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

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.