Vittorio Vandelli A Day Of Warm Rain In Heaven
Equilibrium Music EQM006 2004
By Russell Garwood
Vittorio Vandelli is the guitarist for medieval/neoclassical act Ataraxia, and A Day Of Warm Rain In Heaven is his debut solo outing. As is to be expected, the music is neoclassical; relaxed classical-guitar centred pieces are juxtaposed by bombastic compositions, instrumentals provide contrast to the sung pieces, occasional electronic elements add variety, and there are enough world and folk touches to create a diverse recording. The lyrics are taken from Coleridges The Rhyme Of The Ancient Mariner, adding an integrity to the classically-inspired music. Electric guitars prove a valuable addition, working well with the otherwise largely classical instrumentation. The vocalisations of Francesca Nicoli are as varied as the music, showing good use of recitation, operatic style singing, and more ethereal utterings, with numerous styles in-between. Light industrial moments fit surprisingly well, yet it is clear that Vandelli is most at home when with his medieval pieces.
Having taken over a year to record, the time and trouble taken with the compositions shows. A rich tapestry is woven by the eclectic music, which despite the wide-ranging influences maintains a strong identity. It is not perfect; at times the music can feel just a bit too varied for its own good, and listening can begin to become an effort. This said, A Day Of Warm Rain In Heaven is a very impressive release, and a must for fans of the aforementioned genres. For those outside these styles, it is something of an acquired taste, but still worth looking into.
7/10
Official Equilibrium Music website
Official Vittorio Vandelli/Ataraxia website
Equilibrium Music EQM006 2004
By Russell Garwood
Vittorio Vandelli is the guitarist for medieval/neoclassical act Ataraxia, and A Day Of Warm Rain In Heaven is his debut solo outing. As is to be expected, the music is neoclassical; relaxed classical-guitar centred pieces are juxtaposed by bombastic compositions, instrumentals provide contrast to the sung pieces, occasional electronic elements add variety, and there are enough world and folk touches to create a diverse recording. The lyrics are taken from Coleridges The Rhyme Of The Ancient Mariner, adding an integrity to the classically-inspired music. Electric guitars prove a valuable addition, working well with the otherwise largely classical instrumentation. The vocalisations of Francesca Nicoli are as varied as the music, showing good use of recitation, operatic style singing, and more ethereal utterings, with numerous styles in-between. Light industrial moments fit surprisingly well, yet it is clear that Vandelli is most at home when with his medieval pieces.
Having taken over a year to record, the time and trouble taken with the compositions shows. A rich tapestry is woven by the eclectic music, which despite the wide-ranging influences maintains a strong identity. It is not perfect; at times the music can feel just a bit too varied for its own good, and listening can begin to become an effort. This said, A Day Of Warm Rain In Heaven is a very impressive release, and a must for fans of the aforementioned genres. For those outside these styles, it is something of an acquired taste, but still worth looking into.
7/10
Official Equilibrium Music website
Official Vittorio Vandelli/Ataraxia website
