Introduction:
The performance of “More Than A Woman” by Robin Gibb Live at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark in 2009 is a captivating moment in the history of this iconic song and a testament to Robin Gibb’s enduring artistry as a solo performer. While the song is originally a Bee Gees classic from the monumental Saturday Night Fever soundtrack (1977), Robin’s live rendition with the Danish National Concert Orchestra provided a unique and majestic interpretation, highlighting his individual vocal prowess and the timeless orchestral quality inherent in many Bee Gees compositions. This specific performance was not released as a standalone single, but rather as part of the live concert DVD titled “Robin Gibb In Concert With The Danish National Concert Orchestra,” which was officially released by Eagle Rock Entertainment on July 12, 2011. This live recording transcends the original disco genre, transforming the beloved track into a grand orchestral pop and soft rock masterpiece, demonstrating the song’s versatility and Robin’s ability to command a stage with a full symphonic backing.
- Year of Live Performance: 2009 (August)
- Album/Video Release: Robin Gibb In Concert With The Danish National Concert Orchestra (DVD, released 2011)
- Genre: Orchestral Pop / Soft Rock / Vocal Pop (original song: Disco / R&B / Soul)
- Original Songwriters: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, Maurice Gibb
The original “More Than A Woman” was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb for the 1977 Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, becoming one of the most beloved and recognizable songs from that era. While the Bee Gees’ studio version famously features Barry Gibb’s lead vocals, “More Than A Woman” has always been a testament to the collective genius of the brothers. For this particular live rendition, Robin Gibb, known for his distinctive vibrato and emotive delivery, took center stage to perform the song. The concert at Ledreborg Castle in Denmark in August 2009 was a grand affair, where Robin Gibb was accompanied by his touring band and the esteemed Danish National Concert Orchestra. This collaboration elevated many of the Bee Gees’ classics, including “More Than A Woman,” into a new dimension, blending contemporary pop elements with a rich, classical orchestration.
The live performance of “More Than A Woman” from Ledreborg Castle transforms the original disco track into a sweeping, almost cinematic experience. The genre in this context shifts from the original disco/R&B fusion to a more expansive Orchestral Pop or Symphonic Pop/Rock. The presence of the Danish National Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Firman and with orchestral arrangements by Nikolo Kotzev (for most of the set), allowed for lush string sections, soaring brass, and woodwind textures to intertwine with Robin’s powerful vocals and his band’s rhythm section. This re-imagining showcased the timeless melodies and intricate songwriting of the Gibb brothers in a fresh, majestic light. Robin’s performance, while perhaps lower in key than the original, maintained the emotional intensity and melodic precision that fans adored. The blend of a full orchestra with a rock band setup highlighted the intricate layers within the Bee Gees’ compositions, revealing their inherent versatility and depth. This live arrangement underscored that their songs were much more than just disco hits; they were meticulously crafted pieces of music capable of transcending genres.
Achievements and Significance of the Live Performance:
The “More Than A Woman” performance at Ledreborg Castle, and the subsequent DVD release Robin Gibb In Concert With The Danish National Concert Orchestra, achieved several significant milestones for Robin Gibb as a solo artist and for the Bee Gees’ legacy:
- Showcasing Robin Gibb’s Solo Prowess: The concert allowed Robin Gibb to shine as a formidable solo artist, demonstrating his vocal strength and stage presence independently of his brothers, particularly Maurice, who had passed away in 2003. It offered fans a unique opportunity to experience his interpretation of Bee Gees classics and his solo material with a grand orchestral backing. The review from Blogcritics, for instance, noted that while his voice might not have been as strong as in the 1960s and 1970s, it remained “a formidable instrument,” further supported by backing vocalists filling in the iconic harmonies and falsetto parts.
- Critical and Fan Reception: The DVD was generally well-received, particularly by Bee Gees fans eager to see Robin perform their beloved songs in a new setting. The high production quality of the filming and audio captured the grandeur of the open-air concert at the historic Ledreborg Castle, providing an immersive viewing and listening experience. The concert was filmed in high-definition and released with DTS Digital Surround Sound, ensuring a premium audiovisual product that captured the nuances of the orchestral arrangements.
- Re-contextualizing Bee Gees Classics: The orchestral arrangements breathed new life into well-known Bee Gees hits like “More Than A Woman,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “How Deep Is Your Love.” This allowed both critics and fans to appreciate the melodic and harmonic complexity of the songs, stripping away some of the disco connotations and revealing their underlying pop and rock strengths. The collaboration with a national orchestra lent a new classical gravitas to the pop compositions.
- Commercial Success of the DVD: The Robin Gibb In Concert With The Danish National Concert Orchestra DVD was a commercial success for Eagle Rock Entertainment, selling well in various regions and becoming a cherished item for collectors and fans. Its availability on platforms like Discogs and eBay with positive sales data indicates its enduring popularity. The DVD provided a crucial record of Robin’s later solo career and his ability to continue performing the Bee Gees’ iconic repertoire.
- Preserving a Musical Legacy: This concert served as an important document in preserving the musical legacy of Robin Gibb, especially in the years leading up to his passing in 2012. It highlighted his continued dedication to music and his commitment to performing the songs that had defined his career, both with and without his brothers. The concert acted as a poignant reminder of his unique vocal talent and his significant contribution to one of the most successful bands in music history. The performance of “More Than A Woman” became a particularly memorable segment, showcasing his emotional connection to the material.
