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Track Listings
| 1. Part I |
| 2. Part II a |
| 3. Part II b |
| 4. Part II c |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
A musical chameleon, pianist Keith Jarrett was at his finest when he recorded these sustained solo improvisations in a German concert hall in 1975, the first lasting 26 minutes, the second 40. Melodies and rhythmic figures arise fluidly from his fingers as he moves from one idea to another, while his strong left hand is often used for repeated motifs that generate a rolling hypnotic power. This couples with strongly consonant harmonies to impart the flavour of gospel music at times, dance music and Debussy at others. Above all, it's Jarrett's ability to knit all of his moods and wanderings into an almost seamless tapestry of warm and tuneful ideas that gives this music its enduring appeal. --Stuart Broomer
CD Description
Albums that sell vast quantities are not always to be recommended. This exceptional example of solo piano is the biggest selling record in the 25 year history of the pioneering jazz label ECM. It is an almost perfect recording of the art of piano dynamics, full of emotion, and throughout the hour or so duration the listener is never bored. Jarrett has repeated his concerts of improvisation hundreds of times, many have been recorded, and presumably, many routes of his spontaneity have led to blind alleys of jazz doodling. This is the best recorded example of the art, unlikely to be bettered.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
47 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I first heard this music in 1974, at a friend's house. I bought the two-disc LP right away. The first five notes blew me away, with their utter simplicity. What Jarret builds up from them is absolutely astonishing. It's not "classical"; it's not "jazz"; it's not "fusion"; it's not "New Age". It's something so completely UNLIKE any other piano music that I have ever heard, that it transcends description. Its melodic structure plays on the outer edges of consciousness. It's as though you never heard a piano before. It's so unlike most piano music that one expects the author to be an alien from outer space.
Jarrett "plays" the piano on this recording with an intensity and originality that defies description.
BUY IT!
Jarrett "plays" the piano on this recording with an intensity and originality that defies description.
BUY IT!
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
One cannot express in words the beauty of this music. It is utterly raw, coming straight from the heart, a work of sheer genius. Whilst many pieces of so-called piano jazz easily lend themselves to the background of an occasion, the Koln Concert demands constant attention; with all of its changes in tempo, key, style and melody, the listener is enticed into the music, eagerly awaiting the next delicate keystrokes. Indeed, rather than being required to glean the often precious-few moments of brilliance from much music, with Keith Jarrett at the piano, the listener finds these instances thrust upon them every few seconds!
If you concentrate on the music for just a minute, you will find melodies which would ordinarily be the core of a piece, but which in this situation are simply played fleetingly, only to be replaced by yet another gorgeous tune.
I highly recommend this music to absolutely anyone; you do not have to be a jazz-lover to appreciate it! Even if you have never listened to this genre before (I am still unsure as to what "this genre" actually is!!), I sincerely appeal to you to give it a go! I promise you won't be disappointed!
If you do decide to purchase this album, and enjoy it anywhere near as much as I have, may I also recommend the Sun Bear Concerts, the Paris Concert, and Live at Carnegie Hall for more of the same! Jarrett has also played in a jazz trio, with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette, and their music is also excellent. Other jazz pianists who I have found to have a similar touch include; Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans and Michael Wollny, although their music tends not to be improvised.
Happy listening!
If you concentrate on the music for just a minute, you will find melodies which would ordinarily be the core of a piece, but which in this situation are simply played fleetingly, only to be replaced by yet another gorgeous tune.
I highly recommend this music to absolutely anyone; you do not have to be a jazz-lover to appreciate it! Even if you have never listened to this genre before (I am still unsure as to what "this genre" actually is!!), I sincerely appeal to you to give it a go! I promise you won't be disappointed!
If you do decide to purchase this album, and enjoy it anywhere near as much as I have, may I also recommend the Sun Bear Concerts, the Paris Concert, and Live at Carnegie Hall for more of the same! Jarrett has also played in a jazz trio, with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette, and their music is also excellent. Other jazz pianists who I have found to have a similar touch include; Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans and Michael Wollny, although their music tends not to be improvised.
Happy listening!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Many years since I fell in love with this, still has its magic touch. Almost classical in style but with the undercurrent of 20th Century modern jazz that carries you along on the beauty of good music of all types, Mozart or Jarrett. Every music-lover should have it in their collection.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Top notch
This is by far the best piano album by any living pianist!!
Apart from the sadly deceased Michel Petrucciani there is nobody in this class! Read more
Apart from the sadly deceased Michel Petrucciani there is nobody in this class! Read more
Published 17 days ago by Robert F. Laarman
The Koln Concert by Keith Jarrett.
This was bought as a present for a friend, who pronounced it a hit (but there again, he would, wouldn't he? lol)
Published 1 month ago by Michael Haller
the days of wow and flutter
The Concert itself will be a matter of taste, I would not try to sell you it or waste another 400 words on meaningless adjectives about it. Read more
Published 3 months ago by carbon
Keith Jarrett: The Koln Concert
After hearing a radio programme on the events leading up to this concert - the timing of the event between operatic performances,the wrong piano tuned just before Jarrett arrived... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ms A. C. Wright
Piano Man
What a great recording and all impromtu, have it in the car at all times, and on my pc, just plays in the background, so easy to listen to.
Published 4 months ago by Molly the dog
The Koln Concert - Keith Jarrett - utter inimitable genius
A friend of mine BEGGED me to listen to this! Give it a chance he said, be patient, let it grow on you! Never have I been so thankful for that advice. Read more
Published 7 months ago by David G Parr
Utter Beauty
I'm seldom given to hyperbole but this is truly the most beautiful music I've ever heard. The first movement left me breathless with admiration, the last almost moved me to tears. Read more
Published 7 months ago by A. C. White
A masterpiece
If you know a little of the events leading up to this live performance, you will be truly amazed by Keith Jarrett's virtuosity and skill. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mark Eidem
Fantastic
I heard the story of this concert on radio 4 . the album music makes my skin tingle . Amazing
Published 12 months ago by alison
Amazing Koln Concert
I have only recntly discovered this recording and am amazed that it took me so long- what have I been doing since 1974 and how did this miss me. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Blind Panic Jones
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