Pianist/composer Stefano Battaglia leads his large ensemble Theatrum through two lengthy theme pieces on this ambitious 1998 recording. On the first composition titled "GESTI," the band fuses a cool West Coast United States-type vibe with elements of free jazz and bop. Here, the soloists receive ample breathing room as they frequently indulge in a bit of cat and mouse while Battaglia steers the band through various motifs, swarming cadenzas, climactic opuses, and mood-evoking horn charts amid soulful lines along with the occasional nod to Ornette Coleman. The band alters the appearance and flow of this production on "Canto Nomade," which is a composition brimming with profoundly executed melodies and stately motifs, enhanced by Mirko Guerrini's whimsical renderings performed on piccolo flute. The soloists cleverly rework the primary theme throughout this rather alluring Battaglia arrangement as this piece segues into a rumbling and tumbling rhythmic extravaganza, which serves as fertile terrain for the horn section to stretch their wares. Overall, GESTI provides yet another glimpse of Stefano Battaglia's acute musical visions and finely crafted orchestrations. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide
