For a medieval, acoustic antecedent you could check for online store samples of eponymous "Acantus." It's been awhile since I've listened to that one, but it makes for an interesting reference point.
Dead Can Dance's Into the Labyrinth
Anybody on this one? Just picked it up, after hearing Srajan, from 6moons, talking on Audio Asylum, about this cd he heard at the CES Show in Las Vegas. Actually, what I'm interested in is Dead Can Dance. Other cds. Background. Whatever. thanks in advance. peace, warren