Gargoyles!

    There is definitely a bittersweet memory that I hold towards this next piece I will show you. This piece is called “Gargoyles” by Lowell Liebermann. The dissonance and somewhat barbaric sounds of the harmonies are what makes this composition a real challenge. The video attached is actually a recording of the composer playing his composition! I remember trying to prepare this piece for a competition a few years ago and thinking to myself that I’ll never be able to learn this piece in time for the performance! I was completely overwhelmed! Nevertheless, my really amazing piano teacher knew that I could do it, and eventually my fear of learning all the chaotic melodies and harmonies lessened and I went on to place in the piano competition.

This was certainly a piece that taught me to persevere, stay strong, focus, and have confidence in knowing that you can do this. During these final weeks of exams to study for and papers to write, please remember to give it all you have got and stay strong! Summer is just around the corner!

In the comments below, tell me how your finals are going and what you plan to do during summer break! 

The Emperor Concerto

     For the second to last posting of this semester, I would like to present one of the most gorgeous piano concertos of all time: Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 II Movement, “Emperor Concerto.” The first time I heard this magnificent composition was a few years ago when the well-known concert pianist, Andre Watts came to perform with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra. I must note that I am not one to start tearing up during a concert or movie of any sort. However, this particular concerto played by Andrew Watts really hit me! The ethereal and enchanting harmonies that Beethoven used to create this masterpiece was absolutely impeccable.

Please sit back and enjoy this wonderful work of art!  Let me know in the comments below how it made you feel!

Jeux D'eau - Maurice Ravel

     Jeux D’eau translates literally to “Water Games.” By listening to this piece you can definitely hear the delicate clarity of every fluid passage that my favorite pianist (of all time) Martha Argerich demonstrates in this recording. A few years ago, I played this piece for a piano competition and I remember listening to this recording of Argerich at least 20 to 30 times a day--trying my best to replicate the impeccably bewitching technique and musicality that the Martha Argerich delivers. This piece certainly calls for incredibly strong and efficient finger techniques in order to create aqueous sounds that this composition calls for.  

Saint-Saen Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor

     The third and last on my list of favorite cello concertos is the incredibly famous Saint-Saen cello concerto No. 1 in A minor. This performance by the legendary Jacqueline Du Pré would have been an amazing concert to attend! The constant reoccurring theme that goes back and forth between the cello and the symphony orchestra gives a thrilling energy and vibrancy to the composition. This concerto certainly has some of the most virtuosic and difficult passages. However, it also contains beautiful lyrical phrases that balance out the energetic main theme.  

Dvořák Cello Concerto in B minor op.104

      My second favorite cello concerto is the Dvorak cello concerto in b minor. This particular composition is an extremely well-known in the classical music world. All of the great cellists, from Yo-Yo Ma to Jacqueline du Pré have performed this monumental work. One day I definitely want to save some money to attend a Yo-Yo Ma concert in New York, Washington D.C. or London. I think that would be an amazing experience. 

An Epic Cello Concerto

     The Shostakovich cello concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major is certainly one of the greatest cello concertos of all time. The incredibly epic and virtuosic melodies of this composition really excites both the performer and the listener. The composer Dmitri Shostakovich is one of the greatest Russian composers of all time (and one of my favorite classical composers). This particular cello concerto was composed for Shostakovich's very close friend and world-renowned cellist, Mstislav Rostropovich (cellist performing in the YouTube video attached). My little brother has been playing the cello for almost two years now and he hopes to one day perform this piece with an orchestra! He told me yesterday that this is his favorite cello concerto because some parts of the composition sounds like the Star Wars Imperial March.

Hope everyone has a productive and amazing spring break! :)

Hello, Spring!

     This glorious composition by the famous composer, Antonio Vivaldi is definitely on my list of favorite classical works!  This piece is a part of a set of four Violin concertos (concertos are musical compositions for a solo performer accompanied by an orchestra or some type of musical accompaniment). Each concerto represents a different season, of course, I picked the first concerto which is called, "La primavera" or "Spring." The first concerto certainly captures the wonderful baroque era essence of intricate details and complex harmonies. This monumental work is definitely an epic tale that has no words, but conveys  a lot of varying emotions to its listener. This composition is quite a lovely length of just a little over 41 mins.  Once again, this will serve as great background music for midterms week!

Let me know your thoughts on this piece!

~Kiana

A March for March

     A recent discovery of mine has been Franz Schubert's Marche Militaire Op. 51/1. Franz Schubert was another one of the most influential and brilliant composers in the classical genre. His compositions ranged from sacred music, operas, chamber music, solo works, and symphonies. This piece Marche Militaire Op. 51 No.1  is certainly one of his most majestic and well-known works.  Many composers would quote certain snippets from this composition to use within their own. I certainly believe this piece epitomizes the very grandiose and stately character of the aristocrats and noble's lifestyle during the 18th century.

I certainly recommend putting this monumental composition on your study time playlist. I believe the joyous melodies and noble character of the piece help to deliver motivation and inspiration.

Hope you enjoy it!

A Rhapsody in Blue to Ring in the Weekend

     

     Enjoyed by all, the Rhapsody in Blue by the great composer, George Gershwin, was one of his most famous and thrilling compositions. This fantastic jazz masterpiece was said to be composed by Gershwin in less than five weeks! The virtuosity of the piano accompanied by the exhilarating sound of the orchestra truly works together to create a fantastical performance to be enjoyed by audiences of any age. Many of my piano teachers and orchestra conductors have stated that Gershwin's inspiration and muse of sorts were the quintessential elements of American culture. However, many musicologists (as do I) believe that this piece is indeed the anthem and musical soul of New York City. The piece certainly incorporates various motifs of the hustle and bustle of the beautifully chaotic city. This composition is definitely no stranger to the world of popular culture. You might recognize the famous main theme of the Rhapsody in Blue from United Airlines' signature in-flight videos and TV advertisements. It is also no surprise that this piece was used in the Great Gatsby (2013)--queuing the grandiose beginning of the piece at the moment when Jay Gatsby (Leonardo Dicaprio) is shown at his flamboyant house party truly makes a magnificent statement. This is another incredible work of art that proves classical music is far from being dull and monotonous. 

I would suggest to grab a drink and some snacks, get your homework out, and let the energizing melodies of the Rhapsody in Blue motivate you through your study session!

Let me know how you enjoyed the piece in the comments below!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! 

A Story Without Words: Ballade in G minor

     During my years of being a piano student a very dear music teacher once told me, “music is a reflection of our deepest and most genuine emotions, therefore, music does not have the capacity to lie.”  Frederic Chopin's "Ballade in G minor" not only symbolizes the turbulent events of Poland's fight towards nationalism, but also epitomizes the very aspect of the human condition, mirroring the raw emotion's of one's life into the black and white notes of a transcendent composition, highlighting that life is simultaneously tragic and joyous.
     
     The title of this piece, “Ballade” has a significant meaning to the overall structure and context of the piece.  The derivation of the word ballade originates from the Old French word balada, meaning dance or dance song.  By the fourteenth century, the word ballad developed into the definition of a narrative text accompanied by song.  The program of a ballade is interpreted as a protagonist’s legendary odyssey through violent affairs of mankind, set in a quasi-supernatural setting, and ending in utter tragedy.

     The Ballade’s eternal theme of the human mind’s continuous battle to overcome the boundaries of existence and free oneself from the utter pain and grief that taints one’s spirit is an unending characteristic that resides within each individual’s soul. By animating and communicating these everlasting human characteristics, Chopin left an imperishable work of art for performers and listeners to deeply reflect and reminisce about their lives, allowing them to relive those moments through the medium of music.  With a beautiful mind and a courageous heart, Chopin captured and illustrated the vast emotions of humanity, gave the heartbroken country of Poland a voice within each hauntingly mournful melody, and unveiled the tragedies and miracles of life.

Hope you enjoy my favorite performance of this monumental piece by Krystian Zimmerman!