ELP's Keith Emerson Dies!

Posted by $ Thoritsu 9 years, 2 months ago to Entertainment
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Not relevant to Objectivism, but leader of my favorite band. Absolutely ground breaking use of keyboards, synthesizers and virtuosity. Combined lovely, big classical themes and pieces with a rock twist. Musically (not politically) progressive.
He used to kit the keys of hit Hammond Organ so fast it made a percussive sound, and the organ maker asked him to stop because they didn't want people associating that sound with Hammonds.
Tarkus and Trilogy were just fabulous. Best version of American composer, Arron Copeland's, Fanfare for the Common Man.

Fame and fortune are great. Less fame and fortune can be devastating!


All Comments

  • Posted by BradA 9 years, 1 month ago
    ELP was also my favorite band growing up. I've mentioned them before in this forum.
    From a post I made here a while back ...
    When Rand talked about Halley's missing 5th Concerto, I have always imagined it to be Keith Emerson's Piano Concerto No. 1 (from ELP's Works Vol 1.). There is a simple, up lifting melody that winds its way through the piece that is mostly carried by individual instruments which to me reinforced the importance of an individual's achievement against the backdrop of a supporting orchestra. This melody is then dropped into chaotic and dischordant movements, against which it fights and struggles until finally emerging as the dominant and heroic theme.
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  • Posted by MikeWi 9 years, 1 month ago
    I'm glad to see Keith Emerson's passing being acknowledged on an Objectivist site. He was an outstanding musician, showman and composer. I consider his Piano Concerto No.1 (from ELP's 'Works Volume 1' album) to be his masterpiece-particularly its first movement. As for ELP, I think 'Brain Salad Surgery' is their album most worthy of mention: an absolute masterpiece of Progressive Rock, and my third favorite album after Yes' 'Close to the Edge' and Genesis 'Selling England by the Pound.'
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  • Posted by gcarl615 9 years, 1 month ago
    Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends. Come inside, Come inside. RIP Keith.
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  • Posted by Flootus5 9 years, 1 month ago
    I was a diehard ELP fan back in High School in the heyday. I even mentioned them in my personal statement in the graduating yearbook.

    Tarkus is incredible.

    Apparently he was suffering from a degenerative nerve condition in one hand. Watch Live in Moscow with Marc Bonilla. You can see it.

    I can empathize with that circumstance. I had been playing guitar for 40 years when a herniated disc in the neck put an end to that for a year. The left hand lost much of its strength because of the nerve damage. However, fusing of 4 vertebrae by a talented neurosurgeon and about 95% of the use of the hand returned. But a year lost and somehow it just burned the creativity out of me. I can play, but just cannot seem to write anything new. Fortunately, it has not been my livelihood. It would be tough if it was. And for it to hit a major talent like that. Tough.
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  • Posted by Herb7734 9 years, 1 month ago
    Emerson was one of the few Rock and Rollers that I respect. A very talented musician. As a sidebar, the model Hammond organ that he used hasn't been made in 30 years. But every organ player would give his eyeteeth in order to get one. Today, they'll try to buy one for any price even if they do not work. They are almost as valuable as a spare parts unit. Many other organ manufacturers, notably Lowrey have tried to get the Hammond sound but are not quite successful. I know a fellow who bought a Hammond of the correct model at a junk sale and sold it literally for 100 times what he paid for it. Anyhow, may the ground lay softly upon the remains of Keith Emerson and all the amazing pleasure we have derived from his talent.
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  • Posted by $ jlc 9 years, 1 month ago
    Even I have some good memories of their work. I put Brahms on Hold and went to YouTube and listened to Fanfare as a tribute to Emerson.

    Jan
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  • Posted by $ 9 years, 1 month ago in reply to this comment.
    Perhaps to have had and lost is worse than never have had at all. At least in the subjective mind.
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  • Posted by johnpe1 9 years, 1 month ago
    my favorite song::: "Jerusalem" -- for the music!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN11b...

    my first wife and I went to see them in Little Rock
    in '72, a huge auditorium, a sell-out crowd, a thick
    "weed" smell in the air, thousands of Bic lighters
    held high ... and Keith's super-wide refrigerator-size
    synthesizer spewing fireworks ... they were good!

    Thanks, guys -- Carl Palmer, Greg Lake, and Keith! -- j
    .
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  • Posted by $ MichaelAarethun 9 years, 1 month ago
    Shame it was wasted on such an insultingly named piece of otherwise great music.
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  • Posted by Dobrien 9 years, 1 month ago in reply to this comment.
    I enjoyed his synthesized sound and style.
    Rick Wakeman was another great keyboard player!
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  • Posted by $ 9 years, 1 month ago in reply to this comment.
    Don't doubt Emerson had contrary political views either. I didn't listen to his music for political messages though, and he was a virtuoso!
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  • Posted by Dobrien 9 years, 1 month ago
    Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends......Sorry to hear of his passing. Last month it was Paul Kantner one of my favorite song writers
    allthough I hated his political views later in life.
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