A little classical learning
Six who chose to go popular
As a student of Berio and an acolyte of Stockhausen, Einaudi learned his craft from the very heart of the classical music world before deciding to turn his thoughts in a more populist direction. He is in good company in that respect.
Jon Lord, co-founder of heavy rock band Deep Purple, initially studied classical piano, and with Concerto for Group and Orchestra he began a fruitful relationship with Malcolm Arnold. Another highly talented classical pianist was a certain Reginald Dwight, who regularly skipped lessons at London’s Royal Academy of Music but still passed his exams (though he also skipped his finals). As Elton John, he would emerge as one of rock’s most successful pianists. At the Royal College of Music, meanwhile, Rick Wakeman, future keyboard player of Yes, was taking a similarly relaxed approach to his studies.
In the wider world of song-writing, Burt Bacharach (below), composer of such hit songs as ‘Walk On By’, ‘Alfie’ and ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’, studied under Darius Milhaud, whom he often cited as an important mentor; Quincy Jones studied in Paris under both
Nadia Boulanger and Messiaen; and Vernon Duke, composer of the Broadway hit ‘April in Paris’, started life as Vladimir Dukelsky and studied composition under Glière.