Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Dulciana on February 01, 2015, 03:58:24 PM
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Hi Dulciana,
Lovely to hear from a fellow musician!
Here's a potted history of me -
I started playing the flute at 9 and passed grade 8 with distinction at 12, at which point I won a scholarship to study as a Junior on Saturdays at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I went on to study full time there at 18, before doing a post grad at the Royal Academy of Music.
At 21, I trialled with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and then was asked to play for the orchestra of Welsh National Opera when I was 22. I played with them for 13 years, but also played for the Halle, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, London Sinfonietta, among others.
I played on tv, radio, CD (Charlotte Church's first album, among others!) and it was while playing for WNO that I met my husband, who is a percussionist. He still plays for WNO and also teaches at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I don't really play professionally any more, but I teach and my son has recently started learning the cello. I play piano as well, which I find very relaxing. I miss my nights on stage and in the pit, all the lovely people I worked with, the excitement etc but I needed to be at home for my children.
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Hi honorsmum and thanks for your reply! I really enjoyed reading about who you've played with and where you've played. It must be so much more challenging, getting a wind-instrument job, as you've all got such soloistic parts within the orchestra. Hats off to you! Most of my orchestral experience (as a 2nd study violist) has been on the amateur circuit but I did do a year with the National Centre for Orchestral Studies back in the '80's.
I got grade 8 piano with distinction (though at 15, not at 12!!). I studied music at Glasgow University then did two years at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. I taught for 17 years while we lived in the south of England - we then moved back to Scotland in 2000 and I had to get some office work just to bring in some money during what was a very lean time for hubby and me. Going back a bit - in 1984, I had to get a crash course of 4 organ lessons in order to accompany a choir who needed an organist at short notice. This was the start of my passion for the instrument, although it took a back seat for a long while. Then nine years ago, I started taking organ lessons regularly and in 2008, I passed DipABRSM on the organ, then last year I passed ARCO and I've just started working for FRCO (this is going to take a while ::)!). I am the regular organist at a church in Edinburgh and I teach piano in one of their church hall rooms. Three years ago, I played the organ part in a local performance of the Saints Saens Organ Symphony and last year I gave a recital at our church that brought me some very nice feedback. (I love performing.) So that's me, in a nut-shell!
What sort of music do you like best (playing or listening to)? I love the French Romantics and Post-Romantics, also Brahms and Bach. To relax, I listen to gentle jazz. :)
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Wow! That's quite some cv, Dulciana!
How lovely that you have found a love (and obvious talent) for the organ in recent years. My first performance on trial with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra was the organ symphony, so it is a special piece for me.
Where in the South of England did you live? I grew up in Surrey and taught there from the age of 15.
I love all sorts of music. To play, French Romantic (wonderful repertoire for the flute), but to listen to, Sibelius, Dvorak, Brahms, Mahler, Tchaikovsky - all the big, emotional symphonies and string concertos, and of course Puccini operas. I could never choose my desert island discs - too many favourites!
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Sibelius - yes, of course! So much of his music makes me think of (or imagine) great Finnish forests, sweeping over miles and miles. So definitely another favourite. And Puccini operas would certainly be wonderful of you're a flautist. (The last one I heard was Butterfly last autumn and before that, I played in several before I was married.) I'm not particularly an opera-lover, but Puccini's tunes are so delicious.
I know what you mean about desert island discs - I'd need a library of box sets!
We lived in Essex four 14 years, then Suffolk for three. My hubby lectured in music in Colchester and our daughter (who's now 27) was born there.
I don't know about you, but I find that making music is one of the very best antidotes to this lovely menopause thing! It can rise to whole new levels of daunting-ness before I actually play, but whether it's practising or performing, I find it gives me a lift that no over-the-counter remedy can! Do you find this?
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Music is in my background too >wave<
Mum played the organ in church from an early age
Dad learned to play violin and hated it ::)
I was forced to play piano ::) - in Primary School I learned the recorder and moved onto clarinet in Senior School - I was in the School band and choir
I went to guitar classes when I was 14-17 and was sent to ballet lessons from 8-18
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I think performing is the most wonderful kind of mindfulness - you are so in the moment, you can't be worrying about anything else, so definitely an antidote to stress and anxiety.
I also find music a fantastic emotional and expressive outlet, whether performing or listening.
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Oh, definitely, honorsmum. I'm amazed at the great international female soloists who are at our time of life and spend their lives on the concert platform - it must be being so "in the moment" that carries them through each performance.
CLKD - do you still play now? I'm in awe of wind players. My sister, who's a pianist, had a go at the flute when she was about eleven, but I'm afraid her efforts were more steam engine noises than silvery tones!
I'm impressed with both of you for being able to do what eluded my sis! :)
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Hello - music has been my saviour in my life, my solace, my joy and my freedom. I sung at school, played piano and spent most of my time listening to music. When I left home I stopped playing and singing and have only picked it all back up in the last 5 years. In the last 2 years whilst I have felt all over the place, music has been my rock.
Only recently started to appreciate classical music and discovering contemporary composers. I have a degree in film production and love soundtracks as well.
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Really pleased to hear that, BrightLight. :foryou: Hope you enjoy your journey of discovery of classical music.
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Hello - music has been my saviour in my life, my solace, my joy and my freedom. I sung at school, played piano and spent most of my time listening to music. When I left home I stopped playing and singing and have only picked it all back up in the last 5 years. In the last 2 years whilst I have felt all over the place, music has been my rock.
Only recently started to appreciate classical music and discovering contemporary composers. I have a degree in film production and love soundtracks as well.
Singing is meant to be good for depression. :)
I have recently fallen in love with the music of Hans Zimmer - do you know the soundtrack to The Holiday? If you haven't heard it, you must - and the film is absolutely gorgeous.
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Wow! What talented people we have on the forum. Me, well very late into music. Now taking singing exams alongside children and studying basic music theory. Before the age 60? Just a hidden belief that somewhere deep inside I had a voice. It's never too late to find joy in music!
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Did it and gave it up.
Played piano for years and got to grade 8 at age 16, did an O level in music and the started higher....life and boys got in the way along with the realisation that most of the girls that were doing the same course as me were headed for music school and that was not what I wanted.
Played the clarinet up till 17 and took part in many competitions. Sang in choirs including my county choirs.
Gave up and never went back. Had a key board for a while but was a bit demoralised by my lack of skill after so many years.
My overriding memories are of the fun that I had and how it made me feel.
I did join a college choir and sang in Glasgow University Chapel one Christmas.
Nearly went to The Catherdral of the Isle to do a quick rehearsal and then performance but chickened out at the last minute.
I am so impressed with what others have done.
Guess the important thing is to enjoy music be it a triangle or a tambourine.
Honeyb
X
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Hello - music has been my saviour in my life, my solace, my joy and my freedom. I sung at school, played piano and spent most of my time listening to music. When I left home I stopped playing and singing and have only picked it all back up in the last 5 years. In the last 2 years whilst I have felt all over the place, music has been my rock.
Only recently started to appreciate classical music and discovering contemporary composers. I have a degree in film production and love soundtracks as well.
Singing is meant to be good for depression. :)
I have recently fallen in love with the music of Hans Zimmer - do you know the soundtrack to The Holiday? If you haven't heard it, you must - and the film is absolutely gorgeous.
I am new to Mr Zimmer but yes, that's the sort of thing I love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nlb8LRUkT3I
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Played French Horn - Didn't do grade exams apart from grade 6 theory.
Mostly played in amateur orchestras.
While I was a student (doing Economics) I taught brass instruments as a peripatetic teacher, trolling around local schools. Also, while doing degree I was fortunate enough to get some work, playing in the nearest professional orchestra.
However, the pieces that have stuck in my mind are those that I played in amateur orchestras. Mahler 1, Saint Seans 3, Bruckner 8, Shostakovich Cello concerto 2
Haven't played properly for years -Did get the horn out about 6 months ago, didn't sound too bad, however the valves kept sticking which didn't help things. OH had said he would sort it out. This was about 2 weeks before his first heart episode in September........ Haven't been near the horn since.
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Guess the important thing is to enjoy music be it a triangle or a tambourine.Honeyb X
You're absolutely right, HB. Music's sociable, enjoyable, inspiring..................trying to think of any more suitable words........ :-\
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Oh I had forgotten the triangle - that was my very first instrument when I went to Infant School ::) - I remember hating it 'cos I had no rhythm then. I did ballet and music exams. to Grade 4 and 5 respectively. We had fun! I don't remember being nervous I suppose because I could dissipate any anxiety by knowing it would pass when I began what ever I was doing.
Now I can't read music …….. when I had my appendix out in 1992 I decided to use my enforced rest by re-learning but was soon disillusioned. I had moved into an area where we went to a folk club every evening and I was amongst people who can really play! I have watched youngsters play through the ranks into Groups such as the Albion Band and
Fairport ;). Sadly schools are not endowed with as much music tuition as we had access to! I went to weekend College where we played with other musicians, learning pieces which would be played to the parents etc. on the Sunday before we went home. I loved that too! and there was SUCH talent around. Kids that could pick up any instrument and play ……
Singing: now that was another issue altogether which I loved - I was in a a G&S Society, in the school choir, sang around the house - when I had BAD anxiety every morning when I worked in boarding kennels I would go into the dogs singing loudly - that shut them up ;D
Music heals. Music unites. Music invigorates. I know of several schemes where singing has been introduced into 'homes' where people with dementia are living: with success! I know of several schemes where music goes into schools for children with disabilities, again with success.
We have suggested a menopause matters choir in the past ;D …….
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Me, well very late into music. Just a hidden belief that somewhere deep inside I had a voice. It's never too late to find joy in music!
I completely agree, Ju Ju. I think it's great that you have done.
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Some of my best school memories are music related....some of them funny and typical teenager mischief.
I clearly remember going to quite a large town hall for an inter school competition. We all went on the bus and a couple of the boys had brought some cans of beer for the journey home.
We were first on and we were all up on stage unpacking instruments. The judges were at a table in the main hall. One of the boys opened his trumpet case and out rolled a can of lager. We all watched in horror as it rolled across the stage and off it and under the judges table.
It was the funniest thing....and we still won and drank the lager on the way home on the bus.
My daughters school still had a great music dept. some of the swing band have played in Paris and Central Park. She had a tuba until braces made it too painful to play. I loved the concerts they put on....always cried...no matter what it was. ::)
Honeyb
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I think it's not unknown for the men in orchestral brass sections to nip out to the pub during tacet movements...! (Or so I've heard ::))
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I made sure my children had the opportunity to play a musical instrument. My daughter played the trombone in primary school, then went on to play the saxophone, but music was never a passion. My son used to sit completely absorbed by our old record player as a small child. I took advice on what instrument would be best for him to learn to play, bearing in mind learning to read music would be an uphill struggle as he is dyslexic and sequencing was a major problem. He started learning to play the guitar and had the fortune to have a gifted teacher, who took him under his wing. He composed his own music long before he was able to read music. Music helped him survive school. He'd come home and strum away the stresses of the day. He went on to take popular music BTEC, and finished with a distinction. He decided not to pursue a musical career, because of short term memory issues and there were other things that excited him......fire engines, ambulances.......! My paramedic son still makes music a major part of his life, still takes lessons and champions me with my singing.
Music can be an intensely personal experience, whether listening or taking part, but it is something you can share, whether being part of a choir or orchestra. Make yourself sing when feeling low. It does help to lift your mood. They say it releases endorphins. I've been studying for and taking music grades these last 3 years through health challenges. It was the one thing I didn't let slide for a while.
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And it's a language that crosses boundaries. There's an international youth orchestra, based in Spain, called the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which brings together young musicians from all over the Middle East. It's conducted by Daniel Barenboim, who is one also of the founders of the orchestra. Its aims are to promote unity between young people from that part of the world, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to openly share the common language of music together. I think it's a superb idea.
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Music has so much to offer 8)
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It does, CLKD.
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I love all sorts of music. ............ to listen to, Sibelius, Dvorak, Brahms, Mahler, Tchaikovsky
Just wondering, honorsmum - do you like all Mahler, or anything in particular? I love the 8th symphony and the last movement of the 2nd symphony. Then, there's always Strauss: Heldenleben, Don Juan, 4 Last Songs........... :)
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Mahler, Wagner, too heavy for me ::)
I was raised on Beethoven, Mendlesohn, [sp], 'The Pearl Fishers' Duet :-* ……...
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Mahler, Wagner, too heavy for me ::)
I was raised on Beethoven, Mendlesohn, [sp], 'The Pearl Fishers' Duet :-* ……...
They're great, too, CLKD. One of my all-time favourite works is Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto. (I love all the Beethoven piano concertos, which I'm hoping my sister will remember when it comes to my birthday in five weeks' time ::))
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Yep - the Grieg too ……..
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Duliciana, fellow Pisces! ::)
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Yes, indeed :)
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I play the guitar or I did but not so much now.
When I was a teenager I joined a Theatre Club, and sang and danced in Pantomime and played guitar. The one I remember most was "Aladdin"
Happy days.
My favourite classical music
Handel's Water Music
Gustav Holts The Planet Suite
All Vivaldi's works
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I love Vivaldi, too, Silverlady. Three months ago, we did the whole of his "Gloria", using a combined choir of singers from all the churches in the parish plus me on the organ. It was great fun - a really enjoyable evening. :)
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Just looking out at the lovely clear blue skies we've got here , today (at least at the moment!). My Dad used to be a music examiner, which meant he had to examine for all instruments, including singers. One of the tests for grade-whatever was to sing a scale to the words, "It's a lovely day today" on each note. This was apparently a test for diction, apart from anything else, but it often came out as "It's a lovely day toda-yit's a lovely day toda-yit's a......etc." I wonder if singers still have to do that............(Ju Ju?) ;)
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I love all sorts of music. ............ to listen to, Sibelius, Dvorak, Brahms, Mahler, Tchaikovsky
Just wondering, honorsmum - do you like all Mahler, or anything in particular? I love the 8th symphony and the last movement of the 2nd symphony. Then, there's always Strauss: Heldenleben, Don Juan, 4 Last Songs........... :)
Mahler 4 is a favourite, and the movement ed in Death in Venice from the 2nd symphony. Also the 5th symphony.
Four Last Songs - heaven! Strauss operas too.
Verdi Requiem. Carmina Burana...I could go on and on!
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I've not had to sing scales for an exam, but certainly do for lessons. My teacher's favourite is "gin and tonic, gin and tonic" and on till the end with " with a slice of lime!"
They do comment on diction when singing, which is something I've had no problem with, tho' DH has recently said I mumble! I think his hearing is not as good as it was somehow!
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I've not had to sing scales for an exam, but certainly do for lessons. My teacher's favourite is "gin and tonic, gin and tonic" and on till the end with " with a slice of lime!"
That's lovely! ;D
honorsmum - was wondering if you had seen this performance of the Berlioz Te Deum, with Abbado and massed Italian choirs and orchestras. I think it's superb.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9gwq5UgISk
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Honestly, this meno thing is so weird. I was going on earlier about how I found playing to be one of the best ways of combating the symptoms. It is, without a doubt! However, I had completely the opposite experience this evening, when I watched "Symphony" on BBC4. Liszt, Beethoven and Brahms got me more and more uptight, not helped by people's bows going backwards and forwards in the featured orchestra. As soon as the last note of Brahms 4 was played, I switched the TV off and I now have that anxiety-ear-ssshhh that I know and love too well. ???
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We had to sing in music exams too ……….. sight reading was never my forte ::) I got to Grade 5 piano though and to 3 in theory. Then I fell in :-* love ;D
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We had to sing in music exams too ……….. sight reading was never my forte ::)
You me both CLKD.
We had to sight sing in music O level - hated it, wanted to use my horn, wasn't allowed. ???
Luckily, passed said O level - phew.
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I was supposed to go the Royal College but fell in love instead ;D and I was never that good so it would have been a struggle.
I remember sitting in the cold at the village cenotaph trying to play the clarinet sensibly, shivering ……. DH was playing an e-Flat bass and my boyfriend at the time a silver tuba …… couldn't play with gloves on and it's my feet and hand that suffer ……..
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You have to be dedicated, don't you! ::) Sometimes when I go into the church to practise the organ in the middle of winter, it's perishing! Hmmm... playing the clarinet out in the cold, CLKD - did your lips ever get frozen to the mouthpiece?
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Not quite ;D but we had to walk from School with our instruments - 2 miles - then sit for ages it seemed until the Church Service was finished ::) - I kept the mouthpiece in my pocket or cuddled in my glove until required !
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I remember sitting in the cold at the village cenotaph
Cenotaph memory.
I was playing in a brass band which was playing on remembrance sunday. For some reason, rather than huddling around a music stand, sharing a part, I decided to copy a part out for myself. Fine, except I'd used my very best fountain pen to write the part out. It started raining, the notes just ran down the page and disappeared in the rain..........
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……. aaahhh - those were the days when we had to write with Fountain pens ::)
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Now we get to the really silly bit.
I was playing French Horn, which meant I had to transpose the band parts, written in Eb into F, the key that the horn was in. I still copied the part in Eb, even though it was just for me - Duuuuh
Can't blame it on the menopause I was 15!
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AAAHHH : HORMONES ;D ……..
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I'm beginning to understand what you are talking about Limpy! Eb, F......I've had to sight read for singing exams. I've been able to wing it up to now, but it was becoming obvious that I was struggling and it just gets harder with each grade. My singing teacher has sourced some music theory books aimed at children, so just the right level for me! It's amazing how little I knew before. I think playing an instrument and being able to read music helps with singing.
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Ju Ju - I've never been able to sing, the only way I could sight read was when playing the horn. I just couldn't do singing, I knew what to do on the horn.......
Hmm - Thinks, in theory, 1 is supposed to know what note 1 wants before 1 plays it on the horn. Back to the drawing board.
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Music and maths go together ;)
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I've heard that CLKD.
OH is good at maths - I aint.......
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"Music and maths go together"
Ummm........not with me, they don't! :-[
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Oh don't tell me that! No hope for me then! :o 2+2=5.......
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Of course there is, Ju Ju! I like flying the flag for Non-Mathematical-Musicians-Of-The-World! We do exist! :valkyrie: It is, after all, an expressive art!
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One couldn't go to Music College at York without doing maths and music in the same Course ;) - difficult for me who has adding up problems the same as a person has dyslexia ::)
I bought a G&S compilation CD last week which I put in the car this morning, singing along I was :-X
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One couldn't go to Music College at York without doing maths and music in the same Course ;) - difficult for me who has adding up problems the same as a person has dyslexia ::) :-X
I sympathise, CLKD. We had to do Physics of Music (AKA Acoustics) as part of the B.Mus. course at Glasgow. That really made my brain hurt! Somehow, I passed it...........
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It is possible to have number dyslexia. My son has both number and word.
I can't count or do any kind of maths but I can read music.
Funny how our brains are wired. ......well mine anyway.
Honeyb
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It is possible to have number dyslexia. My son has both number and word.
Yep - Dyscalculia is the name for it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dyscalculia
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:thankyou:
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Why do they invent difficult words for a condition that often involves not being able to spell. Well back to my children's music theory book. I do a page of homework every night. All I need is a sticker for getting it right. (Well my singing teacher has them for her younget pupils.)
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Hope the theory's going well, Ju Ju.
D.
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:medal: - will this do …………..
Does anyone sing in their dreams :D ?
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Before an exam, absolutely!
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This is less to do with dreams, more to do with night time - an old teacher of mine used to say, the best way to see if you can really play something is to get up at 2am, play whatever-it-is, then go back to sleep............Phantom-of-the-Opera organ noises coming from our flat in the middle of the night?? I don't think so!! (Just joking - I would use headphones!) (Note: use of the word "would"!)
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Singing out loud :) ?
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I sing the songs I am learning in my head at night, first to fix the words in my mind, then to polish timing, expression and performance. Beats counting sheep!
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Sounds good, Ju Ju :)
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Honorsmum - Simon Rattle and the Berlin Phil on BBC4 now, doing Sibelius symphonies 5, 6 and 7! (8pm to 9.39pm.)
Dulciana
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I watched it last night ;)
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Honorsmum - Simon Rattle and the Berlin Phil on BBC4 now, doing Sibelius symphonies 5, 6 and 7! (8pm to 9.39pm.)
Dulciana
Thank you! Love Sir Simon!
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Turned over just in time - my favourite! And THE best (and most gorgeous) principal flute player in the world - Emmanuel Pahud. <3
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Dulciana - Spotted someone I went to junior music college with at 12 - she is a horn player in the Berlin Phil.
Also, just spotted my friend's daughter in the youth orchestra featured. :)
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Wow! Oh, wasn't that just fantastic!? I feel I've just been to Finland and back, courtesy of one amazing Maestro and all those wonderful musicians.
Well done, your friend from junior music college, and your friend's daughter, by the way. Know what you mean about the flute player, too! ::)
I was just saying to Hubby - every single facial expression and baton movement from Sir Simon was picked up and reflected by the Berlin Phil. It just shows what it's possible to do with a piece of music - totally vindicates the need to wring every last little drop of expression out of every single note, from the biggest to the smallest. Makes me want to go and play!! (Can't - it's bedtime.)
(I still think symphony 7 needs one more note at the end......... :))
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The horn player I was at college with is the first female brass player in the history of the Berlin Phil - what a huge accolade!
It was a wonderful programme, wasn't it? I'd love to have played under Sir Simon - he is just incredible.
It was lovely to see my old stomping ground again too - I have many happy memories of playing on the Barbican stage. (I have photos somewhere).
My friend, whose daughter I spotted, was at Guildhall when I was there. She now plays in West End shows and recording sessions. Her daughter is also a violinist, 17, and studying at the Purcell school.
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That female horn player is so so good.
There was a performance of Mahler 5 a few years ago, with an orchestra made of specially gathered players - (orchestra for world peace or something like that - George Solti started it) She played second horn to another female horn player (American - Gail ...... (don't know name)) They were absolutely brilliant.
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That female horn player is so so good.
There was a performance of Mahler 5 a few years ago, with an orchestra made of specially gathered players - (orchestra for world peace or something like that - George Solti started it) She played second horn to another female horn player (American - Gail ...... (don't know name)) They were absolutely brilliant.
The person I know is called Sarah Willis. She has her own website, and presents a tv show called, Sarah's Music.
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It's so nice, hearing about family who have followed Mum and/or Dad into music. Our daughter did well at cello while she was at school, getting 140 in Grade 8 at age 17 and Dip ABRSM not long after. Then she went in for art, which took up all her time from 2007 until now, and she has only just started getting back into cello in the last few weeks. It's great that she has talent in both areas but she's going to have quite a bit of de-rusting now if she wants to really enjoy her cello again to the same standard. She's working full-time (9-to-5, just to bring the pennies in) and is beginning to get art commissions coming in. Ideally, she needs 26 hours in her day...!
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I just watched this video on the neuroscience behind why music and playing is so good for us :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng#t=81
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Looks interesting, BrightLight. I haven't been able to look at this yet because my laptop had to get de-bugged after a virus and I've been afraid to click on things, meanwhile! I'm watching something else just now, but ASAP will see what they say on that fascinating subject!
The thing I'm watching just now is one of the items from the latest DVD set of Daniel Baremboim playing all five Beethoven piano concertos (birthday pressie from my sis). Absolutely wonderful. Jacqueline Du Pre would have been so proud of him, I can't help feeling.....
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Oh - do send more details as Himself needs ideas for Easter gifts, rather than giving me chocolates ;)
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It's a set of 2 DVD's filmed in 2007, on the EuroArts label, CLKD. Daniel Barenboim and the Staatskapelle Berlin, live from the Klavier Festival Ruhr. Beethoven Piano Concertos 1 to 5, over two DVD's. Gorgeous!! And lasts a lot longer than chocolates! :)
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Limpy - just read in another thread that Beethoven 7 is your all-time favourite! So I thought I'd extend this thread by asking people - what's your all-time favourite piece of classical music? Difficult to decide, but I think mine would have to be the last movement of Mahler's 2nd symphony.
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OK my Fav. concerto is : The Emperor
My Fav. duet [male] is from : The Pearl Fishers
My Fav. sonata is : The Moonlight
My Fav. duet [mixed] : 'Oh Swan in the Moonlight', Boheme
My Fav. chorus : end of the Mikado
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Ashkenazy (it must be him) playing the first 2 movements of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto no 2. So Russian, so romantic and (for me) his playing carries the pain of exile. It's made me cry every time I've heard it since I was young. I love him playing Chopin but this one gets me every time.
Classical guitar - Paco de Lucia playing Concierto de Aranjuez by Rodrigo.
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Gosh Dulciana.
Now you're going to think I'me a fickle slut.
Yesterday, Beethoven 7 was the "all time" favourite, it's gorgeous I love it to bits.
Today, the third movt of Mahler 5 (yes, the one with the horn solo) is the one I couldn't live without.
There are just so many glorious pieces of music, and then everything gets tossed in the air again when it comes to the favourite piece that one has played in. Can't decide on that, it's a toss up between the last movements of Mahler 1 and Bruckner 8. As I said, I'me a bit fickle...... ::)
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::) I know the feeling, Limpy!
Oldsheep - yes, I agree so very much about Ashkenazy. His sound on the piano is just like pearls. Why did he have to stop performing as a pianist and go into conducting?? I'll never forget him performing Beethoven's 3rd and 4th piano concertos in one concert, years ago when I was a student. An absolutely beautiful sound.
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Dulciana - Perhaps with Ashkenazy could it be the playing needed lots and lots of technical work / practice before performances (sound familiar?) With conducting perhaps it's more of a cerebral thing, not certain about that either :-\
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must have been what he found more interesting I suppose. Perhaps as you get older, it has more longevity as a career.
Must say I was a little bit in love with him after I heard him play - a reserved, polite man who had this incredible flood of emotion that he expressed so beautifully.
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I have to agree Oldsheep.
Somebody else I really like is Daniel Barenboim, both his piano playing and conducting.
He was on Desert Island discs when Sue Lawley was doing it. He was so funny, also it was very interesting hearing him talk of Jacqueline Du Pre. Apparently she wasn't diagnosed with MS until after she stopped playing :(
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I think with Askenazy, it had something to do with the way the powers-that-be in his country pushed him to play all the time and his turning to conducting was a bit of a reaction to that. That's what I heard ages ago, anyway. But it could have also just been him wanting a change as he reached a certain age, and less of the technical grind that must have been required in his everyday practice to maintain that standard. But he is sooooo musical.
Oh Limpy, Baremboim is superb, isn't he? My hubby bought me the complete DVD set of Beethoven piano concertos, performed and directed-from-the-piano by DB. Really brilliant and a treat to watch.
These people are so talented! :)
Just thought of another piece that everything has to stop for, whenever it's played - Parry's "I Was Glad". Always gives me goose-pimples. Lucky royals at their wedding!
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It's funny the things which just stop you cold.
A year, or maybe two, ago there was a Verdi Requiem at the proms (can't remember who conducted).
In the dies irae, there were 12 trumpets playing offstage - right up in the gallery.
It was sublime.
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So - on my Desert Island I will take ;D
I played a clarinet, the boyfriend at the time a big brass instrument and DH an eflatbass ::) ……..
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Did anyone see last night's televised Prom Concert??? Programme of 3 solo violin sonatas by Bach. Absolutely amazing player. Wow! I went to bed in a trance.................! (And there's more from the same player next Thursday!)
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I have a signed photo of Vladimir Ashkenazy. Mum adored his Emperor Concerto especially. I wrote to his office and asked for a signed photo for her. It was a photo of him in his prime and she was thrilled. I still have it in my photos of Mum file. I will look it out and see if I can work out how to post it here :)
Right, let's have a go
(http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/18/51/01/92/p1050213.jpg)
oh, it worked :) at least you can see it, sort of. I blanked out mum's name.
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Amazing! Lucky you!
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Don't suppose anybody watched tonight's Prom on BBC4?? Wow, and wow again. I honestly think this violinist must have a hotline to J.S. Bach. ::) Oh to be able to learn something from her. I feel humbled and inspired at the same time. :)
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who was playing Dulciana, was it Nicola?
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No babyjane. It was a most wonderful Russian violinist by the name of Alina Ibragimova. If you can give a listen to her performance last night from the Albert Hall, on BBC i-Player, you won't be disappointed. :)
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I will look it up over the weekend, thank you x
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My pleasure!
D.
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Lovely photo BJ - thanks for sharing.
Off to find the '8 discs on my Desert Island' thread
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is it all right to bump up this thread for member LellyM who is also a musician. It could be of interest to her :)
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Yep!
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Hello fellow Musicians,
well I thought I would find this thread as I am also a semi-pro musician. I have been playing one instrument or another since I was 4 and now I am the lead clarinet / alto sax and musical director of a swing band in Nottingham.
It is all good fun. We do quite a few gigs around the country, mainly 40s events but the odd wedding also.
It is a bit difficult for me at the moment as I went to the music school that is in the press again (the ex violin teacher who shot himself). I was there at the time of the abuse scandal so it all feels a bit too close for comfort. Not that I was aware of anything going on mind you.
I was just thinking the school was out of the press finally (after the ex head of music was sent for 6 years at Her majesty's pleasure a couple of years ago). But then Chris Ling shoots himself before being extradited back to the UK. The worst bit was my dad asking if I had been involved!
Lxx
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Oh LellyM that must have been a bit traumatic for you to see in the media, but music is wonderful as a means of escape and also very self defining.
I am in no way a musician, not like you and Dulciana, but I did play the piano and the treble recorder but, sadly, did not keep it up since 2003 and was never of a standard to play publicly although I did do a small local concert that my music teacher hosted.
In my dreams and fantasies though I am a concert pianist like my grandmother.
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Do you think you would ever go back to playing, babyjane? It sounds as though you must have enjoyed it. And fascinating to hear that your grandmother was a concert pianist. Was she someone we would know of?
Good to "meet" you LellyM and great to learn about your swing band. Sorry to hear things are a bit upsetting for you, on the school front, just now, though.
I'm having to exercise patience at the moment because the organ I play is under wraps for the next fortnight while dust settles in the church following the installation of a new heating system. I am counting the days......!
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Do you think you would ever go back to playing, babyjane?
No Dulciana, sadly, I am not well enough now for the physical and mental rigours of it and I have arthritic fingers. After mum died I taught myself to play one of her favourite pieces. Then I put her ashes on top of my piano and played it to her before we took them to be scattered. That was the last time I really played. I let my piano go as I wanted it to be used and appreciated. I might get a keyboard for fun at some point.
Was she someone we would know of?
No again as she had a breakdown quite early in her life. She taught for a while but then, sadly, she let it all go and was never well again.
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Well, if the meno wasn't causing enough stress I have just had 2 days of hell. Out band has a gig tomorrow night and our trumpeter is ill. I had arranged a deputy player but he cancelled on me last night. So I have spend a day in touch with practically every trumpeter in the UK. Finally this morning I found someone!
So I have had sleepless nights and my stomach feels like a washing machine. Think I am going to go home and sleep.
To make matters even worse, my band was run by someone else who was the partner of our singer. He then played away from home and was kicked out. So we have also had a few months of him being a bit of an arse making things difficult. So, to add to the trumpeter problems it turns out he will be at the gig tonight. He was our trumpeter previously so I didn't want to turn up with half a band.
But we are back to full strength and if last nights rehearsal was anything to go by it is going to be a hell of a gig.
L
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LellyM - just wondering how your gig went, the other night......well, I hope!
Well, my musical marathon has started............:gym: I think the concerto I'm practising for the concert in December is going well (says she ::)......but you know - you get a feeling for these things, and I'd rather feel that way than the opposite!) Think rehearsals will start in October. As well as that, I've just started rehearsing with the local choir that I've just become accompanist for, and there's loads of music to learn up for that, plus concerts along the way. I'm working with really nice groups of people for both of these and I'm looking forward to making music with both of them. On top of these, my teaching continues every weekday afternoon and there are some super kids there. So it's all very exciting. However.....this is going to really test my stamina, so I'm having to make really sure I get enough sleep, eat the right things, don't have too much coffee or alcohol, do relax.......etc., etc., etc (and there's also Dad, and daughter, in the picture....) Hubby'll keep me standing and I'll keep you posted!
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Dulciana - How goes the Poulenc, have you played any of it with orchestra yet?
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Limpy, thank you so much for asking! We've just got back from holiday, so I've only just read your post. However - not yet, but I've got my first rehearsal with the orchestra tomorrow. Hoping I can have a really good night's sleep tonight!
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Enjoy it - it's a smashing piece.
I've been curious, when you practice your part, do you actually need an organ? Or can you "busk" using a piano given it's lack of organ type pedals........
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Thanks, Limpy - I will!
Well, to an extent, you can busk your part on a piano, but when the music goes into five parts, you really need an organ so that the pedals can cope with this. Once you've got the notes, what makes all the difference to the music is the different sounds that you bring into play. For that, you need to select your "stops" and know which manual (or keyboard) to use. Very often, your hands are playing on two different manuals at the same time - with different sounds on different manuals -and your feet are dashing about all over the pedals. There are three manuals on the organ I'll be playing this on, so my hands will be dashing about all over the place, too. I mean, honestly - who needs a gym??? ;D It's like playing an orchestra all by yourself!
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Gosh Dulciana, I knew the organ was complex but had no idea how much is involved.
Once upon a time there used to be a famous Horn player - Dennis Brain.
He not only was truly astounding on the horn but was extremely competent on the organ as well.
Apparently it was said at the time he could have had a career in either instrument.
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Really?? I never knew that, Limpy. Thank you for passing that one on! I haven't heard any recordings of his playing, unfortunately. Have you? As an aside, the New York Philharmonic have a wonderful first horn, or at least did when we heard them in Tchaikovsky 5 several years ago.
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Yes I have heard recordings of Dennis Brain playing the horn. The word awesome is bandied around, however it is the only epithet appropriate for his playing. When I was a baby horn player my teacher at the time just described watching him playing as "the horn just became part of him" - this from a seasoned brass band player and conductor, not renowned for being sentimental.
I don't know if there are any recordings of DB playing the organ - I'll have a root around....
I think I know the horn player you mention in the NY Phil - if I remember correctly he's not exactly svelte but is a truly excellent horn player. Several years ago the orchestra for World Peace did Mahler 5 with an American lady - Gail Williams doing first without a bumper (somebody who sits alongside to boost the loud bits) she was so so good, no cracks at all.
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I think I know the horn player you mention in the NY Phil - if I remember correctly he's not exactly svelte but is a truly excellent horn player.
That's the one, Limpy! My memory of that concert is of this absolutely velvety sound just purring out from where he sat playing. Gorgeous.
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Dulciana - Sadly couldn't find any recordings of DB playing the organ.
I believe the comment re the ability to have a career in either instrument was made whilst he was at the Royal Academy where he did Horn, Piano and Organ. His organ teacher was G.D. Cunningham, think it was he who made the comment
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Thanks for having a look, anyway, Limpy. I've seen there are several horn-playing recordings of him on youtube, which I'll have to listen to. I suppose it's a bit like Daniel Baremboim being as well-known for his piano-playing as he is for his conducting. Imagine being like that!
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"The music side of my life is a bit too quiet for my liking right now. Hubby has been very busy performing here, there and everywhere but I'm only doing a bit of teaching. However, my son is doing well with is cello lessons, so I am enjoying helping him with his practise - he will be taking his first exam next term and has recently joined the school orchestra.
I bet you're busy playing at this time of year?"
Hi Honorsmum! Glad to hear about your teaching (never say, "only"!). I hope your son does well in his cello exam next term. Cello is something I absolutely can't imagine getting my fingers round - I mean, the notes are so far apart! Hats off to him and good luck! Hope he's enjoying the school orchestra, too. We've got a very active local Society of Musicians, where they held their annual Young People's concert last weekend. They had people from 8 to 18 playing a whole lot of different instruments and ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 8-plus. They were all invited because they're all good performers, whatever their standard and it was a lovely evening - more a musical party, really!
Well, yes, this is a busy time of year. All the Christmas services coming up and lots to prepare for those. And I've got a concert this weekend - with a concerto - played by me, and written by Francis Poulenc! Deep breaths...........chill..............exciting! (Hands, stop getting all sweaty....!) ::)
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All the best for your concert, Dulciana!
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Thanks Ju Ju! Am I right in thinking you had a singing exam coming up? If so, I hope it went really well!
D.
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I took my exam 2 weeks ago, so I should hear about my results soon. I've been discussing what to do once I've done grade5 and my singing teacher has suggested that the theory becomes very difficult from then on. I don't have any desire to learn to play a musical instrument now, so that inhibits understanding. So she thought the best way forward would be to concentrate on developing my singing without taking anymore grades. Actually, that sounds the best way to go and maybe frees me up to learn more varied songs.
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Fingers tightly crossed for your result, Ju Ju!
The theory side of things is certainly the niggle. You have to have a pass in Grade 5 theory, in order to sit Grade 6 practical. (I'm one of the many who did a crash course to Gd. 5 theory for this exact reason, and then no more!) Exams aren't everything and I'm sure a whole world of wonderful songs, arias, etc. etc. awaits you! :foryou:
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:) I'll let you know when I hear.
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Just got the results. I got a merit. I didn't do at all well on the aural part of the exam, which I was aware that I floundered. Rather disappointed as I had hoped to get a distinction again and had been singing at distinction level, but that's exams for you.
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Ju Ju you passed and got a merit - well done.
Aurals are hard, don't be harsh on yourself :hug:
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Congratulations, Ju Ju. :medal: A merit is good! I completely agree with Limpy about the aurals - and there's always the next grade. And.....there's always concerts, with no aurals!
Dulciana
x
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Thank you!
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Just heard that all my fellow students are disappointed in their marks. Marking an exam is so subjective, but my singing teacher has been very accurate in what her students are likely to achieve so far, so she is disappointed as well. It really doesn't matter, but.......
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I've heard of this happening before, Ju Ju. Sounds like an over-zealous examiner, maybe............. :-\
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One of them just passed. Got a distinction last time. She's not going to bother with any more grades. Seems a shame.
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It certainly does. I think some examiners are looking for perfection. That's not what it's all about. Credit where credit is due.
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Just got my certificate and the accompanying feedback, which were positive and encouraging. Good pitch, performance, dynamics, diction and tone, though said this was inconsistent, which my teacher disagreed with. My insecurity in sight reading and aural work let me down.
I've been looking at a variety of songs to look at for Grade 5.
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Well done on the Merit Ju Ju, not to be snuffed at. I remember my hubby doing grade 3 practical in classical guitar. He had to sing too, well he tried to. ;D He passed though, but never did the theory. Exams aren't everything, so long as you can hold the tune, rythym etc. Sure you'll go far. :medal:
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My singing teacher has suggested I familiarise myself with classical music. I have never been very interested in classical music. I grew up with rock music. Where to start? Any suggestions?
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Where do you want to start, Ju Ju? Vocal, choral, orchestral, keyboard, chamber music.............?
D.
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::) the mind boggles!
Perhaps orchestral. My dad has a large cd collection, which sadly he cannot listen to as he has hearing loss that makes it uncomfortable to listen to. He would be delighted if I were to borrow anything.
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Okay - how about:
1st movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony
Albinoni - Adagio for Strings
Bruch - Violin Concerto no. 1
Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Prokofiev - March of the Montigues and the Capulets (AKA the theme tune to The Apprentice!)
Ravel - La Valse
Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance no. 1
Just a few ideas, Ju Ju - happy listening!
Dulciana
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Oh thank you! I shall give the list to my dad, who will be delighted to help. I shall enjoy and get back to you when I'm all listened out from those suggestions. Thank you again! :)
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Also - try listening to Classic FM - it has lots of composers and different styles but often well known pieces, and just short movements. You will soon get to know a few..... I find it very calming to listen to while driving, when I'm in certain moods :)
Well done for getting merit in your singing exam by the way! Only just caught up :). I took Grade 5 piano in ?1998 maybe - as an adult anyway - the only practical music exam I've ever done and it was horrendous ( my nerves that is!).
Keep it up!
Hurdity x
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Also - try listening to Classic FM - it has lots of composers and different styles but often well known pieces, and just short movements. You will soon get to know a few..... I find it very calming to listen to while driving, when I'm in certain moods :) Hurdity x
Good point, Hurdity.
D.
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Ladies, can I let off a bit of steam here, please? At the risk of sounding like a prima donna (please forgive me!), I'm beginning to feel a bit impatient. I got the fantastic chance to perform that piece with the orchestra, back in the middle of December. I knew it was being recorded and thankfully, I wasn't distracted by that - I actually found the whole thing the most amazing experience. The thing is, nearly seven weeks later, as far as I know, there's no CD available yet. I've got past the initial heebie-jeebies at hearing myself play and I actually want to hear how I did, now. I've absolutely no idea how long it takes to produce "x" amount of copies of a CD. Maybe I am being too impatient, I really don't know. This isn't a rant - it's more of a :-\ :-\ Thanks, ladies! Dulciana x
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That's a shame Dulciana.
OK the CD hasn't materialised yet but hopefully/surely there must be some sort of recording around.
Conductors are quite often keen to hear how things went.
Good luck.
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That's very true! Thanks Limpy.
D.
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What a wonderful opportunity and experience!
If this was a commercial recording, then there is more to releasing a CD than the practical process. The company will have their own agenda as to when they want to release the CD. So Limpy's suggestion is a good one, because you may have a long wait.
However, I want the CD when it is released! To help with my continuing education of course! Let us know when it is released and details by PM if necessary for privacy.
I hadn't seen Hurdity's post till today. Thanks and you have echoed my singing teachers advice. It looks like I may have the chance to sing some solo bits within songs with the small choir I sing with.
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I would also like the CD if possible please :)
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Okay, Ju Ju and babyjane, I'll keep you posted! I'm not sure if it is a commercial recording......
And that's really wonderful, Ju Ju - fingers crossed that you will!
D.
x
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How's your singing going just now, Ju Ju?
Dulciana :)
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Can you :whist: ……….. ?
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I'm not taking another exam till next year. We've changed examining boards to Trinity as the choice of songs are more contemporary, with better support materials etc. I shall be taking grade 5. It is becoming more obvious that I have a problem with timing and recognising time signatures, so I've had to go back to basics. Guessing doesn't quite cut it at this stage. I suspect it's related to the dyslexic tendencies I have, but I think practice will help. I have natural pitch, which delights my teacher. I know instinctively what an octave is, where other students struggle on that. It's swings and roundabouts l suppose. We seem to have settled on 4 songs, which are the full version of Over the Rainbow, Plaisir d'amour, Quell'onda che ruina ( from Vaccaj) and Simple Gifts, a Shaker tune (think Lord of the Dance tune). I don't speak any foreign languages, so the French and Italian songs will be a challenge to learn and from the pronounciation aspect. Oh and I struggle to roll my Rs, so lucky I'm English!
CLKD, I can't whistle! Oh I've tried and tried, but the result is well, rather pathetic! ;D I can't whistle any more than I can lick the end of my nose!( My sister could!) People have tried to teach me, but we've come to the conclusion the whistling gene wasn't given to me! ???
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Lucky you, having perfect pitch, Ju Ju. I don't, but I'm surrounded on all sides by people who do - Hubby, sister, daughter, SIL and Dad! I bet it must really help with singing. :)
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I can't roll my tongue either ::) but have whistled from an early age.
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CLKD, you can be chief whistler on the MM charabang! :whist:
Not sure about perfect pitch, Dulciana! Probably would if I could read music more proficiently, but it's coming along. Ask me to sing an octave higher or lower, then I can, no problem. Any interval in between requires mental counting! Still practice makes perfect!
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As long as no one sucks a lemon ;D
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CLKD, you can be chief whistler on the MM charabang! :whist:
Not sure about perfect pitch, Dulciana! Probably would if I could read music more proficiently, but it's coming along. Ask me to sing an octave higher or lower, then I can, no problem. Any interval in between requires mental counting! Still practice makes perfect!
Ah, I see, Ju Ju. Sorry - I misunderstood you there!
D.
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As long as no one sucks a lemon ;D
Just came across this one, CLKD. Apparently, when my Mum and her cousin were about ten or so, they used to go and stand near a local brass band (when it played outdoors in the summer) armed with half a lemon each, suck their half lemons hard, pulling faces as they did so, and see how many players in the band they could reduce to dribbling through their instruments. What sweet little children they must have been! ::)
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It is impossible to continue blowing …….. had it done to me as well as doing it in rehearsals :-X
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Really? ;D
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What, Moi ;D - well we had to see whether the myth was true ;-)
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We have a music thread .......... ;)
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Has any1 followed the Kanneh-Mason family - 7 musical children. All multi-talented. They have taken a trip round Salzburg and arranged some of the songs from that musical which is really moving. The film itself is a Hollywood tale, but it brings people to music in a different way than having to practice in School. As well as people from across the World visiting : 360,000 annually : to take part in the various trips round the famous City.
Other than those who live in the area, apparently not many locals have watched 'the sound of music' .........