Two founding pillars of early Italian prog, from Genoa and Milan: New Trolls vs Premiata Forneria Marconi, better known as PFM. New Trolls were pioneers, blending rock with a full classical orchestra on the landmark Concerto Grosso; PFM were the virtuosic world-beaters who carried Italian prog abroad. The classical-rock trailblazers against the international flagship. So which titan wins? Round by round, here is the verdict.

The short version

The quick verdict: PFM edge it — the more virtuosic, prolific and internationally influential band. But New Trolls hit back as true pioneers, with a rock-meets-orchestra masterpiece all their own. This is two founders of Italian prog, close as you like.

Round 1: Origins and era

New Trolls formed in Genoa in 1967, even opening for the Rolling Stones on their Italian tour, while PFM came together in Milan in 1970. As one of the earliest bands of the movement, New Trolls got there first. The edge goes to New Trolls.

Round 2: Sound and style

Here New Trolls stake their claim. Their Concerto Grosso fused rock with a full classical orchestra years before it became fashionable, an elegant, ambitious sound few could match. PFM are virtuosic and melodic, but New Trolls’ classical-rock vision was genuinely pioneering. The edge goes to New Trolls.

Round 3: The peak albums

Here PFM edge it, on depth. New Trolls’ Concerto Grosso is a bona fide classic, but PFM answer with a whole run of masterpieces — Storia di un Minuto, the beloved Per un Amico and L’Isola di Niente. One landmark against several is a hard fight. Edge: PFM.

Round 4: Musicianship

Here PFM edge it. Few bands anywhere matched their brilliance as players — Mauro Pagani’s violin and flute, Franco Mussida’s guitar and dazzling ensemble playing. New Trolls are superb and versatile, but PFM’s virtuosity is the more celebrated. Edge: PFM.

Round 5: Influence and legacy

Here PFM edge it. As the first Italian band to break through internationally, signing to ELP’s Manticore label and touring the world, their reach was unmatched. New Trolls are pioneers and much loved, and the Concerto Grosso was hugely influential, but PFM’s global reach is greater. Edge: PFM.

The scorecard

Five rounds, tallied up.

The verdict: who wins

On the scorecard, PFM edge it — the more virtuosic and more internationally influential of two founding bands, and the group that carried Italian prog to the world. But New Trolls lose nothing here. Led for decades by founder Vittorio De Scalzi, who died in 2022, and by his old partner Nico Di Palo, they were true pioneers, and the Concerto Grosso remains one of the most beautiful and original things Italian prog produced. PFM win on points; New Trolls win the argument about who got there first, and most gracefully.

Who is it for

Choose PFM if you want Italian prog at its most virtuosic and universal — dazzling, intricate and world-conquering. Choose New Trolls if you want pioneering elegance — the rock-and-orchestra beauty of the Concerto Grosso and a band that helped start it all. The flagship or the trailblazers; two of the founders of Rock Progressivo Italiano.

Go deeper

Keep the debate going: see how PFM fare against Le Orme and Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, and browse every showdown at my prog rock band comparisons hub.

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