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Pierrot Lunaire, their self-titled debut album, from 1974.
Pierrot Lunaire was an Italian progressive rock band formed in Rome in 1974 and active until 1977. Their sound was a unique fusion of progressive rock, avant-garde, and folk, with influences ranging from Italian prog to composers like Debussy and groups like Faust. The original lineup consisted of Gaio Chiocchio, Vincenzo Caporaletti, and Arturo Stalteri, all classically trained. Caporaletti left the group in 1976 and was replaced by Jacqueline Darby. The band released two albums, Pierrot Lunaire in 1974 and Gudrun in 1977, and while they were not very successful in Italy, their unique sound made them highly prized among international progressive music collectors.
The band broke up due to different creative directions, particularly guitarist Arturo Stàlteri, who left the group in 1978 to devote himself to classical music and focus on his musical career, while the other members went their separate ways. Their works are excellent albums, must-have in your collection.
The debut album is characterized by great technical skill and musically by excellent attention to melody and theatrical interpretation, and is now a classic of Italian progressive rock. The instrumentation, including grand piano, synth, and guitar, is also excellent.
Musically, the sound is a sometimes dreamlike mix of classic rock and progressive rock.
A special mention goes to the vocals, simply breathtaking, rich, full of harmony, and fundamental to the album's unique identity.
Despite its experimental nature, it's an accessible and melodic album that pushes the boundaries of prog rock. These are, in my opinion, the most notable tracks:
- "Ouverture XV," which opens the album, blending various genres in a way that's very representative of the band's sound. A great song.
- "Raipure," a beautiful acoustic ballad.
- "Il re di Raipure," which stands out for its South American accent.
- "Lady Ligea," a short but exceptional classically inspired keyboard piece.
- "Narciso," a beautiful psychedelic acoustic piece.
The album is considered one of the most representative works of 1974 and a milestone in the Italian progressive rock scene from a band of formidable multi-instrumentalists. It features instruments such as the sitar (fantastic), mandolin, Hammond organ, cymbals, timpani, eminent spinet, celesta, percussion, 12-string guitar, and flute, in addition to the classics of electric guitar, bass, drums, and piano.
Sweet atmospheres for an album that is their masterpiece.
This album is a true Progressive Rock METEOR. Visit the PROG METEOR section for more information.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
1. Ouverture XV (3:19)
2. Raipure (4:45)
3. Invasore (4:21)
4. Lady Ligeia (2:39)
5. Narciso (5:13)
6. Ganzheit (2:33)
7. Verso il lago (0:53)
8. Il re di Raipure (3:47)
9. Sotto i ponti (7:22)
10. Arlecchinata (3:25)
11. La saga della primavera (3:38)
12. Mandrangola (2:15)
Duration 44:10
LineUp
- Arturo Stalteri - piano, organ, vocals, spinet, Eminent, celesta, percussion
- Vincenzo Caporaletti - acoustic, classical, electric, and 12-string guitars, bass, drums, flute
- Gaio Chiocchio - sitar, mandolin, vocals, guitar, Hammond organ, cymbals, timpani
With:
- Laura Buffa - vocals (10)
