Well! Let me say that the experience was enormous, it was thoroughly enjoyed, and looking forward to a similar experience in the future. I had never been to the Orange County Performing Arts Center the structures was not what I expected, The large building with masterful architecture drew you in making you curious what was event was taking place in each hall. It was a very welcoming environment which helped ease the apprehension of entering the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. As I entered and picked up my ticket, the usher were helpful, and the patrons seemed to be enjoying their conversations prior to the concert, very relaxed and enjoying the moment. I was surprised there was no hint superciliousness from the gathering of what I could tell, and instead of being dressed in tuxedos, it was a relaxed dress for the most part.
Making my way to the to my seat, as I entered the hall it was very impressive, covered in wood not sure what type, but positive it selected for acoustics and the red tapestry that covered the seats added to the beauty a very nice combination of décor. I have been in halls before and I was looking for the old style gilded balconies and very dark. Far from that it was a very modern and airy as well as pleasant on the eyes. I felt fortunate to sit right above the orchestra, gave a vantage point to see the expressions of the conductor giving you an idea of his passion for the pieces selected. The orchestra in my opinion played flawlessly.
Christian Knapp the last minute replacement due to the second replacement illness was perfect choice for a replacement for my first concert at this hall. He gave an excellent performance, he brought to mind what it means to lead and share his passion so that it flows into their [the orchestra] music. His résumé seemed impressive playing around the world and training with some very prestigious names such as Mstislav Rostropovich, Itzhak Perlman, Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg just to name a few. He shared the glory and applauded players who had a key role in the various pieces. His ability to follow the lead of Alexander Toradze playing the piano to make the piano concerto by Prokofiev work spoke volumes. Taking the time to have fun as they performed totally involved the audience. He took the time to explain the Stravinsky’s Petrushka though it could be read, not sure that it this takes place each time, but it does help to follow from what I could tell music that was complicated to put together.
The orchestra again did a wonderful job which seemed flawless, sitting above and listening observing when key instruments were cued, they did not miss the prompt, making the music flow. It was interesting listening for certain instruments and understanding that it takes much skill to do what they do. Reflecting back on Alexander Toradze performance, it was incredible that he played from memory such a long piece and the orchestra through the guidance of Christian Knapp followed suit. All the while have fun doing it. Their laughter created laughter in the rest of us.
Lastly to speak to this course I am happy that I chose this as an elective. Over the last few weeks, having the opportunity to experience various artistic performances that I have not been accustom to in quite some time has been awakened and look forward to enjoying more frequently. The understanding that it pays dividends to read about the music you will listen to in order to be attentive to the certain sounds. Key instruments and the imaginations of the composer by mimicking life through instruments to create a beautiful sound and a vibrant story are awesome! Music that has been composed over hundreds of years stills has the ability to touch the soul of men an inspire many to do great things through music continuously being played as the masters wrote it so long ago.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has never took a course to learn more about music. You come away with a great appreciation for what music is really all about. Another form of telling a story, and how instruments over time have evolved, and that no matter how much technology improves you cannot achieve what the Master has created in humans to take a piece of wood and strings and create a instrument to produce a sound that could never be replicated by machine. Or taking a look at a story, poem or various scenarios and compose music to illustrate that moment of story in time. Yes I would highly recommend this course it was a pleasure to take.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Concordia Theatre
Let me tell you that I had the pleasant experience of enjoying something that is a first for me in person; this was the one and two act play at Concordia University. The skits were funny but very interesting subjects to ponder. The first four plays the Sure Thing, Words Words Words, The Philadelphia and Variations on the Death of Trotsky. Poked fun at several areas of the human psyche, how we react to certain situations and true enough with practice we become better at the delivery. The actors gave a great performance and very believable in their delivery of their characters.
The “Sure Thing” dealt with an attempt to pick up a date at a café, that at each attempt the when the conversation went awry a bell would sound and the conversation would pick up right at the positive moment of delivery. Shifting between male and female with their lines seeking a chance for a date on a Friday night, proved to be something of a challenge. With all honesty, one could look back and reflect on the times in which something worked or did not work as a pick up line and made you chuckle outwardly and inwardly of those moments. Also I wondered how long it took the actors to remember their lines, because it seemed a hard thing to memorize and stay in synch. Truly, this was a quality group of performers that place their best in the craft they accomplished.
The second skit “Words, Words, Words took a second to catch what was taking place, after the light clicked on it was humorous, to the point the next time I visit a zoo, I will wander what the chimpanzee is thinking about us if they are performing. How many times do people jump up and down through hoops to please others, and all the while you try so hard but it does not amount to anything you just fill like it is important. On the opposite side you seek to rebel, and though you make your statement, you are clueless to the fact that you look quite silly with your actions, but no one can tell you differently that your actions are unwise. Perhaps too much thought was place into this play but if nothing more it was humorous.
The Philadelphia could have been on a sitcom such as “Kramer” how many times have we had a day that everything just does not go your way. But the Philadelphia gives you a means to deal with just do the opposite of what is being asked and this will balance everything out in your life for that day. You just have to make sure that you do not cross these moments with a Baltimore experience. If you keep this all in perspective you do just fine offsetting these days in the doldrums. Trotsky’s variation of death, was enjoyable and with a taste of “The Sure Thing” repetitive, bringing to light how he died and why.
The Actors Nightmare the longer of the plays and truly a great show all the actors performance of their characters. This was the longest of all the plays, and showed various ranges of acting from Modern, Elizabethan and Abstract. It was hilarious, a place I would not want to be caught in imagining your in front of a huge audience, and you do not know your lines, and the script continuously changes from one era to another. I was impressed with the Shakespearian actor, the ability to speak in this manner and not have a problem with annunciation of the words at least to my knowledge shows a love for the art of acting. That ability will take him and them far in life, if not in an acting career, definitely in a business. The ability to speak clearly and concisely with confidence is key when dealing with clients; this was something that all of the actors possessed and I am glad that I attended and considering taking in a couple of shows on my own because of this first experience.
The “Sure Thing” dealt with an attempt to pick up a date at a café, that at each attempt the when the conversation went awry a bell would sound and the conversation would pick up right at the positive moment of delivery. Shifting between male and female with their lines seeking a chance for a date on a Friday night, proved to be something of a challenge. With all honesty, one could look back and reflect on the times in which something worked or did not work as a pick up line and made you chuckle outwardly and inwardly of those moments. Also I wondered how long it took the actors to remember their lines, because it seemed a hard thing to memorize and stay in synch. Truly, this was a quality group of performers that place their best in the craft they accomplished.
The second skit “Words, Words, Words took a second to catch what was taking place, after the light clicked on it was humorous, to the point the next time I visit a zoo, I will wander what the chimpanzee is thinking about us if they are performing. How many times do people jump up and down through hoops to please others, and all the while you try so hard but it does not amount to anything you just fill like it is important. On the opposite side you seek to rebel, and though you make your statement, you are clueless to the fact that you look quite silly with your actions, but no one can tell you differently that your actions are unwise. Perhaps too much thought was place into this play but if nothing more it was humorous.
The Philadelphia could have been on a sitcom such as “Kramer” how many times have we had a day that everything just does not go your way. But the Philadelphia gives you a means to deal with just do the opposite of what is being asked and this will balance everything out in your life for that day. You just have to make sure that you do not cross these moments with a Baltimore experience. If you keep this all in perspective you do just fine offsetting these days in the doldrums. Trotsky’s variation of death, was enjoyable and with a taste of “The Sure Thing” repetitive, bringing to light how he died and why.
The Actors Nightmare the longer of the plays and truly a great show all the actors performance of their characters. This was the longest of all the plays, and showed various ranges of acting from Modern, Elizabethan and Abstract. It was hilarious, a place I would not want to be caught in imagining your in front of a huge audience, and you do not know your lines, and the script continuously changes from one era to another. I was impressed with the Shakespearian actor, the ability to speak in this manner and not have a problem with annunciation of the words at least to my knowledge shows a love for the art of acting. That ability will take him and them far in life, if not in an acting career, definitely in a business. The ability to speak clearly and concisely with confidence is key when dealing with clients; this was something that all of the actors possessed and I am glad that I attended and considering taking in a couple of shows on my own because of this first experience.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Masterworks Concert
Attending the Masterworks concert was a pleasant surprise! This truly was an eye-opening experience, reason for this is preparation by studying and reading about etiquette attire and learning about the music truly provided great insight. Though the setting was not like a huge formal concert hall, for my first time out it was perfect. Arriving twenty minutes early and having the privilege to sit beside wonderful lady who gave her insight about the Masterwork concerts and informing me that she had been attending for several years. However, normally during the Christmas masterworks concerts which she commented very enthusiastically in a low tone. Much of what she has shared with me had been covered in my readings and that was a nice affirmation that I retained and was able to follow the conversation appropriately.
The Masterworks concert series program had “The Conversion of Saul” by Benjamin West which was very appropriate. A timely portrait for music that it timeless, though it was mentioned that the program was not necessarily used to follow in the large concert halls because of the lighting, it work nicely for myself to follow along as each scene took place as the different key group or individual song their piece with such clarity and depth and range. It truly was a treat to hear the chorus, soprano, tenor and bass sing lead by the conductor, observing his gentle approach to orchestrating the music with soft waves of his hands opposed to the sharp and abrupt gestures that you see in many movies depicting conductors waving the magic wand. No it was very respectful how everyone conducted themselves.
Patricia Prunty the soprano was amazing! To sing with such range and clarity it was exhilarating it made me want to hear her in other songs just to see how much variation she had on any given piece. Alvin Brightbill the tenor looked the part and gave and awesome performance on his various pieces. Jinyoung Jang the bass was shocking, thought to myself, that passing him on the street, you would never think that this particular person had such a deep voice. The combination of the choir, master chorale and orchestra complimented each other with the different ranges in between the music and notes of that where song. Most pleasant, to hear the coming together as one seamlessly melodic sound soothing the ears of their audience and giving true meaning to the words composed by Felix Mendelssohn.
Hearing biblical scripture put to words, was another first, perhaps I have heard it over the years but never really page full attention to what was said as if I knew. But as the say “knowing is half the battle” understanding the words and what was song about this in my mind was a challenging endeavor the Felix Mendelssohn took on to combine words and music to and have them expressed in depth, was awesome to hear. I look forward to the next two concerts and how they will affect and influence me when it comes to the masters. Appreciation of these and others in their class is something worthwhile to study and learn to appreciate more and more.
The Masterworks concert series program had “The Conversion of Saul” by Benjamin West which was very appropriate. A timely portrait for music that it timeless, though it was mentioned that the program was not necessarily used to follow in the large concert halls because of the lighting, it work nicely for myself to follow along as each scene took place as the different key group or individual song their piece with such clarity and depth and range. It truly was a treat to hear the chorus, soprano, tenor and bass sing lead by the conductor, observing his gentle approach to orchestrating the music with soft waves of his hands opposed to the sharp and abrupt gestures that you see in many movies depicting conductors waving the magic wand. No it was very respectful how everyone conducted themselves.
Patricia Prunty the soprano was amazing! To sing with such range and clarity it was exhilarating it made me want to hear her in other songs just to see how much variation she had on any given piece. Alvin Brightbill the tenor looked the part and gave and awesome performance on his various pieces. Jinyoung Jang the bass was shocking, thought to myself, that passing him on the street, you would never think that this particular person had such a deep voice. The combination of the choir, master chorale and orchestra complimented each other with the different ranges in between the music and notes of that where song. Most pleasant, to hear the coming together as one seamlessly melodic sound soothing the ears of their audience and giving true meaning to the words composed by Felix Mendelssohn.
Hearing biblical scripture put to words, was another first, perhaps I have heard it over the years but never really page full attention to what was said as if I knew. But as the say “knowing is half the battle” understanding the words and what was song about this in my mind was a challenging endeavor the Felix Mendelssohn took on to combine words and music to and have them expressed in depth, was awesome to hear. I look forward to the next two concerts and how they will affect and influence me when it comes to the masters. Appreciation of these and others in their class is something worthwhile to study and learn to appreciate more and more.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Meaningful Music
Meaningful music those notes that strike a chord with whatever the situation is that take place during the particular moment, which moves you to tears, deepens a memory or provides joy! This is meaningful music. It gives you a feeling that cannot be expressed in words and whenever you hear the particular stream of sounds it brings memories, touching in ways that only the music can do. Ways in which an artist performs a song along with instruments is something of a wonder. Many could sing the same song but never possess the passion that a particular musician or singer has in delivering the piece to their audience.
Music has a lasting impact on us daily, by the little jingles, we hear and the movies we watch all interwoven to produce a sentiment and touch the human senses. Most intentional and some simply by circumstance which were presented at the time it was written. The production of a mood mainly of a happy nature to the listener ears for pleasure and entertainment or to move a product to the masses. All with the stroke of a pen or a little note in the mind of a composer writing and re-writing to get the correct melody to go along with the story line, for the right effect to an audience the lyrics are directed at or to. Also, it could be for a specific place, that holds some symbol that needs the embodiment of deep meaningful sounds that again moves the masses to a certain feeling in this case it would be a memorial of some sort. Say for example the morning of people who lost their lives in a tragic accident like the space shuttle. Chose your topic to mourn and there is a song that could cover it and move you to tears that words would never be able to accomplish.
Ravels Bolero is supposed to be about a machine factory and workers dancing to over the story of bullfighter who was killed. However, when I hear it I think of huge elephants in a processions being marched through the city streets of ancient Rome or more appropriate New Deli India. As they draw closer towards your place in the crowd. They become louder and louder with each step and it is a glorious feeling to be in their presence as they are paraded past you. Why I get that feeling who knows. Nevertheless that is how I feel when I hear this piece. Ah but when I hear the hymnal “He Touched Me” depending on where I am in my spirit I can be moved to tears as I think of what he has done for me, and what the song suggest. Sadly it is not always but it has its moments.
As you can see, music can be meaningful in several different ways, here are only a few examples but sure we all can add to how music touches us or stories of people who have been touch or inspired to do great things because of carefully crafted words put to lyrics and some not so craftily catchy ditty that just catches your attention like the California Raisins heard it thru the grapevine which had a nice little run back in the 80s which revived the original song for a moment. Classical scores are the best at leaving and impression upon us, and again we many times do not realize it, yes we just take them for granted because we are focused on the story and not the sounds behind the story. Music and meaning go hand and hand moving us to win wars and build buildings write plays and help others. All because of a couple of words put down on paper to inspire us to be better and simply enjoy life to the fullest. That is the meaningful contribution music plays in our lives daily touching us in ways that are profound and sad depending on when you hear a song played. Well orchestrated could almost move mountains and a person heart at the least it could do is change a thought. All by the shear sound and tone of words put to song.
One who has the talent to write and compose songs that are meaningful has a wonderful talent that they should be very proud of because if its power to move and inspire others to do things that they might not ordinarily do. That is truly a gift and should be used with extreme care. Because who knows what the person who hears the lyrics might do. If they can be commended for it great, but if not, woe to them for causing any foul deed because of a few words place on paper.
Music has a lasting impact on us daily, by the little jingles, we hear and the movies we watch all interwoven to produce a sentiment and touch the human senses. Most intentional and some simply by circumstance which were presented at the time it was written. The production of a mood mainly of a happy nature to the listener ears for pleasure and entertainment or to move a product to the masses. All with the stroke of a pen or a little note in the mind of a composer writing and re-writing to get the correct melody to go along with the story line, for the right effect to an audience the lyrics are directed at or to. Also, it could be for a specific place, that holds some symbol that needs the embodiment of deep meaningful sounds that again moves the masses to a certain feeling in this case it would be a memorial of some sort. Say for example the morning of people who lost their lives in a tragic accident like the space shuttle. Chose your topic to mourn and there is a song that could cover it and move you to tears that words would never be able to accomplish.
Ravels Bolero is supposed to be about a machine factory and workers dancing to over the story of bullfighter who was killed. However, when I hear it I think of huge elephants in a processions being marched through the city streets of ancient Rome or more appropriate New Deli India. As they draw closer towards your place in the crowd. They become louder and louder with each step and it is a glorious feeling to be in their presence as they are paraded past you. Why I get that feeling who knows. Nevertheless that is how I feel when I hear this piece. Ah but when I hear the hymnal “He Touched Me” depending on where I am in my spirit I can be moved to tears as I think of what he has done for me, and what the song suggest. Sadly it is not always but it has its moments.
As you can see, music can be meaningful in several different ways, here are only a few examples but sure we all can add to how music touches us or stories of people who have been touch or inspired to do great things because of carefully crafted words put to lyrics and some not so craftily catchy ditty that just catches your attention like the California Raisins heard it thru the grapevine which had a nice little run back in the 80s which revived the original song for a moment. Classical scores are the best at leaving and impression upon us, and again we many times do not realize it, yes we just take them for granted because we are focused on the story and not the sounds behind the story. Music and meaning go hand and hand moving us to win wars and build buildings write plays and help others. All because of a couple of words put down on paper to inspire us to be better and simply enjoy life to the fullest. That is the meaningful contribution music plays in our lives daily touching us in ways that are profound and sad depending on when you hear a song played. Well orchestrated could almost move mountains and a person heart at the least it could do is change a thought. All by the shear sound and tone of words put to song.
One who has the talent to write and compose songs that are meaningful has a wonderful talent that they should be very proud of because if its power to move and inspire others to do things that they might not ordinarily do. That is truly a gift and should be used with extreme care. Because who knows what the person who hears the lyrics might do. If they can be commended for it great, but if not, woe to them for causing any foul deed because of a few words place on paper.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Music: In History (part 2)
The Orchestra has a distinction from that of a band which is due to the violin family, a creation that touches so many aspects of life the we do not realize it. Take nature for instances the sounds that it creates can be mimicked with a well coordinated symphony. The same can be said of Opera, we take this for granted but what a movie does in telling a story the opera recounts the story thru music forcing you to use your imagination along with you sight and sound producing emotions that most movies could only dare to reach within a human’s soul. In order to appreciate the slice of serenity, you must prepare yourself by educating oneself to the story you are about to observe.
It is fascinating to see over the centuries how from the various periods of the orchestra the number of instruments used to play concerts evolved. For example during the Baroque period you have a total of fourteen instruments, while the Romantic period consisted of eighty-eight pieces and a conductor. The modern period roughly has 96 and a conductor. This all inclusive assortment of instruments to create the dramatic affect coupled with the voice of an opera singer who fills a hall with just the sheer projection of their voice. No 5 minute pop song could ever touch the soul like that of an operatic production that speaks and intertwines the senses of the listener to be engulfed and rapture to an experience that they will want again and again.
If we only take the time to familiarize ourselves with the words of the opera that we plan to experience, knowing what the story is all about and recognize how the families of percussion, timpani, trombones, tuba, trumpets, clarinets, French horns, Harp, flutes and piccolo, bassoons double basses, violas, second violins and first violins how they come to play in each scene and expecting certain sounds to be conducted will have you waiting with bated breath for the next big operatic summit. Reading of the libretto guides you through the text of a foreign opera and various song pieces can be understood best by reading the recitative in ahead of the production. Now that we have poised ourselves to appreciate something spectacular let us not forget one of the most important individuals aside from everyone else that is the conductor.
Yes the conductor is the one who holds and keeps everything in sync following the every opera composers music to the letter to extract every feeling that is supposed to felt by the viewer appreciating all that takes place. Many of the great composers valued the violin and harpsichord so much that they wrote various pieces just for them. There are instances for other sections that music was written for but this is few and far between. However with the modern era that has change slightly. An example of this is music being composed solely for flutes, not as impressive as others but it is a change from the norm. The opera composer who can stay focus on the whole but ever so subtlety make the individual singer stand out is truly a maestro! And the person who has the opportunity to experience this has truly been blessed provided; they have taken the necessary steps to appreciate all that awaits them during this experience.
With that said the composer’s orchestra would have a high regard for the types of instruments played to ensure quality of tones especially with string instruments, and the finest to date are the Italian instruments. This is similar for the singers of opera if they want to be the best they are performing in an arena that is highly competitive and requires the best of the best and their voices should set those worlds apart from all others in order to travel in the best circuits. This is no small fete and it can take a considerable amount of time before a singer can even get the chance to prove they are worthy to perform with the best! The problem with all that they aspire to be and do, is that by the time they get the chance to perform at this level their voice may have waned within a couple of years so it is very short lived. This is for the majority, you do have a few exceptions but ah such is life, and the show as they say “must go on” tragic is it not?
It is fascinating to see over the centuries how from the various periods of the orchestra the number of instruments used to play concerts evolved. For example during the Baroque period you have a total of fourteen instruments, while the Romantic period consisted of eighty-eight pieces and a conductor. The modern period roughly has 96 and a conductor. This all inclusive assortment of instruments to create the dramatic affect coupled with the voice of an opera singer who fills a hall with just the sheer projection of their voice. No 5 minute pop song could ever touch the soul like that of an operatic production that speaks and intertwines the senses of the listener to be engulfed and rapture to an experience that they will want again and again.
If we only take the time to familiarize ourselves with the words of the opera that we plan to experience, knowing what the story is all about and recognize how the families of percussion, timpani, trombones, tuba, trumpets, clarinets, French horns, Harp, flutes and piccolo, bassoons double basses, violas, second violins and first violins how they come to play in each scene and expecting certain sounds to be conducted will have you waiting with bated breath for the next big operatic summit. Reading of the libretto guides you through the text of a foreign opera and various song pieces can be understood best by reading the recitative in ahead of the production. Now that we have poised ourselves to appreciate something spectacular let us not forget one of the most important individuals aside from everyone else that is the conductor.
Yes the conductor is the one who holds and keeps everything in sync following the every opera composers music to the letter to extract every feeling that is supposed to felt by the viewer appreciating all that takes place. Many of the great composers valued the violin and harpsichord so much that they wrote various pieces just for them. There are instances for other sections that music was written for but this is few and far between. However with the modern era that has change slightly. An example of this is music being composed solely for flutes, not as impressive as others but it is a change from the norm. The opera composer who can stay focus on the whole but ever so subtlety make the individual singer stand out is truly a maestro! And the person who has the opportunity to experience this has truly been blessed provided; they have taken the necessary steps to appreciate all that awaits them during this experience.
With that said the composer’s orchestra would have a high regard for the types of instruments played to ensure quality of tones especially with string instruments, and the finest to date are the Italian instruments. This is similar for the singers of opera if they want to be the best they are performing in an arena that is highly competitive and requires the best of the best and their voices should set those worlds apart from all others in order to travel in the best circuits. This is no small fete and it can take a considerable amount of time before a singer can even get the chance to prove they are worthy to perform with the best! The problem with all that they aspire to be and do, is that by the time they get the chance to perform at this level their voice may have waned within a couple of years so it is very short lived. This is for the majority, you do have a few exceptions but ah such is life, and the show as they say “must go on” tragic is it not?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The History of Music Part 1
History is always fascination, so the history of music very interesting. Two areas that will be looked upon will be the Baroque and Classical era with emphasis on Stradivarius, Vivaldi, Mozart and Beethoven. The Baroque era brought about the sounds of various wood instruments that their sounds have never been duplicated, namely by the artisans Antonio Stradivari. His craftsmanship of the violin produce the finest sound and a lasting history, namely because his instruments nearly 650-700 are still being played by a select few. Also, another famous man name Antonio produced and taught new methods of writing and interpreting music. Antonio Vivaldi, however, he did not just write and teach the well to do he concentrated his efforts to the orphaned and downtrodden, which makes him even more impressive, because instead of choosing students from the crème de la crème, he chose men and women who had not chance to perform and made them in something spectacular!
The classical era produced prodigious due to the efforts of many who had a passion for musical enlightenment, and afforded the blessing of being a prodigy during this magnificent time of growth of passionately creation of timeless sounds. That is practice and research still to this day. The Mozart Effect is a study conducted that links cognitive analysis suggesting by listening to his music fifteen minutes or so prior to a major test, your reasoning abilities are enhanced. It is suggested that by listening to classics such as Beethoven’s Fur Elise constructs a child’s mental capacity. While these studies and suggestions are wonderful, the magnitude of these greats what they contributed to society is outstanding and applauded time and time again, because of the gifts that they all gave within their eras.
Texture in music was important for producing various melodies and notes. Vivaldi Four Seasons was created by use f polyphony, homophony harmonizing the notes to provide a description in sound of the various times of the year. Johann Bach also incorporated these melodies producing melodic sound mainly homophonic for church organs. Stradivarius learned his trade from a family called the Amati’s. They were able to make as well as teach how to make a violin, but could not in a sense mass produce the same richness, but Stradivari could do this on a regular basis, his skill was unmatched for his time. And I do not think it will ever be matched, but it gives many a goal to try and obtain.
The classical era, produced Mozart a prodigy that was mentioned earlier was instrumental to our societies study of cognitive study for enhance thinking. There seemed to be a little mystic around the death of Mozart, but mainly is a myth. But after Mozart came Beethoven who surely was inspired by the name of Amadeus Mozart, though he was not a child prodigy in his own right Beethoven in his teens started on the path to composing classical pieces and paved the way for the Romanticism period. With the use of the polyphony, homophony, basso continuo, modes, major, minor, dynamics, terraced dynamics, organ, harpsichord, trumpet this epitomizes the baroque period incorporating various groups to create a dynamic of loud and soft music orchestrated to play in harmony with one another creating a lasting effect to the listener along with stories being told by the playing of a musical story. Giving birth to new eras of music, but never being able to duplicate the quality, richness, and dedication that went into each and every composed piece of music or the care into the skillful sculpting of an instrument created by hands, something that is being sought to mimic but at best can only as the tinkerer and mastermind Guarneri produce a product such as that era at random.
The masters have left a bar that will help to produce countless numbers to reach a standard that is so far removed it is almost impossible to obtain. But hopefully men and women will continue to seek those standards producing and composing with passion for the masses. Enlightened as we may be, may we understand the compassion and perseverance these men and women had for something they truly loved. Looking at the history of music makes me take a second look at how I view things today; one should strive to do their very best, and not take the easy way out, but contribute to the society you live in. The difference you make could make a world of difference to others.
The classical era produced prodigious due to the efforts of many who had a passion for musical enlightenment, and afforded the blessing of being a prodigy during this magnificent time of growth of passionately creation of timeless sounds. That is practice and research still to this day. The Mozart Effect is a study conducted that links cognitive analysis suggesting by listening to his music fifteen minutes or so prior to a major test, your reasoning abilities are enhanced. It is suggested that by listening to classics such as Beethoven’s Fur Elise constructs a child’s mental capacity. While these studies and suggestions are wonderful, the magnitude of these greats what they contributed to society is outstanding and applauded time and time again, because of the gifts that they all gave within their eras.
Texture in music was important for producing various melodies and notes. Vivaldi Four Seasons was created by use f polyphony, homophony harmonizing the notes to provide a description in sound of the various times of the year. Johann Bach also incorporated these melodies producing melodic sound mainly homophonic for church organs. Stradivarius learned his trade from a family called the Amati’s. They were able to make as well as teach how to make a violin, but could not in a sense mass produce the same richness, but Stradivari could do this on a regular basis, his skill was unmatched for his time. And I do not think it will ever be matched, but it gives many a goal to try and obtain.
The classical era, produced Mozart a prodigy that was mentioned earlier was instrumental to our societies study of cognitive study for enhance thinking. There seemed to be a little mystic around the death of Mozart, but mainly is a myth. But after Mozart came Beethoven who surely was inspired by the name of Amadeus Mozart, though he was not a child prodigy in his own right Beethoven in his teens started on the path to composing classical pieces and paved the way for the Romanticism period. With the use of the polyphony, homophony, basso continuo, modes, major, minor, dynamics, terraced dynamics, organ, harpsichord, trumpet this epitomizes the baroque period incorporating various groups to create a dynamic of loud and soft music orchestrated to play in harmony with one another creating a lasting effect to the listener along with stories being told by the playing of a musical story. Giving birth to new eras of music, but never being able to duplicate the quality, richness, and dedication that went into each and every composed piece of music or the care into the skillful sculpting of an instrument created by hands, something that is being sought to mimic but at best can only as the tinkerer and mastermind Guarneri produce a product such as that era at random.
The masters have left a bar that will help to produce countless numbers to reach a standard that is so far removed it is almost impossible to obtain. But hopefully men and women will continue to seek those standards producing and composing with passion for the masses. Enlightened as we may be, may we understand the compassion and perseverance these men and women had for something they truly loved. Looking at the history of music makes me take a second look at how I view things today; one should strive to do their very best, and not take the easy way out, but contribute to the society you live in. The difference you make could make a world of difference to others.
The Naked Saint
My first thoughts about the piece were with all the problems in the world today, does one really care about the morality of a factitious fairy tale. Ah, but there lies the rub, a story such as this Wilhelm Heinrich Wackenroder “A Wondrous Oriental Fairy Tale of a Naked Saint” provides a higher standard regardless of the situation one might find themselves in, if we just take a moment to reflect. As I read the tale, I imagine how we today toil at work at a frantic pace hurriedly going about, thinking that we are making a world of difference, but the truth is while this is orderly at the Dorian mode of the ethical power of music, like the saint we are more in rhythm with the Dionysus who practiced a frenzied behavior, leaving out the delightful portion of this ethical musical practice.
Yes, the saint practice what Pythagoras heard as he passed a blacksmith hammering away to create a sound, a steady flow that was monotonous but somewhat rhythmic. Similar to the era of the 1920’s and 30’s railroad chain gangs as one would call cadence so that others would simultaneously strike the pins that secures the rail. Greek philosophers believe that if they studied the sound they learned the secrets that contained the universe. The saint believed that by continuously systematically and studiously observing the wheel of time he was assisting in keeping it on track. However aesthetically he was so off the mark.
No beauty was involved in what the little saint was doing, here he is engulfed with the management of the universe, but he neglects to include the pleasure of his imagination while doing the momentous task. His actions pushed people away, he snapped at them for doing something simplistic yet fulfilling in the vicinity of his cave. “he was enraged when he saw those who had made a pilgrimage to see him standing idly by watching or strolling up and down engaged in conversation” (Wackenroder 48). How many times have we met people who feel that the total responsibility of any subject is left entirely up to them? Too many! However, like the little saint they learn. And learn he does. He has been enlightened to the knowledge that sublime and beauty can coexist. You see the Greeks surmised that pleasurable enjoyment could dramatically enhance the quality of ones life.
Two lovers yielding themselves to the night as they sailed along the river, forever changed the saints heart to what truly matters. His enjoyment of awareness to the fact that there was beauty in what this couple was doing, opposed to the countless other time he observed people during the day, do task that while toilsome was still pleasurable and relaxing, but perhaps not loving. The observance of the young couple placed him in Pythagoras category of the spondaic melody, that calms and morphs’ young men from uncontrolled to self controlled youths that are inebriated by the sounds. The music of harmony and tones that came together blissfully is what the saint observed the sounds of hope in the air, instead of despair. Forever change his life, because the churning of the wheel dissipated from his life, and he was able to now hear the beautiful music that has been playing all along.
As he heard the music his earthly body dissipated and transformed into an angelic being that released him from the bonds of one world and allowed him to escape into another the spell had been broken as in many stories by love. Perhaps the Greeks have something to the power of music having a law unto itself, being able to calm ones spirit with the right tones and melodies, that creates the sound of love for any given situation, taming our spirits and freeing our souls, to travel into heavenly bliss by the playing of a single note, that makes a musical story come to life with all that it was missing, changing hearts along the way, down thru the ages. This seems to be what happen with the saint, his heart was touched with a sound that he had not heard before, though he saw it constantly. Just not with the right note to make the connection to free his [our] souls. So this fairy tale does have an important message for us today, live, love, and enjoy the sounds around you. Take a moment to smell the flowers and observe acts of love, which just might make you love as well.
Yes, the saint practice what Pythagoras heard as he passed a blacksmith hammering away to create a sound, a steady flow that was monotonous but somewhat rhythmic. Similar to the era of the 1920’s and 30’s railroad chain gangs as one would call cadence so that others would simultaneously strike the pins that secures the rail. Greek philosophers believe that if they studied the sound they learned the secrets that contained the universe. The saint believed that by continuously systematically and studiously observing the wheel of time he was assisting in keeping it on track. However aesthetically he was so off the mark.
No beauty was involved in what the little saint was doing, here he is engulfed with the management of the universe, but he neglects to include the pleasure of his imagination while doing the momentous task. His actions pushed people away, he snapped at them for doing something simplistic yet fulfilling in the vicinity of his cave. “he was enraged when he saw those who had made a pilgrimage to see him standing idly by watching or strolling up and down engaged in conversation” (Wackenroder 48). How many times have we met people who feel that the total responsibility of any subject is left entirely up to them? Too many! However, like the little saint they learn. And learn he does. He has been enlightened to the knowledge that sublime and beauty can coexist. You see the Greeks surmised that pleasurable enjoyment could dramatically enhance the quality of ones life.
Two lovers yielding themselves to the night as they sailed along the river, forever changed the saints heart to what truly matters. His enjoyment of awareness to the fact that there was beauty in what this couple was doing, opposed to the countless other time he observed people during the day, do task that while toilsome was still pleasurable and relaxing, but perhaps not loving. The observance of the young couple placed him in Pythagoras category of the spondaic melody, that calms and morphs’ young men from uncontrolled to self controlled youths that are inebriated by the sounds. The music of harmony and tones that came together blissfully is what the saint observed the sounds of hope in the air, instead of despair. Forever change his life, because the churning of the wheel dissipated from his life, and he was able to now hear the beautiful music that has been playing all along.
As he heard the music his earthly body dissipated and transformed into an angelic being that released him from the bonds of one world and allowed him to escape into another the spell had been broken as in many stories by love. Perhaps the Greeks have something to the power of music having a law unto itself, being able to calm ones spirit with the right tones and melodies, that creates the sound of love for any given situation, taming our spirits and freeing our souls, to travel into heavenly bliss by the playing of a single note, that makes a musical story come to life with all that it was missing, changing hearts along the way, down thru the ages. This seems to be what happen with the saint, his heart was touched with a sound that he had not heard before, though he saw it constantly. Just not with the right note to make the connection to free his [our] souls. So this fairy tale does have an important message for us today, live, love, and enjoy the sounds around you. Take a moment to smell the flowers and observe acts of love, which just might make you love as well.
Monday, March 23, 2009
My Understanding of The Revelation of Music
Music is pleasurable and takes no effort for enjoyment. However, when it comes to genres, people tend to have a hang up about one particular style or another. Forms of voice is the Chant, the most famous style of chant is the Gregorian name after Pope Gregory I. Let us not forget folk music which is another variation of a voice music that tells a story. Styles of music down thru the ages has evolved and taking on various meanings. During the early civilization education was a factor in understanding of music. Along with the chants gave way to even more in depth curriculum of the study of music that took it to whole new levels of comprehension along with appreciation. Varying from Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic; to present area in the Twenty First Century, changes took place over a period of time but evolved the music to what it is today.
Interestingly enough much of historical music was prepared for instruments or groups of a different scale. The great composers such as Bach, Handel and Beethoven wrote their music say for the harpsichord, however, seemed better suited for the piano. Though the common mantra is “I like all styles of music”, that is a farce; each and everyone one of us have our limits to various types of music. Understanding of the styles of music and there meanings makes a world of difference. Two contrasting styles of music are pop and art; this is where the rubber meets the road for true music lovers. And accompanied with various instruments throughout the centuries, however, art songs are comprised of chants and storytelling along with instrumental accompaniment.
The orchestras of that day where not comprised the number of instruments they consist of today. Each era faced similar issue with techniques and various instruments, but the beauty of all this for music of the Baroque, Renaissance, Classical and Romantic is this. You have an enormous and vast array of orchestra, to play the music in a way that takes it possibly to a new level. During the Renaissance period instruments became more standardized and String instruments at the height of their craftsmanship in the Baroque era gave us a sound that many a craftsman would love to imitate or surpass today. Though they may not have mastered this era of quality we have the ability to mimic and synthesize music that makes up for some of the quality that has been lost as an art.
One whom seeks to enjoy the historical eras of music must listen, listen and listen to gain an appreciative understanding of the thought and wonderful simplicity of a meaningful moved from word to music and played out before your very eyes to move the souls of men to tears if it may. Just by the sheer beauty of a note played out via voice or instrument. Granted the listener knows the story to truly appreciate the sounds before their ears. Imagine how men have been touched throughout the ages by these various notes.
Interestingly enough much of historical music was prepared for instruments or groups of a different scale. The great composers such as Bach, Handel and Beethoven wrote their music say for the harpsichord, however, seemed better suited for the piano. Though the common mantra is “I like all styles of music”, that is a farce; each and everyone one of us have our limits to various types of music. Understanding of the styles of music and there meanings makes a world of difference. Two contrasting styles of music are pop and art; this is where the rubber meets the road for true music lovers. And accompanied with various instruments throughout the centuries, however, art songs are comprised of chants and storytelling along with instrumental accompaniment.
The orchestras of that day where not comprised the number of instruments they consist of today. Each era faced similar issue with techniques and various instruments, but the beauty of all this for music of the Baroque, Renaissance, Classical and Romantic is this. You have an enormous and vast array of orchestra, to play the music in a way that takes it possibly to a new level. During the Renaissance period instruments became more standardized and String instruments at the height of their craftsmanship in the Baroque era gave us a sound that many a craftsman would love to imitate or surpass today. Though they may not have mastered this era of quality we have the ability to mimic and synthesize music that makes up for some of the quality that has been lost as an art.
One whom seeks to enjoy the historical eras of music must listen, listen and listen to gain an appreciative understanding of the thought and wonderful simplicity of a meaningful moved from word to music and played out before your very eyes to move the souls of men to tears if it may. Just by the sheer beauty of a note played out via voice or instrument. Granted the listener knows the story to truly appreciate the sounds before their ears. Imagine how men have been touched throughout the ages by these various notes.
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