Zappa conducts Bolero

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

"Who says we don't do covers?" it sez.
The intent doesn't seem to be humorous, therefore, posted in music, but it's not over yet. It has marimbas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2hiDYE5Qdw
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I think that's hilarious, Charlie! At first, I thought Zap was hamming it up a little; with that cig and his thrashing about with the baton (sorta like he's swatting flies) at the opening. But then.......just for comparison...I checked out some famous symphony conductors doing the same piece:

Gustavo Dudamel is even more spastic -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhhkGyJ092E

Valery Gergiev, looking a little like Jim on "Taxi" in a tux, adds some melodrama, and conducts it with...a toothpick!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZDiaRZy0Ak&start_radio=1&list=RDdZDiaRZy0Ak

Meanwhile, Vincente Alberola does a more sedate and reserved performance -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KsXPq3nedY&t=1008s

Evidently, not only Zap, but many conductors see this as a fun piece, and kinda get wrapped up in it.

Very Happy

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Ravel was a great arranger, and so was Zappa. The cigarette was a bit much, but I liked the marimbas.
A tune with only one chord (more or less) should be fun.
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

John Rosett · From: Missoula, MT

Bryan Staddon · From: Buffalo,New York,

Man we sure could use a guy like Frank around nowadays,
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John Rosett · From: Missoula, MT

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

"Mister we could use a man like Frank and Hunter again...."
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

Glenn Suchan · From: Austin, Texas

Thanks Charlie!

I'm very familiar with Ravel's "Bolero" (as most of us are) as it is typically performed by symphonic orchestras. What I really liked about Zappa's arrangement/performance are the many subtle counter melodies in the bass clef which are very different from traditional arrangements. For example, at 4:17 there is a 2-beat nod to "My Sharona".

As some may know, at the time of the first performance of "Bolero", in 1928, many viewed it with distain because the principal instrument is a saxophone - a relatively new instrument in symphonic orchestras. In fact, at that time, many symphonic composers and musicians viewed it as simply a 'toy'. The saxophone was created by Adolphe Sax in 1840. Up until 1928, I know of only one composer who had written a symphonic piece utilizing the saxophone as a principal instrument - Bizet's "L'Arlesienne" (1879)

So, much like Maurice Ravel in the early 20th century, Zappa, in the late 20th century, challenged his listeners to fresh and sometimes daring music. I think if Ravel heard Zappa's interpretation of the "Bolero" he would stand and cheer, "Bravo!" What a genius Frank was.

Keep on pickin'!
Glenn
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Steelin' for Jesus

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Frank had me right off with the timbales in reggae. I don't know a secure composer who wouldn't applaud such irreverance.
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Those that say don't know; those that know don't say.--Buddy Emmons

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