| Tuesday, November 16 2004 @ 02:19 PM PST Contributed by: Malahki Thorn Artist: Vittorio Vandelli “A Day of Warm Rain in Heaven” is a beautiful and mystical new album of enchanting neoclassical compositions recently released by Portugal music label Equilibrium Music. “A Day of Warm Rain in Heaven” is the first solo release by Vittorio Vandelli known for his skilled guitar playing with the eminent neoclassical band Ataraxia. On this Solo outing Vittorio is accompanied by the beautiful vocal skills of Francesca Nicoli.
It is not very often that I give high praise to neoclassical acts headed by female vocalists. There are so many of these acts available and very little often distinguishing one band from another as all strive to deliver the ultimate atmospheric and angelic musical experience possible. Vittorio Vandelli has come forward to break this mold by delivering a stunning album of lush orchestral arrangements accented by strong female vocals. Far from sounding like an ascending angel in perpetual song Francesca Nicoli brings with her a strong vocal delivery that graces each song with famine power and confidence. The beauty in Nicoli's voice comes from her strength rather than trying to deliver a fragile and crystalline repertoire.
Inspiration for “A Day of Warm Rain in Heaven” was drawn from the poetic passages of the “The rhyme of the ancient mariner” by S.T. Coleridge. Vittorio utilises the numerous spiritual undercurrents that exist with the tale to enhance and explore his music. The music is a combination of soaring and epic orchestrations that are graced by choral and vocal accompaniment. The music is graceful and tethered as opposed to bombastic and martial. A sense of delicacy, understanding, and maturity is communicated through the compositions. Vittorio Vandelli's years of work with the neoclassical luminaries Ataraxia has clearly come to fruition on “A Day of Warm Rain in Heaven.” Vittorio is charting new and individual territory within the neoclassical genre and promises to be a highly regarded contributor.
Not being a great fan of neoclassical music fronted by female vocals I was literally astounded by this release. Faeries of all shades and readers of all persuasions and mind sets deserve to treat themselves to this amazing release. Travel within a world of poetic myth and imagery, a land of romantic guitars and lamenting strings. To listen to “A Day of Warm Rain in Heaven” is to be guided on a sacred journey of musical ecstasy and powerful emotional currents that sweep the listener away from the self and into the seductive music. “A Day of Warm Rain in Heaven” is given Heathen Harvests highest recommendation and we pity any of you who suffer the winter without this amazing album. Faeries that like romantic and esoteric music will be blown away by this release. Faeries that like music and classical literature may find the theme compelling and a good introduction. Faeries that like classical instruments and classical music that is more sensual and less scripted and pompous will find an endless world of enjoyment in this release. Neofolk fans and esoteric music fans take notice as well! This release is steeped in powerful female vocals that invoke arcane and archaic feminine spiritual strength.
Many a regal witch and heathen may find the refined and sensual music of Vittorio Vandelli a perfect match for when seeking to create sacred space that is accented by regal beauty and delicate heartfelt emotions that soar and delve deep into the soul.
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