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Derivation of a Beautiful Piano Intro Solo?

This question has been discussed at great length in another forum, but no one knows the answer. I’m hoping that the more sophisticated, experienced jazz and classical fans here might know the answer. The opening (intro) piano solo on Bruce Springsteen’s “New York City Serenade” (from the album The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle) is gorgeous (IMHO, as a fan of classical, jazz, and a lot of other music). I also know that it is somewhat derivative, because I remember hearing at least part of it on – I believe – a Charles Mingus composition. Someone in the other forum believes that it is derived from some unknown classical composition (of course, maybe Mingus used a classical piece as a starting point for his piece).

Does anyone know the derivation of this beautiful music ? Thanks !
jfz
jfz OP
570 posts
 
This was a sincere request on my part for specific information about what I consider beautiful and emotional music (which was stated as being in my humble opinion; i.e., it simply IS *for me*). It's upsetting, and demoralizing, to have you respond in a way that feels so sarcastic and denigrating, Audphile1. After initially feeling angry, I now feel sorry for you. And by the way, I *guarantee* you Springsteen knows far more about classical and jazz than just that they exist.
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
If you are looking for a beautiful piano piece and classical overtones in heavy rock then look at Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddie was trained as a classical pianist and as an opera singer. Although it is simple like "Fur Elise" it is quite obvious from this piece that Freddie knows the genre. The live piece from Queen at Wembly is quite impressive as you realize he really can play.

Contrary to what some people have said it is the simplest melodies that are sometimes the hardest to create....complexity is easy. As with a great drummer - they know how to do just enough but no more...
objective1
95 posts
 
JFZ..... Sorry I can't help you and especially for the ridiculous path of this thread.

I also would have enjoyed discovering some excellent piano jazz from someone knowledgeable enough to recognize the passage, and intelligent enough to actually respond to your question.
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audphile1
4,231 posts
 
ridiculous path? that's good. Cause Springsteen is ridiculous.
Anyway, for nice piano music, check out one example - Lynne Arriale trio, "Arise", track "The Fallen". Very good stuff.
slothman
311 posts
 
Audphile1 - your comments in this thread are crediting the wrong person.

The intro to “New York City Serenade” was an improvisation performed by David Sancious. The ridiculous path of his classical piano training and inspirational derivatives are quite apparent in his performances on recordings by fools such as Stanley Clarke, Narada Michael Walden, Zucchero Fornaciari, Peter Gabriel, and Sting among many others.
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