The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

I often wonder if Burt was inspired by classical composers. Does anyone know if Burt has ever said something about composers of classical music that were/are an inspiration to him? I sometimes think that French composers like Saint-Saens, Massenet and Poulenc could have been an influence on his works. Does someone know if Burt has said something about this subject? Thanks for the information!

The one classical composer he always states was an influence is Ravel, in particular his orchestral suite 'Daphnis et Chloé', although he also occasionally mentions Debussy in the same breath and, of course, he is a former student of Darius Milhaud, another French composer.

There's a show on BBC Radio 3 called Private Passions where celebrity guests are asked to choose their favourite classical music recordings and it would be interesting if Bacharach was ever invited on to discover what else he likes beyond what some people refer to as French Impressionism. 

For your musical enjoyment: le boeuf Sur le to it by Darius Milhaud. ...the bull on the roof by the man who taught Burt and Dave Brubeck.... it's hilarious.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XJRyL2y9o4c

Thanks for that, someonenameddavid. I can't say I know a lot of Milhaud's work but I've liked what I've heard.

Although Bacharach only ever mentions one work when talking about Ravel's influence, he must be familiar with and indeed love the well known piano piece Jeux d'eau (Water Games), played here by the incomparable Martha Argerich:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J_36x1_LKgg

So take a look at this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BD0-uT6X0HY
Arranged for the piano, it could be by Ravel, or one of his students (except Vaughan Williams), or by Richard Rodney Bennett. If you go to Burt's arrangement, it is pure Bacharach and a delight.

And consider this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qggFTFHiy7Q
Ward Swingle interpreting Bach, and now


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw_hee-7R_o

Burt showing Ward how it's done in South American Getaway.
It all goes back to the "Well Tempered Clavier"

Another piece by Ravel that might have had some influence on a young Bacharach is the Menuet from Le Tombeau de Couperin. A wistful, sad or reflective piece ending on a lush major 7th chord is a cliche of popular music but isn't something you hear much in so-called classical music:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C7XIZ5d26ns

Thanks for your reactions!
I can hear some Burt in the work of Poulenc (also French indeed).
This composition for instance: https://youtu.be/hY1j_DJDOf8
Great to listen to your contributions.

Don't know how much Poulenc Bacharach is familiar with but I'd be surprised if 'Mouvement Perpetual' didn't appeal to him. It was the first piece by Poulenc I ever heard and it still makes me smile today. He was reputed to be heavily influenced by Prokofiev and I think we can hear that in the tune's wicked modulation:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QcN2ENpfDQU

It is interesting that Bacharach has mentioned many times in recent years the influence of Ravel. But I can remember listening to a radio series on Bacharach - called the "Bacharach Bio" which was broadcast of radio in the early 1970's. It was a series of about 11 one hour programs. On one of those programs I can remember Burt being asked about influences and he said "Bach" (J S Bach). The only other influences he mention were Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

In regard to the influence of Bach I think this is quite evident from his music - with all the baroque flourishes that Burt has added - particularly to his arrangements. Eg the opening to his versions of "Knowing When To Leave" or "I Say a Little Prayer".

I am surprised that that old series - the Bacharach Bio has not resurfaced? I can only find a reference on eBay to a short section of it.

Dave