Celebrating the Beatles

By | Mar 31, 2011
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Guest blogger Lisa Kehler is looking forward to Symphony Nova Scotia’s presentation of The Music of the Beatles this weekend. In this teaser, she explains why. Look for her review on Monday.

When I heard that the Symphony Nova Scotia was going to be tackling the music of the Beatles, I was pleased. First, because who doesn’t love hearing symphonic renditions of songs that have shaped the entire idea of music, and second, because it is Symphony Nova Scotia performing it. The line up for the night will include, “All You Need Is Love,” “Hey Jude,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “The Long and Winding Road,” “A Day in the Life” and of course, “Imagine.”

Growing up in the ‘80s, I was at the mercy of the music my parents chose, who shockingly, weren’t Beatles fans. I know. Mom was more of an Elvis-lady, and Dad more a Buddy Holly fan. And don’t get me wrong, I also adore the ‘50s and ‘60s juke-box top 40. However, my Beatles education came at a later age and of my own volition. As an avid (or more like voracious) music lover, I drank it in.

My taste for albums seemed to mature with each year; initially I was all about the pop sounds of songs like Penny Lane, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, and I Want to Hold Your Hand. As I got older, I started to appreciate the more psychedelic, instrumental and experimental work that prevailed in songs like “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “I Am the Walrus” and of course, “A Day in the Life.” My fascination with these kaleidoscopic melodies may have been due to my new appreciation of what they were most likely on when they wrote them, but it has been preserved by my complete appreciation of their unparalleled understanding of how to write music.

And isn’t that why our Symphony has chosen to pay tribute to them? If you can find a ticket (they’re hot commodities), do yourself a favour and join in celebrating one of the greatest bands of all time.

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