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Nostradamus
Nikolo Kotzev
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Stunning might be a good place to start in describing this impressive Rock Opera, developed, created and performed by Kotsev, composer, producer, and classically-trained musician. Indeed all of these talents are brought to light in what amounts to be a monumental portrayal of the legend that was Nostradamus, famed French forsooth, and his life and times, discovered, explored and faithfully represented in Rock Opera form for this two-disc set complete with accompanying play book documenting the history of the key figure, along with the cast of characters, assumed by many of the world's leading musical performers. Kotsev, no stranger to performing in the band aspect, earlier involved with European-based projects as Baltimoore and Brazen Abbot, takes a giant step into the spotlight with a mammoth undertaking which includes his own hand picked instrumental trio, full 35-piece symphony orchestra, and the retelling of a central figure from 16th century France-Nostradamus, the trials, tribulations, and the legend that still makes a felt presence in modern times. The vocal ensemble is first rate, featuring prominent talents of Rock circles, displaying their prowess in accompanying musical parts laid forth specific to each chapter of the story as it unfolds through the pages of Nostradamus history. Actually introduced in the past tense, figures central to the life and times of the main character, the tale begins back in 1503, the year of Nostradamus' birth and the titles move forward chronologically with each "character" voice taking center stage as it were, with each successive occurrence-the likes of Glenn Hughes and Joe Lynn Turner, two widely respected veteran vocalists, notably of Deep Purple and Rainbow fame before embarking on acclaimed solo careers, share the bulk of the work here, however making up only 2/7th's of the vocal cast. Non-surprisingly, while the orchestration plays no less demanding a role on the overall musical aspect here, the symphonic Rock elements of classic-era Purple, Rainbow, and Queen rise immediately to the surface-"Pieces of a Dream," "Desecration," "Introduction…" following the compelling early life of Nostradamus from an earlier historical perspective. Additional parts, often shared in well sung vocal tradeoffs belong to Goeran Edman, Doogie White, and Jorn Lande, all gifted in their own right-one of the true shining moments actually occurs by the end of disc one at the point where the "Inquisition" of Nostradamus takes place and there's Turner and Lande sharing the spotlight with the vocal choir chiming in for added significance. So inasmuch as we're opening up to the majesty of classically based, and well-orchestrated theatrical principles, there's an urgent and powerful force that leads the many scenes, which make for interesting contrast as the timeline reveals, and mood changes along with a man's life. Rounding off the list of contributing vocalists are a couple of well known names from the past, Alannah Myles and Sass Jordan, each assuming integral roles of Anne Gemelle and the Queen of France respectively-the first, his second wife, the latter, one who faithfully believed in him and saved his life on many occasions. Turner and Myles share a tender moment first on the touching "Try To Live Again," which follows Nostradamus' second marriage, and later on the second disc's closing piece, "I'll Remember You," which draws this fateful, sometimes chilling tale of a desperate life, one that served humanity, was scrutinized and sentenced by those self-serving forces bent on power and greed, and the mystery surrounding his death… one which ultimately left centuries worth of mystery and wonder for future generations. Nikolo Kotsev's orchestral adaptation of Nostradamus is all at once enchanting and bold, emotionally gripping, insightful, oftentimes awe-inspiring… a wondrous musical journey for both mind and spirit. Released by SPV Records Review by Vinnie Apicella
[va85@columbia.edu] |