Samples
ProgArchives
Quaterna Réquiem - Velha Gravura. 1990 Faunus (LP); 1992 Faunus (CD)
Quaterna Réquiem - Quasimodo. 1994 private
Quaterna Réquiem - Livre. 1999 private
Quaterna Réquiem - O Arquiteto. 2012 private
Quaterna Réquiem were one of the first bands of the late 1980s/early 90s progressive rock renaissance to review the works of the Mediterranean bands such as Quella Vecchia Locanda and Gotic, rather than the standard English "Big 3" of Genesis, Yes, and ELP. As such, their in-depth research of 1970's progressive rock adds a dimension sorely missing from most works of this time frame. Quaterna Réquiem performs a new interpretation of a much missed genre of music - what was once known as "Euro Rock". And the only thing keeping Quaterna Réquiem from classic "retro prog" status, that which is all the rage in 2000+, is the lack of analog keyboard instrumentation. But the compositions, skillful playing, and youthful exuberance carry the day here, so that Hammond organs and mellotrons are hardly necessary. A very fine work from a band that dissolved all too quickly in its original form.
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Violinist and primary member Kleber Vogel left Quaterna Réquiem shortly after "Velha Gravura" to form his own band Kaizen. This left behind original keyboardist Elisa Wiermann, along with drummer Cláudio Dantas to carry on with "Quasimodo". It's been a long time since I heard this album, but I recall it being a very long keyboard dominated album, with drum accompaniment, and sparse participation from guests. Somewhat like the Mahoujin "Babylonia Suite" album, but minus the amateurish charm. I sold the album a few years after purchase. If I get a chance to hear it again, I'll take another stab at it and update these notes.
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I haven't heard the live album "Livre", which gets us to Quaterna Réquiem's first new studio album in 18 years: "O Arquiteto". And really, as far as I'm concerned, it's the first new album by the band since 1990. Quaterna Réquiem has successfully reunited Wiermann and Vogel, along with long time drummer Cláudio Dantas and two new members on guitar and bass, to continue on the legacy they began on '"Velha Gravura". Unlike the Sithonia reunion that we just wrote about, Quaterna Réquiem eschewed the temptation to go retro with all analog instrumentation. Rather they decided to continue on exactly as if it were 1991 and it was time for a followup album. Still, the production standards are definitely 2012 and the keyboard tones are fatter and better recorded than the 1990 album - so fear not as they wisely upgraded in the production department. The highlight, of course, is the compositional quality which is richly layered and deeply thought out. Violin, piano, synthesizers and guitar all take their turn at leading the instrumental parade. It's a long instrumental album, as 22 years of ideas come pouring out, that requires close listening to fully appreciate. Quaterna Réquiem were at the forefront of the 1990 progressive movement, one that never really had much chance to spread its wings as the commercial neo-prog bands were dominating the contemporary audience at that time. If you long for the progressive rock sound of the 1990 era such as Solaris' "1990", Nuova Era's "Dopo L'Infinito", Minimum Vital's "Sarabandes", and Tribute's "Terra Incognita", then Quaterna Réquiem's "O Arquiteto" will fill that void. It brought a rush of memories back for me. Highly recommended.
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