...SIŁA I PIĘKNO MUZYKI TKWIĄ W JEJ RÓŻNORODNOŚCI...



..::OPIS::..

Emerging from the modern Italian prog scene back in 2009, Il Tempio delle Clessidre initially came together due to the desire of female keyboard player Elisa Montaldo to perform the classic Italian progressive album `Zarathustra' alongside the original vocalist Stefano "Lupo" Galifi. With the addition of more players, writing sessions soon produced an album of original compositions which formed the basis for their self-titled debut release in 2010. To some (myself included), the album was a bit of a modern Italian classic, and as good word of mouth spread, the band were also able to commence live performances. `Live in Seoul' is a two DVD set from Black Widow Records, containing a complete two hour show featuring the band performing the bulk of their debut album, as well as a daring (and risky) interpreatation of a particular work that can only be considered one of the most important and defining vintage Italian progressive albums.
The first disc is devoted to a 2011 performance of the entire Museo Rosenbach classic from 1973 `Zarathustra', however, to call it a `cover version' would be hugely dismissive and somewhat insulting. Instead, the Il Tempio band take the arrangement of the original work and then completely reinvent it. All the familiar themes still show up, but they're woven between new and alternate passages, instrumental improvisations and fresh vocal arrangements. The following fifty minute performance is played with such a wild energy by a group of musicians utterly passionate about the revered vintage RPI work, and it stands completely on its own merits. Compared to the original, the drumming, bass and electric guitars have an added attacking heavy power (some older fans and prog-snobs will likely have a tough time with this part), and plenty of focus is placed on gothic priestess Elisa Montaldo's evocative and dazzling keyboard atmospheres. Stefano "Lupo" Galifi's lead vocals sound just as strong and commanding as they did on the original work, and the thirty-odd years since then have not weakened his voice even slightly. An element that immediately lifts the piece even higher are new duet vocal passages between Stefano and Elisa, and she even takes several solo spots herself, absolutely enchanting and hypnotic.

The second set from the band has them performing most of their debut album, a strongly theatrical performance dominated by dark queen Montaldo, but all the other members charging the material with a wilder force compared to the studio album versions. There's also footage from various progressive music related festivals such as 2 Days and Nearfest Apocalypse, their first live performance in Genova from 2009, various behind the scenes bonuses, reviews and a photo gallery.

Big changes would come for Il Tempio delle Clessidre soon after the Seoul performance. A proper reunion of the original Museo Rosenbach from the Seventies would see Lupo depart to rejoin his old band, resulting in them releasing a new album `Barbarica' in 2013. Il Tempio would (thankfully) carry on with a new vocalist Francesco Ciapica to release `Alienatura' in 2013, an exciting and varied album that proved they were not simply some group of imitators, and it builds even more on the talent that was instantly displayed right from their superb debut album, whilst also allowing them to forge their own identity without relying on high profile connections. But that's the next chapter currently being written...!

Museo Rosenbach and `Zarathustra' fans, please do not be alarmed by the decision of the band to play this beloved vintage Italian release. Personally speaking, `Zarathustra' is one of my absolute favourite RPI albums that I have listened to endlessly over the years, one that I also instantly think of to recommend to listeners wanting to investigate the vintage Italian prog era for the first time. I myself approached this part of the live DVD with apprehension and some suspicion, so to witness Il Telpio delle Clessidre perform it with utmost respect to the original, but also implementing their own skill, passion and clever musical ideas is hugely satisfying and frequently thrilling. I hope diehard Italian prog fans will give it a chance and hopefully be just as won over by it as I was.

Almost four hours of concert footage, powerful live performances from a talented group of charismatic musicians, and a colourful variety of theatrical flair, `Live in Seoul' is an essential live document of Il Tempio delle Clessidre, one of the most exciting and distinctive modern RPI bands, so take the opportunity to allow Lady Elisa Montaldo and her male guard to cast their spell on you.

Aussie-Byrd-Brother



Awesome! In this new century we have been lucky enough to witness a wave of new and great classic-inspired modern Italian progressive rock bands; the names of Il Bacio della Medusa, Egonon, La Conscienza di Zeno and of course Il Tempio delle Clessidre have been knocking hard in our ear-doors and have entered with solid offerings to this unique musical realm. Me, as an RPI lover am truly enthusiastic regarding these (and others) bands which have released excellent albums and now in this case, DVDs.

Il Tempio delle Clessidre released their first live DVD in 2014 through Black Widow Records, the title is "Live in Seoul" and is a 2-DVD set that shows amazing performances. This band was born thanks to keyboard player Elisa Montaldo whose love for Museo Rosenbach's Zarathustra made her start a band in which "Lupo" Galiffi (from Museo) was the main vocalist. Fabio Gremo on bass, Paolo Tixi on drums and Giulio Canepa on guitars complement this 5-piece outstanding band.

Well, though I must be honest, the video quality is not what I would call the best, but after all, it is not that important because the music and the performances are the main elements. The first DVD contains a two-hour concert from Seoul, recorded on October 8th, 2011. It is divided in two acts. The first one is called "Il Museo" and as you can imagine, a full performance of Zarathustra is given, and though the voice is from the original singer and that is a relevant point, the music and the performance are not the same, I mean, it is not a copycat, because Il Tempio introduces different arrangements, figures and performances, they also add some instrumental passages that made the version of their own, so it is Il Tempio's Zarathustra.

It is evident that this new band loves vintage prog and they really enjoy playing it, we can watch how passionate they perform, how they live the music and how they transmit it to the audience, in spite Japanese people do not show their emotions so easily. I remember when I see Museo Rosenbach at Baja Prog 2014, me and other friends were so excited singing, moving our bodies and becoming crazy, because how won't you go crazy with such a powerful music and performance? Elisa Montaldo is a terrific keyboard player, her dress, voice and sensuality adds even more cadence to the already exquisite music, while the other guys are equally important, each one doing their best with their instrument and acting like gods.

The second act is entitled "Il Tempio", and it shows a full performance of their first and self-titled album. So now the vintage becomes new, because they offer first class RPI with an amazing fresh sound that makes us feel alive and kicking. It excites me a lot because I really love Italian prog, so to know there are bands like this one doing extraordinary music is worth getting excited. In this second set there are moments where Lupo does not sing, there are amazing instrumental passages and curious symphonic, dark atmospheres that are wonderfully complemented by some performance details like in "Danza Esoterica di Datura", when Montaldo spread datura (like a perfume) to the audience. Later the musicians go out with masks, so it produces a drama scenario, like being in a literary play. There is an encore at the end, a bit repetitive, but enjoyable anyways, it is called Zarathustra Medley, so go figure.

That concert is just an example of how great this band is and how I would love to see them live sometime soon. The first DVD is enough to spend great time and to buy this release. However, there is also a second DVD! It might be repetitive, but I think it is a great additional feature, because we can see the band in different concerts, from their very first live show in 2009, to the one at NEARFest Apocalypse in 2012. I repeat, talking strictly about video recording, it is not superb, but when you listen to the music and see them performing, wow, you just have to love it.

Highly recommendable! Enjoy it!

Memowakeman



..::TRACK-LIST::..

DVD 1:
Act I - Il Museo
1. Zarathustra
- L'Ultimo Uomo
- Il Re Di Ieri
- Al Di La' Del Bene E Del Male
- Superuomo
- Il Tempio Delle Clessidre
2. Degli Uomini
3. Della Natura
4. Dell`Eterno Ritorno

Act II - Il Tempo
5. Verso L'Alba
6. Insolita Parte Di Me
7. Boccadasse
8. Danza Esoterica Di Datura
9. Faldistorum
10. La Stanza Nascosta
11. L'Attesa
12. Il Centro Sottile
13. Le Due Meta` Di Una Notte

Encore
14. Zarathustra Medley

Seoul Extra Footage
Live Report By Henry Schneider
Photogallery

DVD 1 recorded live in Seoul at Sowol Art Hall - October 8th, 2011.



DVD 2:
Very First Live Appearance - Teatro Della Gioventù - Genova, Italy - Jan 23rd, 2009
1. Zarathustra
2. Insolita Parte Di Me
3. L'Attesa
4. Le Due Meta` Di Una Notte
5. Il Centro Sottile
6. La Stanza Nascosta

2 Days Prog + 1 Veruno (NO), Italy - Sept 2nd, 2011
7. Degli Uomini
8. Della Natura
9. Dell`Eterno Ritorno
10. Danza Esoterica Di Datura

ProG Liguria La Spezia, Italy - Jan 21st, 2012
11. L'Attesa

Music On The Road TV Show - Live Music Club - Trezzo Sull'Adda (Mi), Italy - Feb 4th, 2012
12. Insolita Parte Di Me
13. Interview

NEARfest Apocalypse Betlehem (PA), USA - Jun 24th, 2012
14. Il Passo
15. Onirica Possessione



..::OBSADA::..

Vocals - Stefano 'Lupo' Galifi
Guitar, Backing Vocals - Giulio Canepa
Keyboards, Backing Vocals - Elisa Montaldo
Drums - Paolo Tixi
Bass, Backing Vocals - Fabio Gremo




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vaqMSkAIyk



SEED 14:30-23:00.
POLECAM!!!