The classical French composer Mick Jagger revealed he has a “weakness for”
As we know, Mick Jagger isn’t exactly the most forthcoming person when it comes to dishing out musical praise. In a way, this partly explains why he once described himself as relatively “traditional” in his classical music tastes, his appreciation firmly anchored in the realm of indisputably excellent composers who each permeated and revolutionised the classical canon as we know it.
Due to his unrelenting bullish rock ‘n’ roll personality, it’s likely that we’re all more familiar with who Jagger hates rather than those he respects and admires. However, for some reason, when asking musicians about their biggest influences, it’s rare that classical music is the first thing on our minds, especially when we’re asking one of the biggest and most recognisable faces in rock.
Jagger’s rather serendipitous connection with classical goes beyond inspiration within his own work; it soundtracks certain parts of his life, a necessary companion whenever he is unwinding, checking out, or on the road. “In my computer and in my iPod [I have] Lots of blues, lots of classical, lots of soul, lots of Persian music,” he told Rolling Stone. “My own doodles. Music for every occasion, y’know? Even Christmas music.”
However, classical music is more enriching for rock ears than we might expect, particularly as many of the most defining rock virtuosos come from or are inspired by classical backgrounds. In Jagger’s case, taste is ever-evolving, and his appreciation for classical is as frustrating as it is enlightening—but mostly only because there’s so much to sink your teeth into.
Discussing Italian baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi during an episode of Desert Island Disks, Jagger explained that developing a fondness for the musician wasn’t something he anticipated, and even something he began “agonising” about, but purely because he felt he was betraying Mozart. In his words: “Mozart was my man, basically. But I found out, while reading some of his letters, that the only good word he had to say about any composer in the world was Vivaldi.”
Moreover, speaking with AOL in 1998, Jagger revealed some of his more obvious favourites, along with the one composer he has a “weakness” for. He said: “I’m quite traditional in my taste in classical music. I like Purcell and English romantic composers. Tonight, we were listening to a composer called John Adams who is American. Also, I have a weakness for Messiaen.”
As a lover of complex sounds that resonate, Jagger’s gravitation towards Messiaen makes complete sense. The French composer became known for his ability to deliver outstanding rhythmic complexity mixed with beauty and depth and an easy-on-the-ear quality that warrants both casual listening and more focused attention. In the same interview, Jagger said his main inspiration is “beauty in all its forms,” and it’s safe to say Messiaen falls firmly under that category.
