The Noble Art of Music

For the Beauty of the Earth

2012-02-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

This is a Celtic version of the beautiful hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth" as recorded by my mom (flute) and I (piano). The words to this hymn are so lovely.
The footage is from Ireland, New Zealand, South America, and other countries of Earth.
Hope you are blessed :)

Credit:
Steve Petit Evangelistic Team and
Rebekah Snyder

COMMENTS FIXED!

2012-01-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

Someone brought to my attention that the comments were malfunctioning. That has been officially fixed!

The Wondrous Works of Joe Hisaishi

2012-01-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Close friends call him Mamoru Fujisawa, but most laymen and fans know him as Joe Hisaishi (pronounced His-ah-ee-shee). He's the prolific Japanese composer for Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli (who has been compared to the Walt Disney of Japan).
Indeed, he is best known for his Studio Ghibli soundtrack scores. His most popular compositions are most frequently heard accompanying the fantastical imaginative movies of said director Miyazaki. As such, the union between movie director and composer are fitting, combining the whimsical, fantasy-like qualities of both arts into a harmonious blend of thrilling entertainment. So significant have his contributions to modern Japanese music been, that he has been awarded the Japanese Academy Award for Best Music six times- in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2009, and and 2011.
If you are a frequent listener, you might know him for a smorgasbord of styles and sounds outside of the Japanese movie industry. From minimalist to experimental electronic, and European classical to Japanese classical, Hisaishi has covered and created forms of genres entirely his own.
Nostalgia pervades his mystical lore-inspired Japanese albums "Piano stories" I,II, III, IV. Clearly inspired by classical, romanticism, contemporary, and new age, these albums are simple yet poignant in charm, delivering contemplative piano music that is perfect to relax to.

[Listen to Highlander from Piano Stories II]

Of his Ghibli film music, my personal favorites are his scores to Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Laputa: Castle in the Sky.

The Howl's Moving Castle score is reminiscent of a Parisian sidewalk cafe setting- with free, waltz-like style. The film takes place in a fantastical kingdom in the19th century. The music captures that feel with expertise. Despite his Asian heritage, the composer adapts Western music with supreme accuracy. You get the simplistic feel of old classics, the colorful harmonies of the romantic era, and the brisk 3/4 tempo of a Viennese waltz.

Howl's Moving Castle Theme

The score for Spirited Away is captivating and entrancing. From subtle, gentle tracks like "One Summer's Day", and "Sixth Station" to the powerful and magnificent "Reprise" and "Dragon Boy", it's a score that perfectly captures a girl's mystical adventure to a dream-like world full of odd spirit-beings. It contains pieces that are slow and soft, yet powerful enough to coax tears from the emotional listeners.

One Summer's Day from Spirited Away

Then we have Laputa: Castle in the Sky, a movie a young girl and boy's fascinating adventure to find a legendary floating castle in the clouds. If you could envision a soundtrack to one such movie, this would be it. Full of New Age synth, Classical sophistication, memorable hooks, and wistful harmonies, this album is stirringly sublime. It is definitely one of Hisaishi's best.

"Collapse of Laputa": Castle in the Sky

Hisaishi's music is fairly accessible off Amazon.com and iTunes. If you want to listen but not purchase, Spotify and Pandora has many of his selections. Sadly, his sheet music is not too easy to come by in the United States.

If you are insistent and desperate like me, you'll have to feel your way around the Japanese Amazon website to access Piano Stories, Encore, and other sheet music by him:
Japanese Amazon: Joe Hisaishi

Official website: JoeHisaishi.com.
A few fans have compiled their own arrangements of his Studio Ghibli music and uploaded it to obscure anime-music forums.

If browsing foreign sites is completely unfamiliar to you, one helpful tool is Google translate. Good luck!

MY TOP RECOMMENDED HISAISHI ALBUMS:

Piano Stories

Etudes ~A Wish to the Moon~
Hana-bi
Laputa: Castle in the Sky soundtrack
Howl's Moving Castle soundtrack
Spirited Away Soundtrack
Joe Hisaishi review
Joe Hisaishi soundtrack review
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea soundtrack
Kiki's Delivery service soundtrack

FULL LIST OF HISAISHI ALBUMS:

ALBUM DISCOGRAPHY

Joe Hisaishi sheet music, Joe Hisaishi Laputa sheet music, Joe Hisaishi Ghibli Sheet music, Joe Hisaishi Piano stories sheet music, Ponyo, Castle in the Sky sheet music

700 views: THANK YOU!

2012-01-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

A GREAT big thank you to everyone who has shared in my passion and love of music! Yesterday this little blog met it's 700th viewer. What a surprise! I set this blog up 3 months ago as a way to share my thoughts on God and music to the world, and so far that vision has been far surpassed.

A particularly special THANKYOU to you who have advertised my blog. You're fabulous. It's truly a gift to have such wonderful followers (and lurkers)!

To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.

-Aaron Copeland

Libera: A Traditional Boys Choir with Unique Contemporary Style

2012-01-03T00:11:00.000-08:00

I have always had a fondness for boys choirs. Not only do I love to see children value their gifts and enjoy expressing them, but I love to hear ordinary people exhibiting extraordinary talents. Whether it's the Vienna Boys Choir, St. Thomas Choir, or Metropolitan boys choir, there is no denying the beautiful angelic sound that these choirs produce.

One boys choir that I was recently introduced to is Libera. I absolutely adore their works. Many long-time fans of the boychoir tradition may balk at the thought of introducing synths, electronic beats, and extensive remixing into recordings of this nature, but take my advice- the result is nothing short of fabulous. It's a refreshing, lush, new age sound blended with first-class harmonious choral singing.

From a Christian, Baptist perspective, I find the majority of their sacred songs to be absolute gems of praise to God. (such as the few I have listed with links below) In addition to many originals, they have a nice selection of hymns such as "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "All Things Bright and Beautiful" that are very familiar and theologically sound. Be warned that there are Catholic titles that may not agree with your theology. Others are based off common Latin texts such as "Agnus Dei", "Lacrimosa", "Sanctus", "Adoramus", etc.

A few on my "must-check-out" list are:

1. Adoramus

On top of the fact this song gives beautiful praise to God, the vocals are absolutely stunning, and the instrumentation is marvelous.

LISTEN: Adoramus

2. Gloria

"Gloria, in excelsis deo" (aka. Glory to God in the highest) are beautiful words to include in any song. And when you combine that with Saint-Saens majestic Symphony No. 3 "Organ symphony" finale...well, consider yourself in for a treat.

LISTEN: Gloria

3. I am the Day

I am the day, soon to be born

I am the light before the morning

I am the night that will be dawn

I am the end and the beginning

I am the Alpha and Omega

The night and day, the first and last

The powerful words speak for themselves. The heavenly vocals, and powerful chords, suspensions, coloratura, polyphony, all weave together to produce a truly breathtaking song.

LISTEN: I Am the Day

4. Time
This one is not sacred. It concerns the subjects of past and future time, memories, and eternity- which can be extraordinarily mysterious and confusing concepts. The music is atmospheric and melancholy, begging deep reflection and focus upon the words. Altogether very beautiful and mysterious.

LISTEN: Time

5. Voca Me

Given that "Lacrimosa" means "mournful day", and this song includes the word many times, you can imagine that it reflects that accurately. If you love suspensions, and a whole lot of minor, you will enjoy this one. The ending builds up to a beautiful, sky-high climax, and is completely stunning.

LISTEN: Voca Me

6. You Were There

You were there
In everything I knew
From the moment I began
Always there
In every way I go
Saved me falling
Held my hand

You are shelter from the storm
The shadows fade away
All cares pass away

I absolutely love the words to this song, and the music is gorgeous beyond words. I was blown away the first time I heard it. Such beautiful praise to God.

LISTEN: You were There

Ministering at the Assisted Living

2012-01-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

There is something so joyous about blessing elderly people with the gift of music. Because they have seen so much, and experienced so many valleys and storms throughout their lives, they tend to have a keener appreciation for the smaller things...and the things that truly matter.
A few days ago I took a few of my students to the assisted living, and we played some traditional Christmas carols for them. The response was wonderful. They repeatedly thanked us for playing, and expressed how blessed they were in listening to the songs.
That one small experience caused me to take a hard look at the impact that music has on people. Music is a language that speaks across so many of the boundaries between people. It goes beyond speech and letters. According to Aldrous Huxley, After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.
Some emotions are inexpressible. Some concepts are inexpressible.
God is certainly inexpressible. And sometimes, what you cannot communicate about God through words, you can communicate more closely in music.
That is one reason why I seldom find more fulfillment than by blessing other people with this art- specifically if it lifts their eyes upward to the One who created it.

Every musician has been given his gift for a reason. And that reason extends beyond yourself. Use your talent and your passion to minister to others. Even if your audience is small, or considered insignificant by many, if that is the audience you have, it is the audience you have been given for the purpose of reaching out to them specifically. And for that reason it is worth everything.

"Sing to the LORD, all the earth;
proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day."
1 Chronicles 16:23

The 241st birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven

2011-12-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

On this day in history, which was December 16, 1770, in Bonn Germany, a genius was born. His name was Ludwig van Beethoven. Happy birthday to one of the greatest musical revolutionaries in the realm of music.
To celebrate, here is a list of his top 9 greatest works:

Symphony No. 5

Listen to sample

Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"

Listen to sample

Symphony No. 9

Listen to sample

Piano Concerto No. 5

Listen

Violin Concerto, Op. 61

Listen to sample

Fantasia in C minor, Op. 80

Listen to sample

Piano Sonata no. 14

Listen to sample

Piano Sonata No. 8

Listen to sample

Piano Sonata No.21

Listen to sample

"How happy I am to be able to wander among bushes and herbs, under trees and over rocks; no man can love the country as I love it. Woods, trees and rocks send back the echo that man desires."

-Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven is so great because he was innovative, he made his own rules. He wrote music from the heart to the heart. All human emotions are contained within his works, from sadness to joy, from despair to hope. I must have my daily fix of the great man, no other composer comes close.

- Len Griffin

This is My Father's World

2011-12-12T18:25:00.000-08:00

My mom (flute) and I (piano) playing one
of my favorite hymns

1. This is my Father's world, 
 and to my listening ears 
 all nature sings, and round me rings 
 the music of the spheres.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 I rest me in the thought 
 of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; 
 his hand the wonders wrought.

2. This is my Father's world, 
 the birds their carols raise, 
 the morning light, the lily white, 
 declare their maker's praise.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 he shines in all that's fair; 
 in the rustling grass I hear him pass; 
 he speaks to me everywhere.

3. This is my Father's world.  
 O let me ne'er forget 
 that though the wrong seems oft so strong, 
 God is the ruler yet.  
 This is my Father's world:  
 why should my heart be sad?  
 The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!  
 God reigns; let the earth be glad!

Essential Choral Christmas Music Selections

2011-12-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

Nothing puts me in the spirit like beautiful, festive, inspiring choir music. Here is just a small list of my all-time choral Christmas favorites. If you have some must-hear songs that are not included in this list, feel free to comment with some titles!
"Messiah"

Lyrics from "Comfort Ye My People" to "Worthy is the Lamb"

"O Holy Night"

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

"O come, O come, Emmanuel"

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

"Carol of the Bells"

Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, throw cares away
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong that is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling. One seems to hear songs of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air
O how they pound, raising their sound
O'er hill and dell, telling their tale.

"Coventry Carol"

Lully, lulla,
thou little tiny child
By by, lully, lullay,
thou little tiny child
By by, lully lullay
Herod, the king
In his raging
Chargèd he hath this day
His men of might
In his own sight,
All young children to slay.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

"Gesu Bambino"

When blossoms flower e'er 'mid the snows,
Upon a winter night,
Was born the child, the christmas rose,
The king of love and light.
The angels sang, the shepherds sang,
The grateful earth rejoiced;
And at his blessed birth the stars
Their exultation voiced.

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

"Joy to the World"

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

"The Little Drummer Boy"

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

"Pat-a-pan"

Willie, bring your little drum.
Robin, get your fife, and come,
And be merry while you play.
Tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-pan
We will listen as you play
For the joy for Christmas day.

"Once in Royal David's City"

Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed
Where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for His bed
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child

Music Performance Tips

2011-12-06T00:07:00.000-08:00

With my students' recital approaching this Friday, I wanted to share some tips with them on successful performance methods. This list varies from other lists because I have written it from a Christian perspective, and as a culmination of many performances I have had through the years. I also consulted the wonderful "Coping with Music Performance Anxiety" article by the University of Winsconsin-Eau Claire¹
Here are just a few tips that have aided me through my years as a pianist. Any teacher is welcome to use them, change them up, print them off, and pass them out.

1. Understand your purpose for performing
When you understand that your performance is not for the purpose of reflecting glory on yourself, this puts everything in a completely different perspective. Suddenly the pressure and the focus is not spotlighted on you, but shifted upward. When you realize your performance is for God, this will completely change the way you feel about performing. Embracing this purpose is the ultimate radiating factor to a Christian musician, and paves the way to performing successfully and fruitfully.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." -1 Cor. 10:31

2. Understand Stage Fright
You can play less than perfectly, and still give a good performance. We all have nerves that act up at the wrong times and get in the way of everything. Audiences are very forgiving of a few missed notes and shaky hands. As long as you play with passion and dedication, your fervor will radiate to the audience and reveal something special to them. Remember that mastering stage fright is not about "getting over" nerves, but rather learning how to handle them in a proper fashion.

3. Prepare Beforehand

Look for opportunities for exposure to mild to moderate levels of stress that challenge but do not overwhelm your coping skills, example: visualization of the performance and the crowd, practice performances, dress rehearsals, taping yourself and playing back, playing before family and friends.
Remember, most performers have to contend with anxiety—it comes with the territory. You’re in good company! Don't focus too much on the inevitable fact of nerves and anxiety.
Do not spend hours at the piano the evening just before a performance, or the actual day of the performance. Focus more on getting rested, and getting your mind calmly adjusting to the goal at hand.
Pray! Before each performance, ask the Lord sincerely to calm your nerves and help you pray your best. There is no underestimating the power of giving your anxiety into the hands of God.

4. Stay Calm During Recital

Act calmly, even if you feel nervous. The more you dwell on anxiety, the more you are likely to remain preoccupied with it.
Try to overlook minor errors when you perform. Overall impressions are more important to the audience than note-perfect performances.
Rather than blocking out the audience, try seeing them as allies who are generally supportive and want you to do well.
Consider performing as an opportunity by becoming immersed in the musical experience. If you are fully immersed in the music, your awareness of the audience will become dim.

5. Dedicate your Performance to God

Many people tend to separate sacred and secular music performance in this way: secular music is for the audience, and shows off your skill, whereas sacred music is for God, to bring glory to Him. Because of this attitude, recital is generally not seen as a time of praise to God. It's a time to promote your hard work, your playing, and your improvement since last semester. Church is for the God-stuff. Recital is for You-stuff.
This is the incorrect thought process to have about recital. Whether you are playing a Bach invention, a Chopin Polonaise, or an old hymn, you are representing the Lord. You are representing Him through your heart-attitude, decorum, hard work, determination, sticktuitiveness, and loyalty to the tasks you've been given throughout the semester.
All music should be dedicated to the Lord, no matter what the piece happens to be. Before you perform, dedicate your music to God. Ask Him to bless it, and to strengthen your hands to play it the way He'd desire it to be played. Falling back on God will never result in failure. Even if you do not perform the way you had hoped, knowing that His guidance was with you will give you a deep peace you never could have had were it all up to you.

Verses of reassurance and trust:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make
straight your paths. Prov. 3:6-7

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Prov. 16:3

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

---------------------------
¹Resource: Coping with Music Performance and Anxiety
http://www.uwec.edu/Counsel/pubs/musicanxiety.htm

Top Ten Dark Classics

2011-11-30T23:03:00.000-08:00

I am enchanted by the darker, more somber side of classical music. Not because it's depressing, upsetting, or unsettling. In my opinion, the minor mode unleashes certain complexities, feelings, depths, and emotions not possible with the major mode. And let's face it- life is complex. We face battles, uncertainties, dead-ends, agitation, and sadness. We have gloomy days, rainy days, and days we wish had never existed. Consider the battles between good and evil, between the physical and spiritual, and between selfishness and redemptive love.

Dark music conveys and channels the complexities and struggles of life with all its complicated components.

This is my personal choice of the 10 darkest, haunting classics of music.

(and believe me, it was hard to pick only 10)

10.Sonata no.2 in B-flat minor op.35 'Funeral March' (Chopin)

The 3rd movement from this melancholy piece by Frederick Chopin is a different side of dark- a more reflective, meditative, sad side. With the constant drumming of the minor bass chords, and the silent, slowly moving melody, this can easily be visualized in a funeral procession.

9. Swan Lake - Ballet Suite, Op. 20 (Tchaikovsky)

This beautiful scene from Swan Lake facillates between major and minor a little too much to be considered "dark" per se. However, the motif is certainly dark enough...and the scene follows the curse of the evil sorcerer upon Odette.

8.Adagio for Strings (Barber)

I really have few words for this heartwrenching piece by Samuel Barber. It is so silently poignant, so piercingly convicting in its delivery. Quiet, somber, reflective, and sad. Take a listen.

7. The Erl King (Schubert)

As the poem goes, The father now gallops, with terror half wild,
He holds in his arms the shuddering child;
He reaches his farmstead with toil and dread,—
The child in his arms lies motionless, dead.

The music by Schubert, with it's pounding bass and rapid melody, is no less dark.

6. Moonlight Sonata, movements 1 and 3 (Beethoven)

From the tranquil moon-over-water first movement, to the fiery and vicious "presto agitato", Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Van Beethoven still stands as one of history's darkest classics.

5. The Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner)

This famous composition is from Der Ring des Nibelungen, (The Ring of the Nibelung), a cycle of four epic music dramas by the German composer Richard Wagner.

The Ride begins in the prelude to the Act, building up successive layers of accompaniment until the curtain rises to reveal a mountain peak where four of the eight Valkyrie sisters of Brünnhilde have gathered in preparation for the transportation of fallen heroes to Valhalla.

4. Tocatta and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 (Bach)

"Haunting" is the only word to describe this composition. Very intense and thrilling organ piece.

3. Lacrimosa from Requiem Mass in D minor (Mozart)

The Requiem mass was composed in 1791, and left uncompleted at the composer's death.

The popular movement "Lacrimosa", includes such phrases as "Guilty man to be judged", and "Lord have mercy on him". The music is rich, dark, and the harmonies are bone-chilling. This places Lacrimosa in number 3 of the top ten dark classics.

2. O Fortuna (Carmina Burana)

Orff's Carmina Burana opens with the stunning and famous O Fortuna. Its text is a medieval resigned acceptance of the Wheel of Fortune as the determiner of one's fate. According to this wheel, all of man's petty feelings and endevours are in the fickle hands of Fate. The text, sung with dramatic and chilling harmonies, easily puts this in the list of dark classics.

1. The Fifth Symphony (Beethoven)

The music begins with Fate knocking on Death's door. And according to Hector Berlioz, the Fifth, more than the previous four symphonies, "emanates directly and solely from the genius of Beethoven. It is his own intimate thought that is developed; and his secret sorrows, his pent-up rage, his dreams so full of melancholy oppression, his nocturnal visions and his bursts of enthusiasm furnish its entire subject, while the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and orchestral forms are there delineated with essential novelty and individuality, endowing them also with considerable power and nobility."

Truly worthy of the number 1 spot of the Top Ten Dark Classics.

(ten darkest, top ten dark classics, top ten dark classical songs pieces, top 10 dark classical)

Essential Film Scores to Check Out (PART TWO)

2011-11-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

I am back with more fantastic movie scores. Several of these are from rather obscure composers and films, but extremely deserving of exposure and a listen. Many of the following scores have received the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER and WARNING: I must be emphatic that I do not necessarily endorse these films. I have included selections from films I do not recommend.

James Horner
Rose
Hymn to the Sea
For the Love of a Princess
A Beautiful Mind (Theme)
Becoming One of The People

Trevor Jones
Promentory
The Kiss

Clint Mansell
Requiem for a Tower/Lux Aeterna

James Newton Howard
I'm not a Hero(w/Hans Zimmer)
Eptesicus(w/Hans Zimmer)
The Launch
Please Don't Die

Harry Gregson-Williams
Crusaders
Ibelin
Evacuating London

Steve Jablonsky
Arrival To Earth
My Name is Lincoln
Trailblazing

Alexandre Desplat
The King's Speech
Wong Chia Chi's Theme
Courtyard Apocalypse
Snape's Demise

John Williams
Becoming a Geisha
Sayuri's Theme
Hatikvah (The Hope)
A Prayer for Peace

Outstanding Music Theory Documentary

2011-11-22T09:34:00.000-08:00

Howard Goodall hosts an incredible look at music theory and history in this documentary. I highly recommend part 1 (Melody) and part 2 (harmony):

How Music Works 1- Melody
In this film composer Howard Goodall looks at melody's basic elements. Why are some melodic shapes common to all cultures across the world? Can successful melodies be written at random? If not, what are the familiar melodic patterns composers of all types of music have fallen back on again and again, and why do they work?

Part one
Part two
Part three
Part four
Part five

How Music Works 1- Harmony

In the late middle ages western harmony started on a journey that would take it in a completely separate direction to that of the music of other parts of the world. It discovered chords, and, over the next seven centuries, began to unlock their harmonic possibilities. In this film Howard looks at how western harmony works, and how, in the present day, it has fused with other forms of music to create new styles.

Part one
Part two
Part three
Part four
Part five

A Few Biblical references to music

2011-11-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

Music is is referenced many times throughout the Scriptures. Over 1150 verses in the Bible reference a form of the following words: music, melody, song, hymn, instrument, sound, play, blow, noise, psalm, harp, lyre, timbrel, trumpet, horn, voice.

Here are just a few of my favorites!

Instrumental Praise to God

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. ⁵ Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. ⁶ With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. Psalm 97:4-6

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. Psalm 71:22

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. Psalm 57:7-9

The LORD was readyto save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD. Is. 38:20

O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. Psalm 108:1-3

Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:2-3

I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. Psalm 144:9

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Psalm 150:1-6

Vocal Praise to God

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. Zephaniah 3:14

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. ² The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:1-2

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. Psalm 7:17

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. Psalm 21:13

Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:7

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95:1-2

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. James 5:13

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

SURVEY: Essential Film Scores to Check Out (PART ONE)

2011-11-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love the brilliant works of John Williams and Hans Zimmer?
I asked several of my friends to share their favorite film composers and pieces.
The following list is a combination of popular opinion, their contributions, and my own!

DISCLAIMER: This is strictly a list of film scores. I do not necessarily endorse the films that accompany these pieces.

John Williams
Medley-Main Title (Star Wars)
Schindler's List
Raider's March
Theme from Jurassic Park
Duel of the Fates
Hedwig's Theme
Remembering Petticoat Lane
Prologue (Hook)
ET Theme Song

Hans Zimmer
Time
Now We Are Free
Davy Jones
This Land
Pearl Harbor: War
Oogway Ascends
Roll Tide
Honor Him

Howard Shore
Fellowship of the Ring
Concerning Hobbits
Many Meetings

Danny Elfman
Alice's Theme
The Plan Begins
Main Titles (Charlie and the Chocolate factory)
Ice Dance

Joe Hisaishi
Collapse of Laputa
One Summer's Day
The Girl Who Fell From the Sky
Reprise (Spirited Away)
Stroll Through the Sky (空中散歩)

Klaus Badelt (w/Hans Zimmer)
He's A Pirate
Underwater March

Harry Gregson-Williams
The Battle Theme
Arrival at Aslan's How

Vangelis
Chariots of Fire
Twenty-eighth Parallel
Conquest of Paradise

James Newton Howard
Flow Like Water
Please Don't Die
Flying Jolly Roger

John Powell
Test Drive
Ancient China/Story of Shen (with Hans Zimmer)

Dario Marianelli
Dawn
Your Hands Are Cold

I will be sure to add another essential film score list in the future. Keep checking back!

Thoughts on Sacred Performance

2011-11-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

Jim Brickman and Jon Schmidt are composers who play hymns the way they are supposed to be played - meditative, worshipful, and appropriate.
I truly respect a pianist who aims to draw peoples' eyes to the Lord, and away from the pianist himself. Partially because I know how difficult this task is.
As a congregational hymnplayer for 2+ years, I have discovered that there is a tough line between stylistic artistry and appropriate worshipfulness. Within the time that I've played for Church, I have often found myself getting so wrapped up in the sound I'm producing that I forget all about the point of what I'm playing! This is quite a detriment to the duty as a minister for worship.
Christian musicians are told to play skillfully (Psalm 33:3), but not in a way that pulls the listeners' attention away from the words of the song.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7

Music is such a wonderful medium for worship, and if you have it, you are a very blessed person! Utilizing this art to its potential means keeping a worshipful, reverent, pure heart toward God. If you have this kind of heart, the overflow will pour into your worship.

Below, I have included some examples of hymns that bless my heart. I think they are very stylistically appropriate, and I hope they bless your heart too. May we continue to endeavor to bring glory to the Lord through the musical talent He has given us :)

BUY:

Jon Schmidt: Hymns Without Words

Jim Brickman: Grace

Karl Jenkins: Blending European classical music and Ethnic world music into the melting pot of musical flair

2011-11-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to distinguish the breed of music that Karl Jenkins produces. Between vocalise African chant, rolling beats, and fierce classical violins, one could easily say it earns a category all its own. It's a fresh and exhilarating take on global music.

I broke out of my carefully constructed musical box (which included only the works of Beethoven and Bach and a couple in between) sometime between college music courses and a thousand and one different pieces. There was a point in time when the striking African vocals, tribal-like rhythm, harmonic dissonance, and irregular timing true to many of Jenkins works (particularly in Adiemus) would have crawled under my skin. Today I can hardly get enough of it. Part of the appeal lies in its drastically endless variety. If you like Celtic, it's for you. If you prefer Latin, you'll find a fair share to enjoy. If your preference is Classical, you will also find something to curl up and savor. And furthermore, there is a terrific blend of highly spirited versus somber minor, especially in The Eternal Knot.

The reason I love sharing Karl Jenkin's works is because I feel they are too original to go unheard. We Westerners all love our European baroque, classical, and romantic music. But what if you blend these Western elements with elements from other world music? Well- you get...Jenkins, basically. There is something raw, fresh, and rejuvenating about the styles Karl Jenkins incorporates.

The technical label for his music is "New Age". And with its high level of artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism, and usage of synth and acoustics, it's not hard to hear why. If you want to be inspired, energized, relaxed, uplifted, or motivated, you won't be let down. If you want to find out what the hype is all about for yourself, check out the discography listed below:

http://www.karljenkins.com/discography
Also, here are a couple of my favorite selections:

Be sure to check out all of the Karl Jenkins CDs. If you want a good deal- Amazon is the way to go. Either way, don't just settle with Youtube. Support the composer.

The Link Will Lead the Way

KSO Youth Orchestra

2011-11-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a fantastic night. I took my students to the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and we had the pleasure of hearing 11 fabulous pieces from composers including Johann Strauss, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Saint-Saens, and Tchaikovsky.
I have been aiming to incorporate more music appreciation in my studio. What better way to inspire young people then letting them watch other young people perform?

An absolutely beautiful piece that I haven't heard until tonight is Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture by Tchaikovsky. Here is the link below:

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Lucas Richman has done an amazing job directing the Knoxville symphony youth orchestra, and I would recommend every local music-lover attend the concerts (which just so happen to be free!)
If you have kids or know any kids, bring them along. What better way to encourage appreciation of classical music?
Until later~
Colleen

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COMMENTS FIXED!

The Wondrous Works of Joe Hisaishi

700 views: THANK YOU!

Libera: A Traditional Boys Choir with Unique Contemporary Style

Ministering at the Assisted Living

The 241st birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven

This is My Father's World

Essential Choral Christmas Music Selections

Nothing puts me in the spirit like beautiful, festive, inspiring choir music. Here is just a small list of my all-time choral Christmas favorites. If you have some must-hear songs that are not included in this list, feel free to comment with some titles!

"Messiah"

Lyrics from "Comfort Ye My People" to "Worthy is the Lamb"

"O Holy Night"

"O come, O come, Emmanuel"

O come, O come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appearRejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

"Carol of the Bells"

"Coventry Carol"

Lully, lulla, thou little tiny childBy by, lully, lullay, thou little tiny childBy by, lully lullayHerod, the kingIn his ragingChargèd he hath this dayHis men of mightIn his own sight,All young children to slay.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

God rest ye merry, gentlemenLet nothing you dismayRemember, Christ, our SaviourWas born on Christmas dayTo save us all from Satan's powerWhen we were gone astrayO tidings of comfort and joy,Comfort and joyO tidings of comfort and joy.

"Gesu Bambino"

When blossoms flower e'er 'mid the snows, Upon a winter night, Was born the child, the christmas rose, The king of love and light. The angels sang, the shepherds sang, The grateful earth rejoiced; And at his blessed birth the stars Their exultation voiced.

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

Hark the herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!Peace on earth and mercy mildGod and sinners reconciled"Joyful, all ye nations riseJoin the triumph of the skiesWith the angelic host proclaim:"Christ is born in Bethlehem"Hark! The herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!"

"Joy to the World"

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!Let earth receive her King;Let every heart prepare Him room,And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven and nature sing,And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

"The Little Drummer Boy"

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.

"Pat-a-pan"

Willie, bring your little drum.Robin, get your fife, and come,And be merry while you play.Tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-panWe will listen as you playFor the joy for Christmas day.

"Once in Royal David's City"

Once in royal David's citystood a lowly cattle shedWhere a mother laid her babyin a manger for His bedMary was that mother mild,Jesus Christ her little child

Music Performance Tips

Top Ten Dark Classics

Essential Film Scores to Check Out (PART TWO)

Outstanding Music Theory Documentary

A Few Biblical references to music

Instrumental Praise to God

Vocal Praise to God

SURVEY: Essential Film Scores to Check Out (PART ONE)

Thoughts on Sacred Performance

Karl Jenkins: Blending European classical music and Ethnic world music into the melting pot of musical flair

KSO Youth Orchestra

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Lully, lulla,
thou little tiny child
By by, lully, lullay,
thou little tiny child
By by, lully lullay
Herod, the king
In his raging
Chargèd he hath this day
His men of might
In his own sight,
All young children to slay.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy.

When blossoms flower e'er 'mid the snows,
Upon a winter night,
Was born the child, the christmas rose,
The king of love and light.
The angels sang, the shepherds sang,
The grateful earth rejoiced;
And at his blessed birth the stars
Their exultation voiced.

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Willie, bring your little drum.
Robin, get your fife, and come,
And be merry while you play.
Tu-re-lu-re-lu, pat-a-pat-a-pan
We will listen as you play
For the joy for Christmas day.

Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed
Where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for His bed
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child