I’ve mentioned before about the fact that my time in Vienna included many (and varied) musical experiences. With many concert halls, opera venues, theatres which often had musicals and – during the summer – many outdoor venues it was rare to have a day with no choice as to what to attend.
There were plenty of different genres to choose from as well. (my office buddy was, unexpectedly, a fan of Dire Straits and got to hear them live – I had so many other things to choose from that I didn’t go with him on that occasion)
One of my choices was the opportunity to hear Oscar Peterson perform – There are many great artists that I have only ever heard on recordings – its great that we have that available, and recordings are so accurate these days – but nothing quite matches the experience of hearing them live, just a few yards away from you.
This recording of him with his trio is actually a good 20 years earlier than when I heard him perform and, despite its age, it is I think really worth the listen. This is his own composition, written not long before the recording was made.
These words were added soon after :
When every heart joins every heart and together yearns for liberty,
That’s when we’ll be free.
When every hand joins every hand and together molds our destiny,
That’s when we’ll be free.
Any hour any day, the time soon will come when men will live in dignity,
That’s when we’ll be free, we will be
When every man joins in our song and together singing harmony,
That’s when we’ll be free.