Today's Lenten piece is Scriabin's Etude Op. 2, No. 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSsKJIzwapA
Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) was a Russian pianist and composer. Scriabin began with a lyrical compositional language similar to Frederic Chopin but then began exploring more complex harmonies diving into atonal and mystic languages. He was known as one of the most innovative yet controversial early modern composers. He was also highly involved in his synesthesia (colors or shapes corresponding to sounds).
This Etude Op. 2, No. 1 is highly representative of Scriabin's early music with in Chopinesque qualities maybe imitating some of Chopin's preludes. It is a very dark and sad piece calling for a very clear melody at the top of the chords. The anguish can be heard especially in the climax and the final chord at the end. Very appropriate for the season of Lent.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Lenten Music Journey Day 3: Mozart's Requiem: Kyrie
I didn't have time yesterday to upload my day three video. It was a very busy day with a wonderful performance last evening with the B-W Men's Chorus, Women's Chorus, and Mr. Sun's Echo. I'm so lucky and have the best time rehearsing and being part of the Men's Chorus and Mr. Sun's Echo.
Anyways, the music piece for day 3 of our Lenten Music Journey is the Kyrie from Mozart's Requiem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02k2KQw2lGA
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was very prolific and influential composer of Classical era. He is widely regarded as one of the most gifted child prodigies in both performance and composition. He composed of 600 works including operas, symphonies, piano sonatas, and string quartets among the most popular. Clarity, balance, and transparency are largely regarded as the hallmarks of of his work.
The Requiem Mass in D minor K. 626 was composed by Mozart in Vienna in 1791 but left unfinished in his death on December 5. It was later completed by Franz Xaver Süssmayr who delivered it to the anonymous commissioner (as clearly depicted in the movie Amadeus) who ended up being Franz von Walsegg. The Requiem is scored for 2 basset horns in F, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets in D, 3 trombones (alto, tenor & bass), timpani (2 drums), violins, viola and basso continuo (cello, double bass, and organ). The vocal forces include soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass soloists and a SATB mixed choir.
The Kyrie is a double fugue with the first subject (the very first phrase heard by the choir) corresponding to "Kyrie eleison" or "Lord Have Mercy" and the second subject "Christe eleison" or "Christ Have Mercy". I thought this would be very fitting for the lenten season as it is during Lent that many demoninations take out there Glory to God and often emphasize the Kyrie portion.
Anyways, the music piece for day 3 of our Lenten Music Journey is the Kyrie from Mozart's Requiem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02k2KQw2lGA
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was very prolific and influential composer of Classical era. He is widely regarded as one of the most gifted child prodigies in both performance and composition. He composed of 600 works including operas, symphonies, piano sonatas, and string quartets among the most popular. Clarity, balance, and transparency are largely regarded as the hallmarks of of his work.
The Requiem Mass in D minor K. 626 was composed by Mozart in Vienna in 1791 but left unfinished in his death on December 5. It was later completed by Franz Xaver Süssmayr who delivered it to the anonymous commissioner (as clearly depicted in the movie Amadeus) who ended up being Franz von Walsegg. The Requiem is scored for 2 basset horns in F, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets in D, 3 trombones (alto, tenor & bass), timpani (2 drums), violins, viola and basso continuo (cello, double bass, and organ). The vocal forces include soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass soloists and a SATB mixed choir.
The Kyrie is a double fugue with the first subject (the very first phrase heard by the choir) corresponding to "Kyrie eleison" or "Lord Have Mercy" and the second subject "Christe eleison" or "Christ Have Mercy". I thought this would be very fitting for the lenten season as it is during Lent that many demoninations take out there Glory to God and often emphasize the Kyrie portion.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Lenten Music Journey Day 2: Albinoni's "Adagio"
Today's Lenten piece is "Adagio in G minor" attributed to Tomaso Albinoni:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEzuXJ0rOJM&feature=related
Albinoni was an Italian Baroque composer who was most famous during his time for writing operas but today we mostly appreciate his instrumental music such as his concertos.
Adagio in G minor is commonly attributed to composer Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751). 20th century musicologist and biographer Remo Giazotto actually composed it using a fragment manuscript of Albinoni. This piece is most commonly orchestrated for organ and string ensemble but can also be heard with string ensemble alone. I chose this piece because of its mournful and reflective nature. G minor is a key often depicting sadness and repentance.
Peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEzuXJ0rOJM&feature=related
Albinoni was an Italian Baroque composer who was most famous during his time for writing operas but today we mostly appreciate his instrumental music such as his concertos.
Adagio in G minor is commonly attributed to composer Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751). 20th century musicologist and biographer Remo Giazotto actually composed it using a fragment manuscript of Albinoni. This piece is most commonly orchestrated for organ and string ensemble but can also be heard with string ensemble alone. I chose this piece because of its mournful and reflective nature. G minor is a key often depicting sadness and repentance.
Peace.
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