Hallelujah - The Portsmouth Sinfonia

Vinyl L.P - Transatlantic Records - TRA 285.

1974 - U.K.

Photography (A. Powell): HIPGNOSIS.

Art direction: Ann Sullivan.

Sleeve notes: John Farley.

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The Portsmouth Sinfonia

      About the artist and the album:

The Portsmouth Sinfonia was an English experimental orchestra active between 1970 and 1979, famous for its "anyone can play" philosophy, which resulted in chaotic and humorous interpretations of well-known classical and rock pieces. Its ranks included figures who would later achieve great renown, such as ambient music pioneer Brian Eno and film score composer Michael Nyman.

They released several albums, including Portsmouth Sinfonia Plays the Popular Classics (1974) and Hallelujah! (1974). Their single "Classical Muddly," a classical medley, reached the top 30 in the UK charts in 1981.

They performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall in May 1974 and the Rainbow Theatre in September 1979, their last public concert.

The orchestra never formally disbanded, but ceased performing in 1979 when its members became overly proficient on their instruments, which, paradoxically, undermined the orchestra's original concept. Its music has since achieved cult status, and recordings like its version of "Also sprach Zarathustra" have gained internet fame as memes ("orchestra fail").

Hallelujah is the title of The Portsmouth Sinfonia's second album, recorded live on May 28, 1974, at the Royal Albert Hall. Although recorded in 1974, it had several international releases, including editions in the UK (1974), Australia (1975), and the US (1976).

The album features a chaotic rendition of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah, along with other classical pieces such as Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture and Schubert's Military March.

It was produced by Brian Eno, who also played clarinet in the group. The orchestra consisted of amateur or professional musicians playing instruments they didn't master, under the premise of "doing their best" despite their lack of skill.