Record Reviews

JON LORD ~ TO NOTICE SUCH THINGS AVIE 2190 (Barcode: 822252219029) ~ UK ~ Classical Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 Known to the world as the founder of the seminal Rock / Prog group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, organist / composer / bandleader Jon LordFind albums by this artist is less known for his great love of Classical Music, although much of his late period activity was almost completely dedicated to that genre. As early as 1969 Lord astonished the Rock world as a pioneer of Rock-Classical Fusion with his “Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title”, which was one of the first recordings of Rock incorporating a Philharmonic Orchestra. He flirted with the Rock-Classical Fusion idiom on several of the early Deep Purple albums, in a less obvious form, as well as on his early solo albums and recordings with other musicians (“Gemini SuiteFind albums with this title”, “WindowsFind albums with this title”, “SarabandeFind albums with this title” and others) and his love for Classical Music was always present in his life. By the turn of the Millennium Lord started to record a series of Classical music albums, starting with “Pictured WithinFind albums with this title” and followed by “Beyond The NotesFind albums with this title”, “Durham ConcertoFind albums with this title”, “Boom Of The Tingling StringsFind albums with this title” and finally “To Notice Such ThingsFind albums with this title”. He also participated in recording of a new version of the “Concerto For Group And Orchestra”, sadly unable to see it completed and released before his parting. “To Notice Such Things” is a six-part suite for flute, piano and orchestra. The soloists are: Cormac HentyFind albums by this artist on flute and Jon Lord on piano and the orchestral parts are performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Clark RundellFind albums by this artist. The album also includes three additional short pieces, composed earlier and appearing here in new instrumentation, as well as a recitation of a poem by Thomas HardyFind albums by this artist (read by Jeremy IronsFind albums by this artist). The music is absolutely beautiful and very “English” in nature, which is hardly surprising, divinely melodic and deeply moving. Lord certainly had a lot to offer as a Classical composer, far reaching with his ideas, same as he did in Rock music, and deserves to be remembered as such. This album is a great addition to every serious record collection and offers a most rewarding listening experience, which is wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 01/03/2021Posted: 01/03/2021

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VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ CELEBRATING JON LORD THE COMPOSER EAR MUSIC 4029759095590 (Barcode: 4029759095590) ~ UK ~ Pop-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is a live recording of a concert at The Royal Albert Hall held on April 4th, 2014, which commemorated the compositions of keyboardist / composer Jon LordFind albums by this artist, known primarily as a founding member of the seminal British Rock band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed a couple of years earlier. Lord was a pioneer of the Rock-Classical Fusion and his "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album performed and recorded in 1969 by Deep Purple with the Royal Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist at The Royal Albert Hall was a first of its kind attempt to combine Rock and Classical Music on such scale. Over the years Lord composed a long list of orchestral works, which often bridged Rock and Classical Music and his works were always received enthusiastically by his many dedicated followers, including yours truly. Lord´s surprising and tragically premature death from cancer was a terrible blow to his many fans and fellow musicians, who respected him deeply. The album presents eight beautiful orchestral compositions by Lord, performed by the Orion OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Paul MannFind albums by this artist, who was a long time collaborator with Lord. Celebrated Rock musicians take part in the concert including: keyboardist Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist, pianist Nigel HopkinsFind albums by this artist, vocalist Steve BalsamoFind albums by this artist and many others. Actor Jeremy IronsFind albums by this artist recites poetry. The music is beautifully produced and performed with taste and panache, with the typical British restraint and elegance. The album achieves its goal in full, both plying respect to Jon Lord the composer and musician and presenting his sublime music in the best possible form, keeping the memory alive. Overall this is a superb piece of music, which should be appreciated by a wide circle of connoisseurs, both from the Rock and Classical Music spheres and all good music lovers around the world. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 13/09/2019Posted: 13/09/2019

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