The band was formed in Venice in 1966 by Aldo Tagliapietra (voice, guitars), Nino Smeraldi (guitars), Claudio Galietti (guitar and bass) and Marino Rebeschini (drums). Their first album, Ad Gloriam, was released in 1968. From their psychedelic and beat roots, they moved into increasingly sophisticated musical structures. Their 1973 album Felona e Sorona is widely regarded as one of the top albums in Italian progressive rock. By this time the band consisted of Tagliapietra (mostly on bass, with some guitar) along with keyboard player Tony Pagliuca, and drummer Michi dei Rossi. As the 1970s waned, Le Orme, like most progressive bands, shortened and simplified their music.
Starting in the late 1990s, a resurgence of interest in progressive rock led the band to revisit elements of their classic style, and the albums Il fiume (1999), Elementi (2001), and L'infinito (2004) have been received favourably in the progressive community.
1966-67
Aldo Tagliapietra (vocals, guitar)
Nino Smeraldi (guitar)
Claudio Galieti (bass)
Marino Rebeschini (drums)
1967
Rebeschini replaced by:
Giuseppe "Michi" Dei Rossi (drums)
1968-70
Aldo Tagliapietra (vocals, guitar)
Nino Smeraldi (guitar)
Antonio "Toni" Pagliuca (keyboards)
Claudio Galieti (bass)
Michi Dei Rossi (drums)
1969
Galieti quits, De Rossi temporarily replaced by
Dave Baker (drums)
1970-75
Aldo Tagliapietra (vocals, bass, guitar)
Toni Pagliuca (keyboards)
Michi Dei Rossi (drums)
1975
enters:
Tolo Marton (guitar)
1976-80
Marton replaced by:
Germano Serafin (guitar)
1980-82 and again 1986-1990
Aldo Tagliapietra (vocals, bass, guitar)
Toni Pagliuca (keyboards)
Michi Dei Rossi (drums)
1996-2000
Aldo Tagliapietra (vocals, bass, guitar)
Michele Bon (keyboards)
Francesco Sartori (keyboards)
Michi Dei Rossi (drums)
2001
Sartori replaced by
Andrea Bassato (keyboards, violin)
Calipso
Le Orme Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A te rivolgo, dolce Calipso, questo mio pensiero,
Non sono un'austera divinità, ma solo un uomo che sta seguendo la via
Illuminata dalla tua immensa statua.
Dona libertà per il tuo amato eroe accolto e poi nutrito
Ora è molto triste, sai, rivuole la sua terra
Anche se la notte era tanto calda sotto la bandiera di stelle.
Ora una barca ha costruito sotto il sole rosso e spietato
Il tuo soffio di vento.
Dona libertà per il tuo amato eroe, amico dei tuoi sogni,
Ora si è svegliato, sai, non può aspettare il giorno,
Anche se la notte era tanto calda sotto la bandiera di stelle.
The lyrics of Le Orme's Calipso appear to be addressed to the mythical figure of Calypso, the sea nymph who holds Odysseus captive in Homer's epic "The Odyssey." The singer mentions recognizing Calypso's "song" and the "design" on her frame, suggesting that he is familiar with her and her powers. He then asks Calypso to grant "freedom" to her beloved hero who has been taken in and nourished by her but now longs to return to his homeland. The hero is described as having built a boat and set sail, waiting for Calypso's breeze to guide him back home.
The lyrics express a sense of longing and a desire for freedom from both the hero and the singer. The hero is eager to return home, while the singer seems to be seeking enlightenment and guidance from Calypso. The use of Greek mythology and imagery adds a mystical element to the lyrics and highlights the theme of self-discovery and personal growth.
Overall, the lyrics of Calipso encourage listeners to embrace their own journeys and seek wisdom from the world around them. They suggest that even mythical figures like Calypso can offer guidance and provide a sense of direction.
Line by Line Meaning
Poiché riconosco la tua canzone e il disegno sul tuo telaio
As I recognize your song and the design on your frame
A te rivolgo, dolce Calipso, questo mio pensiero
I address you, sweet Calipso, with my thoughts
Non sono un'austera divinità, ma solo un uomo che sta seguendo la via Illuminata dalla tua immensa statua
I am not a stern deity, but merely a man following the path illuminated by your immense statue
Dona libertà per il tuo amato eroe accolto e poi nutrito Ora è molto triste, sai, rivuole la sua terra
Grant freedom for your beloved hero, who was welcomed and nourished, but now he is very sad and longs for his homeland
Anche se la notte era tanto calda sotto la bandiera di stelle
Even though the night was so warm under the banner of stars
Ora una barca ha costruito sotto il sole rosso e spietato Ha innalzato la bianca vela e aspetta sereno Il tuo soffio di vento
Now a boat has been built under the ruthless red sun It has raised its white sail and calmly awaits your breath of wind
Dona libertà per il tuo amato eroe, amico dei tuoi sogni Ora si è svegliato, sai, non può aspettare il giorno
Grant freedom for your beloved hero, friend of your dreams Now he has woken up, you know, he cannot wait for the day
Anche se la notte era tanto calda sotto la bandiera di stelle
Even though the night was so warm under the banner of stars
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALDO TAGLIAPIETRA, ANTONIO PAGLIUCA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind