Album Information:

About Renaissance:

The term Renaissance refers to a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing that occurred in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. This era was marked by a renewed interest in the classics, a growing appreciation for humanist ideals, and an explosion of creativity across various disciplines, including literature, painting, sculpture, architecture, and music.

One of the most significant and enduring legacies of the Renaissance was the development of a new artistic style that emphasized realism, naturalism, and an acute attention to detail. This style, which came to be known as the 'High Renaissance,' was pioneered by several iconic figures, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, and Raphael Sanzio.

Leonardo da Vinci was a true Renaissance man - an artist, scientist, inventor, and polymath who excelled in a wide variety of fields. His paintings, such as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, are celebrated for their masterful technique, use of sfumato, and enigmatic expressions. But he was also an expert in engineering, anatomy, and botany, and made numerous revolutionary advancements in these fields.

Michelangelo Buonarroti was another towering figure of the Renaissance era, best known for his works of sculpture, including the David and the Pieta. He was also a prolific painter and architect, responsible for the Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes and the design of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Raphael Sanzio was a master of composition and perspective, known for his harmonious and balanced paintings, such as The School of Athens. He is also credited with introducing the concept of 'ideal beauty' into Renaissance art, creating an aesthetic that emphasized symmetry, proportion, and grace.

These three artists were just a few of the many exceptional talents that emerged during the Renaissance, each leaving an indelible impact on Western art and culture. Their works continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, even centuries after their creation.

About the album Turn Of The Cards:

As an artificial intelligence language model, I can provide factual information about the album Turn Of The Cards by Renaissance. However, I cannot describe it from a subjective point of view. Here are some details about the album:

Turn Of The Cards is the fourth studio album by the British progressive rock band Renaissance. It was released in 1974 by the Sovereign label. The album was produced by Renaissance's keyboardist John Tout and mixed by Eddy Offord, who had previously worked with Yes.

The album features five tracks, which showcase the band's signature blend of classical and rock music. The opening track, 'Running Hard,' sets the tone with its intricate piano and guitar interplay, and the soaring vocals of lead singer Annie Haslam.

The second track, 'I Think of You,' is a more subdued piece, featuring acoustic guitar and Haslam's delicate vocals. It is followed by 'Things I Don't Understand,' which features a jazzy piano solo from John Tout and a powerful vocal performance from Haslam.

The centerpiece of the album is the two-part epic 'Mother Russia,' which tells the story of the Russian Revolution through a series of musical motifs and dramatic shifts in tempo and style.

The album closes with 'Ashes Are Burning,' a dynamic track that features a duet between Annie Haslam and guest vocalist Andy Powell of the band Wishbone Ash.

Overall, Turn Of The Cards is considered one of Renaissance's most accomplished and influential albums, showcasing their unique fusion of classical and rock music. It remains a favorite among fans of progressive rock and is regarded as a classic of the genre.

Members:

As an AI language model, my knowledge and database is limited to publicly available information. There are multiple artists and bands named 'Renaissance,' so please specify which one you are referring to.

Track List for Turn Of The Cards:

Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Turn Of The Cards by the artist Renaissance in order with the playtime and a detailed description of each track:

1. 'Running Hard' (9:37) - The opening track sets the tone for the album with powerful vocals from Annie Haslam and intricate instrumentation from the rest of the band. It features dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, showcasing Renaissance's progressive rock roots.

2. 'I Think of You' (3:09) - A beautiful and understated ballad showcasing Haslam's angelic voice and lyrically exploring themes of love and longing.

3. 'Things I Don't Understand' (9:14) - This track builds upon the previous one with a more complex orchestration featuring lush string arrangements, intricate guitar work by Michael Dunford, and a haunting flute solo by John Tout. The lyrics explore the mysteries of life and the universe.

4. 'Black Flame' (6:58) - A dark and moody track with a hypnotic bassline from Jon Camp and atmospheric keyboard work from Tout and orchestral sounds. The lyrics explore the darker side of human desire and obsession.

5. 'Cold Is Being' (3:50) - An introspective and melancholic ballad featuring solo piano and Haslam's emotive vocals. The lyrics reflect on the feeling of loneliness and isolation.

6. 'Mother Russia' (9:02) - The epic closing track featuring a grandiose orchestration, soaring vocals, and a powerful guitar solo from Dunford. The lyrics explore the history and culture of Russia and the struggles of its people.

Overall, Turn Of The Cards is a masterful album that showcases Renaissance's strengths as a band, including their intricate musicianship, symphonic arrangements, and poetic lyrics. The album manages to be both complex and accessible, with each track offering something new to discover upon repeated listens.

Discography for Renaissance:

Here is the complete discography for Renaissance in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:

Albums:

1. Renaissance (1969)
2. Illusion (1971)
3. Prologue (1972)
4. Ashes Are Burning (1973)
5. Turn of the Cards (1974)
6. Scheherazade and Other Stories (1975)
7. Live at Carnegie Hall (1976)
8. Novella (1977)
9. A Song for All Seasons (1978)
10. Azure d'Or (1979)
11. Camera Camera (1981)
12. Time-Line (1983)
13. The Other Woman (1985)
14. Can You Hear Me? (2001)
15. Tuscany (2010)

Singles:

1. 'Island' / 'Gypsy Queen' (1970)
2. 'Bullet' / 'The Vultures Fly High' (1970)
3. 'Kings and Queens' / 'Island' (1971)
4. 'Wishin' Well' / 'You Don't Know a Good Thing Till It's Gone' (1973)
5. 'Ashes Are Burning' / 'Can You Understand?' (1973)
6. 'Carpet of the Sun' / 'Cold Is Being' (1974)
7. 'Mother Russia' / 'The Captive Heart' (1975)
8. 'Northern Lights' / 'Flight' (1978)
9. 'Jekyll and Hyde' / 'The Winter Tree' (1981)

Other releases:

1. Live at Fillmore West (1970)
2. In the Beginning (1978)
3. Day of the Dreamer (1981)
4. Live in Chicago (1987)
5. BBC Sessions (1999)
6. Dreams and Omens: The Legacy of Renaissance (2005)
7. Turn of the Cards/Scheherazade and Other Stories (2009)
8. Live at the Union Chapel (2015)
9. Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2016)