The Musical Odyssey of Pfm: His Life, Most Famous Albums and Songs

When we talk about Italian prog rock, one name stands out as a pioneer of the genre: Pfm. The Progressive Rock Band Premiata Forneria Marconi (Pfm) started out in the early 1970s and went on to great success and popularity both in Italy and abroad. Their music was a mix of classic, medieval and renaissance music, with a twist of modernity, creating the signature Pfm sound. In this article, we dive in deep and explore the musical odyssey of Pfm, from their beginnings, their most famous albums, their most famous songs. We also discuss their style, influences, and why they are still relevant half-century after their inception.

Pfm's Beginnings

Pfm was founded in 1971 in Milan, Italy, by drummer and keyboardist Franz Di Cioccio, guitarist Franco Mussida, and keyboardist Flavio Premoli. Their debut album Storia Di Un Minuto (Story of a Minute) gained huge success in Italy. They followed up with the album Per Un Amico (For A Friend) which earned success outside of Italy. Pfm was well-received internationally, playing at international festivals like Reading in the UK and the famous California Jam 2 festival.

Most Famous Albums

One of Pfm's most well-known albums is Photos of Ghosts, released in 1973, which was a mix of new songs and re-recorded versions of some of the songs that appeared on their Italian debut album Storia Di Un Minuto. Other albums that helped propel Pfm's popularity were L'Isola di Niente (The Island of Nothing) released in 1974 and the Concept album Jet Lag released in 1977. Pfm went through several personnel changes, and different sounds and influences were incorporated across their albums, keeping the band's music fresh and unique.

Most Famous Songs

Pfm's music was not represented by a single hit but a lot of songs that became popular among Pfm fans. Impressioni di Settembre (Impressions of September), a song from their album Photos of Ghosts became one of Pfm’s most beloved pieces and was regularly played at their concerts. Celebration, a song from the album The World Became the World, became a staple of live shows. Other noteworthy pieces include La Carozza Di Hans (The Hans Wagon), Il Banchetto (The Banquet), Viaggio In Italia (Journey To Italy) among others.

Pfm's Style and Influences

Pfm's Style and Influences

Pfm's sound was a blend of different styles ranging from jazz, classical music, and rock. As much as they were influenced by English and American bands, Pfm's music was uniquely Italian, reflecting the beauty and ancient heritage of the country. The band has been likened to a modern-day Renaissance band that fused traditional Italian folk with rock in a daring and harmonious way. Their music speaks to the Italian heart and soul, with its poetry, romance, and passion for life.

The life and music of Pfm are a testimony to the band's longevity, staying power, and legacy as one of Italy's most respected and successful bands. Their music inspires, transcends borders, and has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Italian as well as the international rock scene. By exploring the life of Pfm through their most famous albums, songs, style, and influences we can see why they are still relevant fifty years later. They continue to be a shining example of what can be achieved through musical creativity, skill, and passion. We can still expect Pfm’s music to be played and appreciated by music lovers all over the world for years to come.