We need a new recording of this fabulous piece. I have always loved both the original and the orchestral version but I long lost the orchestral record.
This is by far the best orchestration of Tubular bells. Such a fantastic use of all instrumental colours. There have been other versions, but they seem to try too hard and ruin the texture. The opening part 1, with string timbre and brass stabs is sublime. Others have used the brass too early to boost the chords and it ruins the emotional efficacy of this inspired work of minimalism. I've been trying in vain to find the original RPO recording but have been unsuccessful....There isn't another orchestration that can match David Bedford's original version. It annoys me that they should even try. Why change perfection - you don't see anyone re-orchestrating a Tchaikovsky symphony! RIP Mr Bedford. You were an underrated genius.
Agreed in all regards. This performance is indelible. I've heard other renderings by other clearly masterful orchestras, but this one is immediately recognizable. What an inexplicable joy it must've been to be in the Royal Albert that night. I was three, & didn't have a passport.
Sir, thank you so much for posting this; Listening twas beyond pleasure. One finds the orchestral version to be more evocative than the original. A much more emotional, visceral even, experience... Now I shall have to go out tommorrow and replace the albums that have long since been lost.
Wow! Fantastic! If this very moving piece of music was written by someone famous like Beethoven it would be known and loved worldwide. Yes I know the first 3 minutes of Tubular Bells (the fusion-rock studio version) is known worldwide due to the fact it was used in the movie "The Exorcist." But this symphonic version is simply superior in all aspects. However, I still love the original. One more thing, I must commend the audience for being so quiet, especially at the beautiful ending.
Yes, I've already told BBC Four that they should broadcast the two Orchestral Oldfield programmes next Feb, which will be the 50th anniversary of those Bells!
I think the video of this made a big mistake doing the little "portholes" of each instrument. Far better to zoom in and keep the context of the surrounding orchestra
Would have been even better with a speaker with an English accent to announce each instrument's entry, like the late, great Vivian Stanshall on the original.
We need a new recording of this fabulous piece. I have always loved both the original and the orchestral version but I long lost the orchestral record.
Amen to that!
This is by far the best orchestration of Tubular bells. Such a fantastic use of all instrumental colours. There have been other versions, but they seem to try too hard and ruin the texture. The opening part 1, with string timbre and brass stabs is sublime. Others have used the brass too early to boost the chords and it ruins the emotional efficacy of this inspired work of minimalism. I've been trying in vain to find the original RPO recording but have been unsuccessful....There isn't another orchestration that can match David Bedford's original version. It annoys me that they should even try. Why change perfection - you don't see anyone re-orchestrating a Tchaikovsky symphony! RIP Mr Bedford. You were an underrated genius.
Agreed in all regards. This performance is indelible. I've heard other renderings by other clearly masterful orchestras, but this one is immediately recognizable. What an inexplicable joy it must've been to be in the Royal Albert that night. I was three, & didn't have a passport.
Sir, thank you so much for posting this; Listening twas beyond pleasure.
One finds the orchestral version to be more evocative than the original. A much more emotional, visceral even, experience...
Now I shall have to go out tommorrow and replace the albums that have long since been lost.
It's been great to see all this. Thank you.
Nice..... clean and precise....
Wow! Fantastic! If this very moving piece of music was written by someone famous like Beethoven it would be known and loved worldwide. Yes I know the first 3 minutes of Tubular Bells (the fusion-rock studio version) is known worldwide due to the fact it was used in the movie "The Exorcist." But this symphonic version is simply superior in all aspects. However, I still love the original. One more thing, I must commend the audience for being so quiet, especially at the beautiful ending.
Sadly, we only recorded Part 1 of Hergest Ridge and Part 1 of Tubular Bells, to make a 60-minute programme for BBC-2.
But, then, where does your video of Steve Hillage solo come from? That is fom TB Part 2...
Thank you for this much! XX
Yes, I've already told BBC Four that they should broadcast the two Orchestral Oldfield programmes next Feb, which will be the 50th anniversary of those Bells!
This deserves more views - better than the original 'Tubular Bells'!
Just love the shimmering strings shots thru to individual instruments. Get a repeat on bbc4 before it goes. Please
Thanks for sharing
Bliss. (that is all)
I think the video of this made a big mistake doing the little "portholes" of each instrument. Far better to zoom in and keep the context of the surrounding orchestra
What a shame you messed up the sound synchronisation.
Would have been even better with a speaker with an English accent to announce each instrument's entry, like the late, great Vivian Stanshall on the original.
Or the late, great Alan Rickman
Where's Steve Hillage?
Too fast....speed down man!!