Why Jon Lord’s Windows Failed Commercially | Deeper Down the Deep Purple Rabbit Hole

Why did Jon Lord’s ambitious 1974 album Windows fail commercially, despite featuring members of Deep Purple and a full chamber orchestra? In this episode of Deeper Down the Deep Purple Rabbit Hole, we explore one of Jon Lord’s most experimental solo projects. Following Concerto for Group and Orchestra and Gemini Suite, Lord teamed up with German composer and synthesizer pioneer Eberhard Schoener for a live performance that pushed the boundaries of rock and classical music. Recorded in Munich, Germany, in June 1974, Windows brought together Jon Lord, David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Tony Ashton, Ray Fenwick, Pete York, classical soloists, and the Munich Chamber Opera Orchestra. We take a closer look at the two lengthy compositions, “Continuo on B.A.C.H.” and “Window,” examining their unusual musical structures, experimental vocals, orchestral arrangements, and progressive rock influences. We also discuss the album’s commercial performance, critical reception, and why this ambitious experiment never reached the audience of Deep Purple’s Concerto for Group and Orchestra. Was Windows simply too ambitious, or did Jon Lord push the fusion of rock and classical music too far? Watch until the end and let me know what you think of this unusual chapter in Jon Lord’s career! Next episode: Roger Glover The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast. We explore Roger Glover’s 1974 concept album, the 1975 live rock opera, the all-star cast, and the surprising connections to Deep Purple, King Crimson, Judas Priest, and Ronnie James Dio. Subscribe for more Deep Purple history, solo albums, side projects, and forgotten gems from the band's musical universe. 🎸 Check out the Deeper Down the Deep Purple Rabbit Hole playlist for more episodes! Chapters 00:00 – Why Jon Lord’s Windows Failed Commercially 00:38 – Chapter 1: Why Did Jon Lord Record Windows? 02:19 – Chapter 2: Who Was Involved in the Project? 04:28 – Chapter 3: The Sound of “Continuo on B.A.C.H.” 06:10 – Chapter 4: The Sound of “Window” 08:20 – Chapter 5: Album Performance and Commercial Failure 12:14 – Chapter 6: Major Criticisms of the Album 14:32 – Next Episode: Roger Glover’s The Butterfly Ball #jonlord #DeepPurple #Windows #RogerGlover #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #RockHistory #DeepPurpleHistory #EberhardSchoener #DeeperDownTheDeepPurpleRabbitHole CONTACT INFORMATION jpc522@yahoo.com *FAIR USE* Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.