Pro Musica | tl

PRO MUSICA were another classic progressive Romanian band to come from the thriving scene of Timiºoara, to have a great career which encompasses many styles (in this case, heavy, folk, plus elements of classical and jazz), to achieve legendary status and then to sink into oblivion.

The band was formed and lead by guitarist Ilie STEPAN, whose restless pursuit of the ideal rock concept work made him an iconic figure of the local scene. The first era of the band dates between 1973 and 1975, when PRO MUSICA were a progressive folk act, consisting of Ilie STEPAN, Perin BOIAN and Adina DIMITRIU (all guitar), Dietrich KRAUSER (bass), Erlend KRAUSER (violin, guitar), Doru APREOTESEI (keyboards), Eugen IOSIF (vocals, wind instruments), Adrian DAMINESCU (cello, percussion). They wrote and performed a concept work called “Creanga de cireº” (“Cherry Tree Branch”) in 1974, which also included chamber music accompaniment and made the band very popular as an opening act for PHOENIX. When starting the work for a new show in early 1975, the group disbands, and STEPAN plays bass for the heavy prog band PROGRESIV TM.

The second and definitive era of PRO MUSICA is that of the heavy progressive period between 1978 and 1993, with an unstable line-up and with a new concept. In the early 80s, the band creates a new, outstanding work called “Introduction To A Baroque Concert”, with heavy sounds, orchestral arrangements and original texts spanning the medieval to baroque age intended to stimulate a fusion of ancient and modern music, culture and spirituality. Unfortunately, the texts were considered “mystical” (hence subversive) by the regime and the show was canceled by the authorities. Only later after the mid-80s will the band have the chance to record other versions (according to the Censorship’s standards) of some of the songs. Such is the excellent work that appears on the “Formaþii Rock 9” Electrecord sampler. Some of the material would again be recycled in 1988 for the “Rockul Baroc” album, but with some new members and less inspiration. After leaving their mark on the 80s scene, PRO MUSICA has one last period of glory in the early 90s. The anticommunist Revolution starts in Timiºoara and the band provides the anthem for the new political and civil movement. Finally in 1993, Ilie STEPAN organizes a final show with the occasion of the 20th anniversary, gathering together most of the musicians to take part in PRO MUSICA.


- andu .