the musical production business while Alan was content on working in the studio and on the road, something Eric shyed away from. Alan and Eric went their separate ways (ni lives?) resulting in the end of the "Project."

Litigation ensued between the latter pair which resulted in all rights to the work and music of the "Freudiana" musical granted to Mr. Brolly, and consequently left Mr. Woolfson in a state of financial bankruptcy.

Earlier versions of this studio album were devoid of the "by ERIC WOOLFSON" byline located between the Freudiana logo and track listings on the rear cover and back of the inlay.

- Wesley Chun


As noted above, in addition to the studio album there is also a hard to find musical soundtrack album.

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Track Listing
Credits
Bass: Laurie Cottle
Drums & Percussion: Stuart Elliott
Guitars: Ian Bairnson
Keyboards: Eric Woolfson
Synths & Saxes: Richard "Trix" Cottle
Arranger & Conductor: Andrew Powell
Artistic Director: Brian Brolly
Producer: Alan Parsons
Engineer: Alan Parsons
Tony Richards
Executive Producer: Eric Woolfson
Miscellaneous Links
No offsite links


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