Results: I haven't put together a music based survey lately but a YouTube clip inspired me to do this one.
Published on 11/06/2025
I get surveys that ask what my "favorite" is from a list of items and I reject the whole concept. I like music, I like food, I like reading, but to pick just one favorite from those is impossible for me. I can however pick one I prefer from a list - even a short list. I like classical music and sometimes I like modern adaptations of the classics. Here are some examples to see which version you prefer.
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
I will start with the clip that inspired the survey. Jeff Beck (RIP) was a master of creating sounds from a guitar that few (if any) other guitarists could. Luciano Pavarotti popularized the aria "Nessun dorma" from Turandot beyond the opera world and used an entire orchestra to do it. Jeff Beck did his version with considerably fewer instruments. Which version do you prefer? Here is a link to the Pavarotti version : https://youtu.be/Q_hLh4qCqpg
I prefer the original version from the opera sung by Pavarotti.
21%
408 votes
I prefer the virtuoso guitar version played by Jeff Beck
19%
363 votes
Neither version stirred my musical emotions.
16%
306 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
32 votes
Not Interested
44%
837 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.72% | 8 | |
| Both | 0.45% | 5 |
| I like both | 0.18% | 2 |
| they are both excellent | 0.09% | 1 |
| I truly love them both. The guitar sounded like it was crying, Jeff was surely a master. | 0.09% | 1 |
| I loved both. | 0.09% | 1 |
| Like equally | 0.09% | 1 |
| I love the original and Jeff Beck's version. | 0.09% | 1 |
| I like both versions | 0.09% | 1 |
| na | 0.09% | 1 |
| Both :)) | 0.09% | 1 |
| I like them both. | 0.09% | 1 |
| I like both. | 0.09% | 1 |
| I wish that you had posted the Pavarotti video. I wonder how many people will actually take the time to listen to it. It's far superior to the one you posted. | 0.09% | 1 |
| both are masters of their skills and I could listen to both all the time | 0.09% | 1 |
| Hard to compare - I can only say Jeff Beck's version is brilliant | 0.09% | 1 |
| Couldn't play/listen to the video. | 0.09% | 1 |
| Undecided | 0.09% | 1 |
| Both fine with me. | 0.09% | 1 |
| I enjoy both! | 0.09% | 1 |
2.
2.
Another piece I love is often called just "The Adagio" rather than Adagio for Organ and Strings by Albinoni. There are other Adagios but this one is a standout. The first time I heard it however, it was played by Brian Auger & The Trinity (a group that backed Rod Stewart in the 1960s as "Steam Packet") Here is a link to the classical version. https://youtu.be/1JXeoZpMnNc Which version do you prefer?
I prefer the original classical version.
22%
415 votes
I prefer the more modern Brian Auger version.
12%
229 votes
Neither version stirred my musical senses.
20%
380 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
25 votes
Not Interested.
47%
889 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.14% | 12 | |
| Both | 0.48% | 5 |
| I like both | 0.19% | 2 |
| Couldn't play/listen to the video. | 0.10% | 1 |
| Both are good. | 0.10% | 1 |
| Both - no comparison - different versions. | 0.10% | 1 |
| I like both. | 0.10% | 1 |
| na | 0.10% | 1 |
| I am not familiar with this one. | 0.10% | 1 |
3.
3.
The last example (for today?) is Beethoven's 5th Symphony or "A Fifth of Beethoven" by Walter Murphy in the days of disco. Here is a link to the classical version. It is from the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra - I hope there are no tariffs on it if you are listening to it in Canada :). https://youtu.be/n3EiRynr1Us Which version do you prefer?
I prefer the original classical version.
29%
543 votes
I put on my boogie shoes and danced to the disco version.
18%
337 votes
If it isn't from Taylor Swift I am not interested.
6%
123 votes
Other (please specify)
2%
36 votes
Not Applicable
48%
915 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.06% | 11 | |
| both | 0.67% | 7 |
| I like both | 0.19% | 2 |
| I enjy this but prefer the original | 0.10% | 1 |
| I like them both... | 0.10% | 1 |
| I like both versions | 0.10% | 1 |
| Both :)) | 0.10% | 1 |
| I love them both! | 0.10% | 1 |
| I like both - and given that Back was an innovator, I suspect he'd get a kick out of Murphy's version. | 0.10% | 1 |
| awesome | 0.10% | 1 |
| Both equally | 0.10% | 1 |
| Both of great interpretations. | 0.10% | 1 |
| Like both for different reasons | 0.10% | 1 |
| I love both versions | 0.10% | 1 |
| both! | 0.10% | 1 |
| Couldn't play/listen to the video. | 0.10% | 1 |
| Each has a place. | 0.10% | 1 |
| Didn't disco, but like the version. | 0.10% | 1 |
| There won t be any tariffs on it..trump only places high tariffs on countries that oppose the genocide in Gaza. | 0.10% | 1 |
4.
4.
With so many varieties of music, can you, or should you, ever pick just one?
Yes
12%
234 votes
No
39%
732 votes
Undecided
17%
315 votes
Not Applicable
33%
619 votes
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