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I'm posting on a Sunday since that's the day of the week June 1st falls on and if it's the first of the month then it's time for another Battle of the Bands. If you're new to the BOTB concept, this is the twice monthly event put together by the friendly bloggers at Far Away Series and Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends. Be sure to visit their blogs after you've finished with mine and also check out some of the other bloggers who might be participating listed at the bottom of this post.
For those who are new to BOTB, here's how it works: I offer you some clips of what is essentially the same song done in different versions. You listen for as long as you can stand it and then vote on the version you like the best. Though the three versions I'm presenting here are very different, they are all very worthy competitors that some may find difficult to choose between. Be sure to tell us in the comments why you picked the one you did. After the clips I'm also going to be asking you some questions that will help me with some research for an upcoming blog series.
So, let's start with the clips:
Alexander Borodin "String Quartet #2 in D, 3rd Movement" (composed 1881)
Today's song starts with a movement from a string quartet. This is where the song begins, so I'm putting this source material in the competition. This is also an integral part of my research so I hope you'll give this at least a few minutes listen. To me this is some of the most beautiful music ever composed. In fact I challenge you to come up with a piece of music written in the last 75 years that is more beautiful than this. There is no rock, jazz, or any other modern genre of music that is as exquisite as this 3rd movement of the Borodin Second String Quartet. Listen and see if you agree.
Video No Longer Available
Julie Andrews "And This Is My Beloved" (1977)
The award-winning musical Kismet first appeared on Broadway in 1953. The story was based on a 1911 play and the music was adapted from the works of Alexander Borodin. The song "And This Is My Beloved" comes from the melody line of the 3rd movement of the Second String Quartet with lyrics added by Robert Wright and George Forrest. This song has been recorded by many artists over the years. I think this sweeping lush version by Julie Andrews is incredibly moving--it gives me chills when I listen to it. How do you respond to this piece of music?
Gloria Lynne "And This Is My Beloved" (1962)
I can imagine that at least a few of you will not get into the previous versions so I've included a more upbeat take on this tune. Jazz artist Gloria Lynne puts some swing into this classic song. If you don't like this jazzy take, well, I've got to know why.
Please Vote and Answer a Few Questions
1) Tell us your favorite version and why.
2) If you couldn't finish because of the music, what didn't you like about the music?
3) Do you enjoy listening to classical music? Why or why not?
4) What is your favorite style of music? Why?
I've got an upcoming series about why people have certain preferences. I hope you'll help me by answering these questions.
Here are some other bloggers who may or may not be participating in the Battle of the Bands. Please visit their sites to vote on their battles (I don't think any of them are doing any research):
Faraway Series
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Your Daily Dose
DiscConnected
