The Barbarian

Album: Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • ELP keyboardist Keith Emerson was not against borrowing from classical music. This instrumental is a pretty direct takeoff from "Allegro Barbaro," a piano piece by Bela Bartok. A group arrangement, it shows off some of the musicianship the group would become known for, including Emerson's high-speed piano and Carl Palmer's deft drumming.
  • This was the first track on the first Emerson, Lake & Palmer album. A very intense track, it was offset by the more mellow "Take A Pebble," which came next.

Comments: 2

  • Rojer Weller from Auburn, Washington. UsaWhat sweet sounding distortion device did Greg Lake use on the song The Barbarian? Such a sweet sound!
  • Tom from Freiburg, GermanyAfter the song was released, Emerson got a call from Bartok's widow. He was a little disturbed to hear the voice of someone who he thought was "some 100 years dead already".
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.