Ekseption - 5th Beethoven b/w Sabre Dance 7" Vinyl Picture Sleeve Single

In 1969, the Dutch progressive rock group Ekseption shook up the musical landscape with their audacious single "5th Beethoven b/w Sabre Dance." This release showcased the band's unique take on classical music, fusing it with rock, jazz, and avant-garde sensibilities.

Ekseption was led by the classically trained keyboardist Rick van der Linden. Having grown fond of the rock-infused interpretations of The Nice, van der Linden steered the band towards a daring vision. Their mission was to inject classical works with contemporary energy and break down the perceived barriers between high art and popular music.

"5th Beethoven" took a potent, driving passage from Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony and turned it on its head. Van der Linden's organ leads the charge, backed by a pulsating rhythm section, trumpet flourishes, and a dissonant sense of urgency. While faithful to the core of the piece, it's far removed from a simple cover version. Ekseption reimagined the theme in the rock idiom, proving that classical music could be thrilling and relevant to a modern audience.

The B-side, "Sabre Dance," offered a similarly bold interpretation of Aram Khachaturian's fiery composition. Here, frenetic drumming and dizzying keyboard runs transform the originally orchestral piece into a whirlwind of rock and roll.

The Ekseption experiment was not without its controversies. Classical purists scoffed at their modern interpretations of beloved masterpieces. Yet, the band's ambition was undeniable and their musicianship top-notch. They garnered a legion of fans attracted to the sheer excitement and freshness of their sound, finding a middle ground between the academic and the accessible.