Collegium Musicum

Exploring "On A Ona" by Collegium Musicum

Released in 1979, "On A Ona" is a studio album by the Slovak progressive rock group Collegium Musicum. This album was produced under the Opus label in Czechoslovakia, catalog number 9116 0771. The recording took place from January to March of that year at Opus Studio in Pezinok.

Collaborative Efforts

The album features a range of talented musicians. Keyboardist Marián Varga plays the piano and various synthesizers, including the Wersi organ, ARP synthesizer, Roland synthesizer, and Polymoog. Guest vocalist Pavol Hammel contributes both vocals and acoustic guitar. The lyrics are penned by Boris Filan, adding depth to the album's themes.

Bass guitar is handled by Fedor Frešo, while Pavol Kozma plays drums and percussion. Guitar solos are performed by Peter Peteraj, with additional contributions from guest guitarist František Griglák. Vocals are shared among Marika Gombitová, Ľudovít Nosko, and Hammel, creating a rich vocal tapestry throughout the album.

Musical Structure

Departing from the band's earlier works, "On A Ona" embraces a song-cycle format. This approach focuses on structured compositions featuring collaborative vocal performances. The blend of Varga’s extensive keyboard work with the intricate guitar interplay sets a distinct tone for this release. The album moves away from lengthy instrumental pieces, opting instead for songs that highlight the interplay between instruments and vocals.

Production Details

Recording supervisor Ján Lauko oversaw the project, while sound engineer Juraj Filo ensured the technical aspects were finely tuned. The album's artwork was created by Ivan Popovič, with photography by Tibor Borský, adding a visual dimension to the release.

On A Ona was released on vinyl format as an LP, encapsulating a unique moment in the evolution of progressive rock in Czechoslovakia during the late 1970s.