Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Jethro Tull - Bouree

Here is a piece of music that I enjoy. The band Jethro Tull was lead by a flutist (!) named Ian Anderson.  This song is a reinterpretation of a piece by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). After the flute states the melody with a walking bass line, the rest of the band, including drums and guitar, enter. The flute proceeds to improvise melodies over the form of the song. Parts of the flute solo remind me of the music for "Pirates of the Caribbean."

I like how the piece juxtaposes two completely different periods of musical history: a Baroque-era melody with a 20th century jazz inspired accompaniment. I also like Ian Anderson's wild extended flute techniques (can you hear how he hums while he plays the flute?).

Take the time to listen to this piece and share you thoughts by replying to this post. Please explain why you may like or dislike the piece. It is okay to say you like the piece, but I would like to know specifically what components of the piece intrigues you. Or, if you happen to not like the piece, I would like to know what makes you dislike it.


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3 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    I absolutely loved this song! I may be somewhat bias because I am a flute player but I think the flute part is wonderful and beat boxing and humming really adds to the song. I think the beginning is really cool because it seems kind of eerie and then it transitions into a cool and fun beat. I am sorry to say that I do not hear the "Pirates of the Caribbean" in it. I would love to play this song if it were possible.
    -Jordanna

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  2. Gearrdo TorresJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    I absolutely like this song a lot because I find very interesting how Lan Anderson turned 'Suite in E Minor for Lute',a Baroque period song by Johann Sebastian Back, into an even more amazing rare flute rock song. Also i really like the bass line played Glenn I fell it really unifies the arrangement.
    -Torres

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  3. UnknownJanuary 24, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    I found this song to be pretty awesome. I thought that the bass was pretty awesome and the flute as well. the bass made the song pretty groovy and the flute really kicks it off.

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