OPUS AVANTRA - LORD CROMWELL - 1975

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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