ELEGIE D'INVERNO

The inside of the back cover says "Instructions for use: Play it loud with lights off". Actually, neither is that important or makes much difference to the music.

Unlike CONTRAPPUNTO's two previous albums, the instrumental "Elegie d'Inverno" was released under the name of CONTRAPPUNTO PROJECT. I have not yet heard the previous albums but, judging by the reviews of those I have read, this album is quite a departure as it is much less like Progressive Rock. This album is more akin to modern chamber music or classical-jazz fusion (plus a nod to TANGERINE DREAM on several occasions). The artist used acoustic instruments (piano, celeste, flute, clarinet, tenor sax, trumpet, trombone, French horn, xylophone, bandoneon. you get the picture) with some occasional backing from synthesizer, electric piano and other keyboards. Andrea Cavallo is the composer of all the pieces and also played many of the instruments.

Despite the predominant use of acoustic instruments and the classical-jazz pretensions, the compositions are relatively simplistic (sometimes rather unimaginatively repetitive) and, in my opinion, verge on the pretentious. The music is pleasant enough but by no means stellar. My favourite parts are the relaxing TANGERINE DREAM-like soundscapes on a couple of the tracks, and the final track (a live version of a track from the first album) using just piano.

The mention of Gershwin and Piazzolla in the write-up on the Mellow Records Web site, plus the evocative album title and attractive cover photograph of a tinted cloudy sky, were what attracted me to the album, and I decided to take a chance. The sleeve notes mention Gershwin and Piazzolla specifically with respect only to the track 'Vivaci Acrobazie', and indeed in that track there is a snippet of bandoneon plus a few bars almost straight out of Summertime from Porgy & Bess, but that's about as far as the similarity goes. The music is predominantly calm, ponderous and, as I said, somewhat simplistic. An interesting project and pleasant enough music but certainly not essential. I would not have bought it if I had listened to it beforehand, to be honest. If it were possible I'd award the album 2.5 stars but, as it isn't, I'll go with 2 stars (Collectors/fans only). You might enjoy this but do try before you buy, to avoid disappointment (I have since discovered that you can listen to several of the album's tracks on the group's Web site).

Three years after ''Lilith'' Contrappunto and Andrea Cavallo returned with a third album and a new contract with Mellow Records.This time though things have completely changed.Contrappunto were always, more or less, driven by Cavallo's writing skills, this time the group was renamed to Contrappunto Project and ''Elegie d'inverno'' is mostly a solo than a band effort.Cavallo played all keyboards, traditional instruments and percussion on this album (which sound rather programmed) with some help by guests on wind instruments,

It is quite clear that Cavallo's preferences at the time were far from his past, proggier attitude and his new album sounds like a mix of Ambient, Electronic, World Music and New Age soundscapes.There is total absence of any rock instrumentation like guitars, bass and drums and the music relies upon Cavallo's various keyboard textures mixed with trumpets, horns, traditional instruments and saxes.The tracks sound good for background music but are far from interesting for occasional listenings.Repetitive, very soft, monotonous and deeply atmospheric music with inconsistent styles' blends, that lack energy and passion, presenting a trippy experience based on orchestral and ethnic arrangements.On the other hand this sounds as Cavallo's personal approach on experimental music, there are plenty of Avant-Garde related themes in this release, but I am afraid these are too minimalistic to strike the listener's ears.Only the pair of closing tracks sound a bit inspired, a nice Electronic soundscape and a pretty romantic piano arrangement.

After the album Cavallo put his project on hold, only occasionally returning for participations in a few Prog-related compilations albums like the '' Dante's...'' series of Musea Records.

''Elegie d'inverno'' is by far the less recommended work by Contrappunto.Hypnotic music all the way, flirting dangerously with New Age, and having absolutely nothing to do with Progressive Rock.Only for fans of the style.

Not prog, not neo-classical, not avant garde, not new age. Or on the contrary, if you prefer, neo-classical plus avant garde plus new age... but still minus prog sensu stricto. This unusual and charming album is partially influenced by Banco ...Di Terra (there are some obvious thematic parallels in Vivaci Acrobazie), though the 1978 Banco's orchestral album is full of dynamics, while Elegie d'Inverno sounds slightly weird and more or less slowed down, captivated, bewitched if you like, especially La Nebbia. And, unlike Banco ...Di Terra, this 'post- Contrappunto' album is played not by band plus orchestra but by small orchestra or, more precisely, chamber ensemble as a band. I think those who classify Elegie d'Inverno as modern chamber music are completely right. Surprisingly, some psychedelic tunes can be heard in the second half of La Nebbia, and being performed by chamber ensemble they sound quite piquantly. Surely the album stands by itself, and gives a reason as to say that it does not belong to prog music at all, so to contend that it widens the idea of prog music.