Title:
The Beatles
Word Count:
517
Summary:
The music of The Beatles
The Beatles had a relatively short career by the standards of many of the bands of the era, many of which
survive today. But in their decade of prominence their music followed an identifiable path that took in
mainstream pop, psychedelia and some quite challenging arrangements. Analyzing sheet music of the
Beatles reveals that even their early music, a blend of skiffle and rock ’n’ roll, was far removed from the
three-chord compositions of many of ...
Keywords:
music, Beatles sheet music, piano music, the music of the beatles, the beatles, piano, guitar music,
Article Body:
The music of The Beatles
The Beatles had a relatively short career by the standards of many of the bands of the era, many of which
survive today. But in their decade of prominence their music followed an identifiable path that took in
mainstream pop, psychedelia and some quite challenging arrangements. Analyzing sheet music of the
Beatles reveals that even their early music, a blend of skiffle and rock ’n’ roll, was far removed from the
three-chord compositions of many of their contemporaries. Once notable feature of Beatles music is the ease
with which it translates to different styles. Much of it retains its distinct feel regardless of whether it is being
strummed on a guitar, played on a piano, automated on a sequencer or being performed by a complete
orchestra. This is one measure of its quality.
Collaboration and mutual inspiration
Although Lennon and McCartney did indeed write and sing the lion’s share of Beatles music, all four
members contributed to the writing. Some of the most iconic songs were by George Harrison, including
Something, Here Comes the Sun and While my Guitar Gently Weeps; and Starr’s contribution in the form of
Yellow Submarine and Octopus’s Garden (among others) should not be overlooked. Glancing through the
credits of the entire Beatles collection, however, will show just how much cross-fertilization and
collaboration occurred in the creative heart of the band. In fact, it can come as a surprise how few were
purely McCartney and Lennon creations as a percentage of the entire body.
Cover versions
Because of the undisputable quality that binds together every note of the Beatles’ output, it comes as no
surprise to see how often their songs have been covered by other artists. Whether it’s Bowie doing Across
the Universe, The Carpenters’ Ticket to Ride, Oasis belting out I am the Walrus or Elvis Presley performing
Yesterday, the songs’ power survives many vocal and instrumental styles. In fact, anyone with a modicum
of talent can cover The Beatles and end up with at least a passable rendition, be they sitting by a roaring
campfire with a guitar, tinkling the ivories at a cocktail party, warming up a rock band or singing in the
shower.
Beatles lyrics
The melodies and backing music of The Beatles guarantees it a listen, and is part of the universal success of
the band. The lyrics are often not given the attention they deserve, however. Whilst probably not being as
notable as would be the case in a Bob Dylan or Billy Bragg composition, most Beatles lyrics show a certain
depth that is appropriate for the medium they were intended for – namely pop music – but reading them in
sheet music can be quite surprising. There’s plenty of dry humour, a sprinkling of wackiness, lots of
heartfelt emotion and some psychedelic traces, especially in their later period. First and foremost The
Beatles were a pop group extraordinaire, and their songs were intended to be sung, listened to and enjoyed,
no doubt a throwback to their early days in Liverpool, but a successful formula none the less.
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