Rhapsody - The Legendary Pages

Rhapsody was founded by the guitarist Luca Turilli. The original name was Thundercross. Luca's vision in starting the band in 1993, in addition to spreading a positive message, was to capture the vibrant energy of the classical and baroque music he loves and weave it with the melodic metal he so enjoys playing. As the second principle songwriter, keyboardist Alex Staropoli shares Luca's passion for composing, his own background being purely in classical music. His rerious, disciplined study of piano, together with the influence of his family, has inspired him to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Alex's first love is the organ, but he also finds much satisfaction in the piano as well as the 'cold' sounds of the harpsichord. When Alex and Luca work together in composing the complex classical parts, intros and interludes that create magic within Rhapsody's songs, they prefer the harmonic minor and diminished scales. As they say themselves, 'one voice is never enough'; so, they often combine synchronus, harmonized guitars with evocative orchestration. Noumerous Rhapsody songs also feature Alex's brother Manuel playing the recorder, which adds yet another intriguing element to the band's unique sound.
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Equally important for his skillful contribution is drummer Daniele Carbonera. A member since the Thundercross era, Daniele came from a mainly hard rock background but has worked diligently to develop drumming techniques that enhance the value of Rhapsody's songs. He has the ability to create an overall dynamic feel, while adding percussion accents that complement the classical piece. On the first album 'Legenday Tales' Rhapsody had no bass-player. The band's original bassist, Andrea Furlan, has since parted with the band. The remaining members wanted to find just the right person, someone who perfectly fits the difficult musical demands of the position. That's why producer and Heavens Gate guitarist Sascha Peath played the bass-parts on 'Legendary Tales'. With the recording of the single 'Emerald Sword' Alessandro Lotta is the bass-player of Rhapsody.
Some fans may not realize that there was a period in the Thundercross days when Luca handled lead vocal duties, as well as the guitar. When the group had been together for five months, they had 10 epic/speed compositions (written by Alex and Luca) and were gigging consistentlyto large crowds despite the lack of possibilities for playing rock shows in the Italian city where the members resided. All was going very well when suddenly Luca fell seriously ill. After months of darkness, Luca recovered, emerging with newfound vigor and enough energy to charge up the entire band. It was at this time that a vocalist by the name of Cristiano Adacher came into the picture, and the classic Thundercross demo 'Land Of Immortals' was recorded.
With this high quality tape completed, the band lost no time in promoting their uniquely crafted music to Italian rock magazines and record companies. A significant event soon took place in that Limb Schnoor, of Limb Music Products & Publishing in Germany, sent a proposal to the band. Having heard nothing but good things about Limb, they decided to work with his company. It was at that moment that the band felt their original name of Thundercross no longer fit the more melodic style they had evolved into; so, they changed it into Rhapsody, a name with which they felt more comfortable as they prepared to forge into the future.
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Re-entering the studio to provide Limb with more material to promote, three new songs were combined with the 'Land Of Immortals' demo to create the official 'Eternal Glory' tape. This release gained the bandmassive praise from writers the world over.
Despite such overtures of praise and burgeoning support from press and fans the world over, internal issues led to Cristiano Adacher parting ways with Rhapsody following the release of 'Eternal Glory'. He was replaced by Fabio Lione, an accomplished, expressive singer with a broad vocal range. Many fans know Fabio as the former singer of Lab�rinth (where he used the stage name of Joe Terry). With alternating mid-high tones and deeply resonating atmospherics, Fobio's vocal interpretations ass lush color to the moving lyrics of Rhapsody's songs.
With this lineup Rhapsody recorded and released 'Legendary Tales', the debut CD of Rhapsody, in 1997. The CD was recorded in the famous Gate-studio in Wolfsburg, Gemany with Sascha Peath as producer (He produced for Heavens Gate and Angra before). One year later the second album will be released. It is called 'Symphony Of Enchanted Lands' and before the release in October 1998, a single called 'Emerald Sword' was released. This CD contains 3 tracks. One of them is taken from the forthcoming album.

...And so onward we march, into the eternal night as the sweeping harmonies, valiant fugues and noble tales of gallant knights and swords of fire accompany our journey. The mighty voice of Rhapsody shall conquer with gracefull power and blazing spirit, a call that rides the stormy winds of battle and the calming breeze of tranquillity...the call that shall lead until peace prevails...

Lineup: (Click on their heads for info)

From left to right: Luca Turilli, Alex Staropoli, Fabio Lione and Daniele Carbonera.

Discography: (Click on the cover for info)

Legendary Tales ('97)

Emerald Sword ('98)

Symphony Of Enchanted Lands ('98)

Links:
Rhapsody - Artists from LMP

Tourdates:
No tourdates at the moment.

You are Rhapsody-fan no. since august 2nd 1998.

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