Just.. wow, sheer brilliance.
The Infinite Canon - J. Pachelbel
Air from Suite 3 - J.S. Bach
Alla Hornpipe - G.F. Handel
Must resist urge to go practice flute now (it's 12am, cannot play in fear of disturbing neighbours and family) >.<
And today's dates: death of Julius Caesar, H.P. Lovecraft, International Day Against Police Brutality, and Zeitgeist Day.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Scale of the Universe
A little link that a friend of mine sent us a while ago.
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/525347
It is very fascinating.
Of course, the values are going up exponentially in relation to one another. Literally, it would not make sense for the distance between atoms to be further apart than people between people. Relatively, yes, literally, no.
And it does leave you wondering... and be in awe, of our universe, our existence.
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/525347
It is very fascinating.
Of course, the values are going up exponentially in relation to one another. Literally, it would not make sense for the distance between atoms to be further apart than people between people. Relatively, yes, literally, no.
And it does leave you wondering... and be in awe, of our universe, our existence.
Philip Glass
Phew it's been a long week. But no worries, because it's time for March Break!!! Yeah!
I was going to feature another musician, however, lately I have been distracted by another one. So the intended will have to be posted later.
Now, introducing: Philip Glass
He is one of the most well known modern classical composer of the 20th century. Specializing in what we call art music and minimalism. Compared to some of his modern counter parts, I think his music would be one of the easier ones to 'get into', when being introduced to modern classical music. This is due to his more harmonious melodies, and wider use of consonances. More pleasant for the conventional ear than some other composers.
Personally, I think his music is just absolutely beautiful and breathtaking to listen to. Unlike my previous features, with complicated melodies and harmonies and counter harmonies and dynamics and master of all musical techniques. Glass uses simple melody and rhythmic repetitions to pull you into his music. They invoke intense/or just simple emotions, without using all of that extra flare. And it's extraordinary, how something so simple, can bring about so much. Because some of the piano pieces are so simple, it sounds so pure and brilliant and clean, there's room to enjoy each note. Most importantly, it's just so very pretty.
Though, as all musicians come to learn, what sounds easy and simple to do, often, isn't.
Some song recs:
Glassworks - played by Branka Parlic
I just simply love the songs from this series.
The Hours - played by Branka Parlic
Excerpt from Einstein on the Beach
This one's a rather fun/interesting one. I don't remember where I heard this from, but apparently, the counting in the background was not originally planned. Due to the numerous time signature changes, the orchestra had to count out the beats. So, he incorporated the counting in the the song.
The Metamorphosis - played by Branka Parlic
And of course, The Metamorphosis. This is one of my favourite piano pieces from him.
(A funny story, I was writing an essay on The Metamorphosis, by Kafka, the other day while listening to this song. At the time, I did not realize that I was listening to TM by Glass, and I thought to myself; "this song really suits/matches what I'm writing about....." Then realizing, that no duh, because the song is made for the novel. Shows you how well this song captures the book)
Birthdays for today: Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Strauss Sr., Albert Einstein! (Hehehe, Einstein on the Beach XD).
And alas, Pi day!!!
I was going to feature another musician, however, lately I have been distracted by another one. So the intended will have to be posted later.
Now, introducing: Philip Glass
He is one of the most well known modern classical composer of the 20th century. Specializing in what we call art music and minimalism. Compared to some of his modern counter parts, I think his music would be one of the easier ones to 'get into', when being introduced to modern classical music. This is due to his more harmonious melodies, and wider use of consonances. More pleasant for the conventional ear than some other composers.
Personally, I think his music is just absolutely beautiful and breathtaking to listen to. Unlike my previous features, with complicated melodies and harmonies and counter harmonies and dynamics and master of all musical techniques. Glass uses simple melody and rhythmic repetitions to pull you into his music. They invoke intense/or just simple emotions, without using all of that extra flare. And it's extraordinary, how something so simple, can bring about so much. Because some of the piano pieces are so simple, it sounds so pure and brilliant and clean, there's room to enjoy each note. Most importantly, it's just so very pretty.
Though, as all musicians come to learn, what sounds easy and simple to do, often, isn't.
Some song recs:
Glassworks - played by Branka Parlic
I just simply love the songs from this series.
The Hours - played by Branka Parlic
Excerpt from Einstein on the Beach
This one's a rather fun/interesting one. I don't remember where I heard this from, but apparently, the counting in the background was not originally planned. Due to the numerous time signature changes, the orchestra had to count out the beats. So, he incorporated the counting in the the song.
The Metamorphosis - played by Branka Parlic
And of course, The Metamorphosis. This is one of my favourite piano pieces from him.
(A funny story, I was writing an essay on The Metamorphosis, by Kafka, the other day while listening to this song. At the time, I did not realize that I was listening to TM by Glass, and I thought to myself; "this song really suits/matches what I'm writing about....." Then realizing, that no duh, because the song is made for the novel. Shows you how well this song captures the book)
Birthdays for today: Georg Philipp Telemann, Johann Strauss Sr., Albert Einstein! (Hehehe, Einstein on the Beach XD).
And alas, Pi day!!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I is deathly sick.
And has been sick for the past week...
Short post today, and so amusement will come from this brochure of the exhibition:
VANITÉS, at the Musée Maillol in Paris.
It seems really interesting, will do some type of a follow up post later, as I feel like joining the exhibition at the moment.
http://www.museemaillol.com/
http://www.museemaillol.com/pdf/annonce_vanites.pdf
Also coming up sometime this week, my birthday (which is tomorrow), review on Jazz Night last Thursday, and more music.
And has been sick for the past week...
Short post today, and so amusement will come from this brochure of the exhibition:
VANITÉS, at the Musée Maillol in Paris.
It seems really interesting, will do some type of a follow up post later, as I feel like joining the exhibition at the moment.
http://www.museemaillol.com/
http://www.museemaillol.com/pdf/annonce_vanites.pdf
Also coming up sometime this week, my birthday (which is tomorrow), review on Jazz Night last Thursday, and more music.
Monday, March 1, 2010
200
Today marks our dear Frédéric Chopin's 200th birthday.
Love him, or hate him, he is still one of the most brilliant musicians of all time.
When I was much younger, Chopin did not make much sense at all. His songs seemed quite boring, and are only to be played because adults seemed to enjoy his songs. But over the years, as I grew up and have (hopefully) matured somewhat, I think I have finally come to an understanding, or at least, my interpretation of him.
As it turned out, he is not boring at all! Nor is it extremely depressing or sad, as some would describe him. No, his music is filled with passion, with such colourful and at times heart breaking chord progressions and melodies. Sometimes with subtle peacefulness, then such fury! Like a fire, an unquenchable fervour, infatuation, excitement, raw emotions that run through your veins. I love his build ups, with the stretto/cresc./ritenuto/con fuoco combination that just seems to forever build up the emotions, the pressure.... Until, suddenly, it is all released, into quiet peacefulness, drifting on such sweet harmonies, lulling you like the calm rocking of the sea, like warm afternoons on the grassy knoll, under the shade. It is absolutely breathtaking. This is romanticism at its finest.
Here are some of Chopin's piano pieces, though I don't know how well one can truly enjoy them, without playing these pieces, feeling the harmonies and vibrations of the notes beneath one's fingers.
My uncle's favourite song in the whole world: Etude op.10 no.3
Nocturne op.9 no.2
This one is relatively easy, and quite possibly overplayed by RCM students, but I absolutely just love this one: Nocturne op.19 no.72
A piece that I'm currently working on; the Revolutionary Etude, op.10 no.12
And at last, the poem about Chopin's defenestrated piano:
Fortepiano Szopena by Cyprian Norwid
http://colecizj.easyvserver.com/ponorfor.htm
Love him, or hate him, he is still one of the most brilliant musicians of all time.
When I was much younger, Chopin did not make much sense at all. His songs seemed quite boring, and are only to be played because adults seemed to enjoy his songs. But over the years, as I grew up and have (hopefully) matured somewhat, I think I have finally come to an understanding, or at least, my interpretation of him.
As it turned out, he is not boring at all! Nor is it extremely depressing or sad, as some would describe him. No, his music is filled with passion, with such colourful and at times heart breaking chord progressions and melodies. Sometimes with subtle peacefulness, then such fury! Like a fire, an unquenchable fervour, infatuation, excitement, raw emotions that run through your veins. I love his build ups, with the stretto/cresc./ritenuto/con fuoco combination that just seems to forever build up the emotions, the pressure.... Until, suddenly, it is all released, into quiet peacefulness, drifting on such sweet harmonies, lulling you like the calm rocking of the sea, like warm afternoons on the grassy knoll, under the shade. It is absolutely breathtaking. This is romanticism at its finest.
Here are some of Chopin's piano pieces, though I don't know how well one can truly enjoy them, without playing these pieces, feeling the harmonies and vibrations of the notes beneath one's fingers.
My uncle's favourite song in the whole world: Etude op.10 no.3
Nocturne op.9 no.2
This one is relatively easy, and quite possibly overplayed by RCM students, but I absolutely just love this one: Nocturne op.19 no.72
A piece that I'm currently working on; the Revolutionary Etude, op.10 no.12
And at last, the poem about Chopin's defenestrated piano:
Fortepiano Szopena by Cyprian Norwid
http://colecizj.easyvserver.com/ponorfor.htm
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