Hi Reader,
The Music That Changed My Life, Part II
Debussy, Ravel / Karajan – Berliner Philharmoniker, 1986
I am currently studying Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune with a student, and it is a deep, mystical work of art. Like a pastor discussing two lines of scripture for weeks, we could—and probably will—spend several weeks on just a few measures.
For me, these are the definitive recordings of these works. Many will point to the Pierre Boulez-conducted versions of Debussy and Ravel, which are excellent, but I prefer these lush, elegant, and thoughtful recordings conducted by Herbert von Karajan and performed by the Berlin Philharmonic. One distinct "feature" in the first movement of the La Mer performance is someone in the orchestra sneezing around 5:55.
CLAUDE DEBUSSY
La Mer
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
MAURICE RAVEL
Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2
Pavane pour une Infante défunte
Favorite track: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
Jóhann Jóhannsson, Orphée, 2016
I've discussed Jóhann Jóhannsson on this blog before but it bears repeating.
When it comes to minimalism, Jóhannsson succeeds where others fall short. The simple difference: he evokes emotion. These three tracks capture that best for me.
Whereas most minimalist composers leave me feeling unfulfilled—engulfed in a repetitive drone that never delivers on its implied payoff, powered only by the composer’s sense of self-satisfaction—Orphée is quite the opposite.
In Jóhannsson’s work, I hear the process, the atmosphere, the weather outside the studio he’s in, the warmth of the machinery—every step toward the final piece feels like a carefully considered aesthetic choice. And though I have little insight into his personality, the work feels devoid of ego. The composer has stepped aside to allow something greater to occur.
Favorite track: “A Sparrow Alighted upon our Shoulder”
U.N.K.L.E. - Psyence Fiction, 1998
This album is just too good to be true. I was already a fan of DJ Shadow from his Endtroducing album, and here we get to hear him collaborating with The Verve's Richard Ashcroft, Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Badly Drawn Boy, Mike D of the Beastie Boys, and Jason Newsted of Metallica.
Favorite track: "Rabbit in Your Headlights"
Weather Report, Heavy Weather, 1977
DownBeat magazine's album of the year for 1977—and Weather Report's best-selling album—features Jaco Pastorius on bass. Jaco is a tragic figure due to his early death related to drug addiction and mental health issues. Many bass players try to emulate his style, even today, but there is only one Jaco. He removed the frets from his 1962 Fender Jazz Bass, which allowed him to play in a more melodic and expressive manner, more like a lead guitarist than a background bass player.
Favorite track: "Teen Town" – on which Jaco also plays drums – with an honorable mention for "Havona"
More to follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can listen to the Spotify playlist:
I welcome your responses. What music has changed your life?
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Thanks for reading,
Tommy
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