Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, the pioneering Italian progressive rock band, is currently touring with a lineup that includes both founder Vittorio Nocenzi and his son, Michelangelo Nocenzi, on keyboards and piano. The band performed in Potenza earlier this year, discussing their focus on the stories of everyday people, as reported by RaiNews.
Michelangelo Nocenzi’s contributions are central to the band’s current creative direction. He collaborated with his father and writer Paolo Logli on the album “Storie Invisibili,” which completes a trilogy that began with “Transiberiana” and “Orlando: Le forme dell’amore.” According to Nocenzi, “Storie Invisibili” centers on the narratives of ordinary individuals – the reaper, the farmer, students, the sailor – aiming to demonstrate that “the particular becomes the universal.”
The concept behind the trilogy reflects a deliberate shift in focus. “Transiberiana” was described as a metaphor for life itself, a journey along one of the world’s longest railway routes. “Orlando: Le forme dell’amore,” based on Ludovico Ariosto’s 16th-century epic poem, explored the various facets of love – pure, possessive, and platonic – and the sacrifices inherent in friendship. Banco del Mutuo Soccorso’s choice of Ariosto’s work, as noted by Louder magazine, highlights the enduring relevance of themes of love, war, and chivalry.
Banco del Mutuo Soccorso celebrated its 50th anniversary with the release of “Orlando: Le Forme Dell’Amore,” an ambitious project that reinterprets the classic Italian poem. Vittorio Nocenzi, speaking with Prog magazine, emphasized the poem’s continued resonance, particularly its depiction of conflict. The band’s approach to concept albums and literary reinterpretations is well-established, making Ariosto’s work a natural fit.
Michelangelo Nocenzi has been involved in a number of Banco del Mutuo Soccorso songs, including “Stelle sulla terra,” “Eterna Transiberiana,” and “L’imprevisto,” according to Genius.com. The band’s January performance in Potenza, as covered by RaiNews, underscored their commitment to highlighting the stories of those often overlooked in society.
The band’s current tour continues with scheduled performances throughout the spring and summer, with no immediate complete date announced.
