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Luca Turilli
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Key Information
Luca Turilli (born 5 March 1972)[1] is an Italian composer, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He is the original guitarist and a founder of the symphonic power metal band Rhapsody, later called Rhapsody of Fire,[1] for which he composed and arranged all music with his colleague Alex Staropoli from 1997 until 2011.
In the early 2000s, Turilli released a trilogy of solo studio albums and one studio album under the name of Luca Turilli's Dreamquest. After his split from Rhapsody of Fire, he released three studio albums under the name Luca Turilli's Rhapsody. In 2019 Turilli released a studio album with other former Rhapsody of Fire members under the name Turilli / Lione Rhapsody.[2]
In 2020, he announced the release of his debut piano album.[3]
Early life
[edit]Turilli was born in Trieste, Venezia Giulia, Italy. His father was a cello player who died when Turilli was only two years old. He inherited his passion for classical music, and at 16 years old, he started playing guitar. In 1993, Turilli survived cancer at age 21.[4] At the age of 22, he started playing piano.
Career
[edit]In 1993, Turilli founded the band Thundercross, which was renamed Rhapsody after releasing the first demo,[5] and renamed once again to Rhapsody of Fire for trademark reasons in 2006.
In 2008, Turilli began an online guitar course titled Luca Turilli's Neoclassical Revelation.[6]
In August 2011, Turilli split from Rhapsody of Fire, choosing to move forward with a new group, Luca Turilli's Rhapsody. This band released their debut album entitled Ascending to Infinity in 2012. Their second album Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus followed in 2015, One year later the same album was released under the title Prometheus, The Dolby Atmos Experience + Cinematic and Live. The album, mixed by producer/mixing engineer Chris Heil was the first one in music history to be mixed in Dolby Atmos[3]
From November 2016 to March 2018, Turilli and his former bandmates Fabio Lione and Alex Holzwarth who in the meantime had also left Rhapsody of Fire, toured as Rhapsody Reunion on a tour entitled "20th Anniversary Farewell Tour".[7]
After the tour's ending this same lineup formed a new band entitled Turilli / Lione Rhapsody. This band released their only album Zero Gravity (Rebirth and Evolution) in 2019. Turilli / Lione Rhapsody later disbanded in February 2023 following a final tour in Latin America, announcing that they would be "closing the chapter of their career for good".[8]
Playing style
[edit]Early in his career, Turilli was influenced by guitarists such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine, Marty Friedman and especially Jason Becker who is considered by him today as the greatest guitarist ever. His lead playing often includes extensive use of sweep picked arpeggios, tremolo picking, classically influenced phrases, and scales such as aeolian, harmonic minor, phrygian, locrian, and melodic minor. In his latest albums, he introduced new ethnic elements such as Hirajoshi and Pentatonic scales. As a pianist, his main influences are Romantic pianists like Chopin and contemporary composers such as Ludovico Einaudi, Yann Tiersen, Yiruma and Philip Glass.
Discography
[edit]|
Studio albums:
Studio albums:
EPs and live albums:
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Luca Turilli's Dreamquest[edit]Studio albums:
Studio albums:
Live albums:
Studio albums:
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References
[edit]- ^ a b "Luca Turilli". rhapsodyoffire.com. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
- ^ "Rhapsody Turilli/Lione". Nuclear Blast. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Interview with Luca Turilli". Interview with Luca Turilli. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
- ^ "Facebook post". Facebook. Retrieved 17 March 2014. [better source needed]
- ^ "Rhapsody – Biografias". Retrieved 5 January 2010.
- ^ "Neoclassical Guitar Lessons". neoclassicalrevelation.com. Retrieved 22 October 2010.
- ^ "RHAPSODY Announces '20th Anniversary Farewell Tour'". Blabbermouth. 21 November 2016. Archived from the original on 13 December 2017. Retrieved 15 August 2025.
- ^ "Turilli / Lione Rhapsody final Latin American Tour". Turilli / Lione Rhapsody. 14 November 2022. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
Luca Turilli
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background and childhood
Luca Turilli was born on March 5, 1972, in Trieste, Italy.[2] His father was an independent musician who played cello and other instruments in an orchestra but died when Turilli was two years old.[9][10] Turilli has credited his mother with providing a stable and supportive education during his school years, fostering respect for others and academic success in most subjects.[11] As a child, Turilli pursued hobbies such as playing soccer and developing a strong interest in movies, which would later influence the cinematic themes in his musical work.[12] Turilli was raised in Trieste, a port city known for its multicultural heritage blending Italian, Austrian, and Slavic influences. His early exposure to a variety of musical styles, including classical composers like Vivaldi and Beethoven alongside rock influences, stemmed from his family background and contributed to his curiosity about music.[3]Musical beginnings and health challenges
Turilli began his musical journey at the age of 16 in 1988, when he picked up the guitar as a self-taught musician, initially inspired by neoclassical influences and the burgeoning metal scene.[13] Lacking formal instruction or tablature resources, he spent much of his early practice transcribing complex classical pieces, such as Paganini's caprices and Bach's sonatas, onto the guitar, which marked his initial forays into fusing rock and classical elements.[13] This self-directed approach honed his compositional skills and laid the groundwork for his signature style blending melodic metal with symphonic motifs. At 22, Turilli expanded his instrumental palette by beginning piano studies, drawn particularly to the works of Chopin, which further deepened his engagement with classical composition.[10] His father's background as a cellist and his mother's exposure to composers like Bach and Beethoven had already instilled an appreciation for classical music in his youth, subtly guiding these pursuits.[10] In 1993, at the age of 21, Turilli faced a profound health crisis when he was diagnosed with cancer, spending time bedridden in a hospital where doctors initially deemed his condition terminal.[14] Miraculously, he recovered, an event he described as a "real miracle" that reshaped his outlook on life.[14] This ordeal fueled his resilience and motivation, transforming music into what he calls a "hymn to life," emphasizing positivity and the value of every experience.[14] During recovery, he incorporated spiritual practices like yoga and meditation, which reinforced his commitment to creative expression.[14] That same year, amid his recovery, Turilli formed his first amateur band, Thundercross, in his hometown of Trieste, Italy, collaborating with keyboardist Alex Staropoli to explore original material in local scenes before transitioning to more structured projects.[12]Professional career
Formation and tenure with Rhapsody of Fire
In 1993, Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli founded the band Thundercross in Trieste, Italy, initially as a power metal project influenced by 1980s acts like Helloween.[15] The duo recruited drummer Daniele Carbonera early on, and Turilli handled initial vocals before shifting focus to guitar composition. By 1994, they released the demo Eternal Glory, which showcased raw power metal elements with emerging orchestral touches, recorded on a limited budget to capture their vision of blending heavy riffs with classical motifs.[16] In 1995, Thundercross rebranded as Rhapsody to better reflect their evolving symphonic ambitions, and vocalist Fabio Lione joined after auditioning, bringing a high-range operatic style that defined their sound.[17] Keyboardist Staropoli's arrangements increasingly incorporated choirs, strings, and narrative structures inspired by fantasy literature, pioneering the symphonic power metal subgenre with epic, story-driven compositions about mythical quests and battles.[16] This period saw the release of their debut album Legendary Tales (1997), followed by Symphony of Enchanted Lands (1998), Dawn of Victory (2000), Power of the Dragonflame (2002), Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Seeds of Valour (2004), Triumph of the Will (2006), The Frozen Tears of Angels (2009), and From Chaos to Eternity (2011), each building on orchestral complexity and Turilli's intricate guitar work while maintaining thematic continuity in a fictional "Emerald Sword Saga."[16] The band's growing acclaim in the late 1990s led to their first international tour in 2000, starting in Sweden and expanding across Europe, solidifying their status in the power metal scene through festival appearances and headline shows in the 2000s. In 2006, due to trademark disputes with their former label Magic Circle Music, the group renamed to Rhapsody of Fire, a change they viewed as a fresh evolution despite the legal constraints.[18] However, mounting creative differences over musical direction emerged by the late 2000s, culminating in Turilli's amicable departure in August 2011 after 18 years, as the collaborative energy had waned and he sought new artistic paths.[6]Solo projects and Luca Turilli's Rhapsody
Following his departure from Rhapsody of Fire in 2011 due to creative differences, Luca Turilli pursued independent musical projects that expanded on his symphonic metal foundations. His solo career had begun earlier with the debut album King of the Nordic Twilight in 1999, marking the start of a trilogy that showcased Turilli's compositional versatility, blending power metal with epic, narrative-driven structures. The trilogy continued with Prophet of the Last Eclipse in 2002, an ambitious double album exploring apocalyptic visions through intricate guitar solos and symphonic arrangements; that year also saw the release of the EP Demonheart, featuring neoclassical guitar work and orchestral elements as a precursor to the full-length. The trilogy concluded with The Infinite Wonders of Creation in 2006, which delved into natural and mystical themes with a focus on keyboard orchestration alongside Turilli's signature shredding. These works highlighted Turilli's role as a multi-instrumentalist, often handling guitar, keyboards, and production himself, while collaborating with vocalists like Fabio Lione on select tracks. In parallel, Turilli launched an online guitar masterclass in 2008 through the Neoclassical Revelation platform, offering video lessons on sweep picking, string skipping, and neoclassical phrasing to teach his techniques to aspiring players worldwide.[19] In 2005, Turilli formed Luca Turilli's Dreamquest as a side project, incorporating electronic and symphonic elements with influences from gothic and new age music to create atmospheric soundscapes. The band's sole album, Lost Horizons (2006), featured female vocals from Bridgett Fitzgerald and emphasized introspective themes of life, nature, and emotion, diverging from pure metal aggression toward a more experimental fusion.[20] Post-split, Turilli established Luca Turilli's Rhapsody in 2011, recruiting bassist Patrice Guers and guitarist Dominique Leurquin from his prior band, along with vocalist Alessandro Conti and drummer Alex Holzwarth to form a new ensemble focused on progressive symphonic metal. The band's debut, Ascending to Infinity (2012), introduced a conceptual framework blending science fiction with orchestral grandeur, featuring multi-part suites and choral sections that underscored Turilli's evolution as a bandleader.[21] This was followed by Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus in 2015, a double album centered on the mythological figure of Prometheus as a metaphor for human enlightenment, rich with cosmic narratives, ancient legends, and spiritual motifs woven through explosive guitar riffs and cinematic sound design. Throughout these projects, Turilli's compositions consistently emphasized cosmic and mythological narratives, drawing from classical influences like Vivaldi and Bach to craft epic tales of destiny, revelation, and transcendence.Turilli / Lione Rhapsody and recent developments
In 2017, Luca Turilli reunited with former Rhapsody of Fire vocalist Fabio Lione for the band's 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour, marking a reconciliation after years of separate paths following their 2011 split.[22] This collaboration evolved into the formation of Turilli / Lione Rhapsody in December 2018, a symphonic power metal project featuring Turilli on guitar and keyboards, Lione on vocals, and supporting members including Dominique Leurquin on guitar, Francesco Ciuffetti on bass, and Paolo Marchesich on drums.[23] The band aimed to blend their signature epic style with modern cinematic elements, drawing on their shared history while exploring new creative directions. The group's sole studio album, Zero Gravity (Rebirth and Evolution), was recorded starting in late 2018 and released on July 5, 2019, via Nuclear Blast Records, showcasing orchestral arrangements and themes of cosmic exploration.[24] It received positive reception for its ambitious production and vocal performances, peaking at No. 14 on the German charts. Following the album's launch, Turilli / Lione Rhapsody embarked on a European tour in 2020, delayed in part by the COVID-19 pandemic, and concluded their activities with a final Latin American tour from January to February 2023, performing in countries including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. The band officially disbanded in February 2023, with Turilli citing a desire to pursue more experimental and personal musical ventures beyond the symphonic metal framework.[25] This creative shift led Turilli to announce his debut solo piano album, Earthrise, in early 2020, emphasizing a modern, emotive approach to piano composition influenced by neoclassical and ambient styles. The album's development was gradual, with singles released to build anticipation: "Murmures du Printemps" in 2023, followed by "Aqua" and "Indigo Skies" in 2024, each highlighting Turilli's focus on atmospheric, instrumental piano works. Earthrise was fully released in 2024, distributed through independent channels and praised for its introspective depth and technical finesse.[26] Amid these piano endeavors, Turilli announced in September 2024 an upcoming solo guitar instrumental album titled Guitar Explorations, slated for release in 2025, which will feature virtuosic, neoclassical guitar pieces without vocals, marking his return to guitar-centric composition after a period of diversification.[27] In a significant development, Turilli reunited with Lione in October 2025 to revive the Turilli / Lione Rhapsody moniker, announcing a new album in production that incorporates choir and orchestra elements for an enhanced symphonic scope, fulfilling long-held artistic visions; the project includes a crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo to support recording and touring, which exceeded 50% of its funding goal within 24 hours.[28] To support his evolving piano career, Turilli launched the official website lucaturillipiano.com in May 2024, offering sheet music, performance videos, and resources for fans and musicians, alongside late-2024 updates to his Patreon platform for exclusive content, masterclasses, and direct fan engagement.[8]Musical style and equipment
Guitar techniques and influences
Luca Turilli is renowned for his mastery of advanced guitar techniques, particularly sweep picking, alternate picking, and neoclassical phrasing, which form the cornerstone of his virtuosic style in symphonic power metal.[29] Sweep picking allows him to execute rapid arpeggios with fluid economy of motion, often drawing from classical violin traditions to create sweeping, multi-string runs that evoke orchestral drama.[4] Alternate picking underpins his high-speed shred passages, enabling precise articulation in fast scalar runs and enabling seamless transitions between aggressive rhythms and melodic leads.[30] Neoclassical phrasing, characterized by diminished and augmented intervals, infuses his solos with a Baroque-inspired intensity, blending heavy metal aggression with symphonic elegance.[29] In his solos, Turilli frequently incorporates ethnic scales, such as those evoking Middle Eastern and Asian modalities, alongside harmonic minor modes to add exotic color and tension.[31] These elements create a global tapestry within his neoclassical framework, where the raised seventh of the harmonic minor scale heightens dramatic resolution, often resolving into epic, anthemic climaxes.[30] Ethnic influences manifest in phrygian-dominant inflections reminiscent of flamenco or oriental traditions, expanding beyond Western classical roots to evoke mythical and fantastical narratives.[29] Turilli's primary guitar influences include Yngwie Malmsteen, whose fusion of classical speed and heavy rock profoundly shaped his neoclassical approach and emphasis on virtuosic shredding.[29] Jason Becker also plays a pivotal role, inspiring Turilli's melodic shredding style through albums like Perpetual Burn, which emphasized emotional phrasing amid technical prowess.[29] These inspirations are evident in Turilli's commitment to blending speed with expressiveness, prioritizing musicality over mere velocity. For equipment, Turilli favors Ibanez guitars, beginning his career with models like his first Ibanez at age 16, and later incorporating custom designs that maintain the ergonomic, high-performance aesthetics of Ibanez shapes.[10] He often equips these with DiMarzio pickups, such as the Tone Zone and Air Norton, to achieve the clear, high-output tone suited to his intricate solos and layered productions.[32] Turilli's guitar style has evolved from the high-speed shred dominating his early work with Rhapsody of Fire—focused on blistering, neoclassical fireworks—to a more atmospheric approach in his solo projects, where ambient textures and progressive layering create immersive soundscapes.[33] This shift emphasizes cinematic depth and world music integration, allowing for greater emotional resonance while retaining technical virtuosity.[34]Compositional approach and piano work
Turilli's compositional approach emphasizes epic, narrative-driven structures that blend symphonic orchestration with heavy metal, often drawing from conceptual sagas spanning multiple albums to create immersive, story-based experiences.[35] He frequently incorporates choirs, strings, and keyboards to achieve a cinematic feel, arranging these elements himself using software to layer classical and futuristic sounds, such as Gregorian chants alongside modern synthesizers.[10] This method allows for grand, multi-sectional compositions that evoke a sense of heroic fantasy and spiritual depth, prioritizing emotional resonance over conventional song formats.[35] In his piano work, Turilli draws significant influences from Romantic composers like Frédéric Chopin, whose intricate and emotive structures inform his classical interludes and solo pieces, and from contemporary minimalists such as Ludovico Einaudi, Yann Tiersen, and Alexander Scriabin, which shape his modern, introspective style.[8][36] These inspirations manifest in a focus on dynamic expression and thematic depth, transitioning from the bombastic orchestration of his metal projects to more intimate, melody-centered explorations.[10] Beginning in the 2020s, Turilli shifted toward solo piano compositions, releasing emotional and ambient works unaccompanied by metal elements, as seen in singles like "Aqua" and "Murmures du Printemps" previewing his forthcoming debut album Earthrise (announced for 2024).[26] These pieces emphasize atmospheric soundscapes and personal introspection, marking a deliberate evolution toward pure instrumental piano music that highlights subtlety and natural motifs.[8] For composition, Turilli relies on Steinberg's Cubase software within an extensive template featuring thousands of tracks for orchestral simulation, complemented by acoustic piano for his intimate recordings.[10]Discography
Contributions to Rhapsody of Fire
Luca Turilli served as the lead guitarist, primary composer, and co-producer for Rhapsody of Fire from the band's formation in 1995 until his departure in 2011.[16][37] During this period, he shaped the band's symphonic power metal sound through intricate guitar work and orchestral arrangements, contributing to nine studio albums that advanced their epic fantasy narratives.[2] Turilli composed the majority of the music and lyrics for the band's foundational "Emerald Sword Saga," a multi-album storyline spanning five releases (Legendary Tales, Symphony of Enchanted Lands, Dawn of Victory, Rain of a Thousand Flames, and Power of the Dragonflame) and establishing Rhapsody of Fire's reputation for cinematic, Tolkien-inspired tales.[38] Iconic tracks like "Emerald Sword" from Symphony of Enchanted Lands (1998) exemplify his neoclassical influences, blending rapid guitar solos with choral elements to create immersive soundscapes.[39] His production role, often shared with keyboardist Alex Staropoli, emphasized live orchestral recordings and symphonic depth, as seen in albums like Dawn of Victory (2000).[40] The following table summarizes Turilli's key contributions to Rhapsody of Fire's studio albums during his tenure:| Album | Year | Roles | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legendary Tales | 1997 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Initiated the Emerald Sword Saga with fantasy-themed epics like "Warrior of Icewind." |
| Symphony of Enchanted Lands | 1998 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Featured the saga's breakthrough single "Emerald Sword"; integrated full orchestra for dramatic flair. |
| Dawn of Victory | 2000 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Advanced the saga's plot with battle anthems; Turilli's solos highlighted neoclassical speed. |
| Rain of a Thousand Flames | 2001 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Saga extension with acoustic and symphonic tracks; bridged albums with narrative continuity. |
| Power of the Dragonflame | 2002 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Culminated saga arcs with dragon-themed motifs; emphasized Turilli's piano and orchestration. |
| Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret | 2004 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Began the Dark Secret Saga, a prequel to the Emerald Sword storyline; deeper lore exploration via dual vocal lines and choirs. |
| Triumph or Agony | 2006 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Producer | Launched "The Flames of Shadow" saga; Turilli handled full production for intensified dynamics.[40] |
| The Frozen Tears of Angels | 2010 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Producer | Continued new saga with frozen realm themes; featured Turilli's acoustic guitar and string arrangements.[41] |
| From Chaos to Eternity | 2011 | Lead Guitar, Composer (music/lyrics), Co-Producer | Final album before split; resolved saga threads with epic choruses and Turilli's signature riffs.[42] |
Solo and Dreamquest albums
Luca Turilli's solo discography comprises a trilogy of concept albums released between 1999 and 2006, characterized by symphonic power metal infused with neoclassical elements, orchestral arrangements, and themes of fantasy, heroism, and cosmic exploration.[44][45] These works showcase Turilli's multifaceted role as composer, guitarist, and keyboardist, often featuring guest vocalists and elaborate storytelling. Additionally, the 2002 EP Demonheart served as a promotional precursor to his second album, blending metal tracks with classical instrumentals.[46][47] The debut solo album, King of the Nordic Twilight, was released on October 26, 1999, by Limb Music Productions. This concept album follows a hero's epic journey through mythical realms, emphasizing neoclassical guitar solos and symphonic orchestration to evoke a sense of ancient Nordic fantasy. Key tracks include the title song "King of the Nordic Twilight" and "Floating Circles," which highlight Turilli's technical prowess and melodic hooks. The album features contributions from vocalists like Ralf Scheuvens and Sascha Paeth on production.[48][44] Following in 2002, Prophet of the Last Eclipse marked the second installment in Turilli's solo trilogy, issued on November 26 by Limb Music. This release expands into progressive and experimental territories, narrating a tale of interstellar love and apocalyptic prophecy on a distant planet, with sci-fi influences and diverse instrumentation including choirs and electronic elements. Standout compositions such as the 12-minute title track and "Demonheart" (featuring vocalist Amanda Somerville) demonstrate Turilli's evolving compositional depth, blending power metal aggression with atmospheric interludes. The album was recorded at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany.[49][50][51] The trilogy concluded with The Infinite Wonders of Creation in 2006, released on July 21 by Magic Circle Music. Shifting toward spiritual and philosophical themes, the album explores the miracles of life, nature, and the universe through a mix of symphonic metal, world music influences, and piano-driven passages. Notable tracks like "Angels of the Winter Dawn" and "The Miracle of Life" incorporate exotic scales and guest performances, including flute and ethnic percussion. A bonus disc on some editions introduced Turilli's Dreamquest project, previewing its ethereal sound.[52][53] Preceding Prophet of the Last Eclipse, the Demonheart EP arrived on November 26, 2002, also via Limb Music, as a six-track sampler. It includes the aggressive title track "Demonheart," an edited version of "Prophet of the Last Eclipse," classical pieces like "Rondeau in C Minor," and reworks of earlier material such as "King of the Nordic Twilight (Edit)." Mixed at Pathway Studios in Germany, the EP highlights Turilli's versatility, fusing metal with baroque-inspired instrumentals to bridge his solo aesthetic.[46][47][54] In parallel, the Dreamquest project yielded Lost Horizons on June 9, 2006, under Magic Circle Music, diverging into symphonic electronic metal with prominent female vocals by Bridget Fogle. The album delves into introspective themes of love, life, death, and nature, featuring a more atmospheric and gothic orientation compared to Turilli's core solo output. Tracks such as "Virus," "Dreamquest," and the piano ballad "Sospiro Divino" blend orchestral swells, synthesizers, and emotive melodies, with Turilli handling keyboards and composition. The 13-song release runs approximately 54 minutes and emphasizes emotional depth over high-speed riffs.[55]| Release | Type | Year | Label | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of the Nordic Twilight | Studio Album | 1999 | Limb Music | Heroic fantasy, mythical journeys |
| Demonheart | EP | 2002 | Limb Music | Experimental metal/classical fusion |
| Prophet of the Last Eclipse | Studio Album | 2002 | Limb Music | Sci-fi prophecy, interstellar romance |
| Lost Horizons (Dreamquest) | Studio Album | 2006 | Magic Circle Music | Love, death, natural introspection |
| The Infinite Wonders of Creation | Studio Album | 2006 | Magic Circle Music | Spiritual wonders, cosmic life |
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