LORENZO ARRUGA, DAVE LOMBARDO AND FRIENDS

LORENZO ARRUGA, DAVE LOMBARDO

AND FRIENDS
VIVALDI: THE MEETING (1999)
320 KBPS

While the concept of rock musicians jamming with the symphony orchestra isn't entirely a new one, Vivaldi: The Meeting is in its own way unique. On this album, former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo journeys to Italian composer Vivaldi's homeland to take part in a seven-song suite that attempts to re-create a performance the composer supposedly gave over 200 years ago. Conducted by Lorenzo Arruga, Vivaldi: The Meeting joins Lombardo with several of Italy's leading contemporary classical musicians, including oboist Luca Avanzi, flutist Mauro Scappini, and Ottavio Dantone on harpsichord (which lends "authenticity" to a period piece such as this). More opera than classical, more rock than jazz, this somewhat grandiose experiment is surprisingly even in places. Lombardo's true colors come to the fore in "La Pena Amara," where he rocks out (if only for a minute or two). Meanwhile, his rock-schooled chops in "Part Five: Nel Profondo" sound downright schizophrenic next to the Baroque harpsichord and operatic vocals that otherwise embellish the tune. This odd juxtaposition in a strange way asserts the validity of the "experiment" after all.

1. Un apparizione / "Guarda in quest'occhi"
2. Una sfida : "La tempesta d'estate"
3. Preludio alla pena amara / La pena amara
4. Vedro con mio diletto
5. Nel profondo
6. Agitata da due venti