Pierrot Lunaire & Opus Avantra

PIERROT LUNAIRE

An original mix of soft progressive and avantgarde atmospheres is the distinctive sound of PIERROT LUNAIRE, highly regarded among foreign collectors though not particularly representative. Still, over the course of their two albums, this band draw from a broad set of influences as diverse as FAUST, PFM and DEBUSSY for their eclectic, unpredictable sound.

PIERROT LUNAIRE's first album contains really beautiful instrumentation. The second ("Gudrun") is one of the most adventurous records of Italian progressive, and it is one of my favourite albums of all time too. "Gudrun" is one of those masterpieces where only one classification seems appropriate: extraordinary music. In any case, PIERROT LUNAIRE's two albums are a must for adventurous listeners 

 

 

OPUS AVANTRA

PA bio:

"OPUS AVANTRA comprises three parts: OPUS (opera - work) AVAN (avanguardia - vanguard) and TRA (tradition - tradition). Their style blends elements of progressive, classical, opera, jazz and just plain general weirdness, using keyboards, bass, drums, violins, cellos, clarinet, flutes and other instruments. They were highly influential in the progressive avant-garde scene of the time.

"Introspezione" also referred to as "Donella Del Monaco" has all kinds of classical influences including contempory classic. Beautiful operatic voice which I like very much. The second album ("Lord Cromwell") is more difficult, almost avant garde but contempory and old classical music inspired too. It takes time to fully appreciate this album but it's worth to give it that time. "Strata" has beautiful vocal passages, some difficult piano pieces but very interesting too! The fourth album "Lyrics" is somewhat overshadowed being less difficult, less intense, with more minimal of ideas, but still coming forth from the first aproach. Still they are one of the all time best Italian bands. If you're up to it, start with "Introspezzione".
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A silly poll just to get the word out about these two Italian 70's experimental/avant-rock/folk-ish bands.

Obviously I could have added Stormy Six and Orchestra Njervudarov, but I didn't, so there you go...