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“Apocalypse” (1974)
Work suggested by ... Sir George Martin
Composer ... Mahavishnu Orchestra
“The Mahavishnu Orchestra's Apocalypse
is a fantastic, jazz-influenced, symphonic
work.”
First performed during its recording at Air Studios, London, in March 1974, Apocalypse, by composer John McLaughlin's groundbreaking Mahavishnu Orchestra, featured renowned electric-violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, electric bassist Ralphe Armstrong, pianist Gayle Moran, and drummer Narada Michael Walden, as well as McLaughlin himself on guitar, in a landmark musical event accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of American conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.
Considered as one of the most pioneering, contemporary rock groups of its generation, the Mahavishnu Orchestra was formed by jazz-guitarist McLaughlin in 1971, and quickly became a model for combining virtuoso improvisation, complex rhythmic influences of jazz, and the mantra-like lyricism of traditional, sacred music of India. Composed shortly after his becoming a disciple of the guru Sri Chinmoy the previous year, and as McLaughlin's first, large-scale, orchestral work, Apocalypse successfully integrates ensemble and orchestral forms including powerful guitar sections, soaring violin passages, and ethereal vocal performances.
When once discussing his ability to merge the worlds of jazz and traditional Indian influence into both his ensemble and
classical works, McLaughlin stated "I'm involved in the Indian culture, I was a disciple of Sri Chinmoy for five years . . .
without India I wouldn't be who I am today. But I'm also a jazz musician." Ten-years following the wide, international
success of Apocalypse, and with the Mahavishnu Orchestra officially disbanded, McLaughlin would also be commissioned to
compose the first of what are now his two concertos for guitar and orchestra. Commissioned in 1985 by Ernest Fleishman,
executive director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, McLaughlin's concerto for guitar and orchestra, The Mediterranean,
was premiered in November 1985, in Los Angeles, with the composer as featured soloist. Following subsequent performances
throughout the world, it would also later be recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, in 1988.
When discussing the distinction between his 1985 concerto and his orchestral work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, McLaughlin stated "This project, however adventurous it may have seemed, still allowed me to play in the familiar context of a group surrounded by a symphony orchestra. In sharp contrast to Apocalypse, The Mediterranean is for solo guitar and symphony orchestra." His second concerto, Europa, was commissioned by the eighty-five-piece Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, in Cologne, followed by a successful tour throughout Europe, and was later re-orchestrated in 1991 for a series of concerts with the renowned Orchestra de Paris.
About Mahavishnu Orchestra (founder, John McLaughlin):
(b Kirk Sandall, England, 4 Jan 1942). English guitarist, composer, and bandleader. Mahavishnu Orchestra founder John McLaughlin began his musical life studying classical piano and violin, eventually turning to guitar at age eleven. Following early influences such as renowned, Belgian, jazz-guitarist Django Reinhardt, McLaughlin was active in the 1960s London music scene before forming an association with legendary trumpet-player Miles Davis in 1969, and later founding the Mahavishnu Orchestra in 1970.
About Sir George Martin:
(b London, 3 Jan 1926). English record producer and composer. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1996, Sir George Martin began his musical life studying oboe and composition before joining the Parlophone record label in London. After securing a recording contract with the Beatles in 1962, he left Parlophone in 1965 to become one of the first independent record producers, and has gone on to immeasurably influence the world of popular music.
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