I’ve written about Keith Jarrett before. You should go back and read it (I must have written it when I had a lot more time). His talent was incredible, and his music even more so. As I mention (extensively) in my earlier writing, I was mesmerized by his Köln concert — a huge-selling album that most would say wasn’t even his best work.
So of course when I saw a picture of Jarrett on one of Rick Beato’s videos titled “The Most Beautiful 2 Minutes of Music,” it caught my eye right away. Beato himself is somewhat of a musical genius. I’ve watched his videos often, and even learned a few things (although he really gets into the weeds on some of it). He’s helped me understand and appreciate music more, even if only a little.
So, what are the most beautiful 2 minutes of music? That, of course, is entirely subjective. It really depends upon one’s tastes in music. But generally, it’s got to be something pleasant, that appeals to a broad audience, mostly meaningful in some way to each of the listeners. Beautiful music isn’t designed to get someone cranking — something like my bike playlists. It’s more designed to bring someone to a point of peace and rest. Something that takes someone somewhere beautiful itself.
So is Beato right? Well, like I said, he gets in the weeds sometimes. He’ll be really getting into a minute aspect of a piece of music and to him you’d think it was the second coming of Beethoven or something. And I’m sitting there like a lump thinking, “I don’t hear it.”
Only this time, I do. And Beato’s explanation as he talks us through it makes it that much more worth the close listening. He introduces each aspect of the music and helps us understand what’s happening. And in the end, yeah. The music does take you to that place of peace.
Jarrett has such a huge catalogue, and I’ve only scratched the surface. While I like some of his styles and stuff more than others, he never disappoints. He’s got something for just about any mood. He’s well worth the listen, and hopefully, if you watch this video, it’ll help you appreciate him even more.