After last week's classical excursion Eddy has dug deeper into the piano niche. We have possibly the most famous piano album in the world and one of the most popular - Keith Jarrett's random and accidental improvised The Koln Concert recorded live late one January evening in 1975. Apparently presented with an out of tune and faulty piano at the concert hall Jarrett threatened to pull out but at the last minute was persuaded on stage - the unforeseen restrictions contributing to the creation of a masterpiece of understated jazz minimalism.
What happened with this piano was that I was forced to play in what was — at the time — a new way.
Of a similar vein is my favourite Philip Glass album. Free of the sometimes grating and frenetic organ or strings this album of 7 minimalist Solo Piano pieces is gorgeous. With simple melodies over sustained chords and peaceful arpeggios and lots of space, the music reminds me of the Michael Nyman soundtrack to the film The Piano. (But it's Philip Glass so cooler really).
I've heard pianist friends of mine saying this sort of music is easy to play but that misses the point. It's like saying The Jam or Depeche Mode have less validity than Genesis or Aphex Twin as their music is simpler.
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1. Keith Jarrett - The Koln Concert
2. Jean Sibelius - Symphony No. 1 and 3
3. Carlos Barbosa-Lima - Chants for the Chief
4. Steve Hillage - Rainbow Dome Musick
5. Philip Glass - Solo Piano
6. Erik Satie - Piano Music
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To read a comprehensive analysis of the story behind Keith Jarrett's Koln Concert please see this article>>
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