Customer Reviews

Elvenmusic 3

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Sometimes an experiment works. Sometimes an attempt to bring something new and exciting actually achieves its end goal.

Caprice achieves success in the interpretation of Elven or Fairy music. Inspired by the Tolken series, we are presented with a musical interpretation of his poetries. Using the "Laoris" language rather than English, we are offered music that dances, alighting gently on the ear.

The group Caprice is Russian band and the vocals of Inna Brejestovskaya make the group. The instrumentation is harp, violin, flute, clarinets, bassoon, cello, harpsichord with synthesizer filler. The style is classical with an element of folk. Sometimes it borders on Medieval in feel, which is probably attributable to the theme of the CD. But the vocal range of Ms. Brejestovoskaya is incredible. She is a classical singer; her voice can be light and lilting or dramatic and haunting.

The CD contains 12 tracks, and runs approximately 51 minutes. The cover is typical of the Prokosnovenie label works, featuring the fairy art of Sabine Adelaide. There is a whole written language devised by Caprice, and it is carefully laid out for you to explore in the included liner notes. It is worked into the cover artwork as well. A very interesting concept of using leaves on vines to indicate a written language. The lyrics are, of course, about Fairies. Dancing fairies, mischievous fairies, fairy music, the lyrics are all things fairy.

The notes also include the lyrics to the songs in "Laoris" as well as English. The typeface is small, the color is black and against some of the artwork and it is almost unreadable to my old eyes, but that does not diminish the lyrical composition.

Some of the tunes will have you up and dancing about the room. This music does carry a very "magical" feeling to it, and it invites you to dance. It is mostly light and airy, but it can be dynamic, and it does demand attention in some places.

The musicians are skilled; there is nothing amateurish about this CD. The composer Anton Brejestovski knew exactly where he wanted to take the listener and expertly executed the entire feel to get you precisely where he wanted you to go.

The music does get a bit "leading edge" at some points, but it is to be expected from music like this. We are looking at music that was written to be different, experimental and think outside the conventional. Yet, we find ourselves tapping our foot to the time of the lyrical and melodic pieces, wondering in amazement at the more experimental works, always being delighted at the vocal qualities and applauding the arrangement of the overall production.

I wanted to point out some of the more outstanding pieces of this work.

Enter Laoris is a delightful, light and airy work that opens the CD and introduces all the elements of this production. We are also introduced to the amazing vocals of Inna Brejestovskaya.

A very dynamic composition is Two Fairies, focusing on the musical capabilities of the artists, with vocals as harmonic compliment to the melody. This is a lovely piece, classical in appeal with some very folk features, and it dances in some places while drawing us into the dream of fairies.

I love the combination of these instruments. This group has a very unique and original sound here, and the musicians are together enough to accomplish this sound and concept. It is so hard these days to find original music that is well executed. A feather in this band's cap.

The Court of the Faerie is another piece that will have you tapping your foot in time to the music if it doesn't succeed in drawing you out of your chair to dance around the room. It sings of fairy love and dancing fairies. It has almost a waltz beat to it sometimes, again beckoning you to the dance. Love the harpsichord and the drums. Summer Night is another one that bubbles and bounces and calls you to dance.

The Forest is a darker piece, much more experimental and I found myself skipping this one when I replayed it. Not everything is perfect, and while this is very progressive, it was not to my liking.

Probably the best track on the CD is Fairies Stole Bridget. Sung in English, it tells the story of a young lady who wanders off with the Fairies. Very catchy chorus you will find yourself singing "Fairies Stole Bridget - Will she ever wake" long after the song is over.

The final track Maple brings us to the end of Summer and to Fall as the fairies disappear. This is a lovely track, delicate and mournful. Another brilliant composition, and a fitting end to this CD.

Give this import a little of your time. It will take you on a trip to the fairy world that will delight and entertain. A unique trip you will not want to miss. maf

I am a fan of a lot of artists like: Enya, Loreena, Sarah Brightman, October Project, Secret Garden, Narsilion and etc, but Caprice's Tales Of The Uninvited show me the great fantastic music ever!