Lupercalia - Florilegium
Equilibrium Music EQM005 18th May 2005
By Russell Garwood
Italys Lupercalia have just released their second album Florilegium. This fusion of neo-classical and mediaeval music features soprano Claudia Florioand, whose powerful, emotive singing, borders on operatic in more complex sections. Her band-mate, and creative force/founding member of the duo is Riccardo Prencipe. His classical guitars are serene at times yet dramatic and animated at others, conveying a myriad of moods throughout. Guest solo violinist Gianluca Uccio and a full string quartet add both depth, and a complexity most welcome in such music. Spoken passages from Lina Salvatore prove a pleasant respite, as do more contemporary sections with orchestral synths, courtesy of Riccadro. The Latin lyrics suggest integrity, echoed by professional musicianship and presentation.
Despite the overall high quality, however, there are flaws. With thirteen tracks, and clocking in at sixty-three minutes, Florilegium can begin to seem samey. Melodies feel like they repeat, and a formulaic approach to the music becomes noticeable. This is largely due to a lack of variation in the instrumentation, as the songs are often intricate and generally well written. This is not a major complaint if you like the style. Few melodies are immediately memorable, making this a release that grows, rather than being immediately accessible. This said Lupercalia is still a unique and unusual entity, well worth checking out for fans of neo-classical, gothic and medieval music.
6/10
Official Lupercalia website
Official Equilibrium Music website
Equilibrium Music EQM005 18th May 2005
By Russell Garwood
Italys Lupercalia have just released their second album Florilegium. This fusion of neo-classical and mediaeval music features soprano Claudia Florioand, whose powerful, emotive singing, borders on operatic in more complex sections. Her band-mate, and creative force/founding member of the duo is Riccardo Prencipe. His classical guitars are serene at times yet dramatic and animated at others, conveying a myriad of moods throughout. Guest solo violinist Gianluca Uccio and a full string quartet add both depth, and a complexity most welcome in such music. Spoken passages from Lina Salvatore prove a pleasant respite, as do more contemporary sections with orchestral synths, courtesy of Riccadro. The Latin lyrics suggest integrity, echoed by professional musicianship and presentation.
Despite the overall high quality, however, there are flaws. With thirteen tracks, and clocking in at sixty-three minutes, Florilegium can begin to seem samey. Melodies feel like they repeat, and a formulaic approach to the music becomes noticeable. This is largely due to a lack of variation in the instrumentation, as the songs are often intricate and generally well written. This is not a major complaint if you like the style. Few melodies are immediately memorable, making this a release that grows, rather than being immediately accessible. This said Lupercalia is still a unique and unusual entity, well worth checking out for fans of neo-classical, gothic and medieval music.
6/10
Official Lupercalia website
Official Equilibrium Music website
