Focus – Hamburger Concerto

Focus – Hamburger Concerto

Released in 1974, Hamburger Concerto is a landmark album by Dutch progressive rock band Focus, showcasing the group's extraordinary musicianship, classical influences and distinctive blend of instrumental rock, jazz and European musical traditions. Following the international success of Moving Waves and the hit single 'Hocus Pocus', the album continued the band's exploration of ambitious compositions while introducing a more refined and richly orchestrated sound.

Led by guitarist Jan Akkerman and keyboard player, flautist and vocalist Thijs van Leer, Focus developed one of the most distinctive musical identities of the European progressive rock movement. Their sound brought together virtuosic guitar playing, organ, flute, classical composition and elements of jazz and folk, often shifting between intricate instrumental passages and powerful rock arrangements. The band's ability to combine technical complexity with memorable melodies made them one of the most respected progressive groups of the early 1970s.

Produced by Mike Vernon, Hamburger Concerto features the core Focus line-up of Akkerman, van Leer, bassist Bert Ruiter and drummer Colin Allen. The album is particularly notable for its title composition, an ambitious six-part suite inspired by the Goldberg Variations of Johann Sebastian Bach and incorporating the traditional Dutch folk song 'Wilhelmus van Nassouwe'. Moving through a series of contrasting musical sections, the piece demonstrates the group's ability to combine classical structures with adventurous progressive rock.

The shorter compositions provide an equally fascinating showcase of the band's musical range. 'Delitiæ Musicæ' opens the record with a distinctive early-music atmosphere, while 'Harem Scarem' delivers a more energetic and rhythmically adventurous performance. 'La Cathedrale De Strasbourg' brings a dramatic, classically influenced character to the album, and 'Birth' provides another opportunity to appreciate the interplay between Akkerman's expressive guitar work and van Leer's keyboards and flute.

The centrepiece remains the extended 'Hamburger Concerto', whose six sections – 'Starter', 'Rare', 'Medium I', 'Medium II', 'Well Done' and 'One For The Road' – take the listener through an elaborate musical journey. The combination of intricate instrumental passages, changing tempos, melodic development and virtuosic performances makes it one of the band's most ambitious achievements.

An essential release from the golden era of European progressive rock, Hamburger Concerto will appeal to fans of Focus, Yes, Genesis, classical-influenced progressive music and technically accomplished instrumental rock. It is a particularly rewarding album for collectors exploring the more adventurous and musically sophisticated side of 1970s prog.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Delitiæ Musicæ

2. Harem Scarem

3. La Cathedrale De Strasbourg

4. Birth

Side B

1. Hamburger Concerto

   • Starter

   • Rare

   • Medium I

   • Medium II

   • Well Done

   • One For The Road