His knowledge of drums is not enough to play that part, but more than enough to compose it. Likewise, Brian cannot play clarinet, but he could compose a clarinet solo and get somebody else to play it.
GratefulFan · Member since
I'm not sure. What SBN said feels right, yet classical composers for example can and do write exquisite and nuanced parts for entire orchestras.
Sebastian · Member since
In the vast majority of rock bands, each person tends to arrange what they play. Some exceptions: Beatles, Kansas, Eagles, Queen. I can and do score music for string sections, though I can't play violin, viola or cello. I can also write guitar, bass or piano parts that I can't play (i.e. are way above my skills as a performer) and I can also write vocal parts way beyond my abilities. So of course Brian May, who's a waaaaaaaay better composer/arranger than I am, can also write things he can't play for instruments he's not an expert performer on. Same for Freddie, John and Roger.
Sheer Brass Neck · Member since
Of course any string or brass or woodwind instrument would be written in a standard musical notation, which musicians would understand if they could read. Since Queen didn't write their stuff out in standard musical notation, they could hum or play it, and Fred could say "although you don't play cello Brian, could you put a cello and violin line in Love of My Life", and Freddie could hum it, or Brian could play it. I have no belief that Brian has ever played drums, and drums are written in a different notation than other instruments. I think Brian said here's how I'd like it played, and Roger played it. If that's composing, that's composing. If it's not, it's not.
Sebastian · Member since
I don't know if Brian ever played drums, but even if he didn't, it doesn't mean he hasn't got the skills to compose a drum part. Likewise, he can easily compose a trumpet solo even if he's never played trumpet.
It does help a lot to compose for an instrument you're very skilful at, but it's not 100% necessary. Every single guitar note on the Aranjuez Concerto was composed by a person who never mastered the instrument himself.
thomasquinn 32989 · Member since
CruellaDeVille wrote: No double pedal here, just great coordination, an inventive mind and intuitive musicianship (who would have use a Motown style beat to a rock waltz?). People slag this song for other reasons but musically it is always great to listen to.
Cheers =====
I think that's debatable. Certainly, the song would be considerably less annoying with different lyrics, but I can't say I find the melody (for want of a better term, as there hardly is one) or the guitar parts the least bit interesting or pleasant to listen to. Interesting structurally or percussion-wise, perhaps, but I don't think its great instrumentally (which is what you meant by "musically", right?).
qrock · Member since
I don't get why people dislike Sweet Lady. The song has a fantastic hard rock riff, a good bass, fantastic drums, changing tempo, powerful singing from Freddie and good lyrics. The lyrics are classic rock n roll stuff.
