Name: A Classical Bridge to Metal— From Classical Symphonies to Screaming Guitars
Start: 2026-01-10T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Follen Church - Unitarian Universalist

$A Classical Bridge to Metal\u2014 From Classical Symphonies to Screaming Guitars$

How did we get from the 18th Century Symphonies of Mozart and Hayden to the Classically influenced harmony and scales of Savatage and Uli John Roth in the late 70s? What connects the violin and bow of Paganini to Yngwie Malmsteen’s Stratocaster and Marshall stacks? What laid the groundwork musically and what set the path in terms of instrumental technique? There are so many connections and commonalities between heavy metal and Western classical music: some examples include certain aspects of rhythm and harmony, the use of percussion, vocal styles, and a whole range of lyrical themes including spirituality both dark and bright, political promotion, political protest, and storytelling of epic grandeur! Through lecture and performance we will explore various pieces and excerpts and demonstrate techniques on various guitars from classical guitar to 8-string electric. Tim will bring it full circle by giving a demonstration of a classical work played on electric guitar, a practice in certain styles of metal, most overtly showing connection and homage!