“La Villa Strangiato” stands as the definitive nine-minute instrumental finale of Rush’s 1978 album ‘Hemispheres’, inspired by the vivid dreams of guitarist Alex Lifeson. Subtitled “An Exercise in Self-Indulgence,” the track serves as an undeniable showcase for the late Neil Peart, whose performance here remains a holy grail for the global drumming community. From the stamina-sapping opening hi-hat and snare patterns to the complex ride and snare paradiddle combinations, Peart’s technical precision and “rare groove” funk sensibilities are on full display. The isolated tracks provide an intimate look at the Canadian prog-rock pioneer’s intricate world-building, proving why he is considered one of the most influential percussionists in history while offering a vocal-free gateway into the band’s virtuosic complexity.