L'URLO RUBATO

Claudio Milano, classically trained seven-octave vocal range Italian singer is probably better known as avant-rock band NichelOdeon vocalist and main driving force, but beside of his work in band he has a lot of projects,all experimental by its nature.

"L'urlo rubato. Musiche per il teatro" is his solo debut, three long pieces composed by him as well. Tagged as "Music For Theatre" , in fact this album represents an eclectic collection of very experimental mix of operatic vocals,modern theatrical soundtracks and avant-garde music elements. Comparing with Claudio later works music is quite accessible here, even catchy at moments, but at the same time walking on the blade's edge. Probably the best way to think about this album is just imagine some Frank Zappa's early conceptual work ("Uncle Meat",etc) and bring it to new Millenium Italy with country's classical and operatic traditions.

Differently from myriads of clones combining operatic vocals with power metal/ viking metal/ whatever-you-want metal Claudio Milano represents far not so overexplored and much more advanced direction searching new synthesis between opera,classical music, rock and contemporary avant-garde. Recommended release for open ears listener with interest to experimental classical/rock and avant-garde music (it looks the album is OOP so probably you'll must try harder to find it).

This was the first solo album released by Claudio Milano in 2004. Claudio is the main man behind the band NICHELODION and he is without question very talented in many ways. This particular recording is almost 78 minutes in length with some 43 tracks. This recording does come across as being a compilation album because it's divided into three distinct parts with three different lineups and all three were recorded during different years. The first section called "Ma Le Serve Di genet ?" is from 2002 and features five tracks. The next section is called "Hamlet" and is from 2004 and features 19 tracks. The last section is called "Building Up A Cathedral From Me" and it's from 2000 and also features 19 songs.

While i'm impressed as always with what Claudio composes I must admit this style of music is difficult for me to actually enjoy. We get soprano female vocals, operatic male vocals and lots of Classical sounding music. And i'm just not into any of these. Just my taste in music of course. Still this is well worth the 3 stars i'm giving it and if you are into this style of music then I wouldn't hesitate recomending this to you.

The first album from Claudio Milano is in some ways more accessible than some of his later work (both solo and as a member of other projects). The classically-trained versatile vocalist/keyboardist/composer/artist makes some challenging music at times but the music here is generally very classical and opera oriented. There is not a whole lot of electronics here with vocals, piano, violin and flute being some of the main instruments used. This is more of a compilation of suites than the result of a single recording session. The three different parts were recorded in different years and divided into 43 seperate tracks; the tracks mostly segue together so you don't notice them passing by.

Tracks 1-5 make up "ma la servedi Genet?" from 2002. Mostly vocals and piano with some violin and saxophone as well. Very classical oriented. The last three tracks of this part were written by others but they don't sound out of place. A repeating 4 note melody is reprised. Tracks 6-24 comprise "Hamlet" from 2004. The largest, most diverse and interesting part of the album. There is a variety of instruments here including percussion and synth. There is some female vocals as well. More studio trickery here than on the rest of the album. Again, some melodies are reprised.

Tracks 25-43 are part of "building up a cathedral from me" recorded in the year 2000. Like "...Genet?" this is classically oriented but more synth/MIDI sounding. Some programmed jungle/drum'n'bass style beats at one point. Some more female vocals. The last track "Exit?" sounds like it was recorded live and features electric guitar and flute in addition to Claudio's vocals and programmed synth sounds. Overall this album would be of more interest to classical and opera fans than electronic music fans. Some avant-prog fans may enjoy "Hamlet." Interesting and enjoyable but Claudio has went on to do more interesting and enjoyable things. 3 stars.