Lightning Music !

I shall say nothing. See for yourself:

Darth Vader:

Mario Brothers:

and featuring on Bass – lightning itself:

Who woulda thunk it? Amazing! And we still haven’t (at least openly) even touched on the potential legacy that is Tesla’s work.

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A Real First!

I’m downright jealous of all the new features included in the new Sibelius First that aren’t included in even the full version… I certainly hope they herald improvements in the next full version of Sibelius!

See what I’m talking about.

Way to go Sib team!

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Spring Music

Spring is here. Hooray. We didn’t really have winter here in NYC this year, so not much of a celebratory feeling here, but it’s still always nice to acknowledge Spring, one of the nicer seasons (unless you’re an allergy sufferer).

Some upcoming events:

  • The One World Symphony is performing Gluck in their final concert of the season this May.  If you’re in town, check them out!
  • Kevin Riley is holding a Competition to compose a work for Tenor Trombone and Piano. The results should be interesting. I don’t think I’ll have time to participate, but I’ll definitely be looking to hear the winning piece.
  • I’m not particularly religious, but then again, supposedly neither was N. Rimsky-Korsakov. Here’s his Russian Easter Overture. I listen to it every spring. (Unfortunately, in two parts here, but worth it – a great performance. I suggest watching in YouTube.):
  • Another spring favorite of mine (although with no real connection to spring) is Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony (Again, in two parts):

Where’s the Rite of Spring, you ask. Well, you can’t have everything, now can you? Maybe next time! Have a great spring and Happy Earth Day!

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Jonathan Coulton is the Man!

Listening to something a little different tonight:

I discovered this musical genius quite by accident a few years ago on an internet comedy rock station. Never knew before discovering Mr. Coulton’s wacky songs that music could be so pleasing and funny at the same time. So, whilst a little off kilter from the norm here, I can’t help but think that good music is good music and deserves recognition – and these songs are great!

[Ok, maybe he's a little twisted somehow... but aren't all creative genii crazy one way or another?]

Some of my favorite songs of his:

And last, but not least, the song that introduced me to the Legend [WARNING: The following video contains disturbing images (yes, more disturbing than the previous videos!) and should not be viewed sensitive viewers or children]:

Sleep tight (if you can…. !)

 

 

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What time is it folks?

You know what time it is!

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How sensitive is your hearing?

So, just how sensitive are you to music and mood? What do you see in your mind’s eye when you listen to music? Do you actively think while you’re listening, and if so, what about? The music? Do you daydream while you listen to music? If you’re of the analytical sort, can you listen to music without analyzing it? Share your musical listening habits in the comments section below.

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Happy (only slightly belated) Lunar New Year!

I hope all are well. I’ve been kept very busy with non musical duties for some time now, but I am writing this now because I was very impressed, yet again, with a recent performance by the One World Symphony in New York. Hearing Charles Ives’ “Central Park in the Dark” in the dark was a total experience far in excess of its parts. I was brought to a time when we received our entertainment in a dimly lit cavernous space (whether naturally lit cathedral at night or outright cave doesn’t really matter as I suspect both served as venues for our personally sacred experiences throughout the millennia), and my imagination kicked into overdrive as I sensed myself experiencing a timeless tradition.

Some beautiful singing by several talented vocal artists followed, the songs inspired by our natural satellite, in whose honor we were gathered. Some selections from Peter Grimes, including Four Sea Interludes, concluded the mesmerizing evening. The third interlude, Moonlight, was beyond moving. Its subtle brooding had a transformative power not unlike one’s first glimpse of moonlight on the ocean. Truly profound…!

I can never say enough good things about this orchestra. If you are ever in New York when they are giving a performance I strongly suggest attending. It will be well worth your time.

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