GEMINI SUITE

Potentially the first work marrying classical music with rock ensemble to that level of experiment alongside the previous 1970 Deep Purple album, this one was cautious not to carry the DP moniker. Playing at the orchestra level and Jon Lord's contribution are astonishing. Lord showcases a lot of classical influence (Baroque, classicism, romanticism) on his piano playing. The organ piece is the most dramatic and longest of the movements, however also the most obscure next to the drumming piece. Other rock contributors strive hard to dominate or at least equal the overwhelming orchestra. Vocals are emotional and not operatic, thankfully. It is an interesting hearing and was an essential experiment at the time, however I doubt that the majority of the first-time listeners ever come back to it.