The Orchestral Tubular Bells

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Contents 1 Origins 2 Differences to the studio album 3 Other Versions 4 Reactions 5 Sources

[edit] Origins

The Orchestral Tubular Bells is an orchestral version of Mike Oldfield's album Tubular Bells, arranged by David Bedford and recorded in 1974 by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Oldfield himself playing the guitar. (In contrast, Tubular Bells 2003 is a complete revision of Tubular Bells, due to Oldfield's dissatisfaction with its quality after 30 years.)

[edit] Differences to the studio album

Vocal chords were completely done without; this is why we do not have the 'Master of Ceremonies' nor the 'moribund chorus' featured in both Tubular Bells and Tubular Bells II. However, the melodies are the same, only as it were transferred to different instruments.

[edit] Other Versions

There are other versions of Tubular Bells. There is a version completely played by guitars (by 'Duo Sonare'; album: Duo Sonare plays Mike Oldfield) and the above-mentioned Tubular Bells 2003.

[edit] Reactions

The Orchestral Tubular Bells seems to meet divided opinions. Opponents argue that no orchestra can match the sound created by Oldfield and that the famous beginning (as it is to be heard in the movie The Exorcist) doesn't work with strings. The ending of Part 2 with Oldfield showing his ability to play the guitar unimaginably fast, is far less impressive in this version. Their result: superfluous and irrelevant.
Those enchanted by this version refer to the fact that the orchestra is able to play the music 'at once', whereas Oldfield recorded it layer by layer – the orchestral version, therefore, seems more logical and rounder. They further argue that the omission of the 'moribund chorus' enhances the experience of Part 2 – so that even fans of classical music are attracted. Their result: no replacement for Tubular Bells but a well-done complementation or a logical next step.

[edit] Sources

http://tubular.net/articles/75_01.shtml