More than 40 years since its initial release, Pete Townshend has created a "classical" version of The Who's iconic album Quadrophenia. On Tuesday, June 9, Deutsche Grammophon/Universal Music Classics will release Townshend's new, orchestral version in both standard and deluxe editions. This new version of Quadrophenia will have its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Oriana Choir along with Pete Townsend, Alfie Boe, Billy Idol and very special guests on July 5.
The original album, released by The Who in 1973, which Townshend created and wrote, went on to become a feature film and a theatrical production and was performed in its entirety on The Who's most recent live tour. For the last three years, Townshend has worked closely with British composer Rachel Fuller on brand new arrangements for orchestra, soloists and choir.
Classic Quadrophenia--which is what it's being called--was put together by Fuller, a professional composer, orchestrator and singer-songwriter in her own right (not to mention the partner of of one Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend). And this Classic Quadrophenia recording features Alfie Boe as Jimmy, Pete Townshend as The Godfather, Billy Idol as Ace Face/Bell Boy and Phil Daniels--the star who played Jimmy in the original movie version of Quadrophenia--as Dad. Robert Ziegler conducts the Royal Phil; choirmaster Dominic Peckham rehearsed London's Oriana.
All of this is part of the rock legend's plan to leave a legacy for his work arranged for orchestra as sheet music for future generations to discover and enjoy. Townshend says, "a lot of major symphony orchestras are in trouble because their audience is getting old and the younger audiences prefer softer stuff, such as film soundtrack music." He hopes that Quadrophenia will reinvigorate their audiences and bring in people who might not otherwise go to see a symphony orchestra perform.
Fuller, who first met Townshend in 1996, and is many years his junior, admits, "it's been an act of love to orchestrate it for Pete. It's also been a joy to work on because it is very orchestral by nature, even as a rock album. So, it was very easy to arrange for an orchestra. And I've remained really faithful to the original tracks because he's the composer, and I want to honor his work."
Naturally, Townshend can't shy away from a joke. Commenting on Alfie Boe taking the lead role, he says, "Boe reminds me of [Roger] Daltrey. I never thought I'd hear a classical tenor singing my songs."
Below, Classicalites, you can see the full splendor in this nearly nine-minute trailer for Classic Quadrophenia.
Classic Quadrophenia makes its debut just as The Who are celebrating their own 50th year 'round the sun...and Mr. Daltrey still being a total diva, himself.
