Look at the focus and the determination in the eyes. Star of the show, the horn player.
Source: Blogthoven
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
December 26, 2013 by 14 Comments
Thank you Geoff Clow @ Gorgeous Company for introducing me to Ryuichi Sakamoto and this tune which can be found on his album titled 1996 at this link. Sakamato achieved his artistic and commercial breakthrough with his acclaimed score to the film of the same name: Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. The film was entered into the 1983 Cannes Film Festival in competition for the Palme d’Or. Sakamoto’s score also won the film a BAFTA Award for Best Film Music.
If you liked this, don’t miss Sakamato’s Amore at this link and Rain at this link.
Sunday Morning in Sabadell
December 16, 2012 by 30 Comments
We’re sticking with the flash mob theme, riding the community spirit, the family, and the wholesomeness train – – until we drive the darkness completely out. This clip, now seen by over 8 million on Youtube, is performed by 100 musicians and choir members from the Vallès Symphony Orchestra, the Lieder, Amics de l’Òpera and Coral Belles Arts choirs. They play the final movement of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in the town square of Sabadell, Spain. Just check out the faces and the joy this event brings to the performers and the audience. Good Sunday morning to you.
Thank you Michael for sharing this wonderful piece. Happy Holiday to you and your family.
I was also reminded that today is Beethoven’s birthday (1770).
Tchaikovsky: We must always work…
November 7, 2012 by 24 Comments
“Do not believe those who try to persuade you that composition is only a cold exercise of the intellect. The only music capable of moving and touching us is that which flows from the depths of a composer’s soul when he is stirred by inspiration. There is no doubt that even the greatest musical geniuses have sometimes worked without inspiration. This guest does not always respond to the first invitation. We must always work, and a self-respecting artist must not fold his hands on the pretext that he is not in the mood. If we wait for the mood, without endeavouring to meet it half-way, we easily become indolent and apathetic. We must be patient, and believe that inspiration will come to those who can master their disinclination.
A few days ago I told you I was working every day without any real inspiration. Had I given way to my disinclination, undoubtedly I should have drifted into a long period of idleness. But my patience and faith did not fail me, and to-day I felt that inexplicable glow of inspiration of which I told you; thanks to which I know beforehand that whatever I write to-day will have power to make an impression, and to touch the hearts of those who hear it. I hope you will not think I am indulging in self-laudation, if I tell you that I very seldom suffer from this disinclination to work. I believe the reason for this is that I am naturally patient. I have learnt to master myself, and I am glad I have not followed in the steps of some of my Russian colleagues, who have no self-confidence and are so impatient that at the least difficulty they are ready to throw up the sponge. This is why, in spite of great gifts, they accomplish so little, and that in an amateur way.”
Source: Brainpickings. Tchaikovsky, the legendary composer, wrote this in a letter to his benefactress, Nadezhda von Meck, dated March 17th, 1878. It can be found in the 1905 volumeThe Life & Letters of Pete Ilich Tchaikovsky.
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Chillin’ on Friday Night with Zero 7
October 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Zero 7 is a British musical duo consisting of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker. This song, In The Waiting Line, is from their debut album, Simple Things which was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim.
↓ click for audio (Zero 7: “In The Waiting Line“)
Easing into Friday Night with Patrick Watson…
October 12, 2012 by 15 Comments
Patrick Watson is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Montreal, Quebec.
There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills…
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust…
This is a place where I don’t feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home…
And I built a home
for you
for me
Out in the garden where we planted the seeds
There is a tree as old as me
Branches were sewn by the color of green
Ground had arose and passed it’s knees
By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top
I climbed the tree to see the world
When the gusts came around to blow me down
I held on as tightly as you held on me
Held on as tightly as you held on me…
And I built a home
for you
for me
Live & Learn 