Comparative musicology: The Beatles' "A Day in the Life" vs. Penderecki's "Polymorphia"

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On hearing Krzysztof Penderecki's "Polymorphia" recently, MetalJazz senior consultant David Ricketts wondered if there might have been a relationship between the modern Polish composer's piece, first performed in 1962, and the Beatles' 1967 "A Day in the Life."

Both feature semi-chaotic, semi-improvised orchestral string passages. Each ends on a simple major chord -- "Polymorphia" a C, "Day" an E. The Beatles and their producer, George Martin, were interested in modern avant-garde music, and Martin arranged the strings at great expense, the recording session serving as the occasion for a celeb-filled party where the orchestra members sported balloons, fake noses and other adornments. (You can see some of that in the video below.)

What do you think? Tribute or coincidence?


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"A Day in the Life."

"Polymorphia."