Tue, 28 August 2007
In this
episode we play the Sicilienne by the French composer Gabriel Faure. I
recently went on a trip to Quebec and had a chance to eat some great
French meals. As a result, I did a bit of French cooking myself. I
noticed that the common theme in this type of cooking is how
ingredients tend to fit well together. A sauce will fit everything else
that is on the plate. Flavors and textures go in and out of each other
to create a greater whole. This piece is similar in that its melodies
fade in and out of each other. Harmonies, colors and textures blend
well together and undergo subtle changes. I hope you can sense that in
the music.
For feedback you can e-mail cellojourney@gmail.com or visit the website cellojourney.com |
Wed, 25 July 2007
In this episode we play the variations by Ludwig van Beethoven on a theme by Mozart, “Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen?. This is based on a theme from the opera The Magic Flute originally sung by a soprano and a baritone in a duet. Musicians in Beethoven's time were very adept at playing and improvising variations. They could even improvise on a melody or favorite tune given to them by a member of the audience. Beethoven wrote many variations for piano solo and many variations for cello and piano. We hope you enjoy it.
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Direct download: Cello_Journey_25_Beethoven_Variations.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:50pm EDT |
Mon, 28 May 2007
In this episode we play the first of three Fantasiestucke (Fantasy
Pieces) by Robert Schumann. This piece was originally written for
clarinet and piano but I think it sounds good on the cello. Schumann
often wrote sets of miniatures that each have their own mood. In this
one there is some tension between triplets (three notes per beat) in
the piano and duplets (two notes per beat) in melodies in both the
cello and piano. This adds unrest to this emotional and romantic piece.
We hope you enjoy it.
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Direct download: Cello_Journey_24_Schumann_Fantasiestucke.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT |
Mon, 23 April 2007
In this episode I play another dance by Johann Sebastian Bach. It is the Allemande from Suite No.2. What I like about this piece is how it flows along and how each phrase seems connected to another phrase. I hope you enjoy it.
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Direct download: Cello_Journey_23_Bach_Allemande_from_Suite_2.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:24pm EDT |
Tue, 20 March 2007
In this episode we play the Allegro Appassionato by Camille Saint-Saens. This is a rather fast passionate and exciting piece. Part of its passion is in its abrupt changes of tempo and loudness. Even though it is exciting, it is in B minor and hence in a sad mode. Also many of its melodies come down rather than go up. For feedback please e-mail cellojourney@gmail.com or visit cellojourney.com
Direct download: Cello_Journey_22_Allegro_Appassionato.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:09am EDT |
Fri, 23 February 2007
This prelude is the
introduction to Suite No.2 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Even though this
prelude is a bit sombre, I think it has a special warm mood to it. It
communicates something about life being confusing at times and how it
can be difficult to make sense of things. I think this piece is about
trying to make sense of things and putting them together. I hope you enjoy
it.
To leave feedback please visit: cellojourney.com cellojourney@gmail.com
Direct download: Cello_Journey_Bach_Prelude_from_Suite_2.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT |
Sat, 13 January 2007
The music for this episode is the chanson or song by Gabriel Faure called Apres un Reve (After a Dream). At the time Faure wrote this he was having a difficult time in his life. A woman that he loved broke off an engagement to him. Gabriel was very disappointed, gloomy and sad. He wrote a number of pieces that reflect this mood.
The poem that this piece is based on describes a dream with visions of heaven, being with one's true love, and happiness. At some point though the singer sings that he wishes the dream would return. Perhaps you have some dream that you wish would return to you. I hope you enjoy it. The poem and its translation can be found on the website cellojourney.com For feedback please e-mail cellojourney@gmail.com
Direct download: Cello_Journey_20._January_9._2006._Faure_Apres_un_Reve.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:01pm EDT |