Keith Emerson - Inferno
THE MISSING LINK 
MUSIC
Cyrus Hiruma
The late 1970s was a difficult period for the progressive rock bands. The rise of new forms of sound, like disco, punk rock and new wave subsequently resulted in a major shift in public behavior and the music scene.
One of the bands that felt this impact was the Emerson Lake and Palmer, or simply PLA. Fundamental group in the progressive movement, formed by musicians daring, innovative, great technical ability: Keith Emerson (keyboards), Greg Lake (vocals, bass) and Carl Palmer (drums).
A controversial point: many of the fans consider the apex of the band happened to the album Brain Salad Surgery (1973). But the peak of maturity has been achieved in Works Vol 1 (1977). Although the emphasis of this work was in the performances of each individual musician, it took two tracks, "Fanfare for the Common Man" and "Pirates" for the band to show their full potential and equilibrium collective.
Financial problems during the tour that followed the release of the album led to the dismissal of the orchestra that accompanied them. Work unsuccessful commercially and critically, Works Vol 2, Love Beach, triggered personal conflicts that led to the dissolution of the band. While Greg Lake has invested in a solo career, Carl Palmer created the PM group. And Keith Emerson left for the ambitious project of composing soundtracks.
The first call came from Italian director Dario Argento, an expert in the field of terror. Although he maintained a strong partnership with the band Goblin, author of most soundtracks, the director decided he wanted something different for your next production. This was the genesis Hell.
The film, which in Brazil has received the name of Hell House, was directed and written by Argento, tells the story of a poet, Rose Elliot, who discovers a book called "The Three Mothers", which control the essence of evil throughout the world. The central point is the story of one of these creatures, Tenebrarum Matter, who supposedly lives in the building where Rose resides.
The plot is confusing and complex part of a trilogy (Suspiria, Inferno and La Terza Madre) that became a cult book among the admirers of the genre.
Back on the soundtrack: Emerson kept the same concept of the work he created in Works Vol 1, the "Piano Concerto", a symphonic suite divided into three segments. By the same conductor of the orchestra, Godfrey Salmon, was invited.
It was the ideal situation for the classical keyboardist demonstrate his side, as the opening "Inferno (Main Title)" and "Roses's Descent into the Cellar," dark themes while the beautiful piano. The excellent orchestra adds powerful moments of tension.
Unlike the soundtracks that always repeat the same variation of the theme, Hell can be original and eclectic. "The Library" is a direct influence of Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the idols of Emerson. Body style cathedral and a solemn and grand.
"Bookends Delight" is the ideal composition for the shower scene from the movie Psycho. His aggressive and dynamic structure could replace perfectly with the original music by Bernard Herrmann.
A case in point is the "Matter Tenebrarum": synths and a chorus of male and female voices create the most dismal time of the trail, the effect is creepy and evocative of the Gregorian chants. And "Hell: Finale" is pure bombastic theme of the orchestra, brass at full power.
Keith Emerson (Photo: Disclosure)
Two songs were created in the style of Emerson Lake and Palmer, following the same structure of the trio: synthesizers, bass and drums. "Taxi Ride" was a direct request from Argento to Emerson's work should add the words "Nabucco - Va, pensiero, sull'ali dorate" by Giuseppe Verdi on track. It was completely different from the original work and surprised the director.
In the same vein, "Cigarettes, Ices, etc." is a song totally ELP, very reminiscent of the phase of the album Tarkus (1971) and Trilogy (1972).
In 2000, the label Cinevox released a remastered version of the CD with a bonus track, "Hell (Outtakes Suite)." Have ten minutes, opens with the same sequence of "Cigarettes" and the new material for a curious and different from the rest of the soundtrack.
At the time the film's release, the track was accepted with reservations by the music critics and the public. Some pointed out that Dario Argento should have continued to work with the Goblin, while others define the orchestration and composition as "dated". It would be like to consider "Carmina Burana - O Fortuna" outdated for the film The Omen. As if the choice had not been perfect.
The Emerson Lake and Palmer returned to active duty in 1990, and ended his career back on the 25th of this month played at High Voltage Festival in London. Among the twists and turns (the band Emerson, Lake and Powell and Three), many do not remember the passing of Keith Emerson cinema. Hence the importance of remembering the soundtrack to hell.
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