Summer has zipped on by and it's time to get back to the fun at QU. This blog started in the Spring of the year with the hope that people of all different backgrounds would chat about what they are listening (and why). Here we go!
Today (8/25) is the Centennial Celebration of Leonard Bernstein who wrote the music
for "West Side Story". "Maria" is one of those songs with lyrics
by Stephen Sondheim and was published in 1956. In the movie, the song is sung
by the lead character Tony when he learns the name of the girl he's fallen in
love with is "Maria". The name "Maria" is spoken or sung in
the song 29 times. It begins in B major and then modulates to E-flat major. (Wikipedia)
The song is widely known for its use of the melodic interval of a tritone in
the main theme. The song is an example of the use of Lydian mode, which is the
same as the major scale but with a raised 4th, giving the tritone
characteristic of this piece. (Joe Gaffney)
Don McLean - "Vincent" - This is such a hauntingly beautiful song. The main theme is of understanding and acceptance. Makes me think when I hear it! (Chris Hakala - Happy first full year at Springfield College!)
Need I tell you that this song is about Vincent Van Gogh, the brilliant 19th Century painter who led such a tortured life? I agree with Chris that this is such lovely song plus it has held up well over the decades. (Editor)
Neil Cicierega - "Wow Wow" - (And now for something completely different) - Neil
Cicierega is an individual of interest to me. Most of his music is
mashing two songs together that are of completely different styles (many
of which sound quite strange). However, this mashup I quite enjoy to
listen to. He gave a TED Talk, and that is when I really started to
appreciate his work as a creator. I also learned that he was the creator
of Harry Potter Puppet Pals, which was an extremely popular video (at
least for kids) when it came out. (Megan Winslow)
Aretha Franklin - "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" - It’s a tribute to my husband Michael. Aretha sings what my heart feels.
And I know she sings what’s in the heart of every woman who loves. (Betsy Rosenblum)
Ms. Franklin left a body of work second to few. Most people forget how important her piano was to her performances as sitting there for even one song settled her down and allowed her to open up that amazing voice. She had there ability to take a song associated with another singer and make it her own ("Spanish Harlem", "Respect") - I can not think of any modern singer who can do that. (Editor)
Owl Jensen - "I Love to Singa" - (and something else completely different) - We are nothing if not equal opportunity people here at the blog: when Siggy Nystrom suggested this song, I looked it up on Youtube and, of course, it was there. One (especially your patient and accepting editor) would love to believe that this sweet little tune will carry you through the first week of classes with a smile on your face and the melody stuck in your head. Walk past her classroom and belt it out at the top of your lungs - then scram because security is bound to come and take you away (ha! ha!)
Lara Downesand Kevin "K.O." Olusola - "Something's Coming" - Back to "West Side Story" to close out this post. Earlier this year, classical pianist Lara Downes released a tribute to Maestro/Composer Bernstein titled "For Lenny." A collection of solo dedications from different composers as well as selected works by him, the album also featured several duets. The one posted here opens the album. "K.O." is the "beat box" person in the a cappella quintet Pentatonix - he's also an accomplished rapper, vocalist, and cellist. As a human drummer, he's flat-out amazing. Ms. Downes is not only is an delightful pianist but also an essayist and activist. She tours throughout the US and Europe playing several different programs of pieces by American composers. Take a look and a listen. (RBK)
I'll have more to post later this week; in the meantime, enjoy this pastiche!
