Museo Rosenbach - Zarathustra (1973)

Artista: Museo Rosenbach

Álbum: Zarathustra
Año: 1973
Género: Progresivo italiano
Duración: 39:39
Nacionalidad: Italia

Lista de Temas:
1. Zarathustra
a) L'Ultimo uomo
b) Il re di ieri
c) Al di la del bene e del male
d) Superuomo
e) Il tempio delle clessidre
2. Degli Uomini
3. Della Natura
4. Dell'Eterno Ritorno

Alineación:
- Giancarlo Golzi / drums, vocals
- Alberto Moreno / bass, pianoforte
- Enzo Merogno / guitar, vocals
- Pit Corradi / Mellotron, Hammond
- Stefano Lupo Galifi / vocals

Se trata de una banda italiana de comienzos del setenta de la que ya hemos hablado anteriormente, y éste que presentamos no es solamente su mejor álbum sino también uno de los mejores álbums que haya dado el rock progresivo a lo largo de toda su historia, considerado un punto de referencia del rock sinfónico.
Museo Rosenbach se forma a principios de los años ’70, ejecutando el repertorio de Jethro Tull, Genesis y King Crimson, pero cuando desplegaron sus propias composiciones había que copiarlos a ellos. Para seguidores de la Premiata Forneria Marconi y todo el sinfonismo italiano, prueben con este disco y digannos si no merece ser reconocido como una joyita del género.

Inspirado en la gran obra filosófica de Friedriech Nietzsche "Así Habló Zaratustra", el disco se centra en el concepto base del libro de Nietzsche en el cual el antiguo profeta exhorta a la humanidad a abandonar los errores y la violencia del poder para considerar la vida con júbilo y en sustancial armonía con la naturaleza, tanto el libro como el disco plantean el rompimiento con los esquemas morales y sociales que a lo largo de la historia han oprimido y dividido a los seres humanos, y la necesidad de romper las cadenas autoimpuestas por el hombre se expresa en la fuerza y energía musical de este trabajo, como una especie de exorto al "hombre nuevo" en versión musical. He dicho....

Ya había un banco, ya había una panadería, ya había una academia ¿qué falta? Claro, un museo. Museo Rosenbach se formó en 1971 en Liguria a partir de las ya entonces extintas Il Sistema y La Quinta Strada, y eran la banda de soporte de Delirium y de Ricchi E Poveri, llamandose inicialmente "Inaugurazione Museo Rosenbach". De ahí se fueron al estudio (habrán atraído la atención de alguna disquera o los mismas bandas con las que estaban les consiguieron su grabación) y sacaron un disco en 1973 titulado Zarathustra con Ricordi (sello discográfico que también promovió bandas como Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso y Reale Accademia Di Musica), basado en algunas de las teorías de Nietzsche como el superhombre, el eterno retorno y la transmutación de valores. Tuvieron varios problemas para sacarlo justo por lo de Nietzsche, por su portada negra supuestamente derechista y por la foto de Mussolini que por poco y la censuraban.
(...) Este es un disco ultra mega conocido y alabado entre los fans del progresivo, no es para menos. Es de verdad un trabajo grandioso, magnífico y clásico. No suena demasiado a la canción clásica italiana pero no se deslinda por completo de ella, llevando en sí influencias también de hard rock (en especial Deep Purple) y psicodelia (un poco). Las primeras 5 canciones forman una suite de 20 minutos llamada Zarathustra, y es de verdad una gloria del RPI, llena de pasajes memorables difíciles de describir, pero lleva muchos teclados y un vocalista de verdad versátil, rudo pero a la vez dulce (como Peter Hammill), en lo personal adoro la parte de Al Di Là Del Bene E Del Male, que lleva unos teclados buenísimos, guitarras duras y coros desesperados. Recomiendo también el gran cierre que es Dell'Eterno Ritorno, que para mí tiene muchos tintes de Genesis y partes que combinan teclados rápidos y guitarra eléctrica, al igual que una especie de marcha como al medio de la canción, y que es casi siempre la parte que tocan en vivo. Sin duda un enorme álbum, por mucho tiempo fue mi italiano favorito hasta que me empecé a adentrar más y más, pero eso no le quita el mérito de que sea uno de mis 100 discos favoritos, qué digo 100, diez quizá.

Darling95

Y qué mejor que ilustrarnos con el sabiondo, erudito y sesudo comentario de nuestro columnista involuntario de siempre:

Muchas bandas emergieron durante la movida progresiva italiana, creando círculos de culto en el público empático y lidiando con los problemas de la falta de éxito comercial, muchas veces limitándose a aportar un solo LP: MUSEO ROSENBACH es una de ellas, y definitivamente, es una de las que con más justicia reciben elogios retrospectivos de parte de los coleccionistas y reseñadores dedicados al progresivo. Su disco "Zarathustra" es una obra conceptual basada en la filosofía nietzscheana del vitalismo y la libertad, enarbolada como estrategia de rompimiento con los esquemas morales y sociales que a lo largo de la historia han oprimido y dividido a los seres humanos. El despliegue de energía y color que MUSEO ROSENBACH imprime a su sonido y sus composiciones refleja muy bien esta garra que el hombre necesita para liberarse de las cadenas a las que él mismo se ató, para así convertirse en Superhombre. Igualando (cuando no superando) a energía de unos NEW TROLLS y anticipándose a la prestancia de BIGLIETTO PER L’INFERNO, MUSEO se ubica sólidamente dentro de la vertiente pesada del sinfonismo italiano – la sólida labor percusiva del baterista Giancarlo GOLZI y el robusto tono rasposo del vocalista Stefano GALIFI tienen mucho sentido dentro de este esquema de trabajo. La mayor peculiaridad instrumental de MUSEO está en el departamento de teclados, donde el mellotron se adueña de la situación, imponiéndose incluso sobre el Hammond y el Moog: esto responde a la necesidad de realzar la sonoridad orquestal que se pretende para el disco en general, y la suite ‘Zarathustra’ en particular.
La primera sección de la suite comienza con unos mágicos efluvios de flauta mellotrónica, las mismas que se engarzan fluidamente con la fanfarria inicial; una vez que nos retrotraemos hacia sonidos más tenues con la parte cantada, se asienta la base para el motivo central inicial. La sección ‘Il re di ieri’ comienza con un misterioso preludio de piano (tocado por el bajista Alberto MORENO), derivando luego en una delicada armazón de guitarra y teclados que suenan como un “barroco psicodélico”; con la entrada de un motivo más frenético, MUSEO ROSENBACH se despacha en su peculiar manera de desarrollar un sonido sinfónico con adornos jazzeros (aquí advertimos las pautas de semejanza con los compatriotas de BIGLIETTO, ALPHATAURUS y METAMORFOSI). ‘Al di là di bene e di male’ recoge el momentum de la sección precedente para desarrollar las aristas más filudas del estilo propio de la banda. ‘Superuomo’ es la sección más larga: el grupo aprovecha el espacio para retomar concienzudamente el eclecticismo mostrado en la secuencia precedente, especialmente contando con amplias secciones instrumentales debido a la poca cantidad de letra. La sección final, ‘Il tempio delle clessidre’, recoge el motivo inicial y lo lleva a unos picos de majestuosidad tan conmovedores como arrebatadores: el moderado volumen con el que la guitarra de Enzo MEROGNO irrumpe con su largo solo permite a las cortinas de mellotron (duplicadas por el órgano) asumir un papel protagónico en la edificación del ambiente general, dinámicamente sostenido por un Giancarlo GOLZI que crea oportunos redobles una y otra vez. Esta pieza encarna el clímax del disco, y no solo eso, también supone uno de los momentos cumbre del progresivo italiano en toda su historia.
Pero el disco no termina aquí: todavía falta una segunda mitad que también ofrece grandes cosas progresivas. ‘Degli uomini’ dura poco más de cuatro minutos, aprovechando muy bien el espacio con variantes melódicas a través de un esquema de sinfonismo hard con tonos manieristas. ‘Della natura’ dura 8 ½ minutos, lo cual la banda aprovecha para dibujar sus diversos colores con más soltura. Las afinidades estilísticas con ALPHATAURUS y METAMORFOSI (un poco también con SEMIRAMIS, aunque MUSEO es notoriamente más refinado en sus excursiones instrumentales) parecen ser inevitables, especialmente en lo que se refiere al dinamismo vertido en los cambios de motivo y ambiente: el carácter ceremonioso que impera en los últimos minutos establece un innegable aire de familia con los pasajes más climáticos de la suite ‘Zarathustra’. Durando menos de 6 ½ minutos, ‘Dell’ eterno ritorno’ está a cargo de cerrar el disco. Los ágiles arpegios de sintetizador con que comienza el tema parecen apuntar a una innovación cósmica dentro del sonido del grupo, pero bien pronto los golpes de efecto generados por el ensamble y la instalación del motivo inicial nos llevan a un nuevo tránsito de la ahora muy familiar línea estilística. En todo caso, es de notar que ‘Dell’ eterno ritorno’ resulta un poco menos agresivo que los temas precedentes, aunque los aires de manierismo y barroco siguen marcando la pauta sinfónica de la banda (y eso que tiene muy poco mellotron).
Bueno, no nos queda mucho por añadir realmente a la hora de concluir esta reseña sobre "Zarathustra": se trata de una joya musical que tiene merecido su buen nombre entre los coleccionistas progresivos del mundo entero. Basta con esta obra para poner a MUSEO ROSENBACH en un lugar especial e inamovible dentro del parnaso de notables italianos.

César Inca

Otra joyita de nuestro blog cabezón. Y acá nadie discute, lean los comentarios que han dejado en todo el mundo, que no hay muchas diferencias entre uno y otro, esto es un trabajo excepcional.

Highly, highly and highly recommended! Most of the Italian progressive is fine and beautiful, but this album is the highest point. A conceptual album about the polemic Nietzsche's book "Zarathustra". Lots of keyboards driven heavy (but melodic) music, there's no any weak second all over the stuff. A party for Mellotron and vintage sounds lovers. Beyond Italian scene, "Zarathustra" is one of the best albums ever made. More than essential!

Marcelo Matusevich

One of those legendary Italian one-shot album that is rightly regarded as a mini-masterpiece, Museo Rosenbach's sole official album must be in everyone's collection, should they have 10 Italian-prog albums in their shelves. This classic singer-led quintet presents an impressive symphonic prog, drenched in mellotron and other "vintage" keyboards. Based on a collage, the artwork is sufficiently hypnotizing visually to add some eeriness to their sonic meanderings to keep you fascinated.
Opening on the sidelong 5-movements 20-mins+ epic title track, the soundscape gently rise from nowhere and explodes into your ears after some 90 seconds or so. Reminiscent of Trespass or Cryme-era Genesis but with an Italian twist and certain unpredictability, you navigate in familiar waters of the classic-era prog. With a little imagination and The Gabe's voice, you could imagine that this would be a long-lost Genesis album session from early 72, even if there is a little more (often-tasteful) heroics. The flipside feature three shorter tracks, ranging from 4 to 8-mins+, where the feeling is a bit different, like the particularly energetic (read harder) Degli Uomini, where the guitar flexes its muscles. The longer Della Natura is more typically Italian-dramatics, mixed with some ELP/Banco moods and riffs. Again the relatively heaviness and abrupt breaks of this track contrasts with the finely-crafted epic on the other side. The closing Eterno Ritorno is much in the same vein of its two companion pieces, but I find it a little less refined, nd maybe the drop that fills the bucket, just reaching the saturation level.
As said above, Zarathustra is certainly one of the best albums to come from the peninsula, especially in the symphonic-prog genre, but it's not perfect either as the production is not up to UK standards and there are always the slightly excessive overflowings that come from that part of the continent

Sean Trane

MUSEO ROSENBACH's "Zarathustra" is without a question one of my all time fav Ital-prog albums... and why not. "Zarathustra" is a Nietzsche'ian influenced album surrounded by loads of excellent guitar and keyboard work. MUSEO ROSENBACH blend organ (hammond and farfisa) with Mellotron overdosed passages. The guitar, bass and drum work on the album is also very well done. Vocals are strong and sung of course in Italian. If you are lucky enough to pick up the CD remastered version in Vinyl-like gatefold from Italy's BMG label you will be amazed with the sound and packaging. This is very powerful progressive rock and is essential in your collection.

James Unger

Zarathustra" is another controversial progressive rock album. Many claim that it is best prog album album to come out of Italy during the 70's, while others claim that it's just basic hard rock with mellotron thrown in. I was quite moved after listening to "Zarathustra" for the first time because the themes, melodies, and mood-changes are really high-quality. The four awesome compositions (one is 20-minutes long) alternate from soft and delicate, to 70's heavy rock. In my opinion, "Zarathustra" is one of the best progressive rock albums out there.

Steve Hegede

Except on the weak production, this album is remarkable and characterized by a clever use of Mellotron keyboards, Hammond Organ and analogical synthesizers at times, quite powerful. The long title track is very "FLOYDian" in the mood and in other circumstances resembles the style of ELP in the lighter vein; nevertheless there's not much of the grandeur which instead characterized the albums by BANCO, Le ORME and early PFM , above all the mellow parts, and for this reason you can completely appreciate this album if you are fond of the most accessible "classic prog" (a style similar to that one of LANDBERK, naturally in their best - actually a few ones - moments!!). Recommended, it can complete your Italian prog collection of the seventies, even though it is not a masterpiece.

Lorenzo

What a wonderful way for me to get started on the Italian prog scene. It was 1993, I was 20, I was getting pretty much fed up with anything mainstream. This was still before the Internet (or at least, I never heard of the Internet in '93, although it did exist, but was more of a "techno-geek" sort of thing), and trying to get info on obscure prog rock was rather difficult. I was given a blank tape that had MUSEO ROSENBACH's "Zarathustra", because this guy knew that I was ready for more obscure prog rock, and knew that I wouldn't just casually step foot in a record store and find an LP of this. I have since bought the Italian BMG/Ricordi CD reissue.
Let's get with the review on "Zarathustra". The original LP was released on the Ricordi label (which was also home to bands like BANCO and CERVELLO). The music tends to the more heavy, agressive end of the prog spectrum, not unlike IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO or BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO. Lots of great organ and Mellotron, aggressive guitars, and powerful vocals. Plus you can't beat that mystical atmosphere. The lyrics are said to be inspired by the works of Friederich Wilhelm Nietzsche and "Thus Spoke Zarathustra". Nietzsche was also greatly admired by those with far right-wing views, and because of that, prevented Museo Rosenbach from getting the attention they deserved (although how the band stood on political issues is anyone's guess, as Nietzsche did have lots of admirers of every political stripe). Right-wing or not, the band really knew how to dish out some truly killer Italian prog, as the side length title track demonstrates. The other three cuts, "Degli Uomini", "Della Natura", and "Dell'Eterno Ritorno" are all of the same quality, and I really can't seem to find any dead spots.
It's amazing for the ten years I've been familiar with this album that I enjoy it just as much as I did back in '93. Yes, some might think there are better Italian prog albums out there, some might not like the production (many of these heavier Italian prog albums I've heard, like BIGLIETTO PER L'INFERNO, OSANNA, CERVELLO, and SEMIRAMIS all don't have the best production), but to me, this is a totally essential album.

Ben Miler

Quite heavy, dark progressive music this, but melodic nonetheless. It only really softens for any length of time on the excellent track 'Superuomo', one of the five tracks which together make up the title supertrack 'Zarathustra'. There is a lot of electric guitar, bass and drums in the fore, with some good Mellotron and Hammond work supporting it and taking the lead in several places. How to describe the music? A dash of BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO, THE DOORS, DEEP PURPLE and JOE COCKER, perhaps?! (It's cleverer and more complex than the music of the last three though.)
The singer has the slightly rough singing voice characteristic of many male Italian rock and pop singers; perhaps that's why his nickname is Lupo (Wolf)! In my opinion his voice is not as pleasing as that of some of the other Italian prog rock bands' singers. I wish I could understand Italian better though, because the singing is full of passion and I suspect the lyrics are good.
Taken as a whole the album does feel very slightly like a classical symphony, despite the electric guitar and drums; it's cleverly constructed music. The ending of the last track, 'Dell'Eterno Ritorno', while being totally modern instrumentally, reminds me of the ending of a fourth movement and nicely rounds off the album. Perhaps it's no coincidence that the album is divided into four principal pieces (equivalent to the four movements of a symphony). This may all sound like pretentious babble I know, but the more I listen to the album, the stronger this impression becomes. This is another album that really does deserve persevering with if you don't like it instantly.
In my opinion "Zarathustra" is not the masterpiece claimed by some. However it is very good, sophisticated, heavy progressive music, and I am pleased to have it in my collection.

Fitzcarraldo

Here's another gem from the annals of 70s Italian prog- this time with a slightly grittier feel. Despite the symphonic structures and accents, this is a notably heavy album for the time; I suppose you could call them the DEEP PURPLE of Italian prog.
The title song is broken up into distinct movements, all of which feature excellent transitions, pacing, and stylistic continuity. One of my favorite prog (and classical) intro styles is to slowly build into a grand opening theme- "L'ultimo uomo" does a nice variation of that, then drops into a beautiful mellow verse for a while. Just when you think it's safe, here come the fuzzy guitars and big Hammond organ that characterize much of the album. "Il re di teri" makes the atmosphere a bit more eerie with a reverb-drenched piano and a Mello solo over organ and tremolo guitar before launching into a rocking section. "Al di la..." gets even heavier, with chanted vocals over a fuzzed-out backing. "Superuomo" has some chilling electric piano sounds and the fastest tempo on the album, which then fades out completely to be replaced by an increasingly heavy martial theme- the first in a series of permutations featuring organ and fuzz guitar leads. The conclusion, "Il tempio delle clessidre" reminds me quite a bit of the climax of PINK FLOYD's "Echoes".
"Degli uomini" is more CRIMSON-sounding (down to the faint mellotron whine in the background), but with more blues-rock style in the guitar (not unlike Fripp's solo on VDGG's "The Emperor in His War Room"). It's quite good but seems to simply trail off after the vocals come in.
"Della natura" gives us more of the same, with a little Mellotron (using the same tapes as Wakeman on "Siberian Khatru", in a more ambient way). There's some explosive keyboard and guitar work, verging on fusion territory. The tremolo electric piano is shiveringly effective, like a restrained Ray Manzarek, although the scatting vocal refrain is a bit disturbing. The finale of the song picks up the pieces and wraps it up with another FLOYD type climax.
"Dell'Eterno Ritorno" is almost SABBATH-heavy at times, but also contains some nice flute sounds- actually not a million miles from moments on "Aqualung", even though the flutes here are simulated. There's even some rare acoustic guitars on this track, but they are buried a bit in the mix. Galifi gets to let loose a bit near the end, and the ragged vocal works well. The rolling conclusion sounds a little tacked-on, though.
This is a grittier sound than most of the 70s italian proggers, and not just because the production was a bit murky; Stefano Lupo Galifi is a less operatic, more natural singer and the guitars have more of a blues rock sound- as heavy as CRIMSON but played in a funkier way, with a thick fuzztone that approaches Brian May's sound. The organ is the main focus, a big cathedral sound here and a dirty B3 lead there; the playing is great on all the keyboard parts ( the ambient electrics being my favorite). The band's sound is fairly constant from beginning to end- no odd stylistic changes, just the occasional reverb- soaked quiet segment to increase tension. The downside is that the band's sound can wear on you just a little by the end of the album, and their transitions sometimes lack cohesiveness. But if you're a fan of harder-edged 70s prog with plenty of tasty moments like me, you'll have no problem.

James Lee

I am notoriously stingy with 5-star reviews. Thus, I want to explain carefully why I am ready to put "Zarathustra" in the same pantheon as "In The Court of the Crimson King," "Piper at the Gates of Dawn," "Foxtrot," "Close to the Edge," "Thick as a Brick," and "In A Glass House," among others. Although it is not a "seminal" album like those noted above - and although it has some minor "flaws" (for example, the production is dated) - it nevertheless has a few things in its favor that far outweigh any minor quibbles, and definitely point to a legitimate "masterpiece."
Most important is its early arrival on the prog scene. Released in April 1973, the album was actually written during 1972: according to a Museo Rosenbach web site, all the tracks had been completed by mid- to late 1972. Thus, although the band claims Genesis as one of its major influences (along with Gentle Giant and Jethro Tull), it is highly unlikely that "Zarathustra" was influenced by "Foxtrot," given that the latter was not released until October 1972. This means that the "Zarathustra" suite - all 21 minutes of it - was not a response to "Supper's Ready," but was written contemporaneously with - and independent of - it. Based on this, and after numerous listenings, there is no question in my mind that the "Zarathustra" suite is every bit as creative and brilliant (re composition, musicianship, etc.) as "Supper's Ready." Yes, I realize this will sound like "blasphemy" to many; however, although I, too, believe "Supper's Ready" (along with "Thick as a Brick") to be perhaps the earliest, most important and influential "conceptual" prog "suite," the originality and execution of "Zarathustra" is every bit as creative, and proves itself worthy of the comparison. Indeed, had MR been as "well-known" as Genesis at the time, "Zarathustra" would probably have been just as influential as "Supper's Ready."
Also important to consider is that "Zarathustra" was MR's debut album. It took Gentle Giant three albums to get to their first conceptual "quasi-masterpiece" ("Three Friends"), Genesis four albums to get to "Foxtrot" (and "Supper's Ready"), and Jethro Tull five albums to get to "Thick as a Brick" - and none of the debut albums by any of these bands was anywhere near the masterpiece that "Zarathustra" is. Indeed, of the eight "seminal" progressive groups (Crimson, Floyd, Moody Blues, Genesis, Yes, Gentle Giant, Tull and ELP), only Crimson's "Court" and Floyd's "Piper" are equally great debuts (with ELP's debut coming pretty close).
"Zarathustra" is certainly influenced. Indeed, one can even discern the exact influences: Genesis' "Trespass" (1971), Giant's "Acquiring the Taste" (1971) and "Three Friends" (June 1972), and Tull's "Thick as a Brick" (March 1972). Yet Museo Rosenbach not only "filters" those influences beautifully to create something both creative and compelling, but "Zarathustra" also clearly influenced those bands' later work (as well as many other bands). That is, "Zarathustra" both draws from and adds to some of the earliest works of Genesis, Yes, Gentle Giant, ELP, Crimson and Tull - an extremely rare, if not unique, occurrence in prog-rock, especially given the comparative obscurity of MR.
The "Zarathustra" suite itself is one of the most beautifully and "carefully" crafted compositions in the history of progressive rock, and I use the word "carefully" in its literal sense: i.e., that great care was taken. The band neither rushes into things, nor lets things "sit" for too long. Every section - whether soft, smooth, slow and simple, or "hard," rocking, fast and complex - is constructed for maximum effect, with minimal (if any) "down" time. And although the vocals are not always as "immediate" as a Gabriel or Anderson (Jon or Ian), Stefano Galifi moves between soft and subtle and "immediate," using the natural raspiness in his voice to evoke a sense of "urgency." (There are also some very nice "choral" parts, sung entirely by the group.) Perhaps most remarkably, Galifi and the band are able to convey the story of Nietzsche's "Superman" (in both lyrics and music) quite well even if one does not understand Italian. For all of these reasons, "Zarathustra" stands on its own as an incredibly creative, often brilliant, and extremely early (if not seminal) concept suite.
The other three compositions (all of which are related, to one degree or another, to the Zarathustra story), vary in length from 4 to 8 minutes, and are all equally well-written and executed. (Indeed, the album is set up almost as a "reverse" of Foxtrot: i.e., imagine putting "Supper's Ready" first, and following it with "Watcher of the Skies," "Get'Em Out by Friday" and "Can Utility and the Coastliners.")
What makes any album a "masterpiece?" Obviously, there are the compositional, lyrical, musicianship, production and general execution elements. However, that is not enough. It must have something else: a quality that makes the album not only an exceptional achievement "in its time," but also an achievement that "transcends" its time - and, indeed, makes the album "timeless." Although, as noted, the production on "Zarathustra" sounds somewhat dated, it nevertheless "transcends" its time, and is not only a timeless masterpiece - in the truest sense of that word - but an exceptional, historically important album, and an absolute must-have for any serious prog-rock collection.

Ian Alterman

In the early Nineties I started to search for the Italian prog rock from the Seventies. The mail-order catalogues from the prog rock labels Laser's Edge en Syn-Phonic became my most important sources, I still enjoy the warm and enthusiastic descriptions from Ken Golden and Greg Walker about bands like Il BALLETTO DI BRONZO, CHERRY FIVE, I DIK DIK and EDGAR ALLEN POE. One often acclaimed group was MUESO ROSENBACH with their LP "Zarathustra" (about NIETZSCHE'S superman) from 1973. This album had such euphoric reviews that I decided to order it. Well, very soon I was mesmerized by the splendid title track, a 20 minute killer composition with echoes from GENESIS and KING CRIMSON. The foundation of this wonderful and moving song is a beautiful theme (like "Firth Of Fifth" from GENESIS) that returns in different climates (from dreamy to heavy and bombastic) and with different colouring of the instruments. The interplay between the electric guitar, keyboards (Hammond organ, synthesizer and piano), rhythm- section (propulsive and perfectly timed drumming) and strong and expressive Italian vocals is very captivating. It all creates a constant tension, topped by majestic eruptions of the Mellotron. These moments gives the title track the same compelling impact as it does on the early albums from KING CRIMSON, goose bumps all over my body! The other three (shorter) tracks sound flowing and powerful with a lot of Hammond organ and guitar play with echoes from Steve HACKETT. For me this CD is the absolute highlight of the lush and varied Italian prog rock scene in the Seventies. A MUST!

Erik Neuteboom

One of the top 5 Italian prog albums. With a powerful singer, (sounding like David "Jimmy" Spitaleri of Metammorfosi), a bit raspy and throaty but perfect for the sound, the music is played at breakneck speed. The first two parts/tracks of the song "Zarathustra" are somewhat quiet, ala PFM but 3 minutes into track one comes a burst of Mellotron, awesome! That Mellotron burst shows up at the end of the momumental track. The other three songs are just flat out organ, guitar freakouts with quiet parts sprinkled in to catch your breath. These guys can play! Influences are difficult. Others compare them to ELP, Deep Purple, and other harder sounding bands. I think they are extremely original, and sound like no one in particular. If you are interested in listening to Italian prog and want something heavy, (but not metallic) give this album a listen. Without a doubt, one of the best heavy symph albums you'll ever hear.

Ray Rappisi jr

".clear Divine Essence is hiding in whom is living time's game and waiting for a different dawn."
Another precious gem, another unique thunder in all the stormy and rich Italian prog scenario of the seventies! This time we have to discuss about a philosophical concept album based on the famous figure of Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900). All his themes are musically arranged: the denunciation of the millenary lies of the human society and the ideal of a SuperMan, someone who can go beyond all the current myths, founding a new himself on new true discovered values. Absolute moral freedom which is not, as the nazi reconstruction tried to make think of, the proclamation of superiority of a race on all the others! Paradoxally nietzschean SuperMan is not someone a-moral, but someone with great sense of True Morality, someone who manages to distinguish between good and evil without any conditioning!
Did Museo Rosenbach reach the goal to explain musically the complex thought of this german philosopher? Listening to such an album the answer is very simple: Zarathustra is an exceptional album, very complex and well done.
This is one of those albums you all must listen to, a heavy, melodic, intelligent and atmospheric Masterpiece: drums, timpani and bells played by Giancarlo Golzi, bass guitar and piano played by Alberto Moreno, mellotron, Hammond organ, Farfisa keyboard and vibraphone played by the master hands of Pit Corradi, very distinctive and touching vocals by Stefano "Lupo" (id est Wolf) Galifi.
The long Zarathustra suite: L'Ultimo Uomo (the Last Man), Il Re Di Ieri (Yesterday's King), Al Di Là del Bene e del Male (Beyond Good and Evil), Superuomo (Superman), Il Tempio delle Clessidre (Hourglass' Temple) on side one is probably the best effort, with strong classical influences and powerful keyboards in evidence as in the Best italian prog tradition!
Side two also, with three shorter tracks (Degli Uomini - About Men, Della Natura - About Nature, Dell'Eterno Ritorno - About Eternal Return) has some great moments. Della Natura is my favourite track of the side two! Yet the band was not so successful at the time the album was released (1973). They had problems for their supposed right-wing inclinations coming from the all-black cover, the Mussolini image in LP collage. Radios simply did not transmit their album!! What a pity!! Yet the lyrics have Nothing of political, only the explanation of the thought of Nietzsche!! That's incredible but true. So what was the problem with a band that was no left orientated, like the most part?
Neither the band expressed their thought in the lyrics! Italy loses one of the best examples of the progressive rock genre to come from outside England!

Andrea Cortese

This album is highly acclaimed by many Italian symphonic progressive fans. I think it is a bit overrated. The music itself is very good, but definitely not a masterpiece. Actually, I find the music unequal; the melodies are often not really convincing or just simply not sufficient enough to be completely impressed. The rhythm and airs constantly change: it makes a VERY progressive album. The music seriously lacks follow-through, so that it often sounds like a series of independant parts sequenced together. The instruments are well played, but I find very little emotion involved, despite the presence of many floating mellotron passages. There are indeed TONS of mellotron arrangements, and I must admit it is one of the most melodic mellotron one can find in the progressive music. The omnipresent organ is rather dirty, sounding a bit like Focus or like on the PFM's Chocolate Kings album. The hard rock electric guitar is reminiscent of the progressive bands Osanna and Focus. The Italian lead vocals are too aggressive for nothing. The drums can be very fast and complex. Regarding influences, King Crimson circa Wake of Poseidon is inevitable.

greenback

Progressivo Italiano is a genre I have started to delve into, and I have liked what I've found! The mellotron is overdone to an extent, however, I seem to enjoy the note choices more than I would from GENESIS. This is a very sharp and heavy record for the times, surely it put many people on the edge in that regard.
It's not essential to understand what's being spoken. Myself I am not much into lyrics to begin with, as I much more enjoy what's actually being played than what's spoken or sung. I don't understand a word of what's being said here on this album, yet I still thoroughly enjoy it. The melodies are top notch, some of the best mellotron melodies I've heard. Although the production is not all there, it's still extremely enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. I'd love to hear a perfect modern release of this original.
The "big piece" title track is full of wonderous instrumental interplay and driving guitar lines that really spice the piece up. A near masterpiece, and certainly a wonderful work of symphonic prog, regardless of language.

Joey Kelley

It's like this band was made for me. The ever-present mellotron and organ, combined with rough but excellent vocals, and they are all arranged perfectly. This album cries out "Classic !"
The tone is set on the first song "l'ultimo Uomo". Soft vocals signal to your curiousity, and before you can prepare yourself you are sent sprawling by crushing riffs. "Il Re Di Ieri" starts eerily, again the soft vocals come in but this time your prepared for the avalanche of the organ and drums. The vocals here are sensational and this is one of my favourite parts of the record.
The short "Superuomo" is a wondrous instrumental with some great drum work. "Il Tempio Delle Clessidre" is similar to "Superuomo" only longer and better. Outstanding ! "Degli Uomini" has a similar eerie start to it as "Il Re Di Ieri" as some very good guitar and vocals come in, heck everybody is going at it and then there is a quiet interlude. When the vocals come back gently you would think Peter Gabriel is making an appearance. Check out the way these guys play together on the instrumental "Della Natura", mind-numbing ! The last song puts the spotlight right on the vocalist and let's just say the spotlight isn't really needed.
Masterpiece!

John Davie

One of the great features of the progressive music is the possibility for an artist or band to sing and to be heard in their native languages. There isn't the obligatory commercial bias that every stuff must be recorded in English - really the dominating language and the most adequate when an international level is searched. But for the average prog fan even not speaking that particular language, the music and the way it is sung is enough to get into the climate of the song since emotions and feelings can be better expressed when artists are singing in their first language and consequently felt universally.
MUSEO's "Zarathustra" falls entirely in that category where the native language - Italian, in this case, works almost perfectly and any sort of translation should be disappointing. I owned this work in the vinyl era but now I am reviewing it through a CD copy - I did it because "Zarathustra" had amazed me too much 30 years ago and still continues to amaze.
I agree with previous reviews that MUSEO ROSENBACH bear influences from other bands, notably EL&P and KING CRIMSON and sometimes early PREMIATA stuff; but all artists, the more original they seem, have their own influences, it shall not be derogatory.
The fact is that this work is better understood and accepted if heard like a single and long piece - no skips, no stops; even containing certain dull moments (just like Nietzsche's book) and even when sometimes musicianship overwhelms the history to be told. Amidst fantastic tunes and harmonies, it shall be pointed that the real climax occurs in the middle part of the album with 'Al di la del bene e del male' and 'Superuomo' tracks, truly a superb moment in the Italian progressive music.
The abovementioned dull passages aren't enough to spoil the magnitude and solemnity of the entire work: an absolute milestone.

Atkingani

An excellent album, representative of the better pure progressive albums of the early seventies, but not, in my view, the best to come from Italy, nor is it quite in the top echelon of symphonic prog.
I'm reluctant to spend too long talking of the Italian-ness of the music. As with all countries, Italian prog comes in many colours, and this colour is somewhat darker than the gentle, melodic prog usually associated with Italy. As a non-Italian speaker I miss out on the lyrics, but they are infrequent enough for that not to be a significant disadvantage. Though I've always found Nietzsche interesting ...
Instead, I'll focus on the music. It definitely has a symphonic feel, even if the long opening track, divided into five movements, doesn't have one recurring theme. To me it is reminiscent of a more baroque style, a great deal of fussy ornamentation and a stop/start rhythm that gives the feeling of many disconnected sections joined together. This prevents me fully entering into the music, though I do greatly enjoy the third and fifth parts. Overall, I find this track comparable to a combination of CAMEL in the quieter moments and JETHRO TULL and VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR in the more driving sections. Imagine HAMMILL'S voice over JOHN EVAN's keyboards and you've got the idea.
To me, the stronger tracks are the shorter offerings on Side 2. I particularly enjoy 'Della Natura', which demonstrates a musical tightness sometimes missing on the rest of the album. But nothing here brings my soul to attention.
I don't drink often from this particular well. Others have done this sort of thing better. Stronger songwriting, particularly with regard to the title track, might have seen this launch this group into a successful career. Imagine what they might have become! Certainly worth a listen, but perhaps not the masterpiece it's often made out to be.

Russell Kirkpatrick

Considered by many as the ultimate 70's Italian symphonic/progressive rock album,MUSEO ROSENBACH's ''Zarathustra'' was released in April 1973.The band was formed in 1971,when two other acts ''La quinta strada'' and ''Il sistema'' joined forces,while at the same time the members were discovering the early 70's progressive rock wave.At the end of 1972 they were signed by Ricordi label and a few months later ''Zarathustra'' came out.You won't believe the unique experience you'll taste listening to this album.It is filled with endless changing tempos and climates,characterized by the heavy guitar playing,the stunning symphonic keyboard work (mainly Hammond organ and mellotron),the jazzy frenetic rhythm section and the harsh,deep vocals of singer Stefano Calliffi.Especially the sidelong self-titled epic track is the absolute definition of energetic,dynamic and high-class Italian symphonic progressive rock.Unfortunately,at the time of its release the album went widely unnoticed due to its dark atmosphere,the cover and the Nietzsche-inspired lyrics (coming from his ''Superman theory'').Do not commit a crime by passing by this work.We are talking about a masterpiece of music here with top-notch musicianship and a haunting atmosphere!A prog rock classic!

apps79

Cryptic, red-blooded and pulsating, Zarathustra is a ride of massive proportions. If you're looking for pastoral beauty, take a step back. Not to say that there isn't any, but the best part of the near forty minutes here take a more sinister, darker and heavier approach to the concepts usually found in Italian symphonic rock.
Built around Nietzsche's work, the album's main focal point is the title piece, which consists of many shorter songs-within-a-song in true progressive spirit. Needless to say, the lyrics are lost for those who don't speak the language, and thus I cannot comment on whether the concept works or even exists. Based on track names alone, it does seem to make sense. I've never been hard on lyrics anyway, and when the music speaks for itself, all possible concerns about lost depth and philosophical comments are left behind.
Zarathustra is definitely more aligned with the rest of the European prog scene, without losing a distinct Italian touch of melodrama and passion along the way. Instead of the rather delicate compositions provided by many of Museo Rosenbach's contemporaries, power is top priority. A rocking guitar takes a lot of space which, granted, gives the music a grittier, earthier flair together with a Hammond sound that would make Atomic Rooster proud. Drummer Giancarlo Golzi does a tremendous job behind the kit in delivering consistently powerful and interesting drum work. Once again: heavy. But on top of this are massive layers of atmospheric Mellotron, with sprinkles of different sorts of keys, both varied and beautifully arranged in a lot more interesting compositions than one first would think. And just because the guitar is prominent doesn't mean that it overshadows the keys in any way, this is still very keyboard-heavy music. Dotted across the album are also a number of softer interludes. With sublime and suggestive keys (sometimes piano) and gentle guitar, they are melodic and dramatic like early PFM. They often end in 'explosions', either from the combined forces of the band or in rough, raspy outburst from vocalist Stefano 'Lupo' Galifi. He's got a colourful voice, perhaps not of everybody's liking, but it is nothing if not passionate.
Not much to complain about as it seems. But Zarathustra suffers from one small drawback. This one being that the band knows what they do well and thus never really broadens their horizons on the album. There are a lot of variations on themes used earlier, and the structural differences between the songs are never very big. Too often you find yourself thinking 'haven't I heard this before?' when spinning the album. And in order for it to reach the elusive masterpiece level, I just want more variation. Pauses, crescendos, interludes, rising and falling tension, all in a natural flow that enhances the musical storytelling. It exists in one form or another, but it's not perfected.
A very enjoyable and balanced release, interesting for RPI fans, heavy prog fans and fans of more readily accepted symphonic bands.
Excellent addition to any prog collection.

LinusW

Many one-shoot bands from Italy have come to grace and enrich the 70s prog legacy, Museo Rosenbach being among the most celebrated ones. and quite deservedly so. Their "Zarathustra" album is a total epitome of what symphonic heavy prog is all about: mesmerizing organ and mellotron layers in harmony with robust guitar riffs and leads, powerful melodic structures craftily expanded through refined arrangements, a well-ordained sense of the epic, a clever management of the contrasts between the harder and the softer passages. The album's theme is a celebration of free will under the guiding light of Nietzsche's idea of the Superman: the goal is to get rid of the various oppressive moral traditions that have ruled Man through history and conquer a new ideal of freedom, recapturing the real self and achieving a renewed connection with the world around us. Surpassing the energy of New Trolls and predating the punch of Biglietto per l'Inferno, Museo Rosenbach stands out in that special progressive province that took place in Italy. Golzi's solid drumming and Galifi's robust singing are pertinently located in the band's overall sound. The keyboard department has a prominent use of mellotron over the Hammond organ and the Moog synth (the latter being used marginally). This album features one of the most appealing assets in a prog album - a sidelong suite, which in this case is titled like the album. 'Zarathustra' is one of the most prominent Italian prog suites: it certainly combines the drive of Ossana, the stylish splendor of PFM, the magic vibe of early KC and Genesis and the dynamics of Metamorfosi. The suite gets started with delicate flute mellotron soon joined by an overlapping string mellotron and the whole orchestrated band as the fanfare is stated. The first sung motif is delivered with a delicate magnificence that ultimately leads to the first partial finale. Section 2 starts with a mysterious piano prelude (performed by bassist Moreno), which eventually leads to a psychedelic baroque full band endeavor. The addition of some jazzy cadences in the rhythm basis allows the band to create a particular swing, which the band perpetuates in section 3 'Al di là di Bene e di Male'. 'Superuomo' is the longest section, something the instrumentalists take advantage of to display a series of attractive motifs after the brief sung section. 'Il Tempio dell Clessidre' reprises section 1's closure and takes it to an epic dimension, which originates real, frontal progressive beauty all the way to the fade-out. The married organ and mellotron layers are literally unearthly, the guitar soloing is majestic, Golzi's rolls and fills enhance the overwhelming majesty - what a grand finale!, what a suite! This is definitely the album's highlight, but there is still more. and it is great, too. 'Degli Uomini' displays an interesting set of motifs in a Manieristic framework: the song's power is more subtle than patent. 'Della Natura' lasts 8 ½ minuts, which allows the band to explore the melodic variations more loosely. This track really shows the family air that links Museo to compatriot acts Alphataurus and Metamorfosi (perhaps Semiramis, too, but Museo is obviously more polished). The ceremonious moods that fill this song's last few minutes make it quite close to the suite's general undertones. 'Dell' Eterno Ritorno' occupies the album's last 6+ minutes. The opening synth arpeggios state an agile expectation that draws the band close to spacey prog, but soon the effect is retorted by yet another display of heavy prog with featured mellotron/organ. This track is less aggressive than most of the preceding pieces, but the usual references to Baroque and Manierism are obviously present. There is not much that I can really add to all the praise that "Zarathustra" has achieved by prog fans all over the world. I'll just finish this review by asserting my conviction that Museo Rosenbach has created a prog masterpiece.

Cesar Inca

...and I let my mind flow away and enjoy this music fully as it is, while not focusing on anything particular, but just enjoying...
I have to say that I've tried to read Zarathustra once, as it was rumoured to be the hardest book to read every written (I doubt it, with these holy books like Bible should be quite hard too, not that I've ever tried them, but you know). I failed to succeed and get myself over first few pages. So I postponed this book to time when I'll be wise and old (hehe, crazy idea). So I don't know exactly word-to-word what is inside, but I know few facts about it.
And I know that this can't be less than 4-star work. But same as the book, this can't be hard to get into, as it's more than many can understand (I believe, in case of book it's truth for sure and here, well, there are clues hinting it). It's simply not "Per Un Amico", easy to get into, easy to enjoy. So what's better after all, is it really so easy to decide ?
5(-) with little bit of confusion, as it's not easy material to comprehend. More listens will be needed for sure, we'll see soon. But for now, it's one of the best Italian things for sure. Just don't know how good. Closing tracks (2-3-4) are very epic ones with breathtaking keyboard solos.

Marty McFly

Museo Rosenbach are one of the many Italian prog band of the early seventies that had the just chance to release an album before disappear. Their debut album "Zarathustra" was released in 1973 and the line up featureed Stefano "Lupo" Galifi (vocals), Enzo Merogno (guitar, vocals), Pit Corradi (keyboards, mellotron), Alberto Moreno (bass, piano) and Giancarlo Golzi (drums, percussion, vocals). It's a concept album freely inspired by the work of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. According to the liner notes, the quest for the super?man described by Mauro La Luce's lyrics wasn't meant to exalt the violent leader of a new pure breed but the serene search for a human character who, living in communion with nature, tries to purify from every hypocrisy the human values... Despite the great quality of the music, on account of the controversial art cover and to the misunderstandings about the concept, Museo Rosenbach were treated as fascists by critics and part of the public and the album was quite unsuccessful determining the split up of the band. Nonetheless, as time passed by, this work has become a cult one for prog lovers...
The opener is the long title track, a suite in five parts. The first part "L'ultimo uomo" (The last man) begins with a calm and solemn pace, then vocals that seem to come down from a distant place soar drawing a beautiful melody... "Face of light, they told me about you / Your story lies in the echo of the mountains / Too high to descend into us.... Shabby shadow, empty glare of the ego / You don't need to understand the force / That pushes me to seek in the world...". An instrumental crescendo leads to the second part, "Il re di ieri" (Yesterday king) and to its delicate piano and organ patterns... "No, do not go on walking on never ending roads / You can already see in me what my father, God, taught to you... Love your Land, in her womb God will form itself". The contrasts between a quiet church like atmosphere and some more aggressive rhythmic passages give to this track a very peculiar and dramatic feeling... On the third part of the suite, "Al di là del bene e del male" (Beyond the good and the evil) tension rises while vocals try to evoke how pretentious are human laws drawing borders between good and evil... "Ancient tables, divine wills in the past already divided the good and the evil / The man alone, far from God, cannot build his own moral / Run away from your will / Under these curtains lies a false wisdom / The truth is insulted / From the moral that you created no good will come...". The fourth part, "Superuomo" (Super-man) begins quietly and in a more reflexive way suggesting that you have to choose among many answers about the sense of life what's the right one... "Thousand traditions built a wall around me / Alone and without forces I get lost into my own words / And perhaps I'm looking for someone who has always walked behind me... / Now he is coming to life in me / I'm living the Super-man". Then vocals give way to a crescendo of amazing shifting musical passages leading to the final solemn instrumental part "Il tempio delle clessidre" (The temple of the hourglasses)
The other tracks are shorter but not less interesting. "Degli uomini" (About men) is as intense as an horseback ride. Vocals ask questions about war and peace, joy and pain, then a bittersweet reflection soars... "Like Autumn, the world wants to wither / It offers swords to the sky overriding the loyalty / It grows up and, as time passes by, it kills its humanity".
"Della natura" (About nature) begins with a frenzy rhythm, then suddenly a suspicious and treacherous quiet comes down... "Quietness falls over the night / Virgin in its mantle... The silence with its void lights the fear again / Terror, pregnant of magic as it is, makes Death's face come back in mind...". Rhythm takes off again, then melts in a complex and more relaxed section while lyrics draw a quite different landscape where men live in harmony with nature and where silence is described as the singing of real poetry... "My eyes are tired, I feel by now that I'm going to sleep / The dawn comes from quietness / Virgin in its own mantle, it lives and already thrills...".
"Dell'eterno ritorno" (About the eternal return) is about the eternal circle of life. Strange omens shake our certitudes while life comes to an end... The music is complex as usual, marching beats alternate with organ rides while soaring dramatic vocals depicts doubts and fading hopes... "By now my future is already there / The road I will take leads where the man stops / And where the Eternal Return reign...".
On the whole a great album that suffered of the political climate of the early seventies in Italy and that deserves to be rediscovered. A must for every Italianprog collector!

Andrea Parentin

There's been a lot of RPI around the house lately. Even to the extent that also my cats picked up a few Italian phrases, like 'a-a-o!' (Hungry!), 'I a-a-o!!' (Really I'm starving!!) and 'rrra-o rrra-o!' (If you don't feed me now I'll bite your toes off!). One of the albums I've instructed them with is Museo Rosenbach's album Zarathustra. Mad dashes guaranteed!
The band brings a very powerful version of symphonic rock, with elements reminding me of the early UK hardrock and my so beloved 71/72 Genesis sound. The groundwork is laid by the solid bass guitar and the dynamic drums, strong emotive vocals are added in due RPI fashion. The guitar, while not always prominent, is sure worth paying attention to, as Ritchie Blackmore's touch is clearly felt. Everything is covered under a soothing blanket of Hammond organ and mellotron. Delicious.
Particularly so on the 20 minute epic. Right from the start it brings me into a 5 star mood. It begins with a romantic opening section and builds up into an organ heavy outburst, laying down a majestic theme that also closes the song. The way they build up the tension in the first 4 minutes is simply genius and creates a very strong and rousing effect. The remainder of this epic contains many moments of symphonic bliss, juggling influences from Deep Heep and Jethro Crimson. The Italian vocals and the unpredictable and imaginative composition make it into an unmistakably RPI album. Because of the many UK influences this album might serve as an excellent introduction for newbies in RPI. At least for me it did.
The second half of the album is slightly more uneven. Degli Uomini continues the style of the main track but sounds less appealing, with vocal melodies that are a bit forced even. Della Natura however is probably the best track on the album, with a beautiful interplay between all instruments and an insanely pleasant 'dada-tada' vocal section. The closing track Dell'eterno Ritorno is a bit disappointing at first but it improves once it gets going.
A masterpiece? Close but no. There are some imperfections here. There are issues with the mix, which sometimes suffers from vocals that are too loud and uneven volume gain; there are some unlucky fades and rough transgression and the epic especially never has the unifying vision of a Tarkus or Echoes or Supper's Ready. But what I love so much about it is the passionate dedication and the almost naive imaginative power of this music. Every single note, every hit on the drum kit, and all vocals are brought with such a contagious fervour. Simply put, this band infects me with their love for their music.
Zarathustra isn't a perfect album, it's not the most representative example of RPI and it's certainly not the pinnacle of it, but the emotional impact and hard rocking qualities here are too strong to resist for me. I simply can't stop listening to this album and that's an indication I never ignore. So I have to allow my subjective enjoyment to add one star to what the album most certainly deserves.

Karl Bonnek

Count me as one of those who hasn't yet been taken by this album. Definitely original and creative, and it also earns some bonus points as a debut, but there are a number of factors that keep this well out of masterpiece territory.
First of all, to the reviewers who have likened Stefano's vocals to the Italian Joe Cocker, I couldn't agree more--he's raw and throaty, but also unique and fun. Also, I'd like to give credit for the creative cover, which is certainly reminiscent of another favorite cover of mine: Kansas' Masque, which would come two years after Zarathustra (though I doubt influenced by it).
Highlights for me include most of the side-long epic, as well as Della Natura. The epic sure starts and ends well (I think we can all agree on that!), with a powerful mellotron/organ melody to kick things off, and revisited in a slower, more stately form to seal the deal. In between, things get quite hit or miss. There's a difference between delicate playing and simply killing the music off, and Museo veers more toward the latter too often here. Fortunately, there are plenty of good melodies and moments, however scattered they might be, to at least keep my interest. Della Natura is also in the same vein, with more rock perhaps, but similarly concluding with a stately outtro.
Good stuff and worthwhile, but I would be most interested in hearing how the band would develop after a piece like this. I imagine they would have tightened things up and cranked out even better prog, but that's not how things worked out, so we'll have to appreciate the band largely on this piece. As such, Museo Rosebach provide a meaningful addition to the prog canon with Zarathustra.

Chris

The only Museo Rosenbach album released in 1973 is one of the greatest RPI album (besides of Area's early albums) is my very personal opinion. In other words - this album is a bit different from huge amount of RPI albums coming from early 70-s.
First of all, this album is real heavy symphonic progressive rock, melting UK heavy prog traditions with Italian melodies and vocals. Keyboards based (Hammond and mellotron), this album influenced by early Lord and Uriah Heep passages, as well as Jethro Tull folksy moments and King Crimson heavy tension. But at the same time , there are enough Italian musical tradition elements to make this album Italian Progressive Rock. Aggressive (Italian) vocals, heavy guitars, fast and complex drumming, keyboard passages - possibly you don't believe, but I am speaking about Italian progressive album!
As often with specific genres, some will love this album and some will hate it. I can hardly accept many so-popular classic RPI albums because of their polished neo-classic sound, sugar overdose, just symbolic rock arrangements, etc. Then - besides of Area (another really great and untypical RPI band) Museo Rosenbach is on the top of my RPI list. For those searching their usual RPI sweetly-romantic sound, this album possibly will be too heavy, too raw and ... too British. OK, it's just question of taste.
But I really can recommend this excellent work for everyone disappointed by "regular" RPI sound - Museo Rosenbah is rare Italian progressive ROCK band.

Slava Gliozeris

Since I joined PA a few years ago I found several 70´s one shot bands that were latter discovered by progsters and often their sole work is considered by many as a masterpiece, or at least a lost musical gem. While I don´t agree with a lot of reviews about them, sometimes you really find something that is just right. Italian band Museo Rosenbach´s Zarathustra is definitly a fantastic album that I had the delight to finally have the opportunity to listen to. It ´s really hard to understand why such a terrific piece of progressive music went so unnoticed outside a small following they might had. A misinterpretation of the title song lyrics as some reviewers claim? Guess we´ll never know.
But the music inside is VERY good. Not perfect, but still very striking and convincing. Still impressive after all these years. I specially loved the Zarathustra suite, with its four parts and 20 minutes duration: bombastic, heavy and beautiful. Lots of early King Crimson and ELP influences here, and yet they came up with something very strong and fairly original. Excellent keyboards parts (specially the organ and mellotron), fine guitars and a versatile rhythm section. Vocalist Stefano ´Lupo´ Galifi is brilliant, with a very good voice and excellent way of delivering it. The production unfortunatly is not as good as it should for such task, but that´s something to be expected for the period. The remaining tracks are also interesting, although not as powerful and focused as the main theme of the record. But they showed that Museo Rosenbach could go very far if they had the chance to go on with their recording career. But, alas, this was not to be...
Conclusion: A record that I heard a lot of, mostly raving it, for a long time before I had the chance to actually buy it. And I can assure you all that it deserves almost every bit of its fame. If you´re into 70´s symphonic prog in general - and in the italian scene in particular - this is a must have. Rating: somenthing between 4 and 4.5 stars. Highly recommended!

Tarcisio Moura

Everyone on this site knows about this album and it's status as a masterpiece of RPI. So, there isn't really much that I can say about it that hasn't been said. I guess I'll just say it all over again...
But wow, what an epic journey this album turned out to be. I've recently decided to check out all the one-shot Italian prog bands from the '70s, and though I've known about this one for a while now, I decided to save it for a rainy day.
The album starts off with the epic track, "Zarathustra", compiled of 5 different parts that all flow as one. One thing that came to mind is that this sounds like a very rich mix of Larks' Tongues in Aspic/Red era King Crimson and the symphonic qualities of what sounds like an improved version of Genesis. This epic is very powerful indeed, and the mood changes throughout run fluidly and flawlessly. Galifi's vocals are passionate, like in most RPI vocalists, and maintain a very manly feel. It's hard for me to pick out any standout moment from the epic because it all flows like I stated earlier, but "Superuomo" is the most elaborate portion and it is very rock-heavy with some guitar lines that really stick.
After the epic title track, the remaining tracks sound just as epic but are only shorter in length. More of the same fantastic music that was present on side A. More fluid changes, heavy guitar, beautiful keys and soaring vocals. Even out of these individual tracks it's hard for me to pick a standout, but they all stand out! This is definitely one of those albums where skipping tracks doesn't cross the mind at all.
If you ever get a chance, you should definitely jump at the opportunity to listen to this masterpiece of Italian progressive rock.

Alan

One of the better "one album wonder" releases from the RPI scene in the 1970s. (Of course, Museo Rosenbach would eventually release more material, but it'd take a few decades and the prog boom of the early 1990s before that happened.) Apparently the album caused a bit of controversy when it was first released because of the inclusion of an image of Mussolini in the cover collage, which combined with the Nietzsche theme of the album, led to accusations of fascism. The accusation itself doesn't really hold water - Nietzsche's work was horrendously misrepresented by those fascists and Nazis that adopted it - but I have to admit that the cover was a stupid mistake on the part of the band, who should have realised that it would have opened old wounds.
Still, the cover art is the only significant flaw to this album - what you get here is a delicious mix of progressive influences, most of which are typical of RPI from the period (hello, early Genesis), but which also includes a more aggressive keyboard approach reminiscent of classic Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. I wouldn't elevate it to the top rank of RPI albums from this period, but I certainly think it deserves consideration for anyone exploring the genre beyond the obvious classics.

W. Arthur

Well I only knew this what supposed to be a legendary band couple of months ago and it really BLEW me away the first time I listened to it. No wonder this album has been one of important albums on this site. I can see how bold the music of Museo Rosenbach. It's maybe too personal to me as I always like the kind of Italian progressive music as you might have seen all the positive reviews that I have written on Italian prog bands.
One of the reasons I like this album is its strong melody that sounds so particular Italian -- even though I know very little the local culture. Combined with the local language it sends great piece of music -- something that really stirs my emotion as I listen to the album from the opening track right through to the end. There is a very big component of symphonic music throughout the album with excellent performance when the musicians deliver their performance. There are great combination of musical silences with symphonic music. It sometimes change dramatically into faster tempo music like I can experience on the second track where the music blasts off suddenly into faster tempo. It's really nice.
I would not comment on track by track basis as there have been so many reviews -- good ones -- about this excellent album. Some of music lovers consider this as classic and legendary. For me, I am happy having been associated with this site so that I finally know this wonderful album that is an excellent addition of the progressive music collection. Keep on proggin' ...!

Gatot Widayanto

Every once in a while you stumble upon an album supposedly so great that it nearly defies description. Well, there are great albums, good albums and quite a lot of bad ones but there are also that percentage of albums that are simply extraordinary. Museo Rosenbachs sole album is certainly one of them. The title track is in itself a masterpiece, 20 minutes of pure prog bliss. A track lasting that long may well be wonderful but also riddled with uninteresting parts you'd rather skip but in this case the whole of the epic is so enjoyable that listenening to it is a gateway into another dimension, one where time obviously don't consist of the same minutes. Zarathustras 20 minutes feels like five. All the parts collected in this here track are perfect examples of prog-rock. For me there's true genius in making long tracks feel like a few minutes. The three remaining tracks are equally impressive with the mellotron and organ in the forefront. I really can't think of anything bad to say about this album. It's an amazing tour de force.
The sound of Zarathustra is kind of hard to put into words, at least for me. Sure, there are some traces of the progressive Uriah Heep but also glimpses of Genesis or maybe even better, VDGG. It's certainly Italian and it's certainly symphonic but with that heavy edge which brings to it a raw feel, which I like alot. The music floats from one spectrum to the other. Hard, soft, melancholic, complex and everything in between. I've fallen in love with this album. It's utter pleasure.

Christian Tideman

Rocking RPI Album is Worth Some Extra Listening Time
I acquired ZARATHUSTRA in a glut of Italian prog about 2-3 years ago, and it frankly didn't leave much of an impression on me. I've recently been going through those albums one by one with much deeper listens. While a few albums have worn down with repeated careful scrutiny, this one keeps getting better. After several days of triple end over end playing time, I've been pleasantly rewarded by Museo Rosenbach in the classic manner of good prog.
In general, ZARATHUSTRA incorporates much more classic hard rock guitar than most Italian prog. While many RPI bands use some guitar soloing a la Steve Hackett, Museo Rosenbach's Enzo Merogno gets in plenty of energetic riffage as well. Others have made comparisons to Deep Purple but the lines here are so much more complex. Alternating between unison, harmony, and counterpoint with the also wonderful keys, the guitar lines are much more composed parts of the music than solo spots.
The introductory epic title track is a big chunk to bite off, especially at first, and this is probably why my first impression was not as strong as my current opinion. While this album does have sections of typical romantic Italian sentiment, it also has monstrously rocking passages where the whole band is simply humming. "Della Natura" has some deliciously intense work that looks ahead to modern bands like Anglagard. As a matter of fact, after making this connection, I am hearing connections to the 90's Swedes all over this record. In contrast, however, vocalist Stefano Lupo Galifi is featured prominently, and his rough baritone contrasts sharply with Anglagard's occasional wispy ornamentation. He simultaneously achieves a rocker's ability to be convincingly aggressive and the sense of Italian melodicism, and is perhaps my favorite of the RPI vocalists.
While the compositions on this album are very good, this is not a virtuosic album. No single player takes a spot simply to show his skills. There are no big solo spots. The most impressive sections are instead when everyone is playing full bore in delightfully interconnected parts. This is not to say the players are weak. In fact, all nail their parts well. But this is a music about the song, about the big picture.
I'm not ready to place this in the essential category, but without a doubt, this is an excellent addition to any prog collection.

Jay Brieler

A milestone RPI album, Museo Rosenbach's "Zarathustra" is brimming over with innovation and inventiveness with some extraordinary compositions and musicianship. The epic title track is a mesmirising masterpiece beginning with quiet reflective vocals in Italian and some weird music until the percussion cracks through and an uptempo sound is heard awash with Mellotron. There are 5 distinct sections to this colossal epic including a gentle piano passage, and flute that floats along a sustained shimmering keyboard motif. The buzzing low synth is heard at about 6 minutes in, and more of the vocals in the distance. Eventually a fast paced rhythm bursts forth and much more aggressive vox and keyboard lines. The 'Superuomo' segment is where I get most interested with its quirky vocals and Hammond lines over strong percussion attacks.
The Mellotron takes over on the next track 'Degli uomini' that is at first instrumental. It has a smooth texture of organ and heavy guitar with percussion blasts. It changes in mood as the piece develops. The lead guitar is a dominant feature, and it has some grinding organ sounding like Procol Harum in places or Focus. Vocals finally join the sound just before it all goes quiet.
'Della natura' is a faster piece with odd meters and frenetic organ shimmers. The vocals are again Italian and rather gentle coming in when the music dies down. A great polyrhythmic meter locks in as Mellotron bellows out over powerhouse drumming and bass motifs. The rhythms increase in pace and break away as more vocals blaze away, and then chiming vibes are heard on organ, sounding like Manzarek's style of The Doors. It is a dramatic song in every respect, with lots of twists and turns and definitely one of the highlights.
The last track is 'Dell'eterno ritorno', a heavy guitar driven rocker, with some chaotic figures on keyboards, bass and percussion. It is a grand way to end such a classic album, going out with a bang not a whimper. It settles into a dreamy section and the vocals are multi tracked and emotional. Eventually it returns to the spasmodic fractured melody and then a striking percussive march over an organ phrase.
This one really lives up to its massive reputation as yet another one shot album that blows the doors off conventional musicianship. It is up there with Dun's "Eros", Anglagard's "Hybris", Bubu's "Anabelas" and Yezda Urfa's self titled debut. Check it out even if you are not into jazz, as this album has a lot going on and is well worth the effort.

Scott Tuffnell

Otra propuesta del rock progresivo italiano que nunca dejó de asombrarnos. Con éste disco fue suficiente para que el grupo se gane un sitial destacado y de honor en el planeta progresivo. Si te quedan dudas del porqué, escuchá el disco y maravillate.
Por supuesto, otro recomendadísimo disco que no te debes perder.