The Flame and the Shadow was conceived as a large-scale interplay between music and dance, which tells several stories, and utilizes many legends drawn from mythologies ranging from the Baltic and Slavic regions to the Balkans and Crete, from Turkey to Arabia, and from Persia to India. The common thread linking them is the concept of dualism and opposites (hence, the title of the work), and how these are both opposed and complementary. It is similar to the Taoist belief in Yin and Yang, except here expressed in European, Middle Eastern, and Indian mythological contexts. It is a folkloric ballet. The central musical themes are expressed in full orchestral arrangements, and these themes reappear in different forms throughout the work as it progresses. A 2-CD set, featuring amazing guest artists such as Ross Daly, members of Kitka, Shira Kammen, Bon Singer, and George Chittenden, this is a new concept in world music. A live show (with this recording as the soundtrack) has been recently performed to enthusiastic audiences in Hollywood and San Francisco, interpreted by a series of acclaimed solo dancers and troupes, with backgrounds in folkloric dance, tribal belly dance, ballet, experimental, and modern dance styles. “Tim Rayborn, renowned world musician from the Bay Area, […] has truly accomplished something not often attempted by any artist or any musician - he has composed an epic piece of world symphonic art. “The Flame and the Shadow is more than Mr. Rayborn's world Ring cycle, it is the soundtrack of history, capturing lost sounds and memories locked in the past and our dreams.” Zaghareet magazine "The Flame And The Shadow, master musician Tim Rayborn's latest musical offering, is nothing short of spectacular." Gilded Serpent For more information, visit: www.timrayborn.com/flameandshadow.html www.myspace.com/theflameandtheshadow Photos from the live performances: San Francisco: http://taboomedia.smugmug.com/gallery/2436821#127785863 http://gallery.schappellphotographics.com/p989857882 Hollywood: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trayborn/sets/72157594520190918/