Emerson, Lake & Palmer – “Toccata” (1973)
Yes, ELP could go completely over the top at times and get far too self-indulgent. This is one of those times though when going over the top was all worth it. This Alberto Ginastera composition, as performed by ELP (on their Brain Salad Surgery album), sounds like nothing else on Earth. I was 15 the first time I heard this piece and was completely blown away.
When Keith Emerson played this track for Ginastera the first time, the Argentinian composer replied, “Diabolical!” (as in “frightening”). Emerson thought he was saying he didn’t like it and was crushed. Ginastera convinced him though that he in fact loved it and said, ”You have captured the essence of my music, and no one’s ever done that before.”
(Audio only)
