Comments for Rigoni, Manuel and Schoenherz, Richard, Victor: A Symphonic Poem

Also, I should mention that the CD contains a comprehensive booklet with all complete lyrics and lots of nice paintings by Karl Strnad.

Usually, I am very suspicious of concept albums that include orchestra-group interplay, because they tend to be bombastic. Usually, they are a disappointment (like Peter and the Wolf or Eye of Wendor by Mandalaband). Victor does not. It is not easy to listen, but it grows with every successive listening. Oddly enough it has some ELO overtones at times (that I certainly like).

This has to be the ultimate, over the top, symphonic album, featuring a full orchestra and choir along with guitars, keyboards (Schoenherz), drums (Rigoni) and bass (Hauenstein). All lyrics, music and arrangements are by Rigoni and Schoenherz. The story of Victor, who wants to be a flying man in the Circus, but whose "father said to him seriously, "you`ll become a clown like me,"" is actually quite moving, in spite of its sometimes bizarre situations. The music has to be heard to be believed: there are rock songs and rock instrumental pieces, alternating with long, fully orchestrated passages of, what I can only describe as, classical music. The vocals range somewhere between Eric Stewart (10CC) and the gruffness of Rick Davies (Supertramp). Surely, here is the legitimate precursor to Pink Floyd`s "The Wall" and the many similar biographical (and some autobiographical) musical epics that followed and continue to follow. The digital mastering helps (it was partly recorded at Abbey Road) but there are patches where the sound quality has aged on the tape somewhat. Still, this is a minor gripe for having the opportunity to enjoy this amazing piece on CD. The first three sections all move along strongly and it only begins to flag in the last section, with Victor`s wanderings hither and thither across the face of the world. A must for fans of huge sounding symphonic rock. (Ian C. Thomas)

Listening to this album for more then 30 years now, it is still one of the most impressive albums ever!! Together with The Wall and The Lamb. I even told my children in there groing up time the story of Victor. In my hall upstars the is a paiting of Victor made by my sister 25 years ago. This means realy something. Thank you mr Rigoni and mr Schoenherz.