TRILOGY

I agree that this is one of the top works of ELP. The structure of the album is the same as in Tarkus: it is a complex and multifaceted suite, where splashes of synthesizer and pressure of drums periodically give way to calm lyrical songs with guitar as accompaniment, an obligatory element in each album. The difference from Tarkus is that this album is not divided into two parts, but is created as a single whole, where each composition is in its place and does not look lost. Starting from the gorgeous multi-part The Endless Enigma, which can be safely put on a par with Тarkus as an illustration of all the incredible performing and composing capabilities of the group. How it sounds, what delightful transitions from calm to expression! Such contrast has always been a distinctive sign of ELP, and it is in Trilogy that it is ruthlessly embodied. Even in the lyrical From the Beginning and especially in the hooligan The Sheriff, where the keyboards manage to change the tempo several times. And in the rock interpretation of Hoedawn by the famous American pianist, conductor and composer of the 20th century Aaron Copland, the keyboards seem to have broken loose and are rushing about in search of a way out. It is not surprising that this was one of Keith Emerson's favorite concert numbers. Another magnificent keyboard suite is Trilogy, deceptively calm at first, like the first drops of rain falling on a still surface of water, then gradually increases the tempo in order to fall in a devastating downpour at the finale and sweep away everything around. Keith Emerson plays the first part in this piece, only temporarily giving way to Greg Lake so that he can sing a few lines. Another wonderful find is the enigmatic Abaddon's Bolero, which again appears from nothingness, starting very quietly, and then gradually builds up and accelerates in order to reach a climax and explode in a stunning wall of sound. Classical music has probably never been so organically combined with rock music. A great way to end a great album on a positive note.

This music cannot be listened to as background, this is progressive rock in its best, original, classic form! It seems to me that the band did not stay at this highest level for long. Only the next album Brain Salad Surgery corresponds to the level of Trilogy, after which ELP was no longer able to repeat this magic and rise to such heights. Thank you for this and for us to hear it.

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