“Semen Roris” is the second CD from LVCVS, a Dark Folk group which features the original musical compositions of Andrea Tuffanelli. While their project “Lilium Aeris” celebrates Medieval music, LVCVS combines Medieval and Renaissance elements with musical influences of other lands and cultures. As their website says, the music of LVCVS invokes a “faeric middle east, seen through the eyes of the medieval Europe”.

I was thrilled to find that “Semen Roris” is performed on authentic period instruments, with none of the electronics commonly found in many Neo-Medieval/Neo Folk groups. While electronics can be used very effectively, I am touched far more deeply by period instruments. “Semen Roris” is very Medieval in character. If you did not know otherwise, you could be forgiven for believing that these are Medieval compositions! Yet there is also a hint of the Middle East, and a strong touch of the Orient in his music. From an historical viewpoint this makes prefect sense, since many of the musicians/poets of the Middle Ages were deeply influenced by other cultures. I did not fully comprehend the Oriental flavor of this CD until about the third time I listened to it, particularly on songs like “Morum Gradus”, and this illustrated how subtly and masterfully Andrea merges the various cultural elements in his music.

From the angelic vocals of Serena, counterbalanced at points by vocals from Fabio and Andrea; to the percussion and instruments such as lute, bowed psaltery, saz, and vielle. Some of my of my favorites are: The very moving “Alba Mora”, which evokes a deep sense of reflection and a longing for long-ago eras, whether East or West. The instrumental “Nox Hederate” is almost festive, but has an underlying sense of darkness. “Vanae Imagines” is majestic with alternating female and male vocals, reminiscent of a pilgrimage or monastic song. “Lux Per Hera” is very eerie, from the vocals to the bowed strings, suitably followed by the quite dark and enigmatic “Aura”.

“Semen Roris” is highly recommended for fans of early and world music, as well as anyone seeking for music that is evocative and moving. I look forward to hearing more from LVCVS.

http://arsaeterna.com

http://lvcvs.com