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Alexxx
Top Review
22
Concordia discors - or the perfect harmony of opposites
Anyone who likes to deal with concepts of art and aesthetics may have come across the term concordia discors. Basically, it means the perfect harmony of the contradictory, the manifold. As a great fan of English poetry, the poem "The Thames" by the poet Sir Jonathan Denham comes to mind as an example. In the last lines, the essence of the Thames is described, so to speak, as the perfect middle between the forces of opposites:
Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull;
Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full.
In my opinion, Geza Schön also created such a perfect form with Nawab of Oudh Intensivo. Even though oud and rose are part of its genesis, they are so completely unique in this fragrance, and are implemented in a completely different way, that any prejudgements à la "another rose odour" are completely out of touch with reality. Instead, an exciting process awaits the inclined scent friend, which opens up contrasts, to finally bring them to perfection without compromise. Nothing is pompous. Neither the floral nor the oud is in the foreground.
Green is the prelude, characterized by a tart, acidic freshness: very distinctive, very angular, very masculine, this is how the start goes. More and more dabbed with sweetish floral tones, the fragrance soon turns its course towards unisex. Then the next turn follows: The floral notes are distinctly spicier, the floral notes are distinguished, become a bit quieter, but remain present.
In its substantial exclusive base with at most a subtle sweetness for my taste, the fragrance then lingers for many hours. And leaves the wearer behind with an aura of elegance, of power resting in itself. Despite its suppleness, evoked by labdanum and ambergris, it seems a bit distant and not as caressing as one might expect. Finally, the oud with its in this case fine and unobtrusive accent completes the whole thing to an olfactory extremely round, not to say perfect composition.
I don't necessarily see him as a true unisex scent. I think he's at least 70% masculine. But he will probably do his best on a woman who can cope with a green-tangy, quite distinctive opening and who is not afraid of concentrated power. I just want to emphasize it once again: The rose plays only a minor role in this play, like all perfumes. As much as I love powerful rose scents, I welcome the moderation here.
The concentrated substance richness ensures a formidable shelf life. People who are looking for a fragrance that lasts a day are in the right place: Yes, I am one of the species that appreciates such fragrances - after all, I don't change my clothes three times during a long working day (apart from the fact that in my industry - the creative sector - the working days are sometimes longer and more intense). The projection is really pleasantly dimensioned. With a perceptible, but completely unagitated presence. At no time there is screaming or raising the voice. But also at no time hiding under a shirt in shame.
Conclusion: Opposites. Attractive and at the same time again distanced, slight coolness. Edged, but finely honed. Spicy, tart - and yet soft and smooth. All this in harmony. In addition, a fragrance that can feed its wearer for a day. At a price of 240 euros for 50 ml, you can also expect concentrated fragrances. And yet, more has been achieved here than fulfilling expectations: I know some of the Ormonds, some of them I liked, but none of them really inspired me. Even Ormonde Man, who convinced me the most from the series so far, could not completely inspire me. But Nawab of Oudh Intensivo plays in a league of its own for me. A fragrance worthy of the name. And yet, despite all the praise - with its slightly bitter aloofness, I wouldn't recommend it for a romantic candlelight dinner or a movie night on the couch ... we prefer not to open up such contrasts in the first place, as the perfect harmony could be on the verge of collapse.