Saphir is inspired by the magical, symbolic and mystic nature of gardens. Gardens of all ages linked to different geographic areas (as the hanging gardens of Babylon, the Arabian gardens, the medieval hortus conclusum, the zen garden and the English romantic gardens) have been the starting point of our musical research. The garden has been often represented as an universal door to cross this dimension to enter the one of myth and dream.
The harmony governing the elements composing a garden is the same governing the elements composing music and all of this creates beauty. In 'Saphir', nature and art are mixed together to contrast an environment and life-style mainly based on what is functional and productive; we focus our attention on the most precious gift the human being should never be obliged to renounce to, i.e. the freedom to dream and an aesthetic taste for life.
Music is rich and nuanced. Classic and flamenco guitars, romantic pianos, pads of atmospheric keyboards, noble sonatas, epic tunes, rich back vocals, Francesca's vocal broderies and a great use of eastern and classic percussions from darbouka, to bendhir, frame-drums, timpani, udu, cymbals and bells played by our new talented percussionist Riccardo Spaggiari.
The precious booklet contains numerous photos, the lyrics and some interesting writings about gardens.