Rock Progressivo Italiano blends the architectural grandeur of British prog with a distinctly Italian gift for melody. Expect suite-like long tracks, restless time-signature changes, and heavy use of organ, Mellotron, and flute, but with lines that sing more lyrically and lyrically than their British counterparts. The soft sound of the Italian language lends its dramatic structures a unique emotional charge, with stark contrasts between quiet and storm.

Around 1971, young Italian musicians stunned by King Crimson, Genesis, and ELP forged their own path on the foundation of Italy's classical schooling and operatic tradition. A cluster of landmark albums appeared in a short span from Milan and Rome labels, and PFM opened the door to success abroad.

Watch for the contrast between passages of rapidly shifting meter and moments when the tempo suddenly drops and a beautiful melody soars. The chamber-music colors of flute and Mellotron coexisting with rock's intensity are the heart of this style.

PFM's 'Impressioni di Settembre' (1972) is an entry point with both lyricism and dynamism. For the fiercer, more avant-garde side, hear Area's 'Luglio, Agosto, Settembre (Nero)' (1973).

PFM released international albums through a British label and became the first Italian band to chart abroad. Famously, prog luminary Pete Sinfield wrote the English lyrics for their international releases.