What do Remo Giazotto, The Doors and Lara Fabian have in common?

“Adagio”: The multiple lives of a one-hit wonder (Plus a note on writer’s block)

For the past several weeks, I have been going through my first bout of writer’s block since starting this column. From what I know of this affliction, it is supposed to come on without warning, and to have no clear explanation, and, like hiccups, no agreed-upon solution.

In my case, it is true that it came on without warning; but it is not true that I have no explanation.

I will devote another column to delving into what happened. For now, let’s just say that it was brought on, not by struggles or doubts, but by a sequence of highlights, things that should have gotten me even more excited about writing. Yet I found myself lost for words.

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for those of you out there who actually noticed I haven’t been posting, and asked about it. You were kind enough to ask if I was ok. Yes, I am ok, just a bit surprised and confused by my state of mind. Thank you again for caring!

To break through, I’m trying an incremental approach. I have gone back into the archives to look for a topic that warranted updating or rewriting. Two of my favorite topics are classical music and one-hit wonders. So this column is about a classical one-hit wonder that has gained many new lives through reinterpretation. It is based on an old column from three years ago, with some new material added and old material polished up. I hope you find it fun!

Giazotto/Albinoni: “Adagio in G Minor” (Hauser with Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, 2017)

The “Adagio in G minor” is by far Tomaso Albinoni’s best-known work. It is generally considered one of the iconic “one-hit” wonders of classical music, alongside Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”. The irony is that there is no evidence that Albinoni actually wrote it. He composed a large body of work, but most of it was lost to fires and neglect.

Almost 300 years after his death, a musicologist named Remo Giazotto organized what remained of Albinoni’s sheet music, and even wrote a biography of the composer. The strange part of this story is that Giazotto is also believed to have composed the “Adagio”. He attributed the core theme to Albinoni, possibly as a hoax (?!)

The Adagio has been covered hundreds of times, adapted to movie soundtracks, used in commercials, and mashed up with just about every genre of music you can think of. I wanted to start off with something close to the sonic qualities and spirit of the original.

I picked a transcription for solo cello. Hauser is one of the leading showmen in virtuoso classical music today. The conductor is Elisabeth Fuchs, making a guest appearance. In her day job she is principal conductor of the Philharmonie Salzburg.

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“The Severed Garden” (The Doors, 1978)

This is a free verse poem by Jim Morrison (d. 1971), set to the “Adagio”, played by the Doors.  It  was released on their final album, “American Prayer.”   It is seen by some as Morrison having written his own epitaph.

“Adagio in G Minor” — Trance remix (Rad-Man)

It was inevitable that the Adagio would find itself into dance mixes, house, electronica and more. What I find fascinating about this version is that it proves the power of great composition.

Think of the Taj Mahal. It is a building so perfectly designed that it looks good from any angle. The Adagio is a musical equivalent — even if you are not into electronica or trance, it’s hard not to get swept up in this.

The Rad Man is an English DJ and electronica composer who has done covers of dozens of famous classical music pieces. This is one of my favorites.

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“Adagio in G Minor” (Syu (Galneryus))

Galneryus are one of Japan’s leading progressive metal bands, known for their complex, soaring songwriting and instrumental virtuosity. The linchpin of that virtuosity is their lead guitarist, Syu.

Here, he shows that greatness on guitar is not just about shredding. He turns in a penetrating and soulful rendition of the “Adagio” on electric guitar.

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Lara Fabian: “Adagio” (1999; Lyrics written by Lara Fabian, Rick Allison, Dave Pickell; Original music written by Remo Giazotto, attributed to Tomaso Albinoni)

It is unfortunate that Lara Fabian is not better known in the U.S. I think she is one of the most emotionally expressive vocalists who ever graced our planet. She sings in a similar range to other major pop and soul divas, but her voice has a dark, haunting quality most of them would kill for. (In opera, this quality is referred to as “cover”.) She is also capable of producing polyphonic overtones, as you will clearly hear at 2:10 of the clip below.

Here she has reworked an already sublime composition, added lyrics, and turned it into a torch song. Words are inadequate, so just hit play:

Postscript: Fabian and Hauser recently teamed up to perform this as a duet. It’s worth looking for (just check out Hauser’s youtube channel).

What did you think? Do you have a favorite from among these wildly different interpretations? Do you have your own favorites not on this list? Where is the strangest place you’ve heard this composition used? Let us know in the comments!