CELESTE

Although closer to the early King Crimson Celeste is not proper the kind of band that conquest me. Ok, 'Principe di un giorno', album wrote in 1973, recorded in 1974 and published by Grog in 1976 is a good Pastoral Prog album and nothing more. Unfortunately, although I have heard several times, I admit that 'Principe di un giorno' is a good album, can not create that magic that is often the winner quid.

Interesting for songs, without heavy or invadent arrangements 'Principe di un giorno' find victory in the production, even if too powerful, which penalizes the songs. Also because off between the electrical parts (very light) and the acoustic parts (too light) ruining the feelings, because they are not very developed, being an end in themselves. correct the sung parts, appropriate to the style of songs and genre.

That 'Principe di un giorno' be a good album is also my conviction. In any case, for me, 'Principe di un giorno' remain a good example of Italian 70's music.

Talk about a perfect title, an all white album (just like the Beatles dared!) and just to confuse matters a bit more; a mellotron-sated pastoral Italian School of Progressive classic to boot (the shape of Italy from way up in satellite land!). While many boldly orate about RDM, Banco, Le Orme, PFM , Museo Rosenbach and company, this little fragile gem continues to dazzle, proving that there are fundamental reasons why most Italians cook so fabulously! They know how to combine natural products so well: juicy and ripe tomatoes, crisp and crunchy red onions, grandiose acidy capers and the most delectable cheese you can think of. Put them all together, a little salt and pepper, then a sprig of fresh basil and Ecco il Paradiso! On "Principe di Giorno" the musicians emulate their mammas in the cucina by adding magical flute, divine acoustic guitar and heavenly blasts from the ubiquitous Mellotron, plus an occasional dash of gentle choir, church organ and those trembling vocals that have inspired many for centuries. This is true music genius, a medicating journey of unfettered bliss, a mature expression of celestial inspiration, placid introspection and dreamy Sunday morning relaxation. That this superlative disc offers genuine panacea is uncontestable as one would be hard pressed to find fault with such splendor. Even the hard rockers need to rest their head banging carcasses on occasion! That there are powerful early King Crimson influences in attendance here should come as no surprise, as Italy was surely one of the first countries to openly embrace the liquid beauty of progressive rock, inspiring a rich musical culture that could add its own folk/classical aromas without too much of a hardship. Hence, an entire arsenal of instruments are presented here, with everything from xylophones, saxes, violins, flutes, assorted percussive implements, blending superbly with the majestic piano, the grinding mellotron (and its local derivative, the Eminent),some electric piano as well as some synths (the good old ARP 2600). The amazing tracks really do not deserve to be served up individually since they form nothing more than an elegant suite of songs that have a continuity that contributes grandly to the overall impression. I cannot help smirking at the oft repeated thought that this may put you asleep, because elevator muzak this is definitely not. It is not inconspicuous, boring, dull or even repetitive. In fact, the finale "L'Imbroglio" even offers up playfulness and humor. It just needs a special time and place for it to be enjoyed properly, like after a rowdy night out drinking, flirting and carousing with your social cronies, nothing is better than this to crash on the sofa and crank up the volume. But it can also be an inspiration to make passionate love to a bella ragazza (or your wife!) and ultimately , a great choice on a Sunday morning between Ant Phillips' Slowdance and Iona's Open Sky, a tasty frittata brunch waiting on the patio , as the birds dance to the sights and sounds of peaceful harmony. This is not just music, its medicine! An absolute necessity in any prog collection worthy of "envergure" (French for depth). This is dedicated to Raff and Micky! I can only imagine them listening to this ! 5 passionate bravos.

Celeste was a band of the early seventies Italian prog scene. They came from Liguria and the line up featured Ciro Perrino (drums, percussion, flute, keyboards, vocals), Leonardo Lagorio (keyboards, flute, sax), Mariano Schiavolini (guitar, violin) and Giorgio Battaglia (bass). Their debut album was composed in 1973 and recorded in 1974 but it was released only two years later by the independent label Grog (lead by New Trolls' member Vittorio De Scalzi and by his brother Aldo, founder member of Picchio dal Pozzo). The music on this album is soft and challenging, showcasing a wide range of influences swinging from early King Crimson to Amazing Blondel, from classical music to jazz, from Italian singer songwriters like Fabrizio De Andrè to Italian prog bands like Delirium and PFM... Nonetheless the band managed to shape an original and interesting sound that would have deserved more attention.

The dreamy opener "Principe di un giorno" depicts peaceful and timeless melodic landscapes mirroring "colour changes"... "Prince for one day / You are looking for a lawn to rest / You dream the wise man in white / Who shows you the way towards endless realms / Where the wind does not blow anymore...

Next comes the long "Favole antiche" (Ancient Tales) where the band seems to be "talking to the wind": the mood is ethereal while a "coffer of sounds" invites you to listen to ancient fairy tales... The following "Eftus" and "Giochi nella notte" (Games In The Night) are delicate acoustic pieces with a nice classical flavour... On this album lyrics do not tell stories, they suggest images to stir your emotions: so, just relax and enjoy the sound of acoustic guitars and flutes while melodic vocals soaring from the dark ask "Where is it? Who knows? / It's here! / In me? In you? / Yes it is..."

The structure of the pieces is complex but rhythm never gets frenzy while "sailing towards a large fantastic island where the fate is dancing"... "La grande isola" (The Great Island), "La danza del fato" (The Dance Of The Fate) and "L'imbroglio" (The Cheat) flow among the echoes old troubadours' songs and classical music patterns leading you to the end of an album that seems to be conceived as a musical dream... "Veil your voice while you play the lute looming songs and harmonies by the seaside"...

On the whole this one is an excellent album but it needs some time to be completely appreciated: the risk on the first listening is that you could got asleep before the end...

After listening to this recording all the way through with open ears and not really comparing it to Celeste original masterpiece first album, this is a fine album. It does have (as other reviewers have mentioned) a bit of an unfinished/not mastered feel to it - BUT! not to excess. It doesn't sound like some of the other Italian offerings - which are great musically - but totally unacceptable sonically.

There's a bit of everything; the traditional soft side of Celeste, but also an almost jazz/slight (and I mean slight!) RIO feel to it. A lot of improvisation by the woodwind player, and it's very effective and high quality.

The CD has a lot of material, and maybe too much for one setting, but still, overall this is what great contemplative progressive music is about. I love it, and highly recommend it to those a bit more adventurous soul's out there.

As always, thanks to Prog Archives for having us too absorbed with music types spouting our opinions and love of this high art.

Tom

Very very still music. Beautiful subtle melodies with remarkable classical influences. Flute, piano, acoustic guitar, mellotron and sax are the main instruments. Mostly instrumental, althought it features lyrics in all tracks. Nevertheless, when I listen to this record I always wait for a breaking section here and there, but there's not. The pastoral atmosphere runs from the beginning till the end of the album. Excelent music, but too peaceful in a way. A little bit mellow to get 5 stars.

« Celeste » is a rather difficult band to follow even if they only released three albums.

Their debut album was recorded in 74 and released in 76, a soundtrack recorded in 1974 was released in 1992 and this "Second" album was recorded in 1977 and only released in 1991.

This work consists of demo tracks and unfinished songs. Needless to say that you can hear this while paying attention to it.

Talking about symphonic music is a bit exaggerated as far as this album is concerned. Even if the opening track "Il Giardino Armonico" displays some great mellotron and is truly emotional, very little of these moments are featured on this album.

An intriguing, dark and "Bolero"-like "Bassa Marea" is also a nice musical experience but most of this effort should only be considered as a recorded jam actually. The long and jazzy kind of directionless "Un Mazzo Di Ortiche" is the best example. Over thirteen minutes of "n'importe quoi".

"Setteottavi" holds some good sax, and can be considered as a finished song. Not super but at least it it is still music (on the contrary of "Un Mazzo.").

The recording quality of "All'Ombra Di Un Fungo" is quite similar as a bootleg. Pityful. This long and almost instrumental being most of the time closer to cacophony. Pastoral flute and good sax again comes to rescue for half of it.

Same poor recording quality for "La Danza Del Mare" which is again a useless quarter of an hour jamming (this is rather long when you need to suffer such noises) . I just hope that the band had fun while playing this. At least five people were having fun.But I won't be the sixth one.

I just should feel ashamed if I were a member of the band or their label. To release this CD as an official album is a gigantic swindle. One of the many in the record history to fool the fans.

And I do not agree that this "bottom of the drawer release is much better than a lot of Italian official historical releases". Only one great and fantastic (but short) track : "Lontano Profondo". Almost four minutes of the most sublime harmony : keyboards and flute are truely wonderful. I only have wished that "Celeste" would have played more of this type of music here. But four minutes out of over seventy is not a big deal.

This ultra long album and indeed bottom of the drawer isn't worth a ? cent. Nothing to do with Italian prog of which I am found of. Jazz/fusion. That's it.

Two stars. Both for this marketing behaviour as well as for the "musical" performance.

The discography of this band is quite messy. The songs from this album were written in 1973 and recorded in 1974. It took two years to get them released! But don't ask me why. Such adventure already took place with another of their albums ("I Suoni In Una Sfera"). Therefore, this album does not really sounds as a 1976 release.

Anyway, the important factor is that this work has seen the light. This is a little jewel like Italian prog can offer. Unknown and confidential bands that deliver extremely catchy music. Like "Celeste" on this "Principe di un Giorno". The first two songs will plunge the listener in a beautiflul world of pastoral elements : nice acoustic guitar, subtle flute, great mellotron.

Influences ? "In The Court..." without "Schizoid" or "Trespass" without "The Knife". Some early "PFM" as well ("Storia di un Minuto"). I hope you got the point. Very sweet and peaceful music. I happen to like this style, you know not disturbing nor too tortured (although I can appreciate "VDGG" a lot).

"Favole Antiche" has the same flavour, but even softer : sometimes like during "Moonchild", but not as experimental. It is more structured and melodic.

You need to be keen on this type of music of course. Don't expect wild instrumental sections nor demonstrative vocals. All of this album breathes smoothness, beauty, tranquility. Great and relaxing music. Like "Eftus".

This album is perfect to accompany you while wanting to rest a bit or to cool down while in a traffic jam maybe. The only song which, partially, is a bit different is "Giochi Nella Notte". It features some sort of jazzy improvisation with heavy sax, but not for long. As if the band wanted to apologize for this. They are of course forgiven. The beautiful piano notes that one can listen to later on are really close to classical music. The flute only adding to the feeling.

If you like the three albums I have mentioned in my intro, chances are high that you will be enchanted with this one even if the last two numbers are weaker and more folkish.

But the global feeling is extremely pleasant. Four stars.

The short discography of this band is difficult to follow. This album was released in 1992 (and is their latest one), but all songs were recorded in 1974. Originally, these were meant to be a soundtrack and you can feel so when listening to this album.

There are no highlights here. Music goes from pastoral and tranquil moods (for most of it) to some jazzy parts. At times the flute kept me awaken (I am a flute maniac as you might know) but very few (two) songs are really worth.

The whole of this album sounds really like the same stuff. Since it is almost an all instrumental album, their Italian origins can't really be appreciated. Even if at times, some delicate and typical breaks will shine; like during "Eftus". But this is already the tenth track from this album (out of twelve).

The start of "Favole Antiche" is a total "Epitaph" rip off. It is the first song with vocals and also the longest one from this album. By far the most achieved number (a real song actually). Very smooth and quiet. I can't find a closer inspiration than the very early and symphonic KC to compare this song. Some improv as well, but organized I should say. Interesting.

Both "Eftus" and "Favole Antiche" are featured on another of their album ("Principe Di Un Giorno") but in a different version. So, there is really no reason to get hold of this one.

Two stars. Sorry for the ones who have posted five stars rating (but with no comment).

Pastoral prog legend

Definitely a top contender for someone's future poll of the "most beautiful albums of prog." This album is a legend of "pastoral" prog titles. I don't know one person who has heard this album and not liked it, it is just universally delightful regardless of what genre you call your favorite. You've all seen Heaven depicted in the movies or in books. You can imagine the setting: the camera pans across a gorgeous meadow on a perfect sunny day, wildflowers of every color blowing in a warm breeze, songbirds about, and a huge oak tree with a massive trunk in one corner of the screen. There is a white glow or haze to the film indicating the supernatural. And there is no doubt some beautiful music in the soundtrack. Well, this album could be that music. Just a silly way of trying to communicate the "vibe" of this album instead of just telling you each track is going to sooth your psyche with gorgeous melody made of soft acoustic guitars, flutes, trons, bass, and vocals. The arrangements are impeccable. It is a uniformly mellow album without any rock and roll but that's OK. This album is not in your collection to rock you-it will become one of your prized "chill" spins. The flip side however is that it does lack excitement factor and over time has proven an album that fails to engage me very much on an emotional level. I have other "pretty" albums that move me much more than Celeste. For that reason I've had to back off my original 4-star rating to 3. It's a good album but not one for my 4 star shelf. While I've seen some reviews say the music came too late in the Italian heyday to matter (1976), the fact is that this album was written right in the peak year of '73 and recorded in '74. So don't let that charge stop you from checking out this widely acclaimed favorite.

CELESTE Principe di un Giorno .how can a describe this.is a masterpiece .if you like Italian Prog you must get this one .the acoustic atmosphere is great and it comes with a big dose of mellotrons.if you like the acoustic side of of PFM this is going to blow your mind.the album . almost dont have drums on it and lots of alto sax, flute, electric piano,violin and even xylophone.is Italian Prog but in a different way .Highly recommended