Four Seasons #BOTB showdown
Far Away Series is the brain child behind today’s little meme I happily am apart of and with a little help from STMcCP (details on site) together they put together a bi-monthly hop that we know as…
The change in seasons will soon be upon us. With the change from summer to fall, one song comes to mind above all others… Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
I developed an appreciation for classical music when I was pregnant eons ago, but my heart really belongs to rock n’ roll. So, that being said, let’s have a little fun.
Classical music is beautifully relaxing, but I wanted a contemporary sound for this showdown, so I found two known artists to do just that!
The first contenders started in a piano shop in southern Utah to market pianos in an unconventional way. Do you care to guess the name of the shop? Why, its called The Piano Guys.
The Piano Guys music videos are incredibly captivating, so if you’re a person who’s easily swayed by what you see and not what you hear, then I first invite you to listen with your eyes closed. This will put things on even ground with their competitor. Listen to their meshed classical version mixed with the Bourne movie theme music.
The next contender video isn’t dramatic like the first. This is why I ask that you shut your eyes, but without the theatrics of The Piano Guys, this artist has set the standards in the classics and crossover scene, since 2007. Let’s give it for David Garrett!
Both bands totally blow my mind! I’m not sure how I’m going to go on this one. Who gets your vote? Name your band of choice in comments and tell us why you like your choice the best in comments. There is no wrong way to vote, except a no vote. Did you pick The Piano Guys or David Garrett? The decision is all yours!
Alrighty, the fun isn’t over. I invite you to check out more amazing battles taking place right now!
•Fae @ Far Away Series •Stephen @STMcC Presents ‘Battle of the Bands’ •Lee @Tossing It Out •Robin @ Your Daily Dose •Donna @Book Lover •Mike’s Ramblings •John @ The Sound of One Hand Typing •Dixie @ dcrelief ~ Battle of the Bands •Alex J. Cavanaugh •Kim @ The Belle Rocks •Tom @ Shady Dell Music and Memories •Debbie @The Doglady’s Den •Cherdo @Cherdo on the Flipside •Michele @ Angels Barks •Mary @ JingleJangleJungle •Janie @ Women: We Shall Overcome •Jeffrey @ J.A. Scott •Madilyn @ NovelBrews •Holli @ Holli’s Hoots and Hollers •Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
Thanks for joining in on the fun. I’ll have the results next week this time, so mark your calendar and stop by to see if your pick gets named. This is Curious as a Cathy signing off and saying have a bandtastic day!
Check out Daily Blog Hops (at the top) for more music memes.
39 Comments
Stacy Uncorked
I love Vivaldi and whoa! Both versions are awesome, but I really gotta stick with my Piano Guys. 😉 Thanks so much for the ear candy, Cathy! 🙂
Live Forever in this Country Nation because it’s a Beautiful Drug, it’s a Pain Killer
Cathy Kennedy
Stacy, thanks for stopping by to dance and to vote. The poll closed on Monday night, but The Piano Guys won this round of BOTB. I hope to hit the dance floor on Monday with you ladies. Have a good weekend. Now, it’s time to hop over to your place!
Colette S
Wow Cathy! How are you doing!?
And these two tunes are lovely and it’s soooooo hard to choose, but I’ll go with #2.
I didn’t watch the video in #1, I just listened, but #2 maybe. They are both great!
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Cathy Kennedy
Colette, thanks for popping in for a dance & visit. We’re doing well or as well as can be expected with DH still out of work, but God has a plan for us. I’m trusting in His timing and His direction in this matter. I’m delighted you liked both artists. They were a good pair to duel, but in the end The Piano Guys won the battle and that’s ok because I really like them so much. Of course, if Garrett had won then I wouldn’t be upset just because he’s that good. Oh well…have a good evening and be well. You’re in my thoughts & prayers, dearie!
XmasDolly
Both tunes are new to me, and I do have to play them twice because they are new… and because they are that good. Thanks for sharing with us my friend. YOU TOTALLY ROCK dearest! HUGS
Guilie Castillo
Whoa, Cathy — this is AWESOME! I was sadly unfamiliar with either of the contenders today, although not with the original composer; my mom was a pianist, and I think I could hum the Four Seasons before I could talk, haha. We had this amazing full-length video (on those huge VHS tapes) of landscapes in Italy filmed throughout the year, the seasons changing with the music… Amazing. I must’ve watched that thousands of times.
Which makes this battle a tad hard. Do I prefer the closer-to-classic version of the Piano Guys, or am I swayed by the more recognizable Vivaldi riffs through the heavier rock feel of Garrett?
Yes. I am swayed. The Piano Guys rock (and their video is aaaaaaawesome), but Garrett rocks better 🙂 He gets my vote this time.
Thanks for a super cool battle, and for stopping over at Quiet Laughter to vote! Results will be up in a bit 🙂 Happy start of the week!
Cathy Kennedy
Guile, so happy to introduce you to two new artists. It’s a hard pick. I love both groups! TPG always have such amazing videos. Garrett totally rocks, you’re right. But, my vote was swayed for The Piano Guys. I got you down for Garrett. Thanks for stopping by in the nick of time to cast your vote!
dolorah
Seriously??! How is anyone ever supposed to vote against David Garrett? Like, pick another contender, please!!
I’m never (totally) swayed by the video; but I do like to have movement to look at while I’m listening. Those piano guys (with or without video) are awesome. I’m giving my vote to them, but its breaking my heart as I’m so in lust with David.
So not fair.
Cathy Kennedy
Donna, yeah I know. Don’t worry I won’t tell Garrett that you voted against him in this round. lol Thanks for stopping by!
Jeffrey Scott
Both of these artists come up on my Bond Pandora station all the time. I do like the Piano Guys music, but I’ve never been blown over by their music as much as I have with David Garrett. The violins more than the piano calls to me.
Vote – David Garrett
I never (till later) watch the videos and thought his was more energetic and exciting.
Cathy Kennedy
Jeffrey, I’m liking how this showdown is progressing. It’s sooooo close. Thanks for picking a band. I have you down for Garrett, my friend!
Mike Spain
Garrett gets my vote he brought more energy to it. Both are nice to listen too.
Cathy Kennedy
Thanks, Mike! Gotcha down for Garrett.
Madilyn Quinn
I was so thrown by the rock sound in David Garrett’s song. Not saying it was bad (and I’ll likely check out his other stuff) but when you say classical, I don’t expect rock. In any case, I enjoyed The Piano Guys vastly more. Such a cool song!
– Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews
Birgit
This is tough because I am one who loves classical music and know this piece well. I am one who doesn’t like it made modern. The Piano Guys are brilliant but I couldn’t even place the tune of Vivaldi-it seemed chaotic to me even though their playing is brilliant and I feel, they are better musicians than Dave Garrett. Dave Garret is excellent with the violin but I hate when it is made into rock (I guess I am in the minority here:)) but at least I could hear the melody so I vote for Dave Garrett
Cathy Kennedy
Birgit, The Piano Guys cover takes a bit of stretch to the imagination and Garrett’s track obviously carries that familiar melody. I appreciate that you were a good sport in casting your vote despite the classic revamped for rockers. 😀
Debbie D.
Both were equally great, but I’ve been a fan of David Garrett’s ever since I saw him in concert on a PBS broadcast years ago. You should hear his covers of Metallica! 😀 Please put me down for David Garrett.
Cathy Kennedy
Debbie, I knew when I put these two artists together who you would vote for and as it turns out I was right. Glad you liked!
Debbie D.
😀 The rock vibe gets me, every time! m/
John Holton
These are both superb. I’ll go with the Piano Guys, simply because their setting is a little more unique.
Cathy Kennedy
Got your vote for the superb and unique setting of The Piano Guys recorded, John. Thanks for dropping by!
dcrelief
Cathy –
First thing – I’m back to posting. You will want to change your battle participant list, please.
Secondly – wow! tough choice for me. I love both versions. I wanted to slow Garret down a bit. I’ll bet he fly on that fiddle! Anyway, The Piano Guys are really good with this song. I like the instrument blends and the tempo. Log my vote for them, please.
Hope to talk to you soon. Dixie
Cathy Kennedy
Dixie, welcome back! It’s so great to have you with us again. 😀 I corrected this post so folks will know to visit ya. Speaking of which, I need to hop over to see what you’ve got in store for all of us!
Far Away Eyes
Great BATTLE and a really, Really, REALLY hard choice for me. I love both musicians and adores this piece of music. I have a CD by the Piano Guys, but none by Garrett (his Pirates of the Caribbean piece is excellent.
Gah! what to do? what to do? OK, I’ll go with the more dramatic Piano Guys, but I really do like the other also. I hope this one ends in a tie.
Cathy Kennedy
Fae, I will check out Garrett’s Pirates of the Caribbean cover. I think he’s an excellent musician. I got your vote logged for The Piano Guys. Now, to boogie over to see who’s in your showdown.
Janie Junebug
David Garrett is great, but I must vote for The Piano Guys. I’m in love with their sound. Garrett is too flashy, which probably seems a silly criticism, but it’s sound, not image.
Love,
Janie
Robin
I enjoyed both of these very much. I think it comes down to what you like more: piano/cello or violin. I am a piano gal. I think the piano and cello are a nice combo, so that just added more flavor for me. I’ve been a fan of The Piano Guys for a couple years now. They get my vote in this one (though I did enjoy D. Garrett’s version).
Cathy Kennedy
Robin, who’s not a fan of The Piano Guys? They are quite amazing! Gotcha down for TPG!
greyzoned/angelsbark
Wow, both versions are fantastic! But my vote is going to the Piano Guys. I love piano and that was some fabulous piano-playing. Tough call though, really.
Great battle Cathy!
Michele at Angels Bark
Cathy Kennedy
Michele, I agree tough decision with two fantastic choices. I have your vote logged. Thanks for playing! I’ll drop by your place soon.
Cathy Kennedy
Thanks for voting, Michele! I have yours logged for TPG. The gap between the artists is growing closer, but everyone hasn’t voted yet. See ya next week with the results. 😉
Rorybore
this is the toughest battle I’ve ever faced I think!! they are both phenomenal. and I LOVE The Piano Guys, so the very fact that Mr Garrett is even making me pause in choosing them, is saying A LOT. I love the middle part of David’s version and of course the rock and roll vibe. Ugh! you know he made it tough, but I think I will still go with plain genius that is The Piano Guys.
Cathy Kennedy
These artists are phenomenal, but I think you’re right The Piano Guys are plain genius! 😀 Hopping over to pay you a visit, Les!
Shady Del Knight
Hi, dear Cathy! To prevent visual contamination and influence, I closed my eyes as I listened to both tunes. They are both rousing compositions and nicely executed. I appreciated the piano playing in the first version. When the David Garrett version began, I didn’t think I would like it as well because it sounded like a piece of music typically used in a figure skating competition. (Now I can’t get those images of Rudy Galindo out of my head 🙂 However, the David Garrett track won my vote with it’s deeper, heavier rock sound and synth elements.
I vote for David Garrett.
Thank you, dear friend Cathy!
Cathy Kennedy
Tom, yep Garrett’s version definitely has a decisively deeper, heavier rock sound and I know that will grab some fellow BOTBers ear over the piano/cello arrangement. Either way, both artists are fabulous. Thanks for voting. Now to check out what’s going on with your latest edition of BOTB!
Stephen T. McCarthy
CATHY ~
The Piano Guys have been used in a couple other BOTB installments (but NOT this particular piece of music) and I think they are terrific!
By comparison, David Garrett sounds pretty one-dimensional and way too gimmicky.
Great tune, and a vote I easily cast for THE PIANO GUYS.
When you have a spare minute, I recommend the following reading material:
http://stmccpresentsbattleofthebands.blogspot.com/2015/08/attention-botbers-may-i-have-yer.html
Thanks, Cathy!
~ D-FensDogG
‘Loyal American Underground’
Cathy Kennedy
Stephen, The Piano Guys are pretty darn terrific. It’s gonna be fun to see who wins this round. Let me jump over to your place now to see what song you’re featuring in this battle!
Arlee Bird
This IS a tough one. Both pieces are excellent.
But I’ve got to cast my vote for David Garrett. Violin and Vivaldi–two favorites of mine. The Garrett piece really rocks.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Cathy Kennedy
I’m glad I made this battle a bit of a hard choice for you, Lee. I’m torn on this showdown STILL. Both are interesting enough to make me go either way. I’ll throw my ballet in the box soon. Now, to hop over to see which “Love” song you hinted in yesterday’s post that you would use. Thanks for dropping by!