Another long-time Rogue wish has been answered, having a prog album with more harpsichord has been a secret yearning since the late 60s, now taken care of by Julian Martinez, a supremely talented Argentinian keyboard virtuoso. Now truth be told, I did review his debut EP “El Silencio de las Estrellas” ( I generally always refuse to write about any release under 30 minutes because it ends just as I get fully aroused and deep into it) but I had a hunch my quest for that baroque instrument might finally become reality , as Julian also released a full-on harpsichord classical album in 2022, entitled “Preludios para Clavecin” , nearly 22 minutes long , an 8 track classical work that made my heart flutter.
“La Danza de la Luna” (Moon Dance) comes as a digital download that comprises five short pieces for a total running length od 18 minutes and 33 and should be listened to as a suite. The main feature remains clearly expressed on a variety of keyboard instruments, from piano, organ and synthesizers but shining beams of spotlight on that magical baroque implement. “El Canto del Bosque” settles into a delicate and bucolic atmosphere where a flute patch gets equal treatment, a fluttery chant that exudes magical pleasure. Elegant and refined, it’s a highly melodic etude that will capture one’s heart.
Decidedly in a more progressive slant ,”Caminos de Cristal” conjures dreamier soundscapes, acting as a prefect segue to the preceding ode to joy, cutting vast swaths of mellotron into the mix. The crispy organ dances with the ornate piano, two crystalline paths becoming one, bordered by a solid rhythmic pulse, the longest piece presented here, with a harpsichord adios at the end!
The title track sways in full regalia, the accent on the piano front and center, hushed organ close by in support, set in a classical mode. The harpsichord makes its subtle entrance , thus adding a lovely medieval feel, keeping the humming organ along for the ride. There is a classic Gryphon mood, ‘Moondance’ could have been a track on Red Queen to Gryphon Three album. Absolutely enchanting.
“Refugio de Sueños” chooses a short and concise variation that serves as an intro to the final piece “Viejas Sombras” which returns to a more conventional classical tempo, a solemn instrumental shadow from the past, the riveting keyboard work being exemplary in its efficient simplicity, the piano in particular highly inspirational. I look very much forward to the day when Julian decides to put out a full album, combining all his talents into a bigger project, with a little help from some friends and thus, elevating his compositional skills into a full-on progressive rock concept album, with even more use of harpsichord. That would be like dancing on the moon.
4 Baroque craters