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Bach or Procol Harum

musicalis

musicalis

Member
Many people think that "A whiter shade of pale" comes from a music of J-S BACH. They are wrong or tell me which music it is.
"A whiter shade of pale" is a wonderful music, and I am sure J-S B would have enjoyed writing it.
May be his version would have some counterpoint. So I have imagined what this nice song could be if rewritten in baroque style. To get the very particular Hammond organ sound, I play the melody in the bass keys of Great with flutes 4', 2' and a fifth 1-1/3.
Please listen and make some comments.


bach_vs_procol.jpg
 
wljmrbill

wljmrbill

Member
Very Well Done... and yes I can hear Bach within. A great arrangement of this Beautiful peace. Like your registration also. Thanks again....
 
Art Rock

Art Rock

Sr. Regulator
Staff member
Sr. Regulator
Lovely arrangement. Really enjoyed it.

This is what I wrote about the song in my overview of favourite songs:

One of those songs everyone knows. Also one of those songs where the most outrageous wrong claims circulate on the internet. I wish I would get a euro for every time I have seen someone claim that this is a cover of Bach's Air. It is not, as a simple side-by-side comparison will show to anyone who has ears. The melody and the harmonies are akin to Bach though , and actually Bach's Sleepers awake would be a stronger case to claim as an inspiration source. A world wide number one, and deservedly so.
 

Flute'n'Pedal

New member
There have been so many funerals for which I've been requested to play "A Whiter Shade." Now you've given us a decent organ version, and I'll be playing it with pride.
 
Dorsetmike

Dorsetmike

Member
Gets my vote too.

Two other pieces spring to mind as possibly suiting similar treatment, My Funny Valentine and What's New, (the latter treated á la Passacaglia, BWV 582?).
 
wljmrbill

wljmrbill

Member
I think she is referring to the medlodic line.. which I can also hear a relationship to " Air on a G string " too. ALso the pedal part if : d=quarter note, rest eigth, c-b eighths ..etc pattern in the Air( just a sililarity that I can hear too. )
 
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Marc

Marc

New member
Those guys knew their Bach.

There certainly is some 'Air' (BWV 1068) in Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade of Pale.

And maybe the Harum also stands with one foot in the grave: Sinfonia from BWV 156 Ich steh' mit einem Fuß im Grabe (AKA 2nd movement of Concerto in f minor BWV 1056).

But of course, after all that misery, the Harum will arise again: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 140, AKA BWV 645).
 

QFE

New member
Musicalis,

Most excellent arrangment. I'd love to play it at a recital, but after a quick search I couldn't find it on your site. Could you post a link?

Cheers
 
musicalis

musicalis

Member
This arrangement is not on my site because it is too recent and I cannot publish without Mr Fisher's and G. Brooker's authorization . It is not easy to find their e-mail.
On the other hand, I can give you the score. In exchange, I wish to receive an audio recording or video of this part of your recital. Communicate me your e-mail address.
J-Paul
 
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