Le Orme - Contrappunti (1974) [1990, Philips/Polygram 842 506-2]

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Le Orme - Contrappunti (1974) [1990, Philips/Polygram 842 506-2]

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At first listen, this seems a more experimental, obtuse follow-up to the lauded 'Felona E Sorona' album. After becoming more familiar with it, I can only figure it's due to the lack of cohesiveness between tracks. 'Felona E Sorona' had a certain flow because, not only was it a concept album, it was an especially well-written one. 'Contrappunti' simply seems like an unrelated series of songs, and it's not to be faulted for that, because what you get here are some of Le Orme's mightiest compositions. Things open with a haunting instrumental, and then into "Frutto Acerbo", which sounds like typical Le Orme from this period: gentle, expressive vocals, airy musical flights between the drums-keyboards-bass trio (always sticking to the foundation of the song), and very smooth transitions between parts. Then "Aliante" knocks all that down with an extremely cosmic approach and some nutty rhythmic honks-n-skronks. Weird headphone stuff to trip out to. Final track on side one, "India", recalls the eastern vibe of its title, but whereas another reviewer of this album noted that the synth was trying to mimic a sitar, I'm hearing it as a far more cosmic interpretation of that instrument, to the point that it becomes yet something else. Lots of interesting and exotic sounds swirl around on this one, marking it as a highlight of the album. Turn it over (or just sit there if you've got the CD) and you get a side that features one fairly traditional slice of Le Orme ("La Fabbricante D'Angeli"), a shadowy instrumental called "Notturno", and the wonderful "Maggio". "Maggio" is nearly 9 minutes of the best Le Orme you'll ever hear. This is an epic slice of subtle musical motion (and a few colorful explosions!). It shows the adventurous, sometimes innovative spirit of this unique Italian band, and pretty much encapsulates all the great elements of this band in one track. (If you hear someone screaming out for this one at Nearfest 2005.that'll be me.) 'Contrappunti' is a tightly-played, expertly-written, beautifully-recorded, dynamically- arranged album that is hard to find any real fault with.

~ slipperman, Progarchives

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Le Orme - Contrappunti (1974) [1990, Philips/Polygram 842 506-2]

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Le Orme:

Excellent early-70's Italian progressive trio (still around today) with classical stylings, featuring keyboards to the fore and a unique dreamy/powerful style. Le ORME was one of the three major Italian groups, the other two being PFM and BANCO. This band is usually considered as the Italian EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER and even BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO by the Italian singing. Its music is based upon organ developments and soli reminding Seventies groups which works are essentially built upon keyboards parts.

The band's truly classic period begins with their third next releases. "Uomo Di Pezza" (1972) is one of Le Orme's definitive Italian progressive rock albums. Although there is definitely an significant EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER influence here, as in the bombastic Moog and Hammond workouts countered by mellow balladry. It's not quite as integrated a feel as would characterize their next two albums, "Felona E Sonora" and "Contrappunti", though its fantastic nonetheless, and one of Le ORME's three essential albums. "Collage" and especially "Florian" offer a music tinged with classical music. "Felona E Sonora" (1973) is probably one of my top favorite Italian progressive rock albums. "Contrappunti" (1974) is another fantastic Le ORME album, and really the close of their classic trilogy. This album would effectively close out the band's streak of success.

"In Concerto" is an excellent live album from 1974 with many unreleased tracks. "Piccola Rapsodia Dell' Ape" is more recent, an excellent mixing of Progressive and Italian baroque music. "Collage" and especially "Florian" offer a music tinged with classical music. In 1993 the Japanese progrock label Crime Records released the 2-CD Live ORME with live-material from '75-'77. An far more captivating document than "In Concerto" from '74.

Their story goes on. After PICCOLA RAPSODIA DELL'APE (1980), in 1982 the band decides to break up. In 1986 they rejoin only for concerts but in 1990 a further work is issued (ORME). In 1992 Tony Pagliuca leaves the band, replaced by Michele Bon. That year they obtain the title of best Live-Act band seen in Italy. They never give up symphonic prog and their further works show it clearly. In spite of the success obtained by their live performances, in 1996 they publish a suite (IL FIUME). After obtaining a great success at the Los Angeles PROG FEST and at the PROG EAST in Quebec, they commit themselves to the new work which will be finished in 2001 (ELEMENTI). This latter, together with IL FIUME, will be part of a trilogy completed, in 2004, by L'INFINITO. The trilogy, a mix of songs and instrumental pieces, tells about the mankind through the 4 elements of the universe. In 2005 they are invited at the NEARFEST concert in Pennsylvania. Their music may well be considered as a continuous commitment in PROG ROCK: over the last 42 years they never gave up their passion. They also tried to convey PROG Rock to the people by participating to song contests such as Festival di Sanremo, a very popular TV music happening in Italy. Le Orme is one of the few foreigner bands who have been produced by a British label. The Famous Charisma Label issued FELONA E SORONA in English, lyrics by Peter Hammil, after their tour in England in 1973.

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Le Orme - Contrappunti (1974) [1990, Philips/Polygram 842 506-2]

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Le Orme - Contrappunti (1974) [1990, Philips/Polygram 842 506-2]

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