Thursday 15 January 2015

Wer Schmetterlinge lachen Hört (Novalis, 1975)

One of my favourite German prog tracks ever, this "Wer Schmetterlinge lachen Hört" (meaning "Those Who Hear Butterflies Laugh") is a rather long song - some 9 minutes - full of changes and charming atmospheres. The sung theme has a strong melodic flavour, but it's build over a dark, imposing organ background. The central instrumental part is more sparkling and displays changing tempos. Here the guitar and the rythm section rule, with a hint of electronic effects too.

This self titled album was the second Novalis' studio album.

During this interlude, Detlef Job's electric guitar goes solo adding a deep, sensitive touch to the big picture. The fascinating main theme comes back in the closing section on a military march drumming I also like very much. As many other Novalis' tracks, this epic has a recognizable Wagnerian and Romantic mood, and the listener goes through a dreamlike, colourful soundscape, actually living a strong emotional experience. That's prog, my friends!

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