Skarazula's repertoire will bring you on a journey back in time with influences
from medieval European, Turkish and Arabic music. For many years the musicians
of Skarazula have developed a growing interest for ancient music and have
furthered their research to enhance their love about this fascinating and rich
universe. The many shapes that the medieval era has left us to discover inspire
the choice of instruments on which the group plays. Furthermore, the luthier of
the group crafted nearly all the stringed instruments that he plays and the
percussionist also built some of his own. From traditional to original music,
the three minstrels of Skarazula put in their music the same passion and the
same talent.
Skarazula was created in Montreal in 1999 by composer, string player, singer and
luthier François Rainville with percussionist and backup singer Steve Grenier.
Flutist François Perron joined the group in 2001 after a change of personnel, he
also sings back vocals.
The group's approach is inspired by the many ways musicians of today have of
playing medieval music. The musicians of Skarazula do not try to achieve a
historical reconstruction; they rather let themselves be inspired by what has
been discovered about the history of music. Combining this with an obvious
freedom concerning arrangements, what the listener gets is a style somewhat
modern but yet remaining true to its medieval essence.
In addition to the original pieces, Skarazula's repertoire comes from Europe and
the Near East between the IXth and the XVIth century. The composer of the group,
having furthered his knowledge of oriental music, brings an authentic colour to
Skarazula's music. The three musician's approach brings a very rich blend of
mixed skills. It shows in the arrangements and the playing techniques used. The
medieval modes and harmony are respected, but the Europeans probably did not
know some of the instruments used like the djembe. In that sense, Skarazula's
approach is not for the purist as the group allows itself a great freedom.
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![Litha by Skarazula [Litha by Skarazula]](http://he3.magnatune.com/music/Skarazula/Litha/cover_200.jpg)
Litha
![Ostara by Skarazula [Ostara by Skarazula]](http://he3.magnatune.com/music/Skarazula/Ostara/cover_200.jpg)
Ostara
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