Novella

Recorded in late 1976 and with some of it performed on the first Sight and Sound BBC / Radio 2 broadcast in early 1977, this album was not actually released until late 1977.It is less commercial than A Song For All Seasons but I have always regarded it as being pretty good. It has an epic feel without feeling over-produced.Can You Hear Me? is arguably the best track with a good mixture of orchestra and keyboards. It does not seem as long as its 13.5 minutes.Personally, the depressing, lack of hope subject matter of the lyrics to The Sisters has always spoiled this next track for me but musically and vocally it is still good.The acoustic guitar based Midas Man is excellent apart from a very brief bit of Dwain-Eddy-like guitar but perhaps I am being picky! It is a strong song and a nice arrangement.The Captive Heart is short and simple and tends to get overlooked.The final Touching Once has some great up-tempo sections and Jon Camp's base is to the fore. I recall that this is what finished off the aforementioned Sight and Sound concert.Michael Dunford's acoustic guitar (along with Jon Camp's as well) is strong throughout.Overall, it is pretty good in my view, especially after some 39 years!I managed to get a new 1996 version for under £5 including postage.

Novella is the fifth album under the "classic" lineup. Becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. Had to purchase from marketplace seller in Switzerland. Not sure why the artwork has changed from the original but the CD itself is genuine and the sound quality is fantastic. Particularly like the 1st and last tracks which are classic Renaissance, Can you hear me and Touching once. Renaissance stil at their best.

A fabulous cd and brought back memories

This is just pure nostalgia for me. A mixture of rock/folk/Gothic style. I suspect its like Marmite- you'll either love it or hate it.

its Renaissance,good album

Classic

What a fantastic voice. Just great to be able to reminisce with sounds from the 70's, in 'modern' CD format.

Recording engineer Eroc does the best post production bringing out the sound the way was meant to be heard.Forget all other versions of Renaissance this is the real deal.