Il Volo

Album Overview

Essere O Non Essere? is the second and final studio album by the Italian band Il Volo, released in April 1975 under the Numero Uno label. This album, catalog number DZSLN 55679, reflects a significant shift in the band's musical direction compared to their debut. The album explores instrumental jazz-rock fusion, incorporating elements of symphonic and classical Italian progressive rock.

Musical Composition

The album features a reduced role for lyricist Mogol, with sung vocals appearing in only one track, "Essere." The remaining tracks are largely instrumental. The music is characterized by contributions from various band members. Guitarists Alberto Radius and Mario Lavezzi were the primary composers for most of the tracks. Keyboardists Gabriele Lorenzi and Vince Tempera collaborated on "Alcune Scene," while drummer Gianni Dall'Aglio penned "Canti E Suoni." This collaborative approach resulted in a diverse range of sounds and styles throughout the album.

Production Details

Production of Essere O Non Essere? involved several key figures. Mogol not only provided lyrics for select tracks but also served as the producer. The engineering team included Gianni Prudente and Riccardo Pizzamiglio, who were responsible for the album's sound quality. Cover artwork was created by Miloto, while Marco Locci handled the design. The photography for the album was captured by Piero Migliorisi, adding a visual dimension to the release.

Band Dynamics and Aftermath

Following the release of Essere O Non Essere?, Il Volo disbanded, marking the end of their journey as a group. The album's unique blend of genres and the individual contributions of band members reflected their artistic ambitions. This release stands as a distinct entry in the Italian progressive rock scene of the 1970s.

Essere O Non Essere? was released on vinyl LP format in Italy in April 1975.