The story behind "Adagio For Strings" with Ferry Corsten interview | Muzikxpress 136 

Let's just take a moment here to appreciate Twan's time and effort to go research the (very extensive) history behind this track. That must have taken many hours to get all that information for just a few minutes of your vlog for us.

Ferry's version is not only the best version but possibly the best trance tune of all time for me

I really like how Ferry is honest about his opinion and not just sugar coat some empty talk.

Ferry Corsten remix is the best version, hands down.

My son died at age 1y 10m and when (I and my wife) we made funerials I had just one ”ask”; I have to play Ferry’s version at the chapel just before I carry his coffin into the grave. This happened at Spring 2000; first I had to get this single... I’m from Finland and found ”golden single” from third music shop in Helsinki! Had been feeling and relishing this master piece in clubs before and knew immeditially, after his death, that I need to play this one. Asked from priest if this is possible.. he was the one who had given christening to me 26 Years before and also to (this is my second son) my son.. he allowed. Before funeral I carried my stuff, put the CD single in and gave instructions to cantor how to play the song (well, just push the play button; all else was predone).. it was deep! After funeral this priest said that it was huge to him too.. First time ever on his (several decades) career some one played electronical music at funeral and he was a bit sceptical before hearing, but was totally taken away! My first taught was to put this single in the coffin after, but couldn’t open casket even just a bit to slip it in. No question that this Ferry’s version is The One. It has been always; even before. It has it all; sorrow, hope, joy and, yes, uplift of the life!

Incredible that Barber made it aged 26. That's talent right there.

Without doubt THE best remix of this classic!! Been listening to this since it came out in 1999! Pure magic by Ferry.

Heard it on the radio for the first time, knew I had to find the inner workings behind this magnificent song.

Ferry is true legend and amazing person 👌

Completely agree with Ferry. The second part of the melody is what makes his remix so special and the best one in my opinion. It takes you to another level of musical and emotional depth.

This really is a masterpiece ,as good as anything written by the classic composers .It makes every hair stand up on my body .It also brings back loads of memories for me .

My first Trance CD purchase

Wonderful insight. Thanks Twan.

i had no idea that Adagio had such many versions... Thanks for the extensive research and interview!

You made a great historic walkthrough about this masterpiece.

Thanks for mention Platoon! One of my favorite Vietnam films. Was going to write it :)

As a contribution to the presence of Barber's Adagio for strings in modern music, the British band The Cure used it as an introduction during the presentation of the album held in 2000 called Blood Flowers. The depth and existentialism that is breathed in Barber's work has been very well used in the context of the presentation of the British band's album, since this album is conceptually part of a trilogy that is completed with two other essential works, which are the album Pornography (1982) and the magnum opus Disintegration (1989). This trilogy, in the words of Jason Cooper (drummer of The Cure) is like a "final chapter of a stage of the band in which they try to reach a conclusion". These three albums reflect the spiritual darkness and existentialist perspective of life in which they found themselves at that particular time. The years of youth with the consequent experimentation with drugs, the arrival of adult life and the experience that time passes with impunity. This trilogy has been officially performed and recorded by the band in the document called "Trilogy" (2003). The historical context in which The Cure uses Barber's work is very significant, although they used it to open the concerts to present the album Bloodflowers (2000), it is chilling to think that the following year the attack on the Twin Towers in New York took place. We know that Barber's Adagio for Strings was performed at the ceremony in memory of those killed in the attack. Today, listening to that musical introduction prior to The Cure's concert takes on a much more significant dimension, thinking about that event that moved the whole world. But above all, the presence of the Adagio for strings fits perfectly into the dense and creative atmosphere of The Cure, as it is one of the bands, if not the band that has best known how to express, the sadness, depression, despair, darkness and lights in which it can be found. It is fascinating to see these connections that are generated in the world of music and how a work can take so many forms, depending on the context in which it is heard, whether in a classical music auditorium or in a rock concert. And this explains the grandeur of Barber's Adagio for strings. A profoundly evocative work in which any creative person can feel identified. Within an existential framework of life, the Adagio for strings becomes a timeless piece, as it seems to run through all the phases of an individual's history; their birth, their childhood, adolescence, youth, adulthood and as they culminate in old age and the contemplation of the inevitable end in which we are predetermined. Nowadays we are very much in need, although we are often not aware, to immerse ourselves in the world of ideas that are expressed in a musical work, whether classical or modern. Barber's work can only lead us to think about ourselves, about life, and about our sense or purpose in this world. Barber expresses with his work, that introspection that is so necessary and that can only be done when life leaves its marks. That inner world can only be nourished when there is a knowledge of oneself, of what surrounds oneself, knowledge of other artistic forms that enrich the creator, be it music, literature, painting, cinema, etc. Regarding the connection we make here between Barber and the British band The Cure, their singer and frontman, Robert Smith, has always been a great reader and he has been able to express it very well in all his musical work. There is not much left to do but to be grateful for this immense work of Barber's and to discover the rest of his musical work.

Oh man Ferry is just the best. Such a down to earth guy. I could watch your interviews with him all day. Another great Vlog mate!

Adagio for strings was a nice remix, but I always have preferred the other William Orbit remix from Ferry: Ravel's pavane pour une infante defunte. I think it's underrated.

One word for the Ferry remix - Masterpiece

Outstanding job Twan! Thank you for all your efforts. As a trance music listener since 1995, to me, adagio for strings remixes by Orbit and Corsten alongside children by Miles are above all the tracks I've listened to since. I still blast adagio in my vehicle as well as on my theater system. I agree with Ferry 100% that the recent remixes of adagio miss the beauty in presenting the masterpiece. RIP Mr. Barber, thank you.

Tiesto’s version is the all time best for me but honestly hearing any version of Adagio for Strings is magical.

Fantastic Vlog!! Ferry's is the only remix that exists as far as I'm concerned.

What ever ferry gets his hands on, turns to gold, this is the best and will always be the best version of all time , there's no debate

Oh fantastic job Twan! This was one of the tracks that made me start producing music! Thanks so much, best wishes, Francois

Interesting what Ferry said about using all the melody - i used the whole thing on my recent chilled remake - but didnt realise the other versions looped the first bit! Ferrys version is the best by a mile although i thought Skip Raiders did a really good job aswell combining with the vocals.

Brennan Heart also has a Hardstyle version of Adagio for Strings. It's called "Remember, Remember..."

For me, Tiesto's version (in his album just be) is not only the best version, but also is the best trance music ever! Nice vlog! Thanks Twan!

Masterpiece! Thanks

Always on the point !!! So beautiful understanding of Music ...Salute Mr. CORSTEN !! fantastic

I remember back in the day when Ferry would close his live shows with the Adagio. I can't begin to describe the impact it had back then. You would look around the club and the dance floor during the first drop and see people literally stunned by its beauty, with tears running down their faces. Thats the reason why for me it will always be the definitive remix of this classic. I know that William Orbit was pleased, but I think even Sam Barber would love it.

An anthem like no other. Each time I hear it, I see the sunset in Ibiza...... then the explosion of energy takes me up.... every time....

Twan thank you so much for all this! Who knew Ferry my favorite producer at the time has so much to tell on production process and all the things around it, another great video!

Found youe channel on your recent reddit post, love it! This song introduced me to dance music as a 9 year old and to this day is my all time favourite track. Thanks for the history of it!

It must be a strange feeling when a Dutch has a whole interview in English with another Dutch. However I love this interview.

Adagio For Strings is such a goosebump inducing track! My favourite versions have to be either Ferry Corstens or Tiestos. Mind blown to think it comes from 1936! Awesome vlog Thank you

Completely agree with Ferry about that it's a pity that all the later versions do not use the second part of the melodic progression. It's really essential for this piece of music.

O Ferry!!!❤️ How many great music you done...

I love Ferry's remix of William Orbit's piece of Modern Style

Nice one Twan!!! Been waiting

I had no clue the origins of that song. Thanks for the video!

This just made my Sunday, ty Twan and Ferry and Barber for making such an amazing tune way back then.

10:40 this section sums up my feelings of where trance has gone wrong since it's heyday right here, Ferry knows it too.....

Excellent man!

Ferry is spot on about the importance of leaving the full string sequence in tact unlike what Tiesto did by cutting it in half. Great video love your channel 🙂

Unreal! Really looking forward to listening to this one. Thanks very much Twann

Hoping you would do this. Out of the Blue and Ferry's Adagio were the two seminal tracks that convinced me that trance would eventually dominate electronic dance music. Thanks for this, and thanks to Ferry for sharing this amazing story.

Great vlog again Twan! Lekker bezig man!! i litterally got chills over my whole body when Ferry mentioned most other remixers just "missed the point". I always felt exactly the same! Awesome to know he was thinking the same.

Love that song.. Also like the William orbit version too :)

William Orbit has set the table. Ferry Corsten bought the food and the other djs came to eat.

Totally agree with Ferry here. His mix is the best by far. It retains the emotional journey the original piece has. Of course, many versions don’t need that emotion and just needed to be familiar whilst banging out the energy. Great interviews as always 👍

Great video !! Loved this, also big thumbs up to the hybrid cd collection at 2:43! Big fan of hybrid to.

Thank you for the story, amazing stuff and Ferry is a nice human being, as usual. I enjoy a lot all the classic System F / Ferry / Gouryella uplifting stuff and another remix by Ferry which in my opinion is equally amazing as Adagio for Strings is William Ørbit - Ravel's Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte (Ferry Corsten Remix) (2000). Also who knows, maybe Ferry will do once also a Agnus Dei (the vocal version of Adagio For Strings) remix. Ferry is and will be a legend, a trance master. But yeah, there's no other remix than Ferry's which captures so good the original composition. And it's a shame some other remixes got more recognition without even mentioning the original composer or at least Orbit. Thanks Twan for the great story and the interview and thanks Ferry for all the emotions and great music in all these past decades.

i recall seeing Ferry in Perth West Australia around the year 2000 and he dropped this tune- ever since it gives me chills when i hear it. sas him play just last week (2023) and he is as amazing as ever. He played the newer edit of this tune.

I loved trance since the early 90s, I first heard original mix by William Orbit in 1998 on the radio in Cape Town, the rave scene was very big here and this song just blew my mind. Ferry's mix is the ultimate best, still one of the best trance tracks ever made.

Nice, informative vlog, Twan. Good job. Ferry's remix is da best version of all the remakes and remixes. What Ferry said about other versions missing the point and presenting only a part of the melody is exactly what I have been saying.

Unbelievable strong track. The melody itself is already epic, in trance it got mega epic

Twan, goosebumps of this video! Keep doing what you are doing!

Nice video, interesting the background 🙏🙏

awesome!

Ferry Corsten is the best. I love everything he does. Moonman,goureyella, system F, my fav music.

Amazing Vlog, Twan!! I loved all the history and background you gave. Also the connection to Tony McGuinness was spot on!

it may be my most precious vinyl

Instant Like, mate! great job!

Love "Adagio For Strings" ~ djRanz1989 linked me to this from his Twitch stream ~ great video

Love this. The history behind Tenshi is one that would also be great.

But still Gouryella and Anahera is gold. I used to listen to Tiesto but he's mainstream now, and sounds like mediocre edm. And Ferry remains making real trance music. Thanking my grandpa for blasting trance in our house waaay back.

Class. I always played Ferry's mix. Never thought much of the Tiesto one at all.

The euphoria rush from Ferry's remix will always make it the top legendary remix in my opinion. Pure ecstasy.

People like me come here again and again. This man makes these vlogs sound so natural and how much work he does to pull them all. I do wanna see a vlog of story behind the track Ruhe - By schiller

Thx!!!

Great interview, Corsten is such a cool and down to earth guy. Only met him once om the black and white cruise on the baltic sea waaaay back 🙂

thank you for this video.

never realised there was so many remixes. I totally agree with what ferry said about other remixes.

AMAZING TWAN! Keep it up. I admire your passion and dedication. Thank you

One of the best remixes ever. Heard it on the radio on the motorway so i got my mum to buy the cd. Still have it to this day

I can only say thanks indeed for this teaching video. 👌✌

Ferry is spot on here. They all miss what made the record amazing. They only want the main part where as there is so much more. His version will always remain the best, close second is the skip raiders.

I have seen various djs playing this,sadly my mum passed away last year during the cremation ceremony they played the original by Barber a very bitter sweet moment

love your uploads

So agreeing to what Ferry says at 11:00. I still really love this remix, one of my first trance tunes ever listened to as a kid on dutch radio.

Such an iconic music composition, so much room for all kinds of creative interpretations .. love it. Ferry did a fantastic job here :-)

I liked how you went through the different versions

Now I know that mr. William Orbit is still alive! woot? Niiice :) Great piece of music! I always loved it.

Many years in the history of my life to stay this ,😊 The history Behind Adagio For Strings 🎼🎆

Mister Ferry Corsten said ‘You Know’ 37 times in less than 10 minutes 😅

Very good interview in the second half.

Hi Twan! :) Greetings from Poland!

Very surprisingly :) my fav version is the Ferry's no doubt!

Totally agree with Ferry about a lot of the other remixes missing the point. I always found Tiesto's version to be an insult. He simply used its status as a trance classic to create hype for himself, but it only has that classic status because of Ferry.

Without a doubt! The 'Ferry Corsten Remix!'. I have a remix of 'Adagio For Strings' on a white label that was sent to me by post many years ago I have no idea who produced it. Great content!. Keep up the good work.

This is Ferry Corsten ,the dutch trance master,s greatest remix of all time a real masterpiece 🥰💽 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

One of the best remixes of adagio for strings imo

‘They’re all singing a song but they sing half of the chorus, you know like, where’s the rest?’ 🥰😎

My all time favourit (the Music Video as well, just beautiful). Can't wait to hear Ferrys new version of his remix. And "Pieces in a Modern Style 3", when there will be one.

Samuel Barber's original is untouchable of course, the choral version called Agnus Dei as well. It's much longer than you might expect from hearing just the remixes, but it's beautiful all the way through. I've never really got William Orbit's version though, it's pretty much the same, just played on synths instead of live instruments. On the other hand, without this version, none of the trance remixes would probably exist, so that's something to appreciate. Ferry's version is the OG trance remix and still one of the best to this day. Above & Beyond have played a nice mashup with the Agnus Dei choral in one TATW episode. And the new System F update does it justice, a bit different, but just as good. #release_system_f_adagio_for_strings However, Tiesto's remix the best one for me. I think nostalgia plays a big role (it's the first version I've heard), but Dennis Waakop Reijers (or whoever actually made it) hit the ideal balance between energy and melody, everything in the production is just perfect. After hundreds of listens, it still sounds as epic as ever. There have been a few copycats like Armin's Sail and Serenity or Tiesto's own Elements of Life, but none of them were able to hit that mark. They were either too aggressive or lacking the energy. I also have to mention "Fred Baker's remix of Tiesto's remix", a fun banger combining it with parts of his Total Blackout, simple, but effective. And one more honorable mention, Magdelayna has made a very nice ambient version recently.

yes!

Great story behind the original piece of music and the trance versions. Great to hear Ferry Corsten's story and views. I have to say my favourite is Ferry's System F version which I heard at Transmission Prague in 2019, and hope he officially releases it. Proper Euphoria!

Fair play giving credit to Nu NRG records and K complex. 👌

Totally agree...I always thought Ferry's version was so much better than the others, and was surprised when DJ's played Tiesto or Oakenfold's version...