Music That Inspire Your Soul

Taylor Swift's Success: Too Much, Too Soon?

2009-11-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift became the youngest winner of country music's top award Wednesday night – but is the 19-year-old getting too many accolades too soon? Not according to Faith Hill, who Swift has often cited as one of her longtime idols. "I think she worked her tail off the last couple [of years] and she deserves to win," Hill told PEOPLE Thursday of Swift's entertainer of the year award. Added husband Tim McGraw, "I've been doing this a long time and she's got a better head on her shoulders than I do, so I don't know how anybody could complain about that."
PHOTOS: Taylor's Big, Amazing YearBut some have questioned Swift's rapid rise. Before Wednesday's CMAs, Wynonna Judd told USA Today that the teen's nomination for the prestigious award could be "too much of a good thing too soon." (Swift beat out country heavyweights Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and George Strait.)Judd later apologized to Swift in a note on her Web site, calling her "a beautiful, hard working young woman that deserves the success she has had." But fellow country veteran Randy Travis also wondered if the award wasn't premature. "As a writer, she is a phenomenal talent," Travis told PEOPLE. "When you look at the body of work that she has written at the age when she came into this business, it's remarkable. It really is. But do I think that entertainer of the year might have been a little early? In my opinion, yes, for whatever that's worth." Swift, who was 14 when she signed her first publishing deal, addressed the question after her historic win, telling reporters, "I feel like it's been fast but it's also been a growth curve. I've watched the CMA Awards for as long as I can remember, and I got to come to my first one when I was 15. I know what it means to win a CMA Award. So I look at it from both ways."

2009-11-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

The posthumous Michael Jackson documentary, “This Is It,” reported less-than-impressive numbers on opening night but has since garnered hope with its increasing ticket sales, says our Company Town blog.
The box-office surge is partially due to its popularity overseas (like in Japan), but also because of positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
However, readers’ reactions to the film still mirror public opinion seen and heard after Jackson’s sudden death in June: a battle between sympathy for the tragedy of losing a legend and repulsion to repeated allegations of child molestation during his life.
Times film critic Ann Powers gave the documentary an overall positive review, and some readers agreed:

Natalie wrote: 'This Is It' speaks loud and clear to debunk all the myths about Michael Jackson that media/tabloid has implanted in the public's mind. He is a true genius who masters his craft, yet he is also humble and childlike. There is so much talent and goodness in this man that the world has just chose to ignore -- and now we've lost him forever. This film is a gift to all of Michael's fans and music lovers.
For All Time wrote: Through 'This Is It' we learn more about the kind of person MJ really was inside than the last 30 years of slanderous gossip about him. His relentless pursuit of musical perfection, his rare kind of professionalism with fellow players and his unmatched energy level will never be seen in show business ever again.
But others stood by their opinion that Jackson’s personal problems overrode any good brought about by his music:
David wrote: Cant we let this narcissistic madman fade away?? Oops..there is still cash to be squeezed out of him.
archangel wrote: Oh, please Jackson "channeling God"! And which channel was he tuning into during his drug induced God delusions? The Baby Channel, Barney, Comedy Central, the Doper Channels (MTV/VH1). I'm in a quandary deciding which the worse pathos is; Jackson for his mediocre, tainted and trashed legacy... or the media for squeezing this landfill stench from a dead guy just to rack up the sales? Enough!
joel wrote: of course foreigners would cough up the money to see jackson they think he was a god. most countries over there think its ok to molest a child.
If you have seen “This Is It,” tell us what you think. Do you think we ought to appreciate a great film honoring this departed musical legend? Or is it impossible to separate Jackson’s personal life -- and his controversial relationships with children -- from his music?
And if you haven’t seen the film, are you planning on attending? Are you waiting for the inevitable DVD? Or have you had enough of the King of Pop?

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2009-Hemant Brijwasi

2009-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

The popular TV reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2009 winner is Hemant Brijwasi from Mathura, Yatharth Ratnam Rastogi is the runner up and Shreyasi Bhattacharya is at third place.
Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2009 winner Hemant Brijwasi got an overwhelming response of 15 lakh 35 thousand 3 hundred and 80 votes in total.The hero honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs 2009 result is announced by famous bollywood actor Salman Khan .
The event was telecasted live from Andheri Sports Complex Mumbai and the host was none other than the famous playback singer Shaan. In the show, the result was announced in continuation with the counting of votes like 35% voting indication after that 50 % voting indication than the 90% voting and finally the result of little champ 2009 .
Abhijit Bhattacharya and Alka Yagnik were the show judges. The grand finale was also attended by Bollywood stars Ajay Devgan and Asin Thottumkal along with salman Khan.The bollywood starts were at the show for the promotion of their upcoming film ‘London Dreams’.

Madonna sued by Neighbour

2009-10-24T21:04:00.001-07:00

Madonna is ranked as a best-selling womanlike artist by a Recording Industry Association of America of a twentieth century as well as a second top-selling womanlike artist in United States with sixty-three million approved albums. But the buzz is that recently Karen George her New York neighbor has filed a lawsuit against the pop star in Manhattan Supreme Court.Music is suppose to bring people closer but not for Karen who lives just above Madonna in a building on West Central Park in New York City. The reason to be Madonna using her residency for constant dance rehearsals and the loud music hampering her neighbours.Ms. George has been making repeated complaints for the past seventeen months but the heavy noise continues from the Super Star’s apartment.Karen is being disturbed by lot of amplified music and vibrations pouring through walls, ceilings and radiators from Madonna’s apartment.Hence,she was forced to file a case. According to Ms. George the noise continues to last for three to four hours at times. The Board of the building has said to have threatened Madonna to expel her from the building.However,Madonna’s representatives were not present to comment about the lawsuit.

Jackson's doctor says he can't afford to pay debts

2009-10-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

The doctor being investigated in Michael Jackson's death told a court he can't afford to pay $13,000 in child support and other debts because he was forced to close his medical practice after threats against him and his staff, according to court documents obtained Friday.

A family court in Las Vegas set a Nov. 16 hearing to consider a recommendation that Dr. Conrad Murray be arrested for not appearing in court this month to explain the unpaid support.

A ruling on the recommendation had been expected this week, but Murray's attorney, Chris Aaron, objected, saying in court documents the 56-year-old doctor didn't receive notice of the hearing.

Scandal Surrounding Actress Namrata Shrestha Spreads Like Wildfire

2009-10-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

Everything in Nepali actress Namrata Shrestha’s life was going very smooth till the September of this year, when a 6 minute long video clip, depicting the immensely popular actress in compromising situation was leaked online.

It created a huge furor and led to a lot of rough mud slinging being cast her way. At the center of the raging storm regarding the sex scandal is the 23 year old actress who is bearing the brunt of the nation’s scorn against her.
It cannot be denied that the emergence of the video has certainly affected the personal life and the professional acting career of the actress. The video clip features Namrata and her boyfriend, DJ Tantrik. What makes the case even more poignant is the fact that Tantrik is supposed to be married and the emergence of her husband’s treachery in such a wide ranging controversy seems to have scandalized Tantrik’s wife.

Namrata has been a big name in the field of entertainment in the Nepali industry. She has been featured in numerous modeling assignments as well as cover pages of various magazines. Last year, she had seen success in her acting career with the film “Sano Sansar” striking jackpot with the viewers. She had also been named as one of the Top 5 models in the country and has attained a lot of popularity among the public with her stint as an RJ for a radio station.
It looks like the clip has bee forwarded from one node to the other via mobile phone, though why it was necessary to forward such a personal video and who did it, has not been highlighted upon as of now.

Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa dies aged 74

2009-10-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

Argentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, the "voice of Latin America" whose music inspired opponents of South America's brutal military regimes and led to her forced exile in Europe, died Sunday, her family said. She was 74.
Her remains lay in state at the National Congress, where thousands of people — many with flowers or Argentine flags — lined up to pay respects to one of the region's most iconic voices.
"She was the best ambassador the country ever had," said Clara Suarez, 63, holding a bouquet of white flowers outside the Congress.
Sosa was best known for signature tunes such as "Gracias a la Vida" ("Thanks to Life") and "Si se Calla el Cantor" ("If the Singer is Silenced"). She had been in the hospital for more than two weeks with liver problems and had since been suffering from progressive kidney failure and cardiac arrest.
Her latest album, "Cantora 1," is nominated for three prizes in next month's Latin Grammy awards in Las Vegas, including album of the year and best folkloric album.
Affectionately dubbed "La Negra" or "The Black One" by fans for her mixed Indian and distant French ancestry, Sosa was born July 9, 1935, to a poor, working-class family in the sugarcane country of northwest Tucuman province.
Early on she felt the allure of popular traditions and became a teacher of folkloric dance.
At the age of 15, friends impressed by her talent encouraged Sosa to enter a local radio contest under the pseudonym "Gladys Osorio." She won a two-month contract with the broadcaster — the first of many accolades over a career that continued until her final days.
"I didn't choose to sing for people," Sosa said in a recent interview on Argentine television. "Life chose me to sing."
By the 1970s she was recognized as one of the South American troubadours who gave rise to the "nuevo cancionero" (New Songbook) movement — singers including Chile's Victor Jara and Violeta Parra, Argentina's Victor Heredia and Uruguay's Alfredo Zitarrosa who mixed leftist politics with poetic musings critical of the ruling juntas and their iron-fisted curtailment of civil liberties and human rights abuses.
In 1972, Sosa released the socially and politically charged album "Hasta la Victoria" ("Till Victory"). Her sympathies with communist movements and support for leftist parties attracted close scrutiny and censorship at a time when blending politics with music was a dangerous occupation — Jara was tortured and shot to death by soldiers following Chile's 1973 military coup.
In 1979, a year after being widowed from her second husband, Sosa was detained along with an entire audience of about 200 students while singing in La Plata, a university city hit hard by military rule.
"I remember when they took me prisoner," she told The Associated Press in late 2007. "I was singing for university kids who were in the last year of veterinary school. It wasn't political."
She walked free 18 hours later under international pressure and after paying a $1,000 fine, but was forced to leave her homeland.
"I knew I had to leave," Sosa told the AP. "I was being threatened by the Triple A (a right-wing death squad that terrorized suspected dissidents during the 1976-83 military junta). The people from the navy, the secret services were following me."
With three suitcases and a handbag she headed to Spain, then France, becoming a wandering minstrel. Her pianist and musical director, Popi Spatocco, said exile was exceedingly harsh for a woman who loved Argentina.
Sosa returned home to wide acclaim in 1982 in the final months of the dictatorship, which she would ultimately outlive by a quarter-century.
The following year she released the eponymous album "Mercedes Sosa," which contained several tracks considered among her greatest hits: "Un Son para Portinari" and "Maria Maria"; along with "Inconsciente Colectivo" by Charly Garcia; "La Maza" and "Unicornio" by Silvio Rodriguez; "Corazon Maldito" by Violeta Parra; and "Me Yoy pa'l Mollar," together with Margarita Palacios.
Late in life, with South America's military regimes consigned to the dustbin of history, Sosa remained relevant by tapping powerful, universal emotions, singing about stopping war and ending poverty, about finding love and losing loved ones.
"There's no better example of artistic honesty," her nephew and fellow singer Chucho Sosa said in 2007. "Her songs reflects how she is in life."
Sosa won Latin Grammy Awards for Best Folk Album for "Misa Criolla" in 2000, "Acustico" in 2003 and "Corazon Libre" in 2006.
She also acted in films such as "El Santo de la Espada" ("The Knight of the Sword"), about Argentine independence hero Gen. Jose de San Martin.
All told, Sosa recorded more than 70 albums; the latest, a double CD titled "Cantora 1" and "Cantora 2," is a collection of folkloric classics performed with contemporary Latin American and Spanish stars such as Shakira, Fito Paez, Julieta Venegas, Joaquin Sabina, Lila Downs and Calle 13.
The vigil will continue until midday Monday, her brother Orlando Sosa said, then her remains will be cremated.
The city of Buenos Aires suspended all artistic activities Sunday, including postponing celebrations of the fact that the tango was declared part of the world's cultural heritage by the United Nations last week.

This Day In Music-February 15

2009-02-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

2006 – Kaiser Chiefs take home three trophies to dominate the BRIT Awards 2006, held at London's Earls Court.
2006 – French songwriter Anna Marly dies in her house in Alaska at the age of 88. During her career Marly wrote more than 300 songs, but she is best known for having penned the song "Chant des Partisans" in 1942, while she was living in London.
2006 – The gravesite of AC/DC singer Bon Scott in Fremantle Cemetery in Western Australia is classified with a heritage listing. Scott died in February 1980 at the age of 33.
2005 - Following a long illness, French popular singer Pierre Bachelet dies in the city of Suresnes in the Paris outskirts. He is 60.
2003 - Local star Herbert Gronemeyer is the big winner at Germany's Echo Awards in Berlin. He wins for national rock/pop artist, and his hit "Mensch" lands the award for national rock/pop single.
2002 - Country great Waylon Jennings is laid to rest following a private graveside service in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa, Ariz.
2001 - Beatles principal George Harrison participates in his first-ever online chats via Yahoo! Chat and MSN Live.
1999 - Hip-hop act Petter and the Cardigans sweep the 1998 Swedish Grammis awards at the Kungliga Tennishallen in Stockholm.
1998 - Fans of Japanese rock act Glay cause the Tokyo area phone system to break down as they try to reserve tickets for an upcoming concert by the band. Chaos ensues at the Nagano Winter Olympics main pressroom as long distance lines go down during the ski-jumping event.
1995 - Songwriter Diane Warren receives the Voice of Music Award, one of the American Society of Composers and Performers' highest honors. Warren has written songs for Whitney Houston, Elton John, Diana Ross, Ace of Base, and Ziggy Marley, among a hundred others.
1981 - Blues guitarist Mike Bloomfield dies in San Francisco of an accidental drug overdose.
1979 - Billy Joel's ``Just the Way You Are'' wins two Grammys: Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
1979 - Donna Summer's ``Last Dance'' wins two Grammys: Best Female R&B Vocal and Best R&B Song.
1976 - Bette Midler bails seven members of her entourage out of jail after they are arrested on cocaine and marijuana possession charges.
1967 - The first anti-bootlegging recording laws are enacted.
1959 - Ali Campbell, lead singer of the British reggae group UB40, is born in Birmingham, England. The group takes its name from a British unemployment benefit form. Its biggest hits are ``Red, Red Wine,'' a million-selling song that made Billboard's top 40 in 1984 and went to No. 1 when re-released in 1988, and ``Can't Help Falling in Love'' from the film ``Sliver,'' which hit No. 1 in 1993.
1941 - Big band leader Duke Ellington makes his first recording of the classic ``Take the A Train.'' The recording receives a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1976.

All these events are held in February 15.

Vietnam Idol 2008 signs first music contract

2009-02-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

Twenty-one year old student-turned-idol Tran Quoc Thien has signed his first recording contract of USD$5,000 with Music Faces following a cash award for the same amount after winning Vietnam Idol-Season 2.

Vietnam Idol 2008 winner Quoc Thien

Thien beat over 15,000 contestants to snatch the Vietnam Idol crown last month. The young man’s talent won him 61% of the votes, and fans watched him grow from a shy and unexperienced singer on the stage to become a more confident crowd pleaser with a beautiful voice.
Thien plans to make a donation from his cash award to help kids with cancer and residents of old people’s homes.
The singer is now cooperating with musician Duc Tri on his first ballad album slated for release this summer.

Linkin Park Invite Fans To The Studio

2009-02-02T23:48:00.000-08:00

Linkin Park are giving fans a chance to win a studio view of the band recording their next album.
To qualify, they ask that you register at www.socialvibe.com/musicforrelief and add the site to you mySpace, Facebook or any other social networking site you may use.
The person who invites the most friends to view their page will receive an invite to watch Linkin Park record their next album in Los Angeles.
Music For Relief is raising funds to help the people of Haiti. In 2008, four hurricanes hit the region. Music For Relief will provide food, clean drinking water and reforestation for the community and educate the people on how to prepare for storms.

Who can rock the Cradle?

2009-02-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

For the past 18 years, British black-metal band Cradle of Filth has proved itself able to survive the scene's often brutal changes in taste.
In fact, the quartet is one of the few acts in its genre to sign to a major rock indie, Roadrunner Records, which makes it labelmates with Nickelback. While this may seem odd company, increasing fame for CDs such as Nymphetamine and Thornography explains the buzz for the band's new concept song cycle, Godspeed on the Devil's Thunder.
Inspired by the nasty tale of Middle Age Christian soldier and über sicko Gilles de Rais, the disc is nothing less than a dark fairy tale.
All the way down to twisted Little Red Riding Hood imagery that's pretty gross considering the horrible things de Rais did to many, many children.
"We'd been looking into the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory for our album Cruelty of the Beast in 1998, and you know how it goes," says Filth (a.k.a. Daniel Lloyd Davey). "One serial killer turns up another, particularly when they are so similarly aristocratic, rich, celebrated and ultimately very evil."
Gilles de Rais was a nobleman who actually rode at the side of Joan of Arc in the war against England, achieving the rank of Grand Marshal of France. But after her death, he descended into total playboy living, succumbing to the enticements of alchemists, sorcerers and such, trying to regain a squandered birthright. Somewhere in this descent, he bought the farm and became a serial killer. Total family fare.
"We aren't saying that and I wouldn't have my daughter in a role reading a nursery rhyme and laughing if we'd gone fully into his atrocities. Instead, we cover his life like a kind of fairy tale gone so terribly wrong."
Par for the course for a group known for its outrageous gothic stage sets, leather and demonic contact lenses as much as for its pummelling onslaught of progressive black metal. Nowhere is this more obvious than on the new CD, which contains as many classic rock hooks, vintage keyboards and backing choruses as it does the act's signature amplified howl. Filth is found speak/singing and actually descending into melody rather than the angry Muppet moans the style is filled with.
The band has taken some flak for this transition and expansion of its sound, too. He doesn't care.
"We've survived this long by keeping our heads into our work and ignoring what goes on in the scene, so why start worrying about it now?
"When you are that dedicated to your craft, things go in your favour and, as we're entering middle age now, I'm 35, and we've mastered how to do a lot of things right when it comes to touring, maintaining our energy levels and putting on great concerts whether it's in clubs or the big summer festivals."
For the local show, there will be an actor performing alongside Filth to tell the album story. The set design is "a pretty nice scary dungeon torture chamber affair." So what is his home decorating like?
"I was a very normal boy, quite straight and got my homework done. Pretty regular. At some time I just embraced this idea of gothic drama and content and here we are. I got to PTA." Yikes!

The fast pop trailblazer

2009-02-02T23:24:00.000-08:00

When she recorded her first solo “O Mero Priyatam”, Sukmit Gurung was a young artiste from Sikkim looking to make it big in the Nepali music industry. The song was a big hit, her debut album "Kahin ta Birsanu Timile" that carried it creating a niche for young female artistes.
Born in Sikkim 47 years ago, Sukmit's first stage performance was at her school when she was only 14. "My school's environment was very musical,” she recalls. “There were music classes and concerts and I tried to be a part of them all. Born into a Christian family, I also got the opportunity to sing in choirs at local churches, which further enhanced my abilities."
It was in 1974 that Sukmit came to Kathmandu as a tourist accompanying her sister. Sukmit's vocal abilities soon came to the notice of senior musicians of the time including the legendary Prakash Gurung. Her seniors and well-wishers persuaded her to participate in a music contest organised by the Radio Nepal — the only radio service in Nepal at the time. Call it luck or her immense talent, she outscored everyone in the competition to take the title, which proved to be a stepping stone to her musical career.
Sukmit reigned supreme in all competitions she participated in at the time. Enthused by her success, she decided to pursue her career in singing.
With Dipak Thapa's lyrics and composition and Prakash Gurung's music arrangement, she recorded her first song at the Radio Nepal, followed by another recording with the pop pioneer of Nepal, Om Bikram Bista. Their duet “Suun Chaandi”, a fast pop number, unheard of in those days, was an instant hit.
There was no looking back for Sukmit who went on to record hundreds of songs for her six albums as well for the Nepali movie industry. Her songs blended Western pop with Eastern melody, entertaining audience of all ages.
In time, a spate of prestigious awards came her way including the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu, Chhinna Lata Award, Narayan Gopal Yuwa Award and Roll of Honour presented by the Sikkim government.
Of all her songs, Sukmit is particularly enthusiastic when talking about her most famous number “Relimai Relimai,” a duet with singer Madan Gopal. It was also her first video shot indoors on the sets of Nepal Television. "It is now 19 years. But I can still feel the excitement of appearing in my first video," she recalls.
Then there is her song “Bola Bola” from the Nepali movie Jhuma. Says Sukmit about the song, "When we recorded it, there was a trend, more a compulsion really, of recording film songs in India. We decided to break the trend and record it in Nepal. In the end, it proved to be a huge hit.”
Coming to her favourite songs, she likes Western Country music and admires local legends like Dawa Gyalmo, Aruna Lama, Narayan Gopal and Bachchu Kailash. And among the musicians of the new generation? “Karna Das has huge potential.” She also acknowledges Om Gurung and Jagdish Samal as good singers but feels they are yet to find music compositions that complement their voice.
More than three decades into music, Sukmit is satisfied with how her career has turned out. She credits her success to her listeners. "I sang in the way I could. It was the listeners who appreciated my music and loved me as a singer. It is because of them I am able to call myself a singer now. "
Her take on the current state of Nepali music industry is somewhat gloomy though. She believes the trend of remixing the oldies is destroying the essence of evergreen songs. She despises the so-called singers who record with the help of tracks as most of them are not skilled enough to sing live. "I have seen many artistes falter before the mass when singing live."
Sukmit says she has not come out with an album of late because of the glut of albums in the market. She believes many young singers are cheating the audience by using technology to cover up for the flaws in their voices.
"When I started my career, we used to record all our songs live. The musicians and the singers were all in it, together. So I always had my seniors and a circle of talented musicians listening to me record. There was no room for error. Now, thanks to the innovations in technology, musicians record their pieces separately and the singers record their songs alone, where there is no one to point out their mistakes."
A permanent government employee, Sukmit has been working at the Nepal Academy Hall for the last 16 years. Although she has no plans for an album or a concert in the near future, she promises to be involved with the music industry as long as she lives. “I will be back with a good album,” she promises.
For now, she is awaiting the release of her youngest daughter Aarti's album — a compilation of Sukmit's popular songs rerecorded (nope, no remix for Sukmit and family!) in her daughter's voice.

“I am Back”…Kamal Man Singh

2008-12-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

To succeed in any field, besides, a thorough knowledge of it, one needs to put in a lot of effort, dedication and countless number of hours polishing up and refining the skills required to do a particular job. As in life, so in music! For a person to be a successful musician, besides a genuine knack of having the abilities to sing to the right tunes, one without doubt needs to have the personality to go with it. There are thousands of much better singers in the country compared to the already ‘established’ ones that have been plying their trade in the music industry. However, what separates them from their less illustrious lot is because of how they carry themselves in public and the manner in which they handle the media. It is a proven fact that talent alone does not get anyone anywhere. One needs to have the ability to market his/her music at the same time. One such example is a singer by the name of Kamal Man Singh, sometimes referred to as the Nepali Enrique by his dotting fans. However, some would argue that it is more for his stylish ‘getup’ that he is more popular rather than for his singing prowess. Say what you will, one thing is pretty certain, this guy knows what he is doing and has been doing it rather well.

Though it has been over a decade that he first stepped into the music industry as a composer, it was only seven years back when he lent his voice for the first time in a collection album titled ‘Catmandu’. His forte was soon evident with the release of his debut album ‘69’. About four years back, ‘Looks’ followed to decent reviews with a couple of songs hitting the top of the charts. He is now on the verge of releasing his third venture under the label of Samjhana Audio Video. Scheduled to be released within less than two weeks, ‘Samay Ra Saath’, besides being a test for his credentials as a singer would determine the future course of his career in the music industry. The music video of the single ‘Hinda Hindai’ from the album and directed by himself along with Araj Keshav has also been completed. Besides his own project, Kamal is currently also putting the finishing touches to the compositions of lyricist Upashna’s upcoming new musical album.

Awesome Brothers, Satya & Swaroop Acharya

2008-12-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Like father, like sons! It is a known fact there is the added burden for these two immensely talented musicians to live up o the reputation of being the sons of the great ‘Bhajan Shiromani’, Bhaktaraj Acharya. It is also an equally known fact that these two have come out of their father’s shadows with flying colors and no longer need to ply their trade with the additional load of having their father’s name and reputation unconsciously being tagged with theirs. Respected by the juniors and loved by their senior compatriots from the music fraternity, Satya and Swaroop may be two individuals but are always talked about in the same breadth. Its probably because they make music together and fantastic ones at that. Well, things have been going great for the duo in recent times. Whether it’s the composing skills of the elder brother Satyaraj or the singing capabilities of the younger Swaroopraj, expect to hear more from these two shining stars of Nepali music for a long, long time.

Currently, busy practicing for ‘Madhukar Lohani – Ekkal Geeti Sanjh, 2065’ to be held in the capital on 24^th December as backup musicians and guest performers for the veteran singer, their dates are pretty packed for sometime now. Satya and Swaroop are scheduled to leave for Sikkim soon at the invitation of the Chief Minister, Mr. Pawan Chamling. Having shed their traditional sugam sangeet style of music on their more pop oriented last album ‘Muzik’, the brothers feel that it was probably the best thing to happen to them in recent times. The sales of the album coupled with the popularity of songs in it are indicative of it success. So it obviously did not come as a surprise when they mentioned that that they were in the process of releasing two more music videos from the same album to add to the two already made and still doing the rounds on various TV channels in the country. Moreover, there is further good news for their fans. Satya and Swaroop are hard at work with their next album which they reckon should hit the stands sometime before the coming Nepali New Year.

Riff Raff, a new band in nepali music field

2008-12-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

Riff Raff (Pravakar on vocals, Keshab Subba on bass guitar, Sharad Thapa on drums, Satyam Rai on lead guitar, Sunil Pradhan on vocals and rhythm guitar and Aseem Lama on keyboard) is a band which was formed in Kurseong sometime during 1997. They had released their critically acclaimed debut album 'Anyolma' some two years back from Indreni Cassette Centre. Now, they are all geared up to take the music industry by storm with their second album -- 'Sammohan'.
They say, "We are in Kathmandu for the final mixing, mastering and to look for a music company who would be interested in releasing our album. The songs on it have flavors of rock pop and were recorded at Antara Recording Studio, Kurseong. One of the songs on it "Ridaya" speaks about Nepal and the rights of the people after loktantra. The rest talk about the environment of Nepal and the present situation here. Three music videos ("Kohilai Rijhauney", "Ridaya Bhari" and "Mero Maya") have already been made." They further inform us, "Initially, we only sang English numbers and slowly changed our track and started singing Nepali numbers as well. We are here to look at a wider market that Nepal can provide and hope for support and exposure in the Music industry of Nepal. We are hopeful that we shall be accepted by people here and we also believe that the media’s help now will go a long way in encouraging other Nepali musicians from across the border to set their foot in doing something worthwhile in the music field."
Well said!

Hospital music therapy room named for AC/DC singer

2008-12-15T22:12:00.000-08:00

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — A new music therapy room at a hospital on Florida's Gulf Coast is being named for AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson.Johnson and other rock stars have supported an effort to buy music equipment and provide music education for children, including those who are in the hospital.Music equipment and enhancements to the room at Sarasota Memorial Hospital are being donated by the John Entwhistle Foundation, named for the late bassist for the Who. Johnson and other rockers have worked to raise money for the charity.The man himself will be on hand at the hospital for the dedication of the Brian Johnson Music Therapy Room next week.

Blogger Pleads Guilty To Guns N' Roses Leak

2008-12-15T22:05:00.001-08:00

A man accused of leaking nine unreleased tracks from the Guns N' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" has pleaded guilty to a federal copyright violation. Kevin Cogill entered the plea this morning (Dec. 15) in a Los Angeles courtroom. Prosecutors accused him of leaking the album online on his blog, months before Axl Rose's long-delayed opus arrived on store shelves in late November. A document shows they agreed to recommend probation in exchange for the plea deal. Cogill admitted he leaked nine of the 14 songs that appeared on the album. According to his plea deal, Cogill could be sentenced to a year in federal prison, probation and a hefty fine.

Molly Sims Was Hot to Help Samberg in Latest Faux Music Vid

2008-12-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

The mellifluous Molly Sims may have her pick of men, but she jumped at the chance to help SNL's Andy Samberg "jizz" in his pants.
"They called me directly — no agents, no managers, nothing," the former Las Vegas beauty told E!. "It was like, 'Can you do this?' I said yes. And it was like, 'Be here tomorrow.'" Sims joined Samberg for the comedian's latest digital short, "Jizz in My Pants," as a seductress on the dance floor who gets him to — well, you know.
Sims was ready to get up close and personal in part because she'd been a fan of Samberg's earlier viral hit with Justin Timberlake, "Dick in a Box." The pop star also appears in this latest effort as a grocery store worker on clean-up duty after SNL writer and Samberg's Lonely Island comedy group partner Jorma Taccone encounters Jamie-Lynn Sigler at the checkout.
"They were like, 'We have to warn you. Just have some imagination,'" Sims recalled of her introduction to the "Jizz" project. "They sent it to me. Yeah, it was weird when I was just listening to the track."
And while the faux music video has been making the rounds across the 'net, Sims said she isn't hoping that everyone sees it. "Some people I called and some people I was like, you know what, I'm just gonna wait until I see it," she said. She did, however, send it to her dad (we'll leave that one to the Freud scholars.).

Record, study and hear music at new Grammy Museum

2008-12-08T02:07:00.000-08:00

Enter the new Grammy Museum and run head-on into 160 musical genres; photos and footage from 50 years of awards ceremonies; historic costumes and instruments; plus dozens of interactive displays that illuminate popular music's origins and cultural impact through the decades.Then settle into a simulated sound booth to record, mix and master a song.The Grammy Museum, opening Saturday, is more than just a glorified Hard Rock Cafe-style collection of music memorabilia. The $34 million facility boasts three floors of exhibit space filled with artifacts, sound stations and interactive, video-driven elements that invite deep exploration of how music is created, recorded and consumed."We don't use objects and artifacts as the primary way to tell the story," said museum director Robert Santelli. "You're going to see artifacts around here, and many of them are iconic and important to the story, but they're not the drivers of the story. The real way that you learn and experience and have fun at the Grammy Museum is to go and get your hands dirty, so to speak."The first stop for hand-dirtying (admission: $14.95) comes on the top floor, where museum visits begin. Guests are welcomed by wall-sized video screens and the "Crossroads Table," a touch-sensitive digital display that shows how different music genres interrelate. Interactive maps highlight the musical legacies of various American cities, and short video series delve into emerging music styles from the past five decades and how they correspond with pop culture.For example, the 1960s brought protest songs and music festivals that fueled the counterculture movement. The '70s gave us corporate rock and its antithesis: punk. The '80s ushered in gangsta rap and MTV, the '90s were all about grunge and the new millennium brought the iPod and digital downloads. The custom-made videos are among 30 films created just for the museum."What we've tried to do, in a very large snapshot, is give you an overview of the depth and diversity of the great music that this country has created, and other countries, too," Santelli said.One floor is dedicated to songwriting and the recording process. Profiles of producers and industry-shaping executives fill the walls, while eight simulated sound booths beckon visitors to try their hand at rapping, singing, mixing songs, building beats and mastering recordings. There's also a Grammy-centric display, complete with photos and footage of the show's most memorable moments, along with actual Grammy trophies from 1958 to the present.Another floor hosts special exhibits — like the current one highlighting music and politics — and a 200-seat theater for lectures, meetings and intimate performances. More than 100 events are already planned for 2009, Santelli said.Though artifacts aren't the focus of the museum, unique bits of history are sprinkled throughout. Look for a 1943 poster touting Frank Sinatra's appearance at the Hollywood Bowl (general admission: 75 cents), Elvis Presley's guitar, Miles Davis' trumpet, Stevie Wonder's harmonica and handwritten lyrics to Eminem's hit song, "Stan."The Grammy Museum is the latest addition to the L.A. Live! complex, which includes the Nokia Theatre, the site of Wednesday's Grammy nominations show. The awards will be presented across the street at Staples Center on Feb. 8.

Romantic Period

2008-12-02T03:18:00.001-08:00

Romantic Period

1800-1900 A.D.

Just as the word "Classical"conjures up certain images, Romantic is at least as evocative. Whether we thinkof those romance novels with the tawdry covers, or the paintings ofDelacroix, Romanticism implies fantasy, spontaneity and sensuality. The Classicalperiod focused on structuralclarity and emotional restraint. Classical music was expressive, butnot so passionate that it could overwhelm a work's equilibrium. Beethovenwho was in some ways responsible for igniting the flameof romanticism, always struggled (sometimes unsuccessfully) to maintainthat balance. Many composers of the Romantic period followed Beethoven'smodel and found their own balance between emotional intensityand Classicalform. Others reveled in the new atmosphere of artistic freedomand created music whose structurewas designed to support its emotional surges. Musical story-telling became important, andnot just in opera,but in "pure" instrumentalmusic as well. The tone-poem is a particularly Romantic invention, as it was an orchestralwork whose structurewas entirely dependent on the scene being depictedor the story being told. Colorwas another important feature of Romantic music. New instruments were added to the orchestraand composersexperimented with ways to get new sounds from existing instruments.A large palette of musical colorswas necessary to depict the exotic scenes that became so popular. Exoticism was something of a 19thcentury obsession. Russian composers wrote music depicting Spanish landscapes(Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol, for example) andGerman composers wrote music depicting Scottish landscapes (Mendelssohn'sScottish Symphony). Operaswere set in exotic locales (Verdi's Aïda is set in Ancient Egypt). In addition to seeking out the sightsand sounds of other places, composersbegan exploring the music of their native countries. Nationalism became a driving forcein the late Romantic period and composers wanted their music to expresstheir cultural identity. This desire was particularly intense inRussia and Eastern Europe, where elementsof folk music were incorporated into symphonies, tone-poems and other "Classical"forms. The Romantic period was the heydayof the virtuoso. Exceptionally gifted performers--and particularly pianists,violinists, and singers--became enormously popular. Liszt, the greatHungarian pianist/composer, reportedly played with such passionand intensity that women in the audience would faint. Since, likeLiszt, most composers were also virtuoso performers, it was inevitablethat the music they wrote would be extremely challenging to play. The Romantic period witnessed an unprecedentedglorification of the artist--whether musician, poet orpainter--that has had a powerful impact on our own culture. Sound-huge, full orchestra -100 people -composersadded groups to the orchestra -off stage Brass -Organ-vibrato becomes standard -before, vibrato was decoration-trombones and tubas becomeimportant-a lot more percussion-color becomes a big issue -flugelhorn -Muted Trumpets-lots of parts split -divisi. Texture-mainly homophonic-really thick -lots of sound (Pines of Rome is an example)-lots of changes in texture -more drastic and frequent-very emotional Harmony-All 7ths, 9ths, 11ths,and 13ths were used in this period-Neopolitan-Anything that stacks-Extremely complex harmonies-Key changes are all over-Lack of key center in lateRomantic -lots of accidentals-Chord for Chord sake -don’t care about function -if composer likes a chord,he throws it in Melody-melody evolves from harmony-phrases either really longor really short-increased chromaticism-whole tone scale-increased range Rhythm-more complicated-polyrhythms -2 different rhythms going on at the same time, like hemiola-polymeter-different instrumentshave different meters-rhythms are more irregular -not even Form-Symphonies are used a lot -sections extended -really long Coda added-Rhapsody becomes popular(show off piece)-Tone Poem- music writtenfrom literature-Ballet music becomes important(Dance Music)-Etude- exercise of technique InportantComposers Ludwig van Beethoven-GriegAnton Bruckner-SibeliusRichard Wagner-GunoFranz SchubertHector Berlioz (1803-1869)-Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1874) SongWithout Words "A May Breeze" - Felix Mendelssohn Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Frederic Chopin GrandePolonaise brillante op. 22 Polonaise: Allegretto molto (8 '44) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Robert Schumann Langsam Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Franz Liszt (1811-1886)Giuseppe Verdi Johannes Brahms O Tod,wie bitter bist du - Brahms Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. HungarianDance No. 1 - Johannes Brahms Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)Peter Tchaikovsky CapriccioItalien Op. 49 (16 '02) Clickhere for a 28.8 K stream. Clickhere for a 56 K stream. The Nutckracker Flower Waltz (7 '04) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Variationson a Rococo Theme op. 33 for Violoncello and Orchestra (16 '42) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Antonin Dvorák (1841-1904) SongsMy Mother Taught Me Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov(1844-1908)Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Elegy Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. SonataNo. 1 in A major for Violin and Piano 1. Allegro molto Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. 2. Andante Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. 3. Allegro vivo Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. 4. Allegro quasi presto Click here for a 28.8K stream. Click here for a 56 Kstream. Apresun reve - Gabriel Faure Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Sir Edward William Elgar Sospiri Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream.Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)Gustav Mahler- Early years Miscellaneous-being different becomesa goal-every composer wanted theirown style-Music business becomesan issue -publishing -making instruments-Schmulz- dramatic beyondbelief-very extreme -dynamics -articulations-It is now possible to makea living as a performer. (Franz Lizst started this)

Classical Period

2008-12-02T03:14:00.001-08:00

Classical Period

1750-1800 A.D.

The word Classical has strong connotations, conjuring up the art and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome along with their ideals of balance, proportion and disciplined expression. The late Baroque style was polyphonically complex and melodically ornate. The composers of the early Classical period changed direction, writing music that was much simpler in texture. It is in some ways ironic that two of J.S. Bach's children, Carl Philipp Emanuel (C.P.E.) and Johann Christian (J.C.), were among the leaders of this new artistic movement. Their father had been the greatest master of the high Baroque style, and it was his children who made that style obsolete. Homophony--music in which melody and accompaniment are distinct--dominated the Classical style, and new forms of composition were developed to accommodate the transformation. Sonata form is by far the most important of these forms, and one that continued to evolve throughout the Classical period. Although Baroque composers also wrote pieces called sonatas, the Classical sonata was quite different. The essence of the Classical sonata is conflict. A highly simplified example of such a conflict might be between two themes of contrasting character. This contrast would be intensified during the course of the sonata, then finally resolved. In some ways, there is a resemblance to the skeleton of a play: we meet characters, a conflict is developed and finally a resolution reached. Sonata form allowed composers to give pure instrumental music a recognizable dramatic shape. Every major instrumental form of the Classical era, including the string quartet, symphony and concerto was molded on the dramatic structure of the sonata. One of the most important developments of the Classical period is the growth of the public concert. Although the aristocracy would continue to play a significant role in musical life, it was now possible for composers to survive without being the employee of one person or family. This also meant that concerts were no longer limited to palace drawing rooms. Composers started organizing concerts featuring their own music, and often attracted large audiences. The increasing popularity of the public concert had a strong impact on the growth of the orchestra. Although chamber music and solo works were played in the home or other intimate settings, orchestral concerts seemed to be naturally designed for big public spaces. As a result, symphonic music (including opera and oratorio) became more extroverted in character. Composers gradually expanded the size of the orchestra to accommodate this expanded musical vision. Sound -Orchestra that has about 50 people -Trombone is introduced -Piano replaces Lute, Harpsichord, and Organ -Opera becomes popular -Opera is forerunner to Musicals Texture -very clear -mostly homophonic -melody & accompaniment -Alberti Bass -Alberti did this -outlines triads 1-5-3-5-1-5-3-5-1-5-3-5 etc. Harmony -Tonal System -major minor stuff -Slow harmonic rhythm (harmony moves slow) -All triads and simple 7ths (Same as Baroque) -Progression is IV-V-I. -This replaces ii-V-I Melody -is more lyrical than Baroque -has smooth contour -four bar and eight bar phrases become popular -question and answer is used in melody Rhythm -simple rhythm -very symmetric -some simple syncopation (not as much as Renaissance) -Tempo changes used a lot -Silence is used as an effect Composer Carl Philipp Emanuel (C.P.E.) Bach (1714-1788) Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) Johann Christian (J.C.) Bach (1735-1782) Franz Josef Haydn (1732-1809) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(1756-1791) Serenade No. 13 in G major K. 525 Allegro (7 '50) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. The Magic Flute K. 620 Overture (7 '21) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) - Early years Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor op. 27/2 "Moonlight" Adagio sostenuto (6 '16) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major op. 15 Allegro con brio (16 '57) Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Andante - Beethoven Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Form -Sonata -multi-movement form -usually four movements I. Allegro -Written using the Sonata Allegro Process A. Exposition 1. Theme I- (sometimes there’s an intro before this) 2. Transition 3. Theme II- usually lyrical and in a different key B. Development- develop ideas from exposition C. Recapitulation 1. Theme I (These are usually the same, 2. Transition, but sometimes varied) 3. Theme II- sometimes played in first key D. Coda- end part II. Adagio III. Scherzo or Minuet -A minuet is usually in 3 IV. Allegro -can be written for any instrument -usually piano or orchestra accompaniment -Symphony -a Sonata for orchestra (same as above) -First movement also uses Sonata Allegro Process -Overture -the first movement of an Opera -no voices -played by pit orchestra -plays some melodies from the whole piece -Chamber Music -small groups -Quartets -Quintets -elevator music of the 1700’s -background -played some dance music -Solo Concerto -no Grosso concerto -features a soloist Miscellaneous -Forms and melodies are clearer -Everything becomes distinct -There’s symmetry -The music was written for the middle class. -There’s a lot of tension and release.

Baroque Period

2008-12-02T03:09:00.000-08:00

Baroque Period

1600-1750 A.D.

If one relates musical periods to architecture, the Medieval period might be symbolized by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Renaissance by the Duomo in Florence, and the Baroque by Louis XIV's palace at Versailles. Baroque music is often highly ornate, colorful and richly textured when compared with its predecessors. Opera was born at what is considered to be the very beginning of the Baroque era, around 1600. This unique form combines poetry, theater, the visual arts and music. It came about because a group of Italian intellectuals wanted to recapture the spirit of ancient Greek drama in which music played a key role. The first great opera was Orfeo, by Claudio Monteverdi, first performed in 1607. Music's ability to express human emotions and depict natural phenomenon was explored throughout the Baroque period. Vivaldi's famous set of concertos, The Four Seasons, is a famous example. Although imitative polyphony remained fundamental to musical composition, homophonic writing became increasingly important. Homophonic music features a clear distinction between the melody line and an subsidiary accompanimental part. This style was important in opera and other solo vocal music because it focused the listener's attention on the expressive melody of the singer. The homophonic style gradually became prevalent in instrumental music as well. Many Baroque works include a continuo part in which a keyboard (harpsichord or organ) and bass instrument (cello or bassoon) provide the harmonic underpinning of chords that accompanies the melodic line(s). New polyphonic forms were developed, and as in the Renaissance, composers considered the art of counterpoint (the crafting of polyphony) to be essential to their art. Canons and fugues, two very strict forms of imitative polyphony, were extremely popular. Composers were even expected to be able to improvise complex fugues on a moment's notice to prove their skill. The orchestra evolved during the early Baroque, starting as an "accompanist" for operatic and vocal music. By the mid-1600s the orchestra had a life of its own. The concerto was a favorite Baroque form that featured a solo instrumentalist (or small ensemble of soloists) playing "against" the orchestra, creating interesting contrasts of volume and texture. Many Baroque composers were also virtuoso performers. For example, Archangelo Corelli was famous for his violin playing and Johann Sebastian Bach was famous for his keyboard skills. The highly ornamented quality of Baroque melody lent itself perfectly to such displays of musical dexterity. Sound -Instruments take over. They are the main source of music. -Strings -Double Reeds -Flute -Harpsichord -Horn -Percussion- Timpani -Trumpet -String Bass -Clarinets Texture -sometimes thick, sometimes thin -chage in texture a lot -it is both polyphonic and homophonic -it is mostly polyphonic Harmony -There are 3rds. Starting to stack eggs. Triad exist. -There is major and minor. -Harmony is no longer modal. It is now the Major Minor Tonal System. -There are chord progressions. -V to I finish in this period. (started in Renaissance) -ii---V---I came out of this period. (Jazz uses ii---V---I) -Equal Temperament tuning started in this period. -octave is divided evenly into 12 half steps. -Before, they used different tuning systems that didn’t work. -Equal temperament allowed changing of keys very easily. -Chromatics introduced because of equal temperament. -Simple 7th chords (major, minor, dominant, half diminished, fully diminished) Form -Fugue -used a lot in this period. -very structured -has a subject which is one melody -First part is exposition -Exposition is from the beginning until all the voices are finished playing the subject -All fugues start with subject alone. -After the exposition comes the development -This is a development of the subject. -First voice goes into counter subject after it states the subject. -When subject overlaps, it is called Streto -Toccata -purpose is to show off -usually introduction -usually done by Piano or Harpsichord -rhythms are irregular -there is room for improvisation -Suite -collection of Dance music -Theme and Variations is introduced -One melody is played over and over in different ways -Sonata- not modern Sonata -Solo Concerto -a solo instrument with orchestra accompaniment (mainly interaction) -3 movements (fast, slow, fast) -usually a cadenza in the last movement Concerto Grosso -features a group of instruments -popular at the beginning of the Baroque Fantasia -one theme that is developed with imitation Melody -melodic ideas are strongly related throughout the whole piece -shorter phrases than Renaissance -bigger contour of line than Renaissance -very decorated music -There is some room to improvise. -Not modal. It is major and minor. Rhythm -more difficult than Renaissance -more 16th and 32nd notes -tempo changes -less syncopated than Renaissance Composers -Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Toccata and Fugue in D minor Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Jesus Christ, I Implore Thee Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Partita No. 2 in D-minor B.W.V. 1004 Allemande Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Courante Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Sarabande Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Gigue Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Chaconne Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 7 in E minor, BWV 778 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 13 in A minor, BWV 784 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 9 in F minor, BWV 780 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 10 in G major, BWV 781 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 6 in E major, BWV 777 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. Invention No. 3 in D major, BWV 774 Click here for a 28.8 K stream. Click here for a 56 K stream. -Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) -Heinrich Schutz (1585-1672) -Archangelo Corelli (1653-1713) -Henry Purcell (1659-1695) -Francois Couperin (1668-1733) -Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) -Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) -Jean Phillipe Rameau (1683-1764) - Realized the formation of triads -George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) -Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) Miscellaneous -Bach dies in 1750 -Around 1725, most people moved on to the next time period. -Most of the music before this was written from chant. -In Baroque, the chant and flowing line was broken. -notation is almost standardized -they had triplets -dynamics were written on music.

Renaissance Period

2008-12-02T03:03:00.000-08:00

Renaissance Period

1400-1600 A.D.

In the mid-1500s, a prominent bishop commented that music composed for the church should reflect the meaning of the words so that the listeners would be moved to piety. This concept seems like a no-brainer today, but it was a fairly new idea at the time. To suggest that Medieval composers had no desire to write "expressive" music would be unfair. But, it was the rediscovery of ancient Greek ideals in the Renaissance that inspired many musicians to explore the eloquent possibilities of their art. The increased value of individualism in the Renaissance is reflected by the changing role of the composer in society. Unlike most of their Medieval predecessors, the great masters of the Renaissance were revered in their own lifetimes. The technique of printing music, while slow to evolve, helped in the preservation and distribution of music and musical ideas. Sacred music was still predominant, though secular music became more prevalent and more sophisticated. The repertory of instrumental music also began to expand significantly. New instruments were invented, including the clavichord and virginal (both keyboard instruments) and many existing instruments were improved. Masses and motets were the primary forms of sacred vocal polyphon. Secular vocal forms included motets, madrigals and songs (generally accompanied by lute or a small instrumental ensemble or "consort"). Instrumental pieces were usually short polyphonic works or music for dancing. Compared with the Medieval style, Renaissance polyphony was lush and sonorous. The era between Josquin Desprez and Palestrina is known as "the golden age of polyphony." Imitation--where one melodic line shares, or imitates the same musical theme as a previous melodic line--became an important polyphonic technique. Imitation was one method composers used to make complex music more easily comprehensible and give the listener a sense of structure. Imitative polyphony can be heard in the masses and motets of composers from Josquin onward and is featured in instrumental music by Byrd, Gibbons, and the Gabriellis. Sound -women added to songs -men still sing -instruments added for accompaniment Texture -Little thicker then Medieval -polyphonic -different parts weave in and out of each other. -The parts interact. -very linear -homophonic -all parts move with melody in same rhythm -melody and accompaniment Harmon -harmony comes from the melody -it results from interaction of melody -harmonies are perfect octaves, perfect fifths, and perfect fourths, (sometimes 3rds near cadence points) -no complete triads -harmony is introduced -harmonies are modal Rhythm -Introduction of meter (from rhythmic modes) -Lots of syncopation- accents on upbeats Melody -lots of notes -larger intervals than Medieval -bigger range than Medieval -Forms of Imitation of Melody- 1. Transposition- play same melody in different key 2. Cannon- start at different times 3. Augmentation- slow down note value; to make bigger, longer 4. diminution- to shorten tempo, play melody faster 5. Retrograde- play a melody backwards 6. Inversion- play upside down 7. Retrograde inversion- backwards and upside down Form -sacred forms -music was used for worship -mass was a popular form -a mass is a church service (from Catholicism) -all music is written for the theme of the service 1. Kyrie- The first part of a mass -Kyrie is Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy -(Forgive me) 2. Gloria- The second part of the mass. -(Godis great) 3. Credo- The third part of a mass. -(Statement of beliefs.) 4. Sanctus- The fourth part of a mass -Holy, Holy -(bread and wine turn into Christ’s blood.) 5. Agnus Dei- The fifth part of a mass -lamb of God -(Have mercy) 6. Communion 7. Benedictus- The sixth part of a mass -Go in peace. -(You’re OK) -Every week, musicians write different songs for each part of the mass. -Types of Mass: -plain song mass- composers rewrite monophonic chant into polyphonic setting (add parts) -parody mass- composers take any existing music and put it into a polyphonic setting. -cantus firmus- one melody or chant was used for everything in the whole mass -Motet- a type of form -separate part of sacred music. -It is not part of the mass. -Text comes from other stuff. -Accompanied by instruments -Isorhythmic Motet- -rhythmic pattern repeated over and over by the instrument -Hymn- another type of sacred form -sung by congregation -homophonic -Secular forms -Madrigal -basically English -polyphonic -sung after feast Important Composers Palestrina- wrote a ton of music (c. 1525-1594) -some people think he was the greatest composer of the Renaissance Monteverdi- He did a lot of instrumental work. -He laid the ground work for Opera. Gesualdo- Most people thought he was possessed by Satin (1560-1613) -extremely ahead of his time -not afraid to use dissonance Johannes Ockeghem (c. 1410-1497) Josquin Desprez (c. 1440-1521) Andrea Gabrielli (c. 1510-1586) Orlande de Lassus (1532-1594) William Byrd (1543-1623) Giovanni Gabrielli (c. 1554-1612) John Dowland (1563-1626) Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) Miscellaneous -period nicknamed "Ars Nova"- the new art -added instruments -added women -added polyphony -Renaissance means rebirth -instrumental music was written as if it were for voice.

Antiquity (a.k.A.) Medieval Period

2008-12-01T02:25:00.000-08:00

History of Music
Antiquity (a.k.A.) Medieval Period
0-1400 A.D.
When we explore Medieval music, we are dealing with the longest and most distant period of musical history. Saint Gregory is credited with organizing the huge repertory of chant that developed during the first centuries of the Christian church, hence the term Gregorian chant. He was pope from 590 to 604, and the Medieval era continued into the 1400s, so this period consists of almost a millennium's worth of music.
One of the principal difficulties in studying Medieval music is that a system for notating music developed only gradually. The first examples of musical notation date from around 900. For several centuries, notation only indicated what pitch (or note) to sing. The system for notating rhythm started in the 12th or 13th century.
Gregorian chant is monophon, meaning music that consists of only one melodic line without accompaniment. The beauty of chant lies in the serene, undulating shapes of its melody. We do not know who wrote the melodies of Gregorian chant. Like folk melodies, the music probably mutated as it was passed down through generations and eventually reached its notated form.
Polyphony, music where two or more melodic lines are heard simultaneously, did not exist (or was not notated) until the 11th century. Unlike chant, polyphony required the participation of a composer to combine the melodic lines in a pleasing manner. Although most Medieval polyphonic music is anonymous--the names of the composers were either lost or never written down at all--there are composers whose work was so important that their names were preserved along with their music.
Sound -voices only -no instruments -no women -no kids
Texture -Thin -Doesn’t change a lot. -monophonic- all parts in unison
Harmony -none -no chords -no harmonic rhythm (speed of chord changes) -No chord progressions
Melody -small intervals between notes -modal (follows modes) -limited range -big phrases -limited contour -3 Types of Chant Music: 1. syllabic- each syllable gets its own note 2. neumatic- small groups of notes per syllable 3. melismatic-extended group of notes per syllable -Melisma- different end melody. (Amen)
Form -Through Composed (No theme or motive)
Important Composers -Pope Gregory- Gregorian Chants -Saint Augustine -Boethius- Important Theorist -Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) -Perotin (c. 1155-1377) -Guillaume de Machaut (c. 1300-1377) -John Dunstable (c. 1385-1453) -Guillaume Dufay (c. 1400-1474)
Rhythm -No meter -free rhythm -rhythm comes from text -slow tempo -sung slow because of echoes in big churches -sung for God. They sung slow so God could hear them. They didn’t want to make God mad. -Rhythmic Modes -This is the closest they had to meters. All in groups of three
Miscellaneous -Ars. Antiqua- This is Latin for Old Art. This period is sometimes called Ars. Antiqua. -Gregorian Chants were the main thing. -Neumatic Notation- Different noatation system. They called their notes, neums. This was their type of writing music. It developed throughout this whole period. -No titles to any pieces.