Deep Purple: Concerto for Group and Orchestra (2-CD Set) [Import, Live, Original recording remastered]

Deep Purple | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 7, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import, Live, Original recording remastered
• Label: EMI Import
• ASIN: B00006F2WY
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,273 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #20 in Music > Imports > Classic Rock
  • #23 in Music > Imports > Hard Rock & Metal
  • #62 in Music > Imports > Rock

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Intro

2. Hush

3. Wring That Neck

4. Child In Time

Disc: 2

1. First Movement: Moderato - Allegro

2. Second Movement: Andante

3. Third Movement: Vivace - Presto

4. Encore: Third Movement: Vivace - Presto (Part)

Editorial Reviews

2002 reissue of 1969 recording live at London's Royal Albert Hall. This newly mixed pressing brings that evening to life like never before. Here though, for your pleasure, is the original performance of the Concerto along with Deep Purple's three song set also recorded that night and the encore of the Concerto's Third Movement, released for the very first time. Harvest.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Why is this Version Cut? June 13, 2004

By J. L. Garwood MD

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

One of the more frustrating things about "remasters" is that sometimes they are "re-edits". While this release gives us one more track in the pre-concerto performance ("Hush"), as well as the previously unreleased encore, the editors of this CD have cut more than 2 minutes from the third movement of the concerto!!

While this cut was mainly from the lengthy drum solo, there was certainly enough room on the disc for the full version.

The now out of print import CD has the complete version and sounds equally as good as the remaster.

This "remaster" smacks of revisionist history. For shame!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Way back when rock music was still progressing! January 22, 2003

By John

Format:Audio CD

This was back when rock music was still progressing. The strength of an orchestra working with the power of a rock band. Deep Purple were the first band to integrate rock music with classical. The idea came from Jon Lord, Deep Purple's keyboardist.
The band have the muscle to avoid being buried by orchestration, yet manage to join forces with the orchestra. The outcome is a magnificent union that will delight those who care at all about music.
This set was recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall in London on September 24th, 1969 and was divided into three movements:
1st Movement: Allegretto.
2nd Movement: Allegro with lyrics by lead singer Ian Gillan.
3rd Movement: . Vivace presto which integrates a solo for Ian Paice on drums.
For only having two complete rehearsals, the outcome is absolutely amazing.

(Important note) Make sure to get the current release (import only, as of early 2003) which has been completely re-mixed to sound 100% better than the old CD and/or LP, it also includes a nice big booklet full of pictures and if that's not enough for you, a great bonus disc of the band performing a three song set before the Concerto.

Track 1: Hush - Perhaps a better version than the one we always hear on the radio, with Ian Gillan's incredible vocal delivery. Sounding almost like early Elvis at times.
Track 2: Wring that Neck - A smoking instrumental with room to play for guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and keyboardist Jon Lord. I must also mention the solid rhythm section of Roger Glover on bass and Ian Paice on drums, they just drive this piece along. Nice.
Track 3: Child In Time - The band were just about to record this "soon to be classic" for the upcoming album "In Rock". It might be one of the finest live version they ever did.
It's so new to them that they play it incredibly tight, and Gillan keeps his famous screams slightly off the mic, so not to scare the classical side of the crowd, but it makes for a great reverb sound. Those three tracks give you about half an hour of warm up. The audience sounds like they enjoyed the opening set. Fabulous!
The Concerto for Group and Orchestra was and is an excellent idea from JON LORD, he is a true hero. Thanks Jon.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars.... This Album Exposed Me To Classical Music April 28, 2004

By Paul Allaer TOP 100 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

My oldest sister got the original vinyl album. I was intruiged by the cover (a glorious color photo of an empty Royal Albert Hall) and inside picture (a grainy black and white picture of Deep Purple surrounded by the orchestra in front of an overflowing Albert Hall). When I heard the album, I couldn't quite believe my ears. Here's the orchestra creating beautful sounds, there comes the band crashing in with heavy metal! And it all somehow hangs together!

Recorded 35 years ago, two-thirds of that magical evening is now avaible (still missing: the opener Sixth Symphony of conductor and composer Malcolm Arnold). After the opening symphony, Deep Purple then came on for a short 3 song set (which was not featured on the vinyl album, but is included on the CD reissue). That set is incredible: Hush, the instrumental Wreck That Neck, and the then-still unreleased, unrecorded and unknown Child in Time (explaining why there was no reaction from the crowd when Ian Gillan announces the song).

Last but not least comes the Jon Lord-composed "Concerto for Group and Orchestra". The 1st Movement is still my favorite, because it takes it time setting the table and then magically making the way for an instrumental hard rocking jam by the band, with a blazing solo by Ritchie Blackmore. The 2nd Movement is my least fave of the three, as it is too timid (and reminding me at one point of the Moody Blues, argh!!). The 3rd Movement however is explosive, and includes an amazing drum solo by Ian Paice, only to then go to an incredible explosive final of band and orchstra. Wow!

A year after this album Deep Purple started its string of now-classic albums "In Rock", "Fireball" and "Machine Head". However, the "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" album is just as adventurous in its own right. I "borrowed" the album from my sister, and sure am glad to have it on CD now. Buy it, you won't be disappointed!