The Music Show From broken piano to bestseller—Keith Jarrett's The Köln Concert
May 25, 2025
Jazz pianist and composer Matt McMahon joins to share insights about the legendary Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett. He recounts the unexpected conditions Jarrett faced, including a broken piano and fatigue, which only added to the performance's unpredictability. McMahon discusses the innovative harmonic techniques—like unusual chord progressions—Jarrett employed. They dive into how the audience's dynamic interaction and spontaneous sounds enriched the improvisation, turning a challenging night into a landmark in jazz history.
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Against-All-Odds Performance
- Keith Jarrett played the Köln Concert tired, hungry, in pain, and reluctantly persuaded to go on stage at 11:30pm.
- The performance was recorded and became the best-selling solo jazz and piano album of all time.
Wrong Piano, Right Night
- The wrong piano arrived: a baby grand Bösendorfer instead of a concert grand, and it was in poor condition.
- Technicians patched pedals and parts but the instrument still constrained Jarrett's playing that night.
Constraints Sharpen Creativity
- The poor piano forced Jarrett into a clearer, more direct style by removing sonic indulgence.
- Constraints clarified his musical choices and arguably shaped the concert's distinctive character.