Jonny Greenwood embraces classical music in upcoming London concert
Jonny Greenwood, renowned for his role as lead guitarist in Radiohead, is set to perform music by iconic minimalist composer Steve Reich at London’s Royal Festival Hall. This concert, featuring the esteemed London Sinfonietta, marks another chapter in Greenwood’s evolving musical journey, reports BritPanorama.
Greenwood, who has developed a parallel career as a celebrated film composer over the past two decades, highlights the potential challenges of performing live. “It could be all full of mistakes and nervous notes,” he admitted. His career trajectory has included award-winning scores for films such as Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will be Blood and the biopic Spencer, showcasing his versatility beyond rock music.
Not only has Greenwood been active with Radiohead and The Smile—his trio with Thom Yorke and Tom Skinner—but he has also sought to engage in various artistic endeavors, from establishing a classical music record label to promoting traditional Rajasthani musicians. Living part-time at his Italian estate, he balances family life with numerous creative projects.
Greenwood’s connection to Reich runs deep, first performing “Electric Counterpoint” in 2011. He reflects on this feat, recalling an enthusiastic response from Reich during a performance in Poland. His admiration for Reich has influenced the sound of several Radiohead tracks, solidifying the impact of minimalist music on his own compositions.
As a teenager, Greenwood took music seriously, participating in orchestras and exploring influential compositions that shaped his artistic vision. He has talked about the profound influence of composers like Bach and Messiaen on his work, noting how early learning experiences contributed to his contemporary sound.
Despite his prominence as a guitarist, Greenwood sees himself as an arranger at heart, prioritizing the integrity of a song’s arrangement over showcasing individual guitar skills. He recognises the intricate balance required in interpreting powerful material, drawing a parallel between arrangement and the essence of classic songs like Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Looking ahead, Greenwood is poised to explore more classical music, with plans to record a violin concerto for Daniel Pioro and compose a string quartet for the Fibonacci Quartet. His eagerness to deepen his understanding of the classical genre reflects a drive for continuous growth while navigating a plethora of creative interests.
“I don’t feel I’ve learnt enough,” he stated, expressing his desire to dive deeper into the complexities of music. Despite his explorations, the guitar remains a central passion for Greenwood, who has committed to daily practice, embracing a newfound appreciation for the instrument that has shaped much of his career.
With his concert at the Royal Festival Hall rapidly approaching, Greenwood’s ahead of a pivotal performance that promises to blend his rock legacy with the sophisticated nuances of classical music.
