CONCERTO GROSSO PER I NEW TROLLS (REMASTERED WITH CONCERTO GROSSO N°1 AND CONCERTO GROSSO N°2)

This single CD, released in 1989, contains the two LPs "Concerto Grosso Per I New Trolls" (1971) and "Concerto Grosso No. 2" (1976). The concerti grossi are the NEW TROLLS' attempt at classical-rock fusion with a Baroque flavour, with limited success in my opinion.

The 1971 album is probably more interesting due to the Jimi Hendrix influence in the 4th movement ('Shadows') and the 20'30" rock improvisation (no classical fusion) on the second side of the LP, which I find more enjoyable than the concerto grosso. The concerto grosso on the 1976 album is overly sentimental, and also nothing special in my opinion. The rest of the music on the 1976 LP is more mainstream pop in sound and, although pleasant enough, also nothing special.

Read my reviews of the individual albums for my detailed appraisal of each. I rated both as 3-star albums (Good, but not essential) and would have added a half-star for the first album had such a thing been possible. I'd do the same for this CD. To be honest I find the classical-rock fusion on "Contaminazione" (IL ROVESCIO DELLA MEDAGLIA) more interesting and enjoyable than these efforts by THE NEW TROLLS. Still, for the price of one CD it's not a bad way of checking out the two NEW TROLLS LPs if you are interested in classical-rock fusion; just don't expect the sublime, despite the many 5-star reviews of the 1971 album.