Why Jon Lord of Deep Purple is Underrated as a Classical Composer

Introduction

Jon Lord, the legendary rock organist and founding member of Deep Purple, is often underrated as a classical composer. While he made his mark in the rock world with groundbreaking works like “Lazy,” his contributions to the classical domain have received less attention. This article explores the reasons behind this oversight and discusses how Jon's legacy in classical music could evolve in the future.

Why Classical Recognition Falls Short

There are several factors contributing to the underappreciation of Jon Lord's classical efforts. Firstly, the sheer volume of his rock music makes it difficult for audiences to recognize his classical works. Beyond that, his classical output, particularly between 1969 and 1974, was often seen as compromised by its rock elements, alienating both purists and some rock fans.

Lord dedicated significant time during the late 2000s and early 2010s to more traditional orchestral compositions, such as the Durham Concerto and the studio version of the Concerto for Group and Orchestra. However, these works remain obscure, primarily due to the lack of widespread exposure. Concerts featuring Lord's orchestral works are rare, and the sheet music for his compositions was not readily available during his lifetime, limiting their accessibility.

Comparing Crossover and Classical Genres

Jon Lord is part of a trend in music known as crossover, a term describing the blending of genres, particularly between classical and rock. Composers like Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney, and Lord himself, who have established fame in the rock world, make the transition to classical forms. However, this shift often comes at the risk of facing scrutiny from both rock and classical communities, especially without prior classical training.

Rock opera, which shares characteristics with crossover and is recognized by both communities as a distinct genre, is an exception to this trend. Polystylism, another genre that involves boundary-shifting, is also differentiated from crossover, adding complexity to the discussion.

Perception and Legacy

Jonathan Peter Lord, or Jon Lord, as he is known more popularly, has a legacy deeply rooted in rock music. His name is less charismatic to classical music aficionados compared to names like Paul McCartney or Elvis Costello, who have already achieved significant recognition in the classical world. Translating this recognition into the classical domain is a challenging task.

Lord's efforts to straddle both rock and classical music faced skepticism, especially from purists. His works were often dismissed as part of the 1970s excesses, and some critics questioned whether these compositions truly belonged in the classical realm. Success in this genre requires evidence of merit, which is difficult to provide without prior exposure to classical forms.

The Future of Jon Lord's Legacy

Despite these challenges, there is potential for Jon Lord's classical works to gain traction in coming decades. His music is gradually becoming more accessible, partly due to contributions from Paul Mann, who has been publishing the sheet music for Lord's orchestral works. As more people explore classical music, some may discover the depth and beauty in Lord's compositions.

The evolving nature of music genres and the fractal organization of music stores (with tracks like Tubular Bells found in various bins) highlight the fluidity of genre boundaries. With time, the recognition and appreciation of Jon Lord's classical works may grow, paving the way for a new understanding of his multifaceted legacy.