CONCERTO GROSSO Nº 2

This is a "must" for those who love italian 70's prog music, even though masterpieces of Banco Mutuo Soccorso and Le Orme are no doubt superior. In any case, even for other countries prog rock aestimators, it is a very good reprentation, considering in addition the very special environment and performance of the event. Le roi soleil is absolutely fantastic.

Seems that at this point, NEW TROLLS, as it was prior to UT reunited, and recorded a sequel to "Concerto Grosso Per 1" in 1976. This album, like its predecessor, featured strings from Luis Enriquez Bacalov, incorporating classical in a prog rock context. However, the suite isn't as long, and the music in general tends to be mellower. The rest of the album is a confusing mixture of pop, prog, folk rock and R&B (they even do a cover of "Let It Be Me"). "Vent'Anni" is an interesting one because it sounds like an Italian CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG, singing in Italian, even one of the vocalists went as far as sounding like Stephen STILLS. This album ends up being eclectic at the expense of being consistent. The original "Concerto Grosso Per 1" is definately the better album, but the 1989 CD reissue of Fonit Cetra crams both that album and "Concerto Grosso Nr. 2" on one disc, which means you really get your money's worth (as you actually only pay for a single album's worth of material).

This was the 1976 attempt by the NEW TROLLS to repeat the success of their 1971 album "Concerto Grosso Per I New Trolls" (sometimes referred to as 'Concerto Grosso No. 1').

While the 'concerto grosso' on the 1971 album has four movements (well, three really: three rock-classical fusion pieces plus a coda that rehashes the second movement's theme in the style of Hendrix), the 'concerto grosso' on "Concerto Grosso No. 2" has three movements, the remaining five tracks on the album not being part of it.

The 1971 album's concerto has a Vivaldi feel to it, whereas this album's concerto has a hint of the Bach or Mozart about it, plus a slight classical Spanish feel in the third movement. As Argentinean composer of movie scores Luis Enriquez Bacalov was again involved, the three movements also have a soundtrack feel about them. Anyway, as with the earlier album, the result is pleasant but not stellar. The orchestra is more integrated with the rock instruments than on the earlier album, and the horns on this album are actually synthesizer (still good, though).

The first movement bobs along nicely in a funky, jazzy sort of fashion. The second movement is a sedate piece introduced by clarinet, with flowery vocals (corny English lyrics, too) and movie score strings wafting in the background; I'm more reminded of Burt Bacharach than Bach (pun intended). The third movement has some nice lute played in a Spanish-like style, giving a slightly medieval feel, and some modern-sounding synthesizer. There is some rather twee singing in English ("fare you well my restless dove", "farewell, farewell little dove" and the like) accompanied by violin. Nevertheless, of the three movements I prefer the third.

The remaining five tracks are a mixed bunch. 'Quiet Seas' reminds me of CAT STEVENS. It's a pleasant enough song, again sung in English, but nothing special. 'Vent'Anni' starts with some nice acoustic guitar or lute. It's a calm, commercial-sounding number in Italian, and I enjoy it. 'Bella Come Mai' is my favourite track on the album. It reminds me a little of 'Tornare a Credere' on the NEW TROLLS ATOMIC SYSTEM s/t album, which has the same Italian 1960s pop feel, the raucous, almost-gospel female backing vocals and the gruff Italian lead vocals (well, the vocals on 'Tornare a Credare' are not so gruff). The twangy guitar and slow, groovy beat are the business and I like the retro feel of the music. 'Let It Be Me' by Curtis, Delanoe & Becaud, sung in falsetto, is an incongruous track on this album, having been sung by ELVIS PRESLEY, THE EVERLY BROTHERS, BOB DYLAN, NINA SIMONE, JACKSON BROWNE and many others. 'Le Roi Soleil', sung in English, is an enjoyable, upbeat poppy number with a nod to classical music, and strongly reminds me of 10CC.

As with the 1971 album, this is easy to listen to in the foreground or background. The music is more accessible than on the 1971 album. The album is not bad if you have an eclectic taste in music and enjoy the type of pop played in the 1960s and early 1970s. From a Progressive Rock perspective this album is less interesting than the 1971 album. It would probably be more of interest to those who lived through those years and have a certain nostalgia for the sounds of the time. I wouldn't rush out to buy it, though. I'll settle for 3 stars (Good, but not essential).

If you don't already have the 1971 album "Concerto Grosso Per I New Trolls" then you could buy the CD of the same name issued by the Warner Fonit record company (CD no. 3984 26602-2) which has both albums on it for the price of one.

In 1976 "old friends/enemies" Nico di Palo and Vittorio de Scalzi were back together for the recording of what was thought to be the prosecution of their best release "Concerto Grosso" (1971).

Did the reach the goal? This is the frequent question of many people. Sadly that magical moments of the so called "Concerto Grosso n. 1" (the correct title is Concerto Grosso per I New Trolls i.e. Concerto Grosso for New Trolls) were impossible to re-produce! History repeats, sometimes.not then yet!.what a pity!

By the way it would be tough thing to dislikes Concerto Grosso n. 2. Honestly I have to say that the first three tracks almost catch that previous GRANDEUR. In fact "1° Tempo: Vivace" is another one from the well known "wand" of Luis Enriquez Bachalov, a strong song in that beautiful baroque vein plus an enjoyable synth' new sound.no doubt it's a very good opener! One of the best tracks of the album, alternating strong bass and electric guitar runs with more gentle and delicate 18th century's atmosphere. And that unexpected synth' sound is the icing on the cake.

The album follows very well with the more introvert sounding of "2° Tempo: Andante" also referred as "Most Dear Lady". Dreamy strings in a perfect opposition with the previous one. Warm and mellow vocals for the most pure and relaxing classical sound of the album.

With "3° Tempo: Moderato" (also titled Fare You Well Dove) my excitement increased! Simply superb those alternating classical guitar, harp and violin! Even better than the first track!! This is what I like most in New Trolls!

.and then.what's up?.there are four pop tunes..completely different from the previous temper of the album! .yeah it is the same album.just doubting for a while! By the way, Quiet Seas, Vent'Anni, Bella Come Mai and Let it Be Me aren't bad at all! I like them, expecially for the classical guitar intro of Vent'Anni though I hate its Italian lyrics which are about the sad remembrance of the old good times when they played rock' n' roll.what the hell! That was what I was waiting for (at least)!!

At this point I was quite half-disappointed with Concerto Grosso n. 2 when. suddenly a crack of light: "Le Roi Soleil" (alternating French and English vocals)!!!! Simply a SUPERB, strong and super-exciting track!!! The best of the album, I'm sure! Somehow with some evident Queen references (A Night At the Opera, mainly). excellent!

Conclusion: it is not a masterpiece, obviously.but, despite those four (good) popish tunes, many pleasing surprises, haunting arrangements and good vocals: 3,5 is my rating. Recommendable!

Work released in 1976 "Concerto Grosso N.2". Work that became starting point of group that forms again. The idea is the same as NO.1. However, the synthesizer not used by the former work is active. Work that is interesting content. It is a progressive pop album. Four stars.Excellent addition to any prog music collection.

After their first split up and the separate experiences of the members with Ibis and New Trolls Atomic System, in 1976 New Trolls reunited and tried to repeat the success of "Concerto Grosso per i New Trolls".

Luis Enrique Bacalov composed the music of the first three tracks of this album and the band interpreted them interacting perfectly with an orchestra . Perhaps you can't find here the originality of the album released in 1971 (on the third movement every now and then there are slightly reminiscences of Mike Oldfield's Tubolar Bells.) but the pieces are well structured and well performed. On the second and third movement there are some remarkable harmony vocals and the romantic lyrics are sung in English . "She's many miles away from me / She's wasting nights away from me / But every sing and every tear and every lie and every fear / Are always calling back my love keeping back my love". An amazing example of contamination between classical music and progressive rock.

It's a pity that the other tracks of the album seem to go in another musical direction. Just some nice pop songs (the dreamy "Quiet Seas", sung in English, and "Bella come mai"), some West Coast echoes ("Vent'anni" reminds me slightly of CSN&Y, with amazing harmony vocals built up around a remarkable acoustic guitar work, while "Let It Be Me" is the same song made famous by the Everly Brothers.) and some vocal experiments ("Le Roi Soleil" where the words of the bleak nonsense lyrics are nothing more than sounds while the music reminds slightly of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".)

In the whole an album heterogeneous and not always completely convincing, but with some great moments.

The NEW TROLLS are back together for this 1976 release, a sequel to the very successful 1971 release "Concerto Grosso Per 1 New Trolls". This is really a mixed bag, that really does not even come close to the 1971 album.The similarities are the orchestral strings, violin and guitar, but these all pale in comparison to the 1971 release. And not only that, there are some real pop sounding songs like "Bella Come Mai" and "Let It Be Me".

I laughed when i read "proghead's" review of the song "Vent'anni" because i too felt that they sounded like the Italian version of CROSBY STILLS NASH AND YOUNG.The final song was almost a relief as it is more uptempo with QUEEN-like vocal harmonies. "Quiet Seas" is a pretty good song that reminded me of CAMEL when the instrumental music came in after the vocals.

This album does have it's moments, but there are several other records that they have put out that i would recommend over this one.

Upon reforming The New Trolls, the group probably made a mistake in wanting to repeat/rehash one of their better works of their first period. First, it was over three years after their previous line-up and the line-up was not very different, Salvi's on keyboards absence is dearly paid.

Musically, the album's title track sounds a bit like the precursor of Rondo Veniziano's 80's kitschy eeeeehhmmm!!!!.. "violin" works and at the same time the worthy successor to their first Concerto Grosso of 71. Although there are moments in the 13 minutes that are superb, there is plenty of cheesy fondue for all of Italy. Filled with Vivaldi and Bach reminiscences this "opus" is again directed by Enriquez and the results are not that far off the first Concerto Grosso. The singing is a bit of a cross between Vanilla Fudge and Queen (especially in the second movement, they sound like Freddy Mercury At The Night Of The Proms), but overall the second version comes close to its predecessor but no cigar. The rest of the album is not quite up to the symphonic caliber, but holds some charms as in Quiet Seas might just sound from a Cart Stevens or Springsteen album.

The flipside starts with a CSN&Y impersonation (20 Years) mostly due to the pitch perfect vocals, and the next Bella Come Mai where the arrangements behind the kitsch girl-group-like vocals (almost waiting for those doowop behind it) are quite good and worthy of some of the masters in the genre. However the weird, awful and out-of- context Let It Be Me (an Everly Bro cover) is an awful track that ruins the album's continuity just when the following Le Roi Soleil (whose Queen-esque vocals can remind of a rhapsody from Bohemia meeting 10 CC's taste for pastiche), might just be the album's proggiest track even if it is rather unrepresentative of Italian-style prog. My version of the album (a Japanese release under catalogue # KICP 2153) contains a ninth track called Vento O Cent'Anni that is probably the best track of this album, starting out on a hard rocking guitar alternating with an acoustic and strong vocals, soon joined by a great flute >> absolutely enjoyable and a glimpse of Di Palo's hard guitar past.

While hardly undeserving CG#2 is not a bad album per se (no real weak tracks outside the cover), but the many different passages always reminding of some other group. I suggest you try to find the Japanese version of this album for the great added bonus track

The second one!!

After having read a magnific Kotro`s review of Concerto Grosso per 1 e 2, i decided to do the same, obviously with my words and own style, and also i will review this album first and not the No.1 though i believe i should review it first.

Five, yes 5 years after the release of their best and probably most beloved album "Concerto Grosso per 1" they wanted or at least tried to repeat the success that the first one had, but despite i really love this album, i think the first one is much better, by far, so the attempt failed sadly, but again, that does not mean that this is a bad album, not at all!!

While the first one features 5 songs, this time they included 3 more songs in this album, with a different flavour and orientation, but anyway, very "Newtrollesque", again they had the magnific collaboration of Luis Enriquez Bacalov, he made the first 3 compositions on this album and i believe it is very noticeable, it is not good to compare, but maybe is a general disease when some movie or album has second parts, we always use to compare if the second is better, worse, if it reached the goal or not, if its alike or not, so the comparations are endless, returning to the point, as i said above Bacalov puts his talent here again and delight us with the first 3 compositions of this album, which are 1° tempo: Vivace,2° tempo: Andante (Most Dear Lady) and 3° tempo: Moderato - (Fare You Well Dove) , the first one is actually reminiscent to Concerto Grosso per 1, it has almost 5 minutes of strings, orchestra and magnific sound, something exquisite, the second one is shorter with a more delicate sound, a beautiful song actually with wind instruments and soft strings, here the vocals appear for the very first time in the album with English lyrics and chorus, very nice song with great guitar solos at the end, and the third movement is probably my favorite of these movements, excellent performance, superb guitar playing, great synth soundscapes which let you know that his band has a terrific composition level, this is one of the best songs of the entire album actually, so please pay an special attention to this, i am sure you will love it, the violin playing is also magnific.

"Quiet Seas" is a ballad and it marks a notable change in the album`s direction, which is not what we expected but anyway it is not that bad after all, i had the luck of attending to a New trolls concert some months ago and it had its highs and lows, some outstanding prog moments like the first songs of this album, and then pop and maybe boring songs like these. "Vent`Anni" is alike to the previous one, a soft ballad but this time more guitar oriented, harmony vocals and a peaceful ambient. "Bella Come Mai" continues with the same direction, i would like to point out that these songs are not bad but quite different to the first ones and you may probably hate them because of that, it has some vocals a-la Queen and a nice rythm guitar. "Let it be me" is probably the poppiest of them all, i remember this song in their concert here in Mèxico, my friends and i were not that happy while the band and part of the audience was really excited.

But i have great news, the last song of this album is simply superb, actually my personal all time favorite New Trolls song so please check it, "Le Roi Solei" backs to the proggiest side of the band without returning to the classical notes, it is a 5-minute song which starts with an increasing and powerful sound, totally crazy guitars and keyboard playing making a superb composition, then here we have harmony vocals as well, but they are great there is a moment of this song when it simply caught all my ears and attention and i can only say, wow! I was really lucky to see this in that concert in Mexico, it was a great performance of this great song.

So we may divide this album in 2, like if it were Concerto Grosso per 2.1 and per 2.2, that is not really good i would like to have here a one-direction album, but anyway the prog songs here are magnific and the pop ones not bad, though it i definitely not at the level of per 1.

3.5 stars, what should i do, 3 or 4 stars?? Well, hope you enjoy it!

Not quite the same...

Having purchased a compilation disc which featured the albums Concerto Grosso Per I and Per II it was a tough choice which album to start my adventure with the New Trolls. Having been more intrigued with the cover art for this, the second album in the series I decided to put this album on first, I have no idea why, since the first one was rated higher and to start the disc on track one would have been the normal thing to do, but no, I decided to start with Concerto Grosso Per II. I just about got rid of the disc on that first listen. Thank god I went back and discovered the majesty of the first album, otherwise I would have missed out on something really good.

This album is nothing that the first part was. While the first album had a rich and luxurious sounding progressive music backed by neo-classical stylings this one seems to have forgotten about the ''prog'' part and is just aimed at the neo-classical with a hint of commercial rock. Themes from the first album are recycled in the first movement of this album (which is considerably shorter, I might add, than the first album's concerto) and in general the entire thing sounds very flat. The synths which are used sound almost transparent and so cheesy in their sound that they sound like you should put on one of those old British wigs and start calling down the middle class. While the first album walked the fine line between pomp and pretentious, this album kicks that line, dances on it, and then goes running in a most comical fashion with its arms waving above it like some inflatable arm flailing tube man all the way over to the pretentious side. The last album sounded like intelligent neo-classical music for prog fans, this sounds like music that's ''better than you are'', making it highly inaccessible.

This doesn't stop at the end of the 3 part concerto, however. This album has a multitude of songs instead of two complex movements, and the rest of the songs find the band discovering what made Queen successful in the 70s. Most of the songs sound either like an Italian Queen or a Queen cover band. This even leaks into the concerto itself as 3° Tempo: Moderato (Fare You Well Dove) sounds like it could have come from Queen with its melodies and harmonized vocals. Other songs like Vent'Anni are pleasantly acoustic with Italian vocals. Quiet Seas suffers again from the Queen Syndrome, but the emotive vocals are enough to pull it through.

The problem here really isn't the apparent attempt to copy the band's earlier work, nor is it a problem that they seem to be borrowing from other bands, it's that there's nothing particularly memorable about the album. While the first album's two movements were full of bombast and incredible pomp this one seems lackluster, moving more for the accessible short pop-ish songs rather than the 20-minute improvisational instrumentals. The standout song on the album is likely the last tune because it's the only one who dares to be experimental and actually uses a very distinct melody. For that reason, and for its impressively fast playing and creepy vocals, Le Roi Soleil really is a classic track, but unfortunately the only one on the album.

This album is really just for the fans. You'll find it sew onto every copy of Per I that's on cd since there was enough room to remaster both of them on one disc - like some sort of two headed monster, one of which bows to your every need and the other is a zombie looking to eat your brains - but you can consider it a selection of off cuts that came years too late. Fans will appreciate it, and it's not painful to listen to, just forgettable. Don't start with this album if you're new to the band, or indeed, the scene. Per I was masterful, this is bleh. 2 stars, fans only.

"The New Trolls" are back after a short break which allowed both leaders (Di Palo and De Scalzi) to play and enjoy their own musical experience.

They came back and TNT were reunited. For worse or for better? Well, probably none of these.

When I listened to "Vivace" (the first movement), I thought of a second hand overture from "Tommy" (if you would exclude the classical elements). The second movement is quite dull and mellowish: the violins are invading this track and frankly, I can't find anything splendid in here.

Fortunately, the classical "suite" ends up on the best section: "Fare You Well Dove" holds all the element of the great Italian genre I have praised so much: skilled acoustic guitar, warm vocals, the fantastic crescendo building and the fine violin: each of which are genuine to this Italian feel. A highlight.

While their first concerto ended up on a twenty minutes extravaganza and improvised live track recorded in the studio ("Improvvisazioni Registrate in Diretta"); the second part of this one is made up of four tunes which are balanced between some pop mood ("Quiet Seas") which conveys a "Queen" memorabilia and some pastoral and mellowish item with nice vocal harmonies ("Vent'anni").

Now, to tell you that I am blown away by the cover of "Let It Be Me" would be somewhat untrue. Press next is the only advice to avoid this syrupy and useless song.

The closing track "Le Roi Soleil" holds more of a rock-opera tune. Again, the "Queen" feel is not alien: vocals, piano and song structure convey a feel of déjà vu. Even if some parts are sung in French in reference to Louis XIV, king of France, don't try to understand these. It is my mother tongue and I'm pretty unable to grab anything?It is another good song from this very short offering.

"UT" is the reference for the band. If you should only own one, I would head of for this one. If a second one is needed: let's stick to their first "Concerto Grosso".

This is only an average album IMO. I will update it to three stars since two would be a bit harsh.

By mid-70's and after the short story both of Ibis and New Trolls Atomic System,De Scalzi and Palo re-united their forces to begin a new chapter in New Trolls history.Original drummer Gianni Belleno was there and the trio completed the line-up with Ibis' bassist Frank Laugelli and ex-Nuova Idea singer/guitarist Ricky Belloni.As with many bands trying to re-capture some of their past glory,the new New Trolls chose to make a sequel of the famous ''Concerto Grosso'',so in 1976 ''Concert grosso no.2'' was released on the short-lived Genova-based Magma label.

The first two-three tracks are a good example of what New Trolls are capable for: Hard Classical-adapted Rock alternating with soft rock filled with various grandiose strings,good work on electric piano and carefully arranged multi-vocal parts.From ''Quiet seas'' things turn into the wrong way:a poor piano-driven ballad with funny vocals to say the least but with a sensitive guitar-based ending solo.The acoustic ''Vent'anni'' isn't much better,poor and uninspired music with awful multi-vocals.''Bella Come Mai'' is an even worse Pop Rock ballad with the worst vocal lines I've heard in a long time.Another ballad in line is ''Let it be'' by Curtis, Delanoe and Becaud and I begin getting uncomfortable,high-pitched vocals in BEE-GEES style all the way under soft melodic Pop Music.Horrible!The closing ''Le Roi Soleil'' is a very uneven track with some interesting symphonic musicianship under the nice guitar and keyboard work,but again vocals are terrible,while some parts of it are totally out of place.

New Trolls only managed to fall into the trap themselves created.To re-produce an album inspired by a previous work of your own is sometimes considered as lack of inspiration and that's the case here.The album contains only 12-15 minutes of interesting music,the rest being melodic soft Pop Rock music of the worst quality.Better avoid it,unless Classical-influenced Rock (but with strong amount of Pop) is among your major preferences.