The Nice - Ars Longa Vita Brevis

The Nice — Ars Longa Vita Brevis

Limited edition 140-gram "X-ray Marbled" colored vinyl

A special reissue of The Nice's innovative second album, presented in stunning remastered quality and featuring striking colored "X-ray Marbled" viny. lOriginally released in 1968, this recording propelled progressive rock into unexplored realms, merging psychedelic rock, jazz elements, and classical influences to shape the genre's trajectory into the 1970s.

Initially recorded with the original lineup of Keith Emerson, Lee Jackson, Davy O'List, and Brian Davison, the album took a transformative turn when O'List departed mid-session, leaving The Nice to complete it as a commanding, organ-driven trio. Side One continues the path set by the band's debut, The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack, featuring shorter, pop-psychedelic compositions interwoven with avant-garde elements.

Tracks such as "Daddy Where Did I Come From" and "Little Arabella" highlight Emerson's groundbreaking keyboard layering, incorporating piano and Hammond organ textures. Meanwhile, Side Two unveils the album's true centerpiece — the epic title track "Ars Longa Vita Brevis," an audacious 19-minute fusion of rock trio and full symphonic orchestra, marking one of the earliest and most innovative collaborations between rock and classical music.

Side A

1. Daddy Where Did I Come From

2. Little Arabella

3. Happy Freuds

4. Intermezzo from the Karelia Suite

5. Don Edito El Gruva

Side B

Ars Longa Vita Brevis - Symphony for Group and Orchestra

Prelude

1st Movement: Awakening

2nd Movement: Realisation

3rd Movement: Acceptance 'BRANDENBURGER'

4th Movement: Denial

Coda-Extension To The Big Note

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it