Just one more post before leaving…
Last night was one of the most enjoyable evenings in recent memory. Music legend Elvis Costello joined the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for a unique evening of orchestral music, including extracts from his first full scale classical work, Il Sogno. I’m certain that for most rational people, crossbreeding rock with classical music must seem like the ultimate bastardization, but then few artists have Costello’s artistic intelligence and uncanny ability to create music that sounds exciting and new.
After intermission the crowd’s excitement grew as Costello and long-time keyboardist Steve Nieve performed a few favorites from a long and illustrious repertoire. I especially liked his jazzy rendition of Watching the Detectives, definitely one of the highlights. Other favorties included—Veronica, Allison, Accidents Will Happen, Shipbuilding, She and God Give Me Strength. If you get the chance to see Costello perform his first full scale classical piece, book yourself a ticket. It really is a concert not to be missed.
16 Comments
Sounds like an awesome concert. I love Elvis, lucky you. Glad you had a good time.
love him and those glasses really are so “geeky” great!
Sounds like a perfect night.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I am delighted to have found you. By the way, I think your selections for your dream cellar (from your list of things you’d do if you were a billionaire) is excellent. You have great taste!
We saw him at Carnegie Hall in NY doing the same sort of concert. It was amazing.
What a marvelous concert that must of been! The man is truly a genius! I’m jealous!!
omg – take me back! I saw him on his first tour of the US – with Steve N. I had a t shirt made with his picture screened on it. hahaha I also had a t shirt made with LOWE on it – NIck Lowe = I think they toured together. omg – I was such a huge fan for so long. I wish I was there with you!!!!
I love Elvis and have seen him in concert twice. So fun!
I was there. He didn’t play anything from Il Sogno jumping straight in to his songs, and Steve Nieve was on stage through the first half – so I’m wondering – when did you actually arrive?
The extract that I was referring to was the Overture at the very beginning (though very brief). My reference to Steve Nieve was not intended to imply that he was not present during the first half, just that the excitement seem to grow after the interval.
Isn’t it funny how differently 2 people can interpret the same event?! I love the heartfelt writing of your post and truly felt as though I was sitting next to you listening for myself. I’d love to see him in person in this context!
Isn’t? I was a great concert!! I am in Houston for the summer, we must get together.
How lucky are you and what a gorgeous setting.
You’ve gotta love the King Rat. His music has really stood the test of time. Sounds like a wonderful evening.
You’re so right – he is a genius, and one of my favorite all-time concerts. I’ll have to watch out for this one.
-Lana
Have loved Elvis Costello since dirt was in diapers….still do. So lucky to have seen him with the Royal Scottish Orchestra! I have a recording of theirs doing Highland Cathedral, I think.
I love his wife as well!