improvisation with simon van der Walt llI

Hi there,
well, as usual in improvisation class we improvised in D-minor pentatonique scale. Everyone had solo improvisation while sample of jazz music was playind in backround.We received assignment descriptor today. Well, for this assignement, we were asked to collect a portfolio of materials which demonstrate our understanding of the relationship between given musical elements and improvisation. What we have to do is compose at least one tune, at least one solo and transcribe one solo. Well, I have some ideas so hopefuly it will be ok.

Classical guitar lesson with Simon Thacker

Hi there,
Finally I had my first tutorial lesson with a great guitarist Simon Thacker.After what I performed my piece Barrios's Valts no.3, Simon decided to give me another piece called Homenaje by Manuel de Falla.Well, pretty happy with this piece because I do like Falla's works anyway. However, it is grade eight piece and I will have to learn it within three weeks which will be difficult.

Stravinky's Octet for wind instrument briefly

Stravinsky’s Octet for wind instrument 2nd movement

Igor Stravinsky composed his Octet for Wind instruments in1922-23. The piece was written for two trumpets, two trombones, flute, clarinet and two bassoons, which is a peculiar assortment of instruments, is not it. The reason why he composed this kind of music is due to the difference of the volume of these instruments that provide more evidence of the musical architecture.
This piece has all Stravinsky’s signature musical characteristic including atypical use of accents, shifting pulses, rhythmic complexity, extreme use of dynamics (fortissimo and pianissimo) and specific use of articulation marks.
Although Stravinsky found a new style-neoclassicism, he used a classical form for his Octet: sonata form, theme and variation with fugue and rondo at the end. This was the first time when Stravinsky used the theme and variation form in a composition. The form of the second movement is self-evident from the title Tema con Variazioni in D-minor. The theme is based on octatonic scale and it does not point to any tonal centre. As can be seen the form of the movements is slightly unusual A (ribbons of scales)-B(March)-A( ribbons of scales)-C(waltz)-D(tempo di gusto)-A(ribbons of scales)-E(fugue). According to Stravinsky, his appetite was whetted by his rediscovery of sonata form…

improvisation with simon van der Walt ll.

Hi there,
We were devided into two groups today. The first group called ''Blue group'' consisted of musicians with more experience and skills in the improvisation field,whereas the second''Green group'' consisted of musicians with less proficiency. As I had said I had never done the improvisation before thereby no wonder that I was placed in the Green group.Honestly, I have a lot of to catch up,therefore I absolutely agree with Simon. As a last time a jazz sample played in backround while we were improvising in D-minor pentatonique scale. The solo performance was given to each of us to show off our talent while others repeated the whole scale along with a jazz sample.As I see it,the improvisation went badly rather than well. Honestly, Simon was not satisfied with my solo improvisation due to the lack of my rhytmic correction as well as a lack of inspiration, I would say.The problem is that I am not able to do my best when I am in spotline. However, I do like improvisation class and looking forward to another lesson. Cheers

Improvisation class with Simon van der Walt

Hi there,
another improvisation lesson with the excellent musician and teacher Simon van der Walt went well, by the way.
Althought, I had never done any improvisation before, I found it quite entertaining. We have done a lot of improvisation excercise today. For instance, Simon performed two long bars riffs on his trumpet and those riffs had to be correctly repeated by playing our own instruments.The problem was that you needed to be absolutely focused what teacher performed,so that it means you have to be rhytmicaly correct to make your teacher satisfied. Moreover, everyone had to compose two bars-long melody in C major blues scale and than performed it along with the music which was playing in the backround.
According to Simon,this kind of excercise can have significant impact on our musician skills such as improving our frazing and rhytmic coordination.
Finally, we have got homework for next lesson which is next week. Simon asked from us to create any melody in C major blues scales with correct blues rhytmus and perform it in front of the class.

Nicola Benedetti

Hi there,
Worldwide known young violinist Ms Benedetti is simply genius. Her utter self-confidence and very strong technique keeps everyone fascinated. Additionally, Ms Benedetti is very intelligent and soulful musician which is reflected in her mesmerisng performence. For instance, Mendelssohn's Violin concerto in E Minor op 64 performed by Ms. Benedetti is absolutely outstanding. I would highly recommended to listen that.

Galina Vale

Hi there,
I am absolutely astonished by Ukrainan classical guitarist Galina Vale.It is hard to believe that anyone can perform like Galina Vale does. In my view she is truly unique classical guitarist and musician. Not only she can perform traditional classical pieces such as Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Francisco Tarraga or Carpatian Rhapsody by A.Shevchenko, she can also perform very technically demanding works such as Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody no.2" alongside her own arrangements of works including Rachmaninov's "Prelude no.5 in G-minor" and "Hungarian Dance no.5" by Brahms. Her range of repertoire and technical profiency is truly beyond the traditional skills of any known classical guitarist. Moreover,Galina Vale has elevated classical guitar virtuosity on the highest level.