Composer

:

Mike Oldfield

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1973

Average_duration

:

41:41

Tubular Bells is a progressive rock album composed by Mike Oldfield. It was released on May 25, 1973, and is considered one of the most influential albums of the 20th century. The album consists of two movements, each divided into several sections. The first movement begins with an introduction featuring a repetitive piano melody, which is gradually joined by other instruments, including guitar, bass, and percussion. The music builds in intensity, with each section introducing new themes and variations on the main melody. The movement reaches a climax with the introduction of the tubular bells, which give the album its name. The bells are played in a complex pattern, creating a hypnotic and otherworldly effect. The second movement is more experimental and avant-garde than the first. It begins with a section featuring a distorted guitar riff, which is gradually joined by other instruments, including synthesizers and percussion. The music becomes increasingly dissonant and chaotic, with sections of free improvisation and electronic manipulation. The movement ends with a return to the main theme of the first movement, played on the tubular bells. Tubular Bells is characterized by its use of multiple layers of instruments and its complex arrangements. Oldfield played most of the instruments himself, including guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion. The album also features a number of unconventional instruments, including the tubular bells, which were played by Oldfield's sister Sally. Tubular Bells was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the UK album charts and earning Oldfield a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition. The album has been cited as an influence by numerous musicians, including Brian Eno, Trent Reznor, and Steven Wilson. It has also been used in numerous films and television shows, including The Exorcist and The Simpsons.

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