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In this episode, I'm returning to the music of Renaissance. I've had them on the brain ever since I secured tickets to see them on tour this coming fall. I first listen to the song without the score (like a normal reaction), then listen again while consulting the score. I hope you enjoy!

Unlisted Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/744010553/b71697dc6e

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A Song For All Seasons (Renaissance) - Behind the Score (Episode 26)

This is "A Song For All Seasons (Renaissance) - Behind the Score (Episode 26)" by Doug Helvering on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people...

Comments

Arrow2theACL

That was fun. First time I heard this I thought it was a lovely James Bond intro before Pedro presented this in Music Club. Fascinating arangement. Usually Orchestration is brought in to play around the main focus of the band. This peice blended so well together. Thank You Doug and Pedro.

Ron Swirson

Doug, I see how much you enjoyed this piece and it's one of my favorites of theirs as well. HOWEVER (yes this is a big however) the best song (s) on this record is the Opening Out Suit as I like to call it. It's the first 3 songs that go together and Annie's vocals in the middle section of the suit are among her best. The suit is powerful, soaring at times, and exquisite (also with orchestra). I know you get a lot of requests but if you are going to see them this is one you'll need to hear before attending the show. I hope that Annie has a good night because as with all singers who age the vocal cords can be more finicky or just not up to the quality they once were. I love that people like you and Megan are going to see many of these bands from the 70s (early 80s) that I love but I worry about how well they still perform live. I love Genesis but I chose not to go this tour because seeing Phil sit in a chair is something I personally would not want to see after seeing many shows of theirs and anticipating when Phil would hop back to the kit to do a drum duet with Chester Thompson...I just got a chill thinking about it. In any event, thanks for doing this and I do hope you get to hear the Opening Out Suit soon, keep up the great work! And all the best to you and Megan.

MrWondrous David Beckwith

I had most of their albums, and had them on heavy rotation. Like Dead Can Dance, they seem incapable of producing bad songs. Looking forward to this.. Gonna get prepared first. brb MrW This brings back memories of lying on the floor at my parents house, with the speakers pushed up to my head, listening to this beautiful classic. Great review!

Peter Tutak

Jon Camp - such an excellent bassist, and he fit so perfectly with this group. And that clanky Rickenbacker/Rotosound tone ! He plays so wonderfully on this.

Richard Moore

I love this song but I'm still hoping for Ashes Are Burning to come up soon.

Martin Broten

Really well done, Doug. I love Renaissance and Annie. I'd be interested to hear your take on the live Carnegie Hall version of "Ashes Are Burning". Annie is just astounding on that one.

Pedro E Briceno

I want to send a *Special Thanks* to Kevin! who provided the score to me.

Anonymous

Many thanks to you Pedro for suggested this wonderful song to the Doug’s expert analysis. Together, you've make my day..

Anonymous

This was their last truly great album, in part because of the orchestra. Absolutely brilliant and very accessible! Annie's a wonderful painter, too. :)

Pedro E Briceno

This whole album is great, and I agree with you the first three songs are simply fantastic. A Song For All Seasons (the song) was my introduction to Renaissance and holds a HUGE place in my heart. Maybe Doug could do the whole first side of the record. BTW the only other score I have is for Day of the Dreamer -

Anonymous

A fantastic musician who played bass as a lead instrument

Anonymous

Don’t forget to take a listen to Mother Russia. Enchanted voice of Annie, wonderful melody, great orchestral arrangements. A real masterpiece.

Richard Moore

I think there are better live versions, for example the Tower Theater (Philadelphia) version on one of the bonus discs of the Esoteric reissue of Song for All Seasons. I haven't seen that one on YouTube, though, but another great performance is here: https://youtu.be/v4VDwWVrHn4

Dave Cohen

Doug, if you want to hear "multiple Annies" check out her solo album, Annie in Wonderland, particularly the track "Rockalise", which Annie referred to in her interview with you.

Gerard Dion

Thank you for featuring this wonderful piece, Doug! I’ve always considered Renaissance to be the most under appreciated band in prog rock. I just wish I had a chance to see them in their heyday.