Elementi by Le Orme

Elementi, a beautiful concept album from 2001 by the band Le Orme, a major figure in Italian progressive rock.

The album explores the theme of the four elements—air, earth, water, and fire—that recur in various world cultures, with each element having its own section, each consisting of three or four songs.

Italian progressive rock at its best, seemingly hailing from the 1970s. Complex compositions leave room for melody, beautifully played without overdoing it. Above all, it's a joy to listen to, thanks to the album's excellent songwriting.

The use of an electric guitar simulator (keyboards) is interesting, and the alternation of pieces of very different lengths is beautiful, typical of Le Orme's repertoire from the 1970s.

A work based on philosophical concepts expressed with the simplicity and dynamism of music, evoking intense emotions.

It's conceived as a long suite, an album full of vintage atmospheres balanced with modern sounds.

I've spoken about this band at length in posts about their '70s masterpieces: Collage, Uomo Di Pezza, Felona E Sorona, and Contrappunti.

Top-notch performance on this album:

with the eternally great Aldo Tagliapietra delighting us on vocals, bass, guitar, and sitar.

Michele Bon dominates the scene for much of the album, with his Hammond C3 organ, keyboards, guitar simulator synthesizer, and even as lead vocalist on Lord of Dance.
Andrea Bassato with his splendid touch on piano and keyboards, but I adore his violin, which sometimes enriches the atmosphere in unison with the sitar.
Michi Dei Rossi with his perfect, precise, powerful, and captivating drums and percussion—what a delight!

The booklet features a quote from spiritual master Osho... "We rise in beauty, joy, and dance, and by dancing we dissolve into beauty and joy."

"Il Vento, Il Cielo E La Notte" is one of the most beautiful songs in my opinion, with a beautiful guitar solo on an album dominated by vintage keyboards. It's a very touching piece with a moving voice.

Short instrumental pieces alternate with short songs featuring exceptional synth and vocal work and great melodies.

"Risveglio," "Lord of Dance," and "Canto di preghiera" are also beautiful.

The sitar on "Dove Tutto E!" is exceptional, blending with the violin played by Andrea Bassato.

There's no shortage of psychedelic nuances with the beautiful "Danza del fuoco."

An excellent album and excellent production. I'm a fan and admirer of Le Orme, so I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves Italian Progressive Rock. This is a beautiful album that deserves to be in any self-respecting collection.

The Tracks
- Wind -
1. Dance of the Wind - Part I (3:36)
2. The Wind, the Sky, and the Night (7:16)
3. Dance of the Wind - Part II (1:29)
- Earth -
4. Dance of the Earth (2:22)
5. Awakening (3:59)
6. Prayer Song (1:59)
7. Lord of Dance (2:52)
- Rain
8. Dance of the Rain (2:38)
9. Where Everything Is! (4:40)
10. Golden Light (1:29)~
- Fire -
11. Dance of Fire (2:41)
12. Breath (2:21)
13. Dance of the Wind - Part III (3:38)
14. Awakening - Reprise (1:27)
Duration 42:27

Line-Up
- Aldo Tagliapietra - vocals, bass, bass pedals, guitar, sitar
- Michele Bon - Hammond C3 organ, keyboards, guitar simulator synthesizer, lead vocals (7)
- Andrea Bassato - piano, keyboards, violin, vocals 
- Michi Dei Rossi - drums, glockenspiel, tubular bells, percussion