Italian Symphonic Prog is no more, renamed to ...

What makes RPI so unique and why should there be a separate classification is a relatively easy challenge. Firstly Prog is by its sheer definition (and as I espoused in my own 1974 philosophy final essay, that I still am proud to have), a maelstrom of various influences mostly involving historical traditions in music, whereby classical, folk, jazz, electronic, ethnic, world and many other genres can fusion together with the typical rock format (guitar, bass and drums) and hence, evolve into something completely different and original. Obviously, groups like Ekseption started the whole phenomena by reformatting outright classical compositions from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Albinoni, Khatchaturian, Moussorgsky etc…adding electronic keyboards and brass (sax, trumpet, flute) while providing a strong rock beat (powerful Rickenbacker bass and drums). 

So the Italians latched on to this something fierce as the post-Woodstock explosion of sound and technology (synths) made them more in tune with Genesis, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, King Crimson, VdGG , Yes and Jethro Tull than any other rockier offerings. It was a time when there were little or no boundaries as teens were avidly exploring new sonic landscapes. Popular music in Italy has always leaned heavily on the traditional songs of Italian culture, where vocals and lyrics have always been richly followed (opera) but also the canto populare , canzioni italiani etc..

“The music of Italy ranges across a broad spectrum of opera and instrumental classical music, the traditional styles of the country's different regions, and a body of popular music drawn from both native and imported sources. Music has traditionally been one of the cultural markers of Italian national and ethnic identity and holds an important position in society and in politics. Italian innovation in musical scales, harmony, notation, and theatre enabled the development of opera in the late 16th century, and much of modern European classical music, such as the symphony and concerto. Instrumental and vocal classical music is an iconic part of Italian identity, spanning experimental art music and international fusions to symphonic music and opera. Opera is integral to Italian musical culture, and has become a major segment of popular music. The Neapolitan song, canzone Napoletana, and the cantautori singer-songwriter traditions are also popular domestic styles that form an important part of the Italian music industry, alongside imported genres like jazz, rock and hip hop. Italian folk music is an important part of the country's musical heritage, and spans a diverse array of regional styles, instruments and dances.” Source Wikipedia

“The Italian progressive rock scene was born in the early 70s, mostly inspired by the progressive movement in Britain, but with certain features of its own that makes some sources mention it as a separate musical genre. In the early-to-mid-70s, Italy was one the European countries most interested in this genre; many English bands such as Genesis, Van der Graaf Generator and Gentle Giant were discovered by the Italian public before they had consolidated a fan base in their home country. Consequently, progressive Italian groups were prolific. Some received worldwide attention, such as Le Orme, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Area - International POPular Group and Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. Most of the bands, however, were mainly known inside Italy. As CD reissues started appearing and the Internet made information flow easier during the 1990s, the Italian bands were discovered and rediscovered by a number of progressive rock fans internationally. Reissues proved so successful that several recordings which were never released at the time received their first pressings on CD in the 1990s and 2000s. The "discovery" of Italian progressive rock by foreign fans also led to bands such as Celeste being re-evaluated as core bands, despite the fact that they were virtually unknown in Italy at the time. The 1990s also saw a resurgence in bands performing progressive rock. The first of the well known bands to do so was Ezra Winston, but other groups such as Finisterre, Deus Ex Machina, and Moongarden soon established themselves as well respected progressive rock acts. More recently La Torre dell'Alchimista and La Maschera di Cera have carried on the Italian progressive rock tradition, sporting a very 1970's style.”  Source Wikipedia.

Again, the vast majority of the Italian 70s bands preferred concentrating on using the Italian language at a time when very few non-English bands dared to sing in any other language save for Shakespeare’s! A very few German bands sung in their native tongue (Novalis) and only in France was there a similarly yet way smaller prog scene sung and presented in their native language (Ange, Atoll, Pulsar, Mona Lisa, etc…) and for almost similar traditional reasons (“la chanson francaise”).

The RPI also has the rather unusual attribute of providing 2 sub-groups, the “pastoral” , some calling this the “symphonic” style (Celeste, Banco, PFM, Loccanda delle Fate, Gian Castello, Bededeum, Errata Corrige and Hostsonaten) as well the “harder edge” closer to VdGG, Purple etc..( Murple, New Trolls, il Bacio della Medusa, Museo Rosenbach, RDM, la Maschera di Cera etc…). There are also iconoclasts such Franco Battiato, DFA, Jacula, Devil Doll,Goblin, Area, Deus Ex-Machina and Arti+ Mestieri who strive in their own little world successfully forging new sonic territories. Regardless, all have the hallmarks that make them unique: seductive style and elegance, superb technical skill, fascinating lyrical content and expressionist delivery. One of the easiest prog styles to guess is the Italian School, as it just leaps out at you even before a single word is sung in ”italiano”!

Another reason to edify RPI is simply the sheer quantity of top-notch past and present prog bands that are fully deserving of adulation. In fact, after Great Britain, no other country has as many titles available than Italy! More than the USA, Canada and Australia combined!

RPI is as unique as all other Italian national traits (design, fashion, food, art, architecture, culture, history and geography). The Italians remain proud, fascinating, emotional, irascible, generous, entertaining, funny, passionate and original. It is land of beauty, non-conformism, even a little dash of welcome insolence at times, always devoted to pushing the boundaries of expression.