Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie Hosts 50-Hour Miles Davis Listening Marathon

Hamburg, a city that pulses with culture and history, is currently immersed in a sonic journey unlike any other. The Elbphilharmonie, our iconic concert hall, is not just hosting music; it's curating an experience – the Miles-100 Marathon, a profound tribute to the enduring legacy of jazz titan Miles Davis on his centenary.

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I am a huge Miles Davis fan!

This isn't your typical marathon. Forget the cheering crowds and the race against time; this is a marathon of the ears and the soul, spanning over 50 hours across six days. It's an ambitious undertaking, a deep dive into the discography of an artist who fundamentally reshaped the landscape of music. By playing 64 of his records, predominantly original pressings, the Elbphilharmonie is offering a rare opportunity to connect with Davis's sound in its purest form.

What makes this event particularly significant, as highlighted by Intendant Christoph Lieben-Seutter, is the distinction between interpreting jazz and classical music. While classical composers like Bach and Mozart exist through written scores and subsequent interpretations, Miles Davis left us his sound on vinyl. This marathon is a deliberate effort to honor that sonic imprint, ensuring that new generations can experience his music not as a reinterpretation, but as a direct transmission from the past.

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With the result that new interpretations in the worst case sound like a copy or are wrong.

From a Hamburg perspective, this event embodies our city's commitment to artistic innovation and preservation. The choice of venue, the use of vintage cinema speakers, and the meticulous selection of vinyl all speak to a dedication to authenticity. It’s a celebration that resonates deeply within our community, offering a unique cultural moment that transcends mere listening and becomes a shared act of reverence for a musical genius.

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Music can change a room, that could be experienced on Friday: In the afternoon, when the needle first lowered into the groove, a few dozen audiophiles listened with great seriousness to Birth of the Cool.