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Optimystique is the debut studio album by Greek keyboardist, composer, and producer Yanni, released independently in 1980. It was re-released in 1984 by Varèse Sarabande and in 1989 by Private Music.

Liner notes

Optimystique was recorded in 1980 and released for the first time in 1984. I considered re-recording or reworking the material before re-releasing it again, but the album has a very special sound representative of a particular time early in my career which I wanted to preserve. For me, it is a piece of my history I remember fondly.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Yanni.

No.TitleLength
1."The Sphynx"4:13
2."Butterfly Dance"6:26
3."Strings"3:50
4."Twilight"7:35
5."The Chase"5:08
6."Farewell"2:47
7."Turn of the Tide"3:57
8."The Magus"4:45 "Butterfly Dance" (1980) "Butterfly Dance" Early in his career Yanni focused heavily on the electronic side of music.

Personnel

Production

  • Produced by Jerry Steckling and Yanni
  • Executive Producers: Mark MacPherson and Tom Paske
  • Engineered by Jerry Steckling
  • Assistant Engineer: Chopper Black
  • Recorded at Cookhouse Studios and Sound 80, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Los Angeles

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