(Progressive rock, Symphonic Prog) Sagrado Coracao Da Terra - Grande Espirito 1994, APE (image+.cue) lossless

The band was formed in 1979, joining vocal and instrumental music with roots in rock and classical music. Using electric-acoustic instruments, and an heir of a strong classical tradition, the music of Sagrado Coração da Terra brings forth the Baroque atmosphere. It is a journey through time and space to the origins and the future of all human musical experience.
The instruments are those used in the classic tradition — guitar, piano, and violin — but used electronically. As in the lyrics, the music is linked to an ecological hilosophy: ecology of the earth, ecology of the mind, of the heart and of the body.
Sagrado has been looked upon, in Brazil and abroad, as the most expressive work of the progressive symphonic music of Latin America. Their music links rock to the force of aboriginal tribal rhythms and the beauty and sophistication of the classical. The lyrics tells about the advent of a new era for mankind related to spiritual and ecological questions.
Marcus Viana, author of the lyrics and all the music of the group, became known to the public by the several soundtracks and overtures for Brazilian television, like Pantanal, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Xica da Silva, Ana Raio e Zé Trovão, Serras Azuis, Terra Nostra, and Aquarela do Brasil. Sagrado has gone through a number of phases. Some of its members have gained national recognition performing with other groups and artists.
Discography :
Sagrado Coração da Terra (1984)
Flecha (1987)
Farol da Liberdade (1991)
Grande Espírito (1994)
A Leste do Sol, Oeste da Lua (2000)
Canções (2002) (compilation-soundtracks songs)
Instrumental (2002) (compilation-instrumental)
Sacred Heart of Earth (2001) (compilation-english language)

from progarchives
Before getting this album someone whispered in my ears that "Grande Espírito" wasn't in the same level of previous "Farol Da Liberdade" and that I should be disappointed - well, after many hearings my impressions are quite different."Grande Espírito", the 4th SAGRADO studio album is in fact much more sorrowful and somber, sometimes really obscure while their 2 previous albums are joyous and uplifting. The mystic factor spreads throughout the tracks, making this work a conceptual album per se.
Noticeable for the fans and listeners, especially the prog-heads is the ever- growing band's progressiveness index, their wonderful musicianship and the addition of a new singer, Bauxita, very tuned, with sharpen voice, a bit haunting, more synchronic with the prog scenario. This album, neatly symphonic indeed, could also fall in the 'eclectic' categorization due to the so many blendings perceived along its tracks: folk, classical, rock, pop, etc.'Kian' opens the album in a soft and quasi-neo-prog way, the apparently glad atmosphere hides a powerful and sad mantra-like choir, repeating miserere nobis like a prayer altogether with a mesmerizing musical arrangement. 'Libertas' is a great song, hitting directly in the Brazilian hearts, where New Testament words are mixed with fine poetry and remembrances of the deeds of heroes of the nation - poignant and emotional, even being hard to be understood if you're not part of the landscape.
'Human beans' is one of the tracks sung in English which flows in a rocky style interchanging with some pop and agreeable tunes. The short 'Eldorado' brings the guest voice of the giant Milton Nascimento, who is able to transform a single song into a magnificent serenade. A great moment encapsulated in a narrow passage of the time, like a delicate perfume in a little flask.
Titletrack 'Grande espírito' is where the mystical moments appear more intensely. The song itself is odd and not easily palatable, although saved by the fine band action and the exquisite vocals. 'Sweet water', the other track sung in English, is a gorgeous, peaceful and romantic-like song, very pleasant to hear even not showing any different and bombastic playing which is a typical SAGRADO signature.
'Rapsódia cigana' (Gypsy rhapsody), au contraire, is thunderous and frantic, with that clear band footprint. The 'gypsy' content is set to add a plethora of folk and Eastern tunes, which provide a weird taste to the song, making it very enjoyable to listen to. 'País dos sonhos' (Dreamland) is the album's epic and where SAGRADO exercise the plenitude of their abilities, influences and enchantment. One word to classify it: unique.
SAGRADO CORAÇÃO DA TERRA discovered a new horizon and carried us through new musical lands and possibilities with "Grande Espírito", making this truly a great work and wholeheartedly an excellent addition for anyone's music collection.