Major Concepts of Music

If one is to be honest, this has been a class that has had quite a significant impact on me! My academic prowess during this course may not reflect appropriately truth be told I have had to take it twice. However, with this being the second to last course before graduating, It comes at a time, where appreciation of and for music has been heightened due to the fact that much goes into the process of making glorious sounds that can sooth the soul. It is given an opportunity to enjoy The Pacific Symphony. Also, we plan other events that would be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of our regular lives, taking a moment to enjoy life! I never have played and instrument but I am learning slowly to play the guitar so that music can be played when we praise the Lord at the correctional facilities in Southern California once a month and also have joined the church choir, so with all these things revolving around music I would say it has made a significant impact on me!

Now let me tell you what I have learned. Music is meaningful, and the examples are endless touching the lives of so many at various periods of time. I have come to understand quite a bit about the history of music and a means to appreciate classical music. How you do this is read the history of the particular pieces that you are planning to hear and learn some of the key instruments that will bring the composition alive. Try to understand what the composer was trying to convey through his composition. The ideas played out in the melody came from much sweat and tears and that is something you learn to appreciate.

Let me add, that Pop music that is listen to on a daily basis on the radio is not truly art but just popular songs that last only two to five minutes normally they become popular because they are heard over again. Artistic music last for ours and after repeated listening you appreciates the nuisances of each piece. And the depth that has went into the compilation of the composers work. Thru the ages as pieces became more intense the pitch, duration, loudness and tone increased thus increasing the amount of pieces needed to produce the sounds increase thru the various orchestra periods such as the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic period orchestra each time incorporating more strings, wind, brass, harpsichord and eventually the piano that is used in our modern era and it is still evolving with the incorporations of Asian instruments, though it is not set in stone for the Western culture yet.

The instrumental forms such as dance that was music with no voice it was merely for merriment and has had a major effect on cultures from the period called Allemande to Siciliana which possess different meters to the style of dance. Large scale works called movements are that are twenty minutes in length and broken down into five minute increments set for dance but routinely this is when the audience gives applause to the particular movement. Baroque in my opinion is synonymous with a major part of European history but when you think of classical music the dances truly comes into play during this period and the harpsichord is an intricate part of the this dance period.

The voice is represented by Fugue which is the best way to describe polyphonic imitations of music through voice and the ranges that you here are the soprano, alto, tenor and bass and they replicate or mimic the music that is composed and when this is done correctly you have a beautiful piece of work that has come together. Now in order for this to be done you need a conductor or maestro to bring the instruments and vocals and style of music together to create what the composer wrote and this is not something that it taken lightly much skill is placed in this endeavor to bring harmony together, hence the name maestro!

I have taken this course twice, due to my schedule and lack of preparedness, but I will say that it has been well worth it, for you see it is not just about a grade, but it has profoundly taught me various themes, the concept of hard work and dedication along with inspiration to create something of worth if very important, it seems that my culture at time have forgotten this on certain matters and just taking the time to relax and enjoy something that someone took the time and effort to produce this lesson is a major take away. One that I never shall forget we must combine all aspects of these concepts into our lives so that we too can inspire others to do great things as well and there is no short cut to creating a masterpiece!

Concert on the Green

The concert on the green was a pleasant change for a Sunday evening. The weather was perfect for setting and the atmosphere was relaxing as we all were the sounds of the Concert on the Green Wind Orchestra comprised of high school, college musicians, alumni that have travel from various regions to be a part of this wonderful experience in music

Star Spangle Banner: Written by Francis Scott Key and this version son by Ms. Natalie Hovsepian, soprano. Her rendition of this timeless song was superb and helps set the tone for the rest of the evening of wonderful music that satisfied the listener’s ears. I would like to add that all the pieces that were executed intrigued me to want to find out more about the pieces played. The conductor Professor Held explained each piece with a little history. However I thought I would go a little further and research information along with other renditions with photos to give you a taste as best possible of what I experienced. I hope you will enjoy!

American Salute by Morton Gould http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSe7WM9JP8QWM9JP8QSe7WM9JP8Q played by the orchestra with as much passion if not more the clip that you see in this video. Morton Gould hailed from New York born in December 1913 studied at the Institute of Musical Art and early in his career was sought after for various types of musical work such as radio and theatre and had a successful career as a composer and symphony conductor he wrote numerous orchestrated music and the American Salute is one of those renowned pieces. http://www.naxos.com/composerinfo/Morton_Gould_21091/21091.htmfo/Morton_Gould_21091/21091.htm

Adagio for Winds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh7wbTNu07Y Written by Larry Daehn he born in Rosendale Wisconsin in 1939 received a degree from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh as well a Masters degree from the University at Platteville teaching music for well over 33 years and has his own publications.

http://www.windband.org/foothill/pgm_note/notes_d.htm#Daehn
Laudamus Te (Mass in C Minor, K427) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHJjCiKfydo Composed on a vow to his wife to write a mass when she safely returned from delivering their first children, Mozart wrote the It was premiered on October 26, 1783. Mass in C Minor (K. 427/417a) in late 1782 and early-to-mid 1783. It was first performed on August 25, in St. Peter's church with his wife singing the solos. The Mass in C Minor is one of the few works that Mozart did not compose for money http://www.wikio.com/video/1423321

Arioso (Cantata No. 156) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0irJfY8d3s By J.S Bach

Canticle: All Creatures of Our God and King http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBrqECh-2HE by Claude T. Smith an American educator, conductor as a prolific composer who completed over 100 compositions for groups or bands. With more than 12 orchestral pieces and fifteen choral pieces. Some of his compositions are Emperata overture and Eternal Father strong to save which was commissioned by the United States Navy to commemorate the 50th anniversary. http://www.lib.umd.edu/archivesum/actions.DisplayEADDoc.do?source=/MdU.ead.scpa.0013.xml&style=eadource=/MdU.ead.scpa.0013.xml&style=ead

Overture to “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=422-yb8TXj8 this was not a considered a successful work when it first opened on Broadway in 1956. Rather considered a complex assortment of music that had be worked and reworked at various times. However, it has survived and does give assistance in a positive way to Voltaire’s fanciful imaginative tale. http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/music/piece_detail.cfm?id=51515usic/piece_detail.cfm?id=515

Klezmer Classics

1. Mazltov http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha6V0MT6nrQ in times past, this melody was used for the farewell as a so-called dobranots (“good night song”) to escort the guests on their leave-taking at a wedding party. http://www.euronet.nl/~amsmusic/toelicht/klezmer.htm

2. Dem Trisker rebn’s nign (The Melody of the Rabbi of Trisk)this melody was first recorded in 1925 in New York by the clarinetist Dave Tarras. The title (Trisk is a town in the Ukrainian province of Volhynia) responded to the sentiments of the many Jewish immigrants who had settled in America. They formed a potential market for the upcoming record industry. http://www.euronet.nl/~amsmusic/toelicht/klezmer.htm

3. Lomir zich iberbetn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEKKhPDJ5lA (Yiddish: Let Us Reconcile)This is a traditional wedding dance. It is performed at the party by unmarried girls and boys who, to avoid physical contact, were only connected by a handkerchief that they held at the tips, high up in the air. http://www.euronet.nl/~amsmusic/toelicht/klezmer.htm

4. Chosidle (slow dance) This is a Chassidic dance with a solemn mood. The melody is based on a nigun (Chassidic melody without words). Chassidism is an orthodox movement within the religious Judaism, in which mysticism plays an important role. http://www.euronet.nl/~amsmusic/toelicht/klezmer.htm

5. Ma jofus (Tants, tants, jidelech) Hebrew: How Beautiful…)This is a melody based on an ode to the Sabbath. It is a true classic from the klezmer repertoire, and it is also known as Tants, tants, Yidelech. In former days in Eastern Europe, Ma yofus was just as well known as Hava Nagila is today. http://www.euronet.nl/~amsmusic/toelicht/klezmer.html/~amsmusic/toelicht/klezmer.htm

Block M (Concert March)

The Lion King

1. Circle of Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX07j9SDFcc
2. I just Can’t Waite to Be King http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXs8OS6EdAE6EdAE
3. Be Prepared http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ6cw_MuTDE
4. Hakuna Matata http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K92sv93_c_A
5. Can You feel the Love Tonight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCebAa9qKz8
6. King of Pride Rock http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw5bha0ZkRY
I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserable’s) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yix0MyJnBQA Les Misérables known as Les Mis or Les Miz, is a musical composed in 1980 by the French composer (person who wrote the music part) Claude-Michel Schönberg with a libretto (words) by Alain Boublil. It is the most famous of French musicals and one of the most performed musicals in the world. In 2006, the show celebrated its 21st anniversary and became the longest-running West End (England’s equivalent of America’s Broadway) musical in history, and is still running (albeit in different venues). http://susanboyle.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/who-really-wrote-i-dreamed-a-dream-music-ed-101/boyle.wordpress.com/2009/04/17/who-really-wrote-i-dreamed-a-dream-music-ed-101/

Natalie Hovsepian, soprano

Old Ironsides http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3THKjV9Jm4g The composer John Phillip Sousa is synonymous with military marches and military compositions he lead the United States Marine band from 1880 to 1892 serving under various presidents that were very appreciative of his music his legacy has endured down thru the ages. http://everything2.com/title/John+Philip+Sousa

The Ultimate Patriotic Sing-Along

Star Wars Medley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPq4e0-9HwM One of the most in-demand film composers of the last quarter of the twentieth century, John Williams reinvigorated orchestral movie music, composing scores for more than 80 films and winning 5 Academy Awards, 17 Grammy Awards, 3 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, and 5 BAFTA Awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. He is the composer of memorable theme music for television networks and special events such as the Olympics. He is a conductor, famous for his work leading the Boston Pops Orchestra. And he is a composer of music for the concert hall. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3428400577.html

The experience as stated in the beginning of this blog was one that will leave pleasant memories of the music that was executed and atmosphere of the hole evening was excellent it was well received the informative explanation of the various styles of music along with the involvement of the audience as well the inspiration to the children to one day play one of the various instruments or perhaps by the seed that was planted aspired to be an upcoming conductor of the many splendid companies and around the world. Also, the excellent leadership of the conductor as he exemplified a gracious host to the listeners and did not take the credit but gave it to all who assisted him in the making of a pleasant afternoon.

The Other Side of Silence

Beethoven built an empire of music that will stand the test of time. Though he had a life that was vibrant and melancholy it is inspirational in so many facets. And gives rise to so many lessons from beginning to end. We should appreciate the passion placed in the music and composition behind all that has been written and realize though a genius he also was a man who faced issues as many have and triumphed in some and failed in others, but he did not stop living. This is a testament to the courage of the human spirit and validity that we need to believe in something higher then ourselves.

The Raven Mother

Interesting note here is that a trial went on to define who Beethoven was regarding nobility, and because his middle name was van instead of von he was not considered more common than aristocratic and stripped of noble credentials and with this and various issues, it is believed that he reached the precipice of lunacy and it not only affected him but family members as well.

The Mountains of the Mind

As an artist Beethoven was tried and true to the nature of a creative mind, and was not ashamed or prideful concerning his craft. “O God! Give me the strength to conquer myself, nothing at all must fetter me to life.” www.harpercollins.com within this period he wrote http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KGtUkW3dBM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhw6bF_oR_k However, the time came that he did decline within the realm of the musical elite. While he still had veracity within his mind the Tsar, Dukes and Viennese looked were moving on with what one may call the sign of the times. And with these changes payments ebbed and flowed some were given as a good faith jester and with the war raging the light in Beethoven starts to fade one of the last pieces of music is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBAqBkoT5-4 as he finished it is said he faded into sub consciousness.

The Immortal Beloved

The appointment to Kassel was a new chapter in the life of Beethoven removing himself from the seat of musical capital to somewhat of a providential outpost of musical world was shocking to many who could not comprehend the move amidst the height of his career in the musical city. But Beethoven makes an interesting statement:
Abusive articles about my latest concert will perhaps be set again from here to the Musikalische Zeitung. I certainly don’t want everything that is written against me to be suppressed. But people should bear in mind that nobody in Vienna has more private enemies than I have. This is the more understandable since the state of music here is becoming worse and worse.
With the issues of the day and war looming from France’s Napoleon Bonaparte and several symphonies later such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IRMYuE1hI; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LimqvTZ3EC4 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJGESRc3XfY
With the news of letters between he and Antoine Brentano that gives reason for the strange move and puts to rest how society because they cannot explain issues make of stories to fill in the gaps.

The Cold Dungeon

The endeavor to write “The Creature of Prometheus” was a collaboration of the masters and was something that at that time never had been undertaken. So it was a daunting task that paid massive dividends for their careers. Interestingly enough the payment for this masterpiece did produce the same results various issues arose the Papa Hayden was on the decline a fiddler name George Bridgetower playing Beethoven’s Op.47, the “Kreutzer” Sonata: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mixnMzHUYxA This was such piece that it reported to have a profound effect on the libido and a story circulated that it cause a disagreement between Beethoven and Kreutzer over a madchen. However the quarrel Beethoven has been 35 years on the earth and no serious relationship with a woman and several compositions later: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz7usUEPWsc he felt dreariness to his life, due to his deafness, which he so desperately tried to hide from the public and did a great job of it. One has to recognize the beauty of being able to write and composed music without the key instrument of the human body to define it.

The Creature of Prometheus

Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung a weekly periodical covering the compositions of the day wrote about Beethoven calling him the basically the new man of German music this was due to the composition of the grand Concerto for the pianoforte played by and composed by Mr. Ludwig van Beethoven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AIr2ehN4_k other compositions gave him notability but was somewhat lackluster never the less they are beautiful pieces of work that only a master could write http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfwlj2rrzQ0; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OKg5OXkZtM with this type of music Beethoven was challenge by the aristocracy to addressed this kind of composition meaning the quartets, the powers that be were a driving force that shapes some of the music written. Like the culture of today the youth also had a major influence that drove how music was written when we think of the rebellion of youth this what compelled the master to write the ballad called “Creature of Prometheus” this made him a superstar of that day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d7PKI505aM

The Hands of Hayden

Interesting facts on how Beethoven was able to facilitate his musical career was through various creditors that he would be in debt to and as a trade he would compose his music to their credit. Benefactors would cover the composers cost and during one of these periods enter Joseph Hayden who appreciated what a composer must experience to write their music. Beethoven understood as well that he had much to learn from a revered master and took the task as one of utmost importance for his career. So much that it is reported that he called him “Papa” and in Beethoven’s mind writing Hayden’s music would bring him closer to what Papa understood one of these hand written pieces copied by Beethoven is Quartet, Op. 20 No. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbxoYTUvc30 This also became a period for Beethoven to embrace the world of aristocracy during this time as a young man he learns that his life is somewhat in others hands, and that though he is passionate he has to refrain from his passions in order to keep order. Also as a student of Hayden issues arose that made Papa feel taken advantage because of status. As well, this is a period in time that Beethoven becomes independent and gossips arises that he is shy toward women sexually and remarks of his Spanish looking skin and kinky hair eluded to other issues. Regardless of these issues let of remember that he is the greatest composer who ever lived here is Bernstein on Beethoven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZYn865RiRE

The Spirit of Mozart

Who would have thought in the life genius alcoholism would play a part but it did. His father had a bought and due to this problem he was not the most pleasant of parental leadership, it is said that he abuse the responsibility, however, something that could be addressed from this and has been pointed out is the argument of abortion because of this and other issues, what if this child Beethoven had not been born or a means sought to terminate, would we have been blessed with the beauty of his music? Regardless of all this happy years in Beethoven’s life did surface early while serving under Mozart’s tutelage. Mozart who was reluctant about accepting the student later remarked “keep your eyes on him; some day he will give the world something to talk about.” www.harpercollins.com

Prologue to Beethoven The Unversal Composer

Beethoven is known at an early age in his life as a musical genius but how many know anything of his if you like to call it regular life? However, it was not until his early forties that he was considered the most famous composer of his time. What established Beethoven as the crème de le crème was his innate ability to expound on the human emotion and beyond life, love and death. Great example Beethoven’s fifth symphony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c4x0yuKpeY like the fifth Beethoven life had some very sharp contrast as we shall see and challenge to explain. Issues that arose in his life were sexual, social, political, psychotic, loneliness, and illness; something that would probably break the average person today but he prevailed.

Conclusion

Music is an evolving force that has transcended down through the ages from worship of deities to worshiping of self. With the expression through imaging and technology producing sounds that completes all that we see. Hopefully music while it has taking detour in what is wholesome amidst the main stream culture, will continue on the road that has produced and shed light on many cultures down thru the ages to inspire people to do great things for worthy causes and not solely for our own pleasure and debauchery, but machination for things of worth.

Help! Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXh4EuJa2TU

Liberation: Nation, People, Sex

Oh the songs that moves a nation, the inspirational sounds that cause many a men to overcome unbeatable odds or lose their lives for the sake a national anthem! Ah, but when you think of the genius that went into the composition of the words to move a nation it makes the heart tingle with excitement! During the twentieth century we experience something more with music that helped change how people thought. Though it took time the music transcended cultures in a way that allowed for people to cross racial lines in areas of socializing and interaction in a sexual manner that would have never been imagined. Perhaps this all came about because someone took the chance to write and play their passion?



Angelo Smimmo "Opera Buffa" Roberto De Simone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YUjsLFGLts

Joseph Haydn - Deutschland Uber Alles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2IaFaJrmno

Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode live
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEq62iQo0eU

Martin Luther King Jr - I Have a Dream
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZLvSnr6s50

Britney Spears, Madonna, Christina Aguilera, MTV 2003
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozfsRiKL480

Technology: From Stradivarius to Stratocaster

The transformation of music thru the centuries has a rich history of innovative ideas to create a more meaningful sound with the invention of keyboard instruments the elevations of melodies continue to climb to higher heights with no ceiling in view. Add the element of electricity and you no longer look for a ceiling but realize that the sky is the limit! From strings to synthesizers technology from it primitive to its present status has enhanced our listening pleasure.

Brahms - Violin Concerto in D major
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkIULqYxiPU

Harpsichord Performance: Comparone Plays Scarlatti

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71iUAFFQ8ik

Amadeus (Movie): Don Giovanni – Mozart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxcjxN0rPzs


Seige of Ennis - Stroh Violin & Spoons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnnSO8wTQB4

Purpose: Music is The Most Romantic of All the Arts’

Throughout history the thought has been music was a means to draw men closer to God! However, as we look closer at this period of music we see composition created to exalt men and their social status moving from worship of the Almighty in song to the secularization of societies along with its music. The movers and the shakers who were shear geniuses in the created masterpiece in music gradually praised the accolades of men and wrote of the romantics between men and women. With this change the creation of music that is called classical, jazz and rock in which today resonates thru all aspects of everyday life helped shape society as we know it.

biscic002 Soli Deo Gloria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZGMkgDI9vM

Norrington - Beethoven's 3rd Symphony (Eroica) 3rd Movement

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXVDDHB3ybU

Wagner at Bayreuth, ca. 1882
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG9c-l0T36g

Status: You Are a God-Man the True Artist by God’s Grace:

Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (1801)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYxqN7cilEM&feature=email Play All Stop Autoplaying Play Next Play Next
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Music throughout history gives rise and fall to musicians making them something of a phenomenon and hailed with high esteem even giving them honors due to their representation of the various deities that societies worshipped. While this in certain instances still applies, during the time of Plato, music became something to be studied and venerated as an academic that equaled all other major studies making a true academic whole.

Socrates and Plato Talk Music
http://amazingdiscoveries.org/socrates-and-plato-talk-music.html

Introduction:

The triumph of music will take you on a journey that correlates the various moments in time were composition in certain instances had a great effect on what took place within the particular culture during that era and shaped issue to come. Other scenarios provide music that was fashioned by what took place in the mind of the composers or what moved societies during the moment verses were written; in any case the journey is a most interesting one, which gives reason to reflect how important music truly is!

Don't Stop Movin' (Party At The Palace 2002)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBDR-0xDzOc
God Save The Queen Opening the Palace Party 2002
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml12_zZgn-4

Night at Steamers

The evening spent at steamer s with a jazz quartet was really a treat! Located at 138 W. Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832, you get all that you could bargain for great jazz music and various dishes that give you the flavor of Louisiana, at a reasonable price. It also provides entertainment that will truly make you feel as if you are on Bourbon Street. Which is known for jazz and blues amongst other things? The piece of resistance was Carol Welsman and her accomplished musicians that accompanied her on the piano. She and internationally acclaimed singer as well as pianist truly engaged the audience and gave history and smooth performances of various songs attributed to various artists who inspired her to take the music a little further with twist and turns. Always giving compliments to her ban for the various solo portion of the pieces that were played, which made the audience appreciate all the more.

Carol is a native of Canada and the granddaughter of the first conductor as well as founder of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Her grandfather Frank S. Welsman in high school mastered double bass, violin and classical piano. Which leaves Carol some pretty big shoes to fill and that is exactly what she has done, just in another form of music. For starters she is fluent in English, Italian and French sings in other languages such as Portuguese. Performed for President Clinton, Gray Davis former Governor of California, and Stevie Wonder, these are only a few prominent figures that she was afforded such an opportunity to display her prowess as a musician. With sales of over 60,000 albums in her native country of Canada and was awarded at the 2006 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award “Best Female Vocalist” a feat that is hard to match by any stretch of the imagination.

With her training and fortunate opportunity to combine rhythms and language together into the genre of jazz makes the sounds all the more refreshing. Giving life to songs that may have been long forgotten by some, but Carol and her band revived them as it was evident from the audience claps on piece that escape one memories until the moment they were played. Carols heritage in music if you will is steeped in jazz classics. It is said that she is reminiscent of the greats such as Peggy Lee, and Ella Fitzgerald with her sultry sounds. Many of her song were attributed to the greats Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Peggy Lee as mentioned earlier and some songs where just plain old fun. Such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on this one heard the audience humming along one they all could remember. She really understood how to keep the audience engaged and participative while entertaining them as well as being entertains by our participation as well. Another impressive talent or ability and a prominent one was her ability to scat she did a wonderful job fusing this all together. Playing the piano and spouting of various words that rhymed and but not coherent to us, the whole time no getting tong tide and expressing words that were audible to keep us in line with the theme of the song, very impressive!

This experience was an enjoyable one and if you are ever in Fullerton California and you have a free evening anytime during the week check out Steamers. It a place you can truly enjoy jazz. The people are friendly and the food is great! The ambience will get you in the mood for the music you will hear. On certain days there is no cover charge, so that’s would always be a plus, you can just drop in and take in the sounds of New Orleans and various other Blues and Jazz States while never living California! This whole section of town seems to offer various types of clubs and pubs the spend an afternoon or evening in, all in walking distance of each other so checking out various venues would be an added bonus of who knows you may stumble across the next great musical artist! Then you could make the claim of you where there when the first got their start, anything is possible? Honestly, it really was a nice evening spending time listening to music that I had gotten away from and realized that I still enjoy its various sounds and the art that goes into producing it all Especially, after doing research into the history of it all, amazing how much of a role it plays in the fabric of our society.

D.Ford

Improvisation

Listening to the various forms of improvisation has been interesting. From Louis Armstrong thru John Hong impromptu was pleasant and helped understand a little of what jazz means to America, while Victor Borge and Hong are exhilarating performances and truly appreciated. Learning how down through the age’s American music evolved and defines the character or existence if you will of what being an American is all about. In my opinion that is the individuality, but an innate ability to pull together thus creating something wonderful for all to experience! With a determined mind set to separate ourselves from the clutches of European governance, especially after the War of 1812 which in essence was the catalyst which propelled the American culture to distance itself from European culture regarding artistic endeavors and to furnish our own brand of Americana. It seems that many of the pioneers were unlikely candidates at the present time, but perseverance in a style of music which morphed from minstrel shows to folk music then blues continuing to evolve into jazz and good time music, which embodies improvisation and allows for the truest form of democracy as people come as individuals and play as a group but competing to outdo one another, giving the society a treat because we get the best of what they have to offer thru challenges. If America looses this we exist for what purpose then?

D.Ford

Music Made To Be Meaningful

Today while talking with a coworker, about face book and how so many people connect she explains how she and her friends unite with each other on her site. It was simply through music. What they do is when the reminisce about a certain moment or time in life the write a couple of lines that was playing at that particular time and she went on to say that it was amazing how so many people could recall significant events that took place in their lives while a certain song was popular. Yes, this could be the pop songs but I would venture to say that this works for all music. Think of Jazz or classical lifting the spirits, and let us not forget hymnals that invoke the almighty and how many of tears have strewn down a person’s face when they think of the goodness of God?

Yes music can be very meaningful in so many different ways some joyful, others sad, the extremes are wide and ranging. One who has the ability to create a sound that brings so much emotion to the hearts of men truly has a wonderful talent! Simply hearing birds chirp a short melodic tune brings peace to one’s soul as they listen in a serene setting and you begin to take in the beauty (if afforded the opportunity) all around you that makes you appreciate the simple things of life. All because of a sound, yes music if very manifold source and force to be reckoned with. Think of the stories of the Naked Saint by Heinrich Wackenroder where the saint after observing what was considered acts of love became enlighten and was freed from the enchantment that had him obsessing over the wheel of time. Or the tale by Pythagoras that curved the youthful passions of destruction simple by changing the melody of a frenzied song, yes, music is made to be meaningful.

Music in so many ways is meaningful in it crosses all barriers such as language, time, age, color and sexes. It the melody touch the soul the music has done what it was meant to do. Songs have lifted men to win battles and lead them on to victory during sporting events. Now this music was made to be meaningful. Words that are placed in songs to convey a message and placed to the write notes is a masterful endeavor learn. This takes skill and a passion along with an innate ability to truly select the proper selection for each piece that will be a part of the story in time that is told in song. I will not say that it is a dying art, but the face of it is changing each end everyday unless the importance of what it represents continues to be taught so that old styles of will live on in hold meaning for us.

With all this in mind, that music is meaningful, examples abound on how music touches the lives of so many. But ask yourself, what does music do for you? What does it stir in you has it inspired you to run a marathon? Climb Mt Everest, or just simple reach out and touch somebody hands to make this world a better place if you can? Classical scores are masters at leaving a lasting impression on us in my opinion, so often it is unannounced to us that the music being played in the background is some classical piece. However, many times the classical piece helps to keep the scene or movie fasten within your mind for years to come. One who has the ability to write and compile songs which are meaningful has a magnificent endowment that they must be incredibly proud of since its power can progress and inspire others to do things that they might not normally do. That truthfully again is a gift and one should used with tremendous care. Because who knows what the person who hears the lyrics may do. If they can be highly praised for it great! However, if not, woe to them for creating some foul deed because of a few words place on piece of paper. In all seriousness, it is a wonderful thing to play something that is meaningful to all and moves people in whatever capacity. Hopefully only for good, but that is in a perfect world and this is a place we do not live a perfect world that is. So make it meaningful to all so that we will be swayed to do well!

D.Ford

The Orchestra

Voices within the opera are comprised of six main types ranging from the Soprano which is the highest to the bass which is the lowest. The soprano would be a high women’s voice with a range in the opera world that would be called a dramatic soprano, because of the scale that these women are capable of expressing raw emotions through their voices. The mid level or range soprano is called a mezzo soprano the voices between the two sopranos are very difficult to distinguish but when performing, it can be a veritable to her either singer serenade you. Also you have the contralto, tenor, baritone and bass various male voices that are phenomenal at projecting their voices in order to reach the furthest patron.

Over the centuries it is interesting how the musicale ensembles have changed over time. During the Baroque you had and fourteen piece ensemble consisting of five violins one flute, one oboe, a trumpet, one double bass, two celli, two violas and a Harpsichord. The Classical period consisted of two timpani, two French horns, two flutes, two oboes, two trumpets, two bassoons, four double basses, ten violas, fifteen violins and four celli. The Romantic Period consisted of Percussions a total of seven pieces, four French horns, one tuba, three trumpets, four trombones, two flutes and one piccolo, two harps, four clarinets, four oboes, four bassoons, ten double basses, twelve violas, twenty violins and twelve celli. Bringing us to Modern period where the harpsichord is replaced with the percussion instrument the piano making a total of seven percussion instruments. The remainder where four French horns, four timpani, four oboes, four clarinets, four bassoons, four trombones, three trumpets, one tuba, one harp, one piccolo and two flutes, eight double basses, twelve second violins, fourteen first violins, twelve violas, and ten celli. As you can see the numbers grew and with possibility incorporating Asian pieces within the ensemble it will continue to grow.

With these beautiful voices and various instruments, one must understand that it takes key figures to keep everyone in sync. Sure anyone that plays and instrument for a major company is well qualified and considered to be the best of the best, and you may think that they are able to play on their own? However, without the first violinist who ensures that everyone is proficient in their area of expertise and the conductor who brings them all together to make such splendid music come together like and major player with in a huge corporation or athletic organization poised to become something more then what they are separate from the group or team. Exciting the players and giving them the accolades they deserve for doing a phenomenal job surpassing the excellence that everyone has already achieved. This is daunting task for anyone who pursues to acquire such a title. So much goes into all that we as patrons are blessed to hear. Never forget that this is something special that your mind body and soul is afforded the opportunity to experience.

Now there is a slight issue that patrons might encounter, and away to address the issue is due your homework, and I really need to take this advice to heart. If, you plan to attend a concert you do well to take the time to listen to the music before hand, read any history prior to attending this wondrous event, and while their read thru the libretto that you receive when you arrive at the hall, take the time to go somewhat early, take the moment in read the about the music especially if it going to be in another language, it will help you to appreciate the expressions and the different guest if there are any, singing or playing, you can appreciate it more when you hear and know that much time and effort has been place in the craft that they profess. Taking this to heart, truly one who puts time in will get the most out of what they doing, either way on to the receiving or giving. It can be a winning situation for all parties.
Recapping when you think of all that has been placed into the care and meticulous presenting of the music accompanied by the operatic style of projecting ones voice and all the various types of instruments brought together to make a melodic sound that enriches the soul, held together by two individuals one in the spot light and the other behind the scenes. It is a beautiful thing when it all comes together and is presented in a way that seems almost effortlessly to their patrons. It gives you a sense of wanting to do better yourself. Yes you can take away so much from an opera performance, guess it all comes down to how you might want to look at it. But do not take my word for it. Go and experience it yourself using some of the guidelines that I have given you so that you may enjoy the experience to its fullest potential!

D.Ford

Chinese Classical Music

Chinese classical music has a deep history prior to being introduced to western standard instruments. Like Korea in 2008 allowing a tour of the New York Philharmonic within its borders. China Opened during the 1970’s up until this point there was a crackdown on the entrance of western music into the Chinese Society. However today China invites the west with open arms in regards to music and more than likely as countries share each other’s talents, there will be a large pool to pull from of talented musicians coming from this sleeping giant. Its musicians are and have been trained and steeped in classical music tradition instruments and incorporating their own versions will be a treat in the coming years to say the least. As the western culture is meshed into the Asian culture, the sounds will be rich and vibrant taking the levels of creativism to new heights!

Several instruments that could have this profound effect when we consider, the pentatonic scale along with melodic effects are the Dizi a flute constructed out of bamboo and use six holes and a blow hole along with a membrane hole with allows for a rich piercing sound as the result of its construction. The origin of these wind instruments dates back well past 2000 years, during the Han Dynasty was its hay day due to the bright varied sound it produces. Recently it has started to emerge more and more within the local operas and has made its way across the pond to western operas as well. The main difference in the Dizi compared to other flutes around the world is the pliant reed membrane that covers certain holes on the flute itself.

Two new players that have wonderful sounds and when they are implemented will add beautiful accompaniment to Asian opera within the west. These instruments are the Erhu and Guqin. The Erhu has several different varieties and was very popular during the Yuan dynasty which was during the 15th century. This instrument has 2 strings and mainly used for folklore performances. Within the Chinese orchestra this will be a key player in producing the sound that the culture resonates with. It uses a main bow with a long narrow stem with the resonator covered in snakeskin. The fiddle is held in the upright position in the center of the musicians lap as the bow made with horsehair moves back and forth at the musicians will. The Guqin a seven stringed instrument that is plucked like various other instruments. It defines the oriental culture and has had a great deal of notoriety in various dynasties such as the Tang, Song, Nanbei, Qing and Sui dynasties The pentatonic scale is set due to the seven strings thickness with the thicker string on the outside.
A Chinese music ensemble would include the Dizi Guqin but let be clear Asian music has a wide range that addresses several different genres with music stemming from vast array of ethnic groups throughout it s regions. China reportedly has over 56 ethnic artistic customs with Cantonese composition or Peking opera as two of the most celebrated examples. Also, the Han culture holds roughly 96% of the total populous their musical heritage without question would be the richest of all the provinces within China. The music of China is divided into eight categories they are called bayin which means eight tones. The representations are: metal, stone, bamboo, gourd, membrane and wood. While you have these eight tones, most musical ensembles that you may not hear are three consisting of stone, or chimes bell or metal and wood. These sounds were used more during the imperial courts and not a part of the common folks usage. The common folks used the dizi and erhu which are very popular today.

Western music has influence the refinement and the production of professional group ensembles. The favored solo instruments are as mention before the erhu and dizi; these are taught at the conservatories allowing for new and inventive ways to play the instruments meshing ancient techniques with modern methods to producing very interesting sounds. Harmony and chromaticism have influenced the playing of these instruments, but have been incorporated into the new compositions and concerto along new methods to create other instruments. One can only imagine the sounds coming from this giant that has been sleeping for some time? During the 1950’s thru the 1970’s a type reformation has taken place with production of new instruments which have reached powerful octave range just by adding little here and there. One waste with bated breath as this instrument yields the awesome potential awaiting the musicians hand to start playing.

D.Ford

History in Greek Philosophy

Great thinkers in Greek philosophy believed that music was for the most part one of the strongest instruments to sway the behavior of its inhabitants when it concerned the arts. Various modes moved the public in several ways. The songs addressed the laws of the day. Therefore, making it easy for the populace to follow because little ditty’s would be embedded in the mind as they are song or hummed. A relaxed manner called the Dorian that was associate with the mythical gods was considered not only calming but orderly. The Phrygian method associated itself with mythical figures as well, but of a more frenzied or lascivious atmosphere during this period. The Greeks had their methods of curtailing various behaviors through music, because of the awareness of the effects it had on people. However before we pass judgment to quickly, keep in mind that we take precautionary methods as well to regulate the variety of music the youth and young adults listen too! We call it Parental advisory place on CD’s, DVD and mpeg downloads and some requesting that you acknowledge that you are of age to purchase.

In Music of the Spheres, Pythagoras a mathematician and scientist reduces the notes within a Phrygian melody to curve the youthful passions that made him (the youth) out of control in the city of Taormina who was on the verge of setting the city ablaze. As Pythagoras observed the stars, he changed the melody with in a song and played it during this time which calmed the savage beast or youths. This gives rise to a notion and fact that music could be set to mathematical equations and scientific formulas and become relevant as the stars are when they are in harmony. Interesting that the change in several notes calm could calm someone so quickly and effectively just by the shifting of notes from a notion concerning the stars. Down through the centuries consonance and dissonance along with scales have been explored in death to their meanings compared with the scientist who studied the stars, these maestros in their own right where scientist as well studying and mastering the styles and sounds of music placing them together to make harmony.

Music in Liberal Arts

When we look at theories, we attribute to the Greek culture their studious review of music, and passing it on to other culture, because of their methodical script of note taking. The Romans followed suit in obtaining all that was written and taking it as their own to enrich it culture in all the lands that it inhabited allowing scholars to build upon the Greek theories and discoveries. Maritianus Capella a North African formulated what is called seven intellectual disciplines or liberal arts. Within these disciplines are grammar, logic, and rhetoric together they are called the trivium. The last four of these arts are arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and you guessed it music. Which composed the quadrivium, though the music is under the sciences as time marched on these disciplines where known more as the liberal arts, and they allowed for free and forward thinking, allowing for critical thinking instead of being applied only for a trade or craft?

Focusing on the discipline of music it is interesting that various texts where produced during the twelfth century making way for various theories from the Greek period to continue it march down through the ages. The notion that the science of music was still applicable to scale, melodic interval, consonance and dissonances derived via number and ratios within this science. The harmonies according to Boethius “could be divided into three general types: musica mundane (music of the spheres), musica humana (music of the human body), and musica instrumentalis (earthly vocal and instrumental music). These concepts have been held in high regard by the writers during the middle ages and are still found in over 137 medieval manuscripts. However Boethius is the most sought after work of the fundamental of music disciplines.

We have discussed philosophy and disciplines, now let take a look at the harmony of the stars from aesthetics approach. The tale is set in the orient, the enchantment theNaked Saint written by Willhelm Heinrich Wackenroder. The Saint who was placed in a cave alongside a river and this was his place for people to make their journey for a place of solitude, but the saint did not have any such peace or tranquility, due to the constant churning of the proverbial wheel of time that he was fixated on and how it reached from them to the stars and its constant revolutions that noisily rotated giving him no peace the sounds that resonated in his head continually plagued him with the responsibility of ensuring that time would not stand still. When he was asked about his circumstances and exactly what he was doing he replied harshly as if they could comprehend what he felt was a burden that he alone must endure. As people came to watch him it inflamed him to know end how could they come and watch me stand or walk back and forth contemplating the clock, did the not see the importance of monitoring the huge clock? But he was the only one that could see all they say was a man walking back and forth talking to himself and standing pondering something; of course this would be a strange site.

However, on the same token the saint could not figure out how with such a monstrous task would anyone come out to see him an pick wild herbs and ask what he was doing, he thought this to be rich, and would hurriedly run back to tend to the wheel. This went on and on, at times tears flowed because of the burden he felt was placed on him, and that he and only he could comprehend. One night, though it was like many upset and contemplating the responsibility that he could only endure, there was a moonlit night and he happen to by chance view two lovers in the light of the moon sailing along the river which obviously flowed by the saints cave. From that picture resonate a sound the quieted the noise within him and allowed him to feel the passion that these lovers felt, dissolving all the turmoil that he held on to with his fruitless responsibility to maintain the wheel of time. He simply let go and allowed the sound of true music to penetrate his entire being and finally being released of this wretched enchantment he was free to float away to the stars in the bliss of the marvelous new lease on eternity that has been presented to him.

D.Ford

The Musical Ascent of Herman Being Characters

Herman Being – Was trying to broaden his horizon by music appreciation, made one attempt at classical music was ready to toss, but was taken on a journey to learn to appreciate and understand that down through the ages, others have had the same concerns about the level of comprehension of artistic styles of music.

Lyall Pratt – Was Herman’s boss who swindled him out of a job and later shot him.

Aunt Irene – Sets Herman up with a date, and encourages him in further attempts to appreciate artistic styles of music.

Jean – Jean is the women that Aunt Irene sets Herman up with and over time the grow to love each other, she also studying to obtain a graduate degree in music.

Duncan Latren – Was a fellow graduate that prided himself on critiquing the masters except for Mozart and the one piece that he adored, the composer (Mozart) poked fun at his composition and style and all the composers who lacked the talent that he had, but made a decent living appealing to the masses.

Marvin Grossman – The lawyer that reminds Herman of Perry Mason, who takes the case for the law suit against him by Lyall Pratt who shot him.

Ben Walden –An acquaintance to Aunt Jean and mentor to Herman in the concerns of music.

Sylvia Glantz –Reportedly one of the greatest pianist in the book, and cleverly concealed herself and used Herman to critique her, and complemented Jean for her choice in suitors.