วันอาทิตย์ที่ 13 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Starting Listening Classical Music

Hello, everyone! I'm really sorry for leaving my blog for long time but I was being very busy on music teacher audition and studying Japanese language. From now on, I'm going to update my blog frequently.

Let's talk about starting listening Classical music. I hope that this article would help you.

1. Start with a very frequently heard songs like Fur Elise, or a movement from a symphony like Beethoven's No.5
2. Start with Baroque to Romantic songs because these songs are not hard to listen.
3. Famous conductors and orchestras should be later choices because it doesn't mean that they are good choices. Common bands and orchestra wouldn't be too heavy for beginners.
4. If you have enough time, you can study Classical music and study about musicians, kind of orchestral song, instruments, etc.

วันพุธที่ 14 สิงหาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Trivia on Beethoven's Eroica

Hello! I'm going to talk about trivia in Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No.3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 "Eroica"

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/09/Eroica_Beethoven_title.jpg

The title page of Eroica Symphony. Please notice that there is an erase dedication to Napoleon.

1. This symphony is supposed to be the milestone of the end of the Classic Period and the beginning of the Romantic Period.
2. Formerly, Beethoven wrote this song for dedication for Napoleon Bonaparte, so he titled the work "Bonaparte" because he wrote during French Revolution. However, after Napoleon's enthronement to Emperor of the French, Beethoven frustrated that his hero turned to tyrant, therefore he scratched the word "Bonaparte" with his knife and tore the title page out. Later, he named the symphony "Eroica", which means heroic
Luckily, Beethoven just tore the title page. If he frustrated enough to destroy his work, we couldn't listen to his elegant symphony.
3. Beethoven was asked about his favorite symphony in his eight symphonies (no the ninth symphony yet) by his friend. He said "Eroica".

วันอังคารที่ 23 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Mass in B minor by J.S. Bach - Sir John Eliot Gardiner

Hello! I have a classical music CD to introduce. That is Mass in B minor by Bach performed by The English Baroque Soloists and The Monteverdi Choir, conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner. Recorded on February, 1985, Archiv Produktion.

Mass
The Mass, or Missa, is a kind of a form of sacred choral musical composition, that sets invariable portions of the Eucharistic liturgy. There are two main kinds of Masses: Mass and Requiem, which the second one is the Mass for funeral.

Mass in B minor



Autograph score of Benedcitus.

Mass in B minor, BWV 232 by Johann Sebastian Bach finished at 1749. Originally scored for two soprano parts, two altos and each part of tenor and bass. (Often abbreviated as SSAATB) Instruments in orchestra are three trumpets, timpani, two corno da caccia, two flauti travesi, two oboes, two oboe d'amore, two bassoons, two violins, viola and bass continuo.
This Mass is divided to four parts:
I. Kyrie and Gloria (Written in Bach's manuscript as "Missa")
1. Kyrie eleison(I) (In Greek, means "Lord, have mercy on us.)
2. Christe eleison (In Greek, again. "Christ, have mercy on us.) In Duet for Soprano and Mezzo-Soprano.
3. Kyrie eleison(II)
4. Gloria in excelsis (In Latin, Glory to the God in the highest)
5. Et in terra pax (And on earth peace)
6. Laudamus te (We praise Thee.) Aria (Solo vocal part) for Soprano.
7. Gratias agimus tibi (We give thanks to Thee)
8. Domine Deus (Lord God)
9. Qui tollis peccata mundi (Thou who takes away the sins of the world.)
10. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris (Thou who sit at the right hand of the Father)
11. Quoniam tu solus sanctus (For Thou alone art the Holy One.)
12. Cum Sancto Spiritu (With the Holy Spirit)

II. Credo (Symbolum Nicenum)
1. Credo in unum Deum (I believe in the only God.)
2. Patrem omni potentem (The Father almighty)
3. Et in unum Dominum (And in the only Lord Jesus Christ)
4. Et incarnatus est (The incarnation)
5. Crucifixus (Crucifition)
6. Et resurrexit (The Resurrection)
7. Et in Spiritum Sanctus (And in the Holy Spirit)
8. Confiteor (I acknowledge.)
9. Et expecto (And I look for.)

III. Sanctus
1. Sanctus (Holy)

IV. Osanna, Benedictus, Agnus Dei et Dona nobis pacem
1. Osanna in excelsis (Hosanna in the highest)
2. Benedictus (Bless to him)
3. Osanna (Repeat)
4. Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)
5. Dona nobis pacem (Grant peace to us.)

Sir John Eliot Gardiner
Born 20 April 1943 in Dorset. Graduated from King's College, Cambridge. He founded the period instruments orchestra Monteverdi Orchestra.) (Later changed the name to the English Baroque Soloists.) He made his debut with a performance, Mozart's Magic Flute at the English National Opera.
Gardiner later had many conducting works in Dallas Symphony Orchestra, CBC Vancouver Orchestra. He became the music director of Opera National de Lyon.
He founded the Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique. He is famous at interpretations of Baroque music on period instruments has recorded many albums, including this album.

P.S. I'm sorry that I can't post the photo of the cover of this CD due to its copyright.

วันจันทร์ที่ 15 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Musician Biography No.2 - Pachelbel

Have ever heard Canon in D before? That's a very famous sing composed by Johann Pachelbel. He brought south German music to the peak and wrote many songs like fugue, prelude, choral songs, etc.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Pachelbel-canon-colors.png

The note of Canon in D major. (This picture is public domain.)

Life
Childhood and Studying
Johann Pachelbel was born in 1653 in Nuremberg. The definite his birthday is unknown, only thing we can know is baptized day, 1 September.
In childhood, Pachelbel studied music from Heinrich Schwemmer, who would become the cantor of St. Sebaldus Church. He received primary education in St. Lorenz Hauptschule and the Auditorio Aegediano in Nuremberg. Then on 1669 he became a student of University of Altdorf.

Career
In 1673, Pachelbel became organist in Saint Stephen Cathedral in Vienna. At that time, Vienna was the center of Habsburg Empire and also the center of importance of western music. He moved to Eisenach in 1677, where he worked as a court organist in Kapellmeister Daniel Berlin in the employ of Johann Georg I Duke of Saxe-Eisenach , in this time he met Bach family and became a close friend with Johann Ambrosius Bach (Johann Sebastian Bach's father).
In 1678, Pachelbel was employed as an organist and a music teacher in Predigerkirche in Erfurt.

Last years
He move to Wurttemberg and became an court musician and organist in 1690. Unfortunately, in two years later, he had to escaped from the French attacks of the War of the Grand Alliance. His got his next job in Gotha in 1692.
Pachelbel lived the rest of his life in Nuremberg.

Family
Pachelbel married Barbara Gabler, daughter of the Stadt-Major of Erfurt, on 25 October 1681. They had only son. Unfortunately, his first wife and his son died in 1683 during a plague.
He married Judith Drommer, daughter of a coppersmith, on 24 August 1684. They had five sons and two daughters. Two of the sons became organ composers; the latter move to American colonies. Another son became an instrument maker and traveled to London and Jamaica. One of daughters was later known as painter and engraver.

Final years
Pachelbel died at the age of 52 in 3 March 1706. Pachelbel was the last important south German composer.

Influence
Pachelbel didn't make much influence to most of the famous Baroque composers and later such as Handel, Scarlatti, etc. Except for J.S. Bach indirectly, who was tutored from his brother, who studied from Pachelbel.

Works
In many Pachelbel's compositions, Canon in D major is the most known. It is scored for three violins and basso continuo. This song is applied for many modern musics. He also wrote many keyboard songs too. He wrote for manuals only, pedals aren't needed.

วันพุธที่ 3 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Opus Number and Alternative Catalogue Numbers

Hello! I'm sorry for my long absent. Now let's talk about Opus number.

Meanings
This word in latin (in single) means work. Abbreviated as Op. for single and Opp. for plural.


Title page of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.3, Op. 37. Opus number is under Beethoven's name.

Using
This number is assigned by individual composers for each or a set of compositions to identify their works. Also assigned to whole work of opera.

History
Before 19th century, opus numbers were not assigned and published chronologically, especially in Baroque and Classic Period. Since about 1800, many composers, especially Beethoven, assigned their work with opus number, but selectively. So, there are many works are put opus number after the death of composer, assigned as Op. posth. After 1900 most of composers put opus number on their works.

Alternative catalogue number
Opus number, in fact, is not a good indicator of chronological order of works. Therefore, many music scholars did a research and made a catalogue of some composer's works.
1. K or KV  for Köchel-Verzeichnis (in German). Use for Mozart's compositions.Named from Ludwig von Köchel, who catalogued Mozart's works.
2. BWV (Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis). Use for Bach's works. Developed by Wolfgang Schmieder. Thematically grouped, not chronically.
3. D. for Franz Schubert's works. Developed by Otto Erich Deutsch.
4. RV (Ryom-Verzeichnis) for Antonio Vivaldi's catalogue. Created by Peter Ryom
5. Hob. for Hoboken-Verzeichnis for Joseph Haydn's works. Created by Anthony van Hoboken. Grouped by form of work, except for some Haydn's string quartets, which are assigned by opus number.
6. WoO (Werke ohne Opuszhal or Work without opus number in English) used for Beethoven's works which opus numbers not assigned or are fragmented.
7. WAB (Werkeverzeichnis Antonin Bruckner) Assigned for Antonin Bruckner's works, not included unfinished or unclassified works, which are assigned WAB deest. Compiled by Renata Grasberger.
8. S. for Franz Liszt's works. Developed by Humphery Searle.
9. L. for Claude Debussy's compositions. Created by François Lesure.

วันศุกร์ที่ 14 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2556

Chamber Music

Hello! Welcome to nat@note's Music Blog. This article is about Chamber music.
This kind of music is scored for small group of instruments from two to ten instruments, which traditionally could fit a palace chamber. Mostly three to five movements.
Sometimes sonata is included to chamber music because it have one or two instruments but sometimes not because sonata provides only performance of solo instrument.
This kind of music is born since late Baroque, supposed that it originated from sonata in that period. Later, it was developed and went to the peak in Classical. (See Sonata in my blog)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/59/KneiselQuartet.jpg/512px-KneiselQuartet.jpg?uselang=th

String Quartet is an example of chamber music ensemble.

Ensembles
1. Duo or Duet - for two instruments. Example: Piano Duet.
2. Trio - for three instruments. Example: Piano Trio, consists of piano, violin and cello.
3. Quartet - for four. Example: String Quartet, the well-known ensemble. Consists of two violins, viola and cello.
4. Quintet - for five. Example: Piano Quintet. (See Recommended songs)
5. Sextet - for six.
6. Septet - for seven.
7. Octet - for eight.
8. Nonet - for nine.
9. Decet - for ten.

Recommended songs
Piano Quinter in A major, D. 667 by Schubert - known as Trout Quintet. This song is scored for violin, viola, cello and double bass. It got this name because there is a set of theme and variations in the fourth movement on Schubert's earlier Lied* "Die Forelle" (The Trout). Five movements in this song.

* A kind of vocal song, arranged for single singer and piano.

วันจันทร์ที่ 10 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2556

Sonata

Hello! Now this article is about a kind of classical song called sonata.
Sonata has two usages: 1. The most common genre are piano solo or solo instrument, such as violin or cello, accompanied with piano. This meaning began since Classical period. 2. Baroque sonata - I'll tell about this kind of this sonata in its history.
Piano is very impressive instrument: it can be played alone so that it doesn't need other instruments to accompany. This explains why violin and others instrument should be accompanied with piano. Because their sound is not impressing so much as piano.

Forms
1. First movement - Generally sonata form.
2. Second movement - Slow movement.
3. Third movement - Dance rhythm.
4. Final movement - Sonata or Rondo form.
Three-movement sonatas have not the third movement. However, most sonatas have three movements, like all concertos. I think because music contents of sonatas are not much as symphonies.

History
This word originated from Latin and Italian word sonare, means to sound or to played, to distinguished from vocal song, cantata (means to sing).
To be specific: Symphony is "sonata" for orchestra and concerto is "sonata" for solo instrument and orchestra.
In the early Baroque, sonata had very wide meaning: it was also applied for a variety of works for solo instrument such as keyboards, violin ,etc. and for group of instruments. No definite number of movements or music form.
Sonatas in Baroque were also divided to two kind: 1. Church Sonata - focusing on contrapunctal texture, had four movements: Slow-fast-slow-fast. 2. Chamber Sonata - had minuet song.
Until the middle of Baroque, the meaning of sonata we know happened: there was a definite number of instruments and music movements. Arcangelo Corelli, an Italian musician and composer, developed sonata for three instrument called trio sonata, which was very popular in that time. Also, duo sonata, sonata for two instruments, was also popular too.
An example of Baroque sonata is Violin sonata in G minor by Giuseppe Tartini, known as Devil's Trill Sonata.
Composers who wrote many sonatas are Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. In Romantic period, sonata was still popular until 20th century.

Recommended sonatas
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique" by Beethoven The second movement is very famous that it is applied in modern music.
Piano Sonata No.14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 by Beethoven The very famous Beethoven's sonata, especially the first movement. I'll detail this song later.
Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K.331(300i in the second Kochel's catalogue) by Mozart The last movement, popularly known as "Turkish Rondo", is often listened and is the one of Mozart's best known piano piece.

วันจันทร์ที่ 3 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2556

Concerto

Hello! This article is about concerto.
Concerto is a musical composition which one (or more) solo instrument(s) accompanied by orchestra.

Kind of concertos
1. Concerto grosso consists of two instrumental groups: orchestra, called tutti and solo instruments. No definite forms but mostly in ritonello form. In this form, orchestra and solo instruments group play alternatively.
2. Solo concerto is the form of concerto we understand. Sometimes it is called classic concerto because it became popular since Classic era. It scores a solo instrument and orchestra. More definite music form and movements.

Form
1. First movement in Sonata form, fast tempo. Most of concertos have solo-part called cadenza. This part orchestra stop, solo instrument plays with his techniques and abilities. No scores written in cadenza in classical concertos in order to make solo instrument play by improvisation. Later concertos have scored cadenza.
2. Second movement Slow Tempo
3. Last Movement
All concertos have three movements because if concertos have four or more movements, the musician and orchestra would be exhausted, also, concertos originally have three movements since Baroque era, which they originated.

History
History of concertos started form Baroque with "competition" between solo instrument and orchestra. The first kind of concerto, concerto grosso, started in this era. Later in Classic era solo concerto was popular since then. Any instrument can be scored in concerto but piano and violin are mostly scored.

Recommended concertos
The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi - Four concerto grossos, consists of La Primavera (Spring), L 'estate (Summer), L 'autunno (Autumn) and L 'inverno (Winter). Violins are solo group.
Piano Concerto No.5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 "Emperor" by Beethoven
Brandenburg Concerto by Bach

วันพุธที่ 22 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Symphony

I'm very sorry for my long absent because I had a long holiday trip.
This article is about symphony and its history.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Beethoven_symphony_5_opening.png
The opening of Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op. 67 by Beethoven

A symphony is a very large musical composition in classical music, scored all kinds of instruments in orchestra and has at least one movement or more.

Form
1. First movement Always scored in fast tempo called in Italian Allegro. Some symphonies have introduction. Composed in sonata form.
2. Second movement Slow tempo.
3. Third movement Dance rhythm minuet. (in triple time such as 3/4) , traditional dances, or funny rhythm scherzo.
4. Fourth movement Sonata or rondo form.
Most symphonies have four movements. However, depending to composers, not all of symphonies accord to the form mentioned above, especially in Romantic period, which many composers expressed their feelings and emotions to songs. Example: Sibelius' Symphony No.7 has only one movement. Beethoven's Symphony No.6 "Pastoral" has five movements.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Symfonieorkest_Bellitoni.jpg/512px-Symfonieorkest_Bellitoni.jpg

Origin
The word symphony is derived from the greek word symphonia, meaning "concord of sound". Many musicians from Renaissance through Baroque tried to developed this kind of song. They wrote symphonies by use forms of Italian-style opera overtures: fast-slow-fast. After it became popular, composers wrote overture-like form symphonies.
The instrument arrangement weren't definite until Classical period, led by Joseph Haydn, "Father of Symphonies". He developed and composed 104 symphonies. These symphonies was highly developed in the Classical.
After that, many composers like Beethoven often wrote and developed classical symphonies such as using scherzo as the third movement instead of minuet, adding instruments, and moreover, he added chorus part in the last movement of his ninth and last symphony.
Then, many Romantic composers composed very long, expressionism, and hard-to-listen symphonies, specially Mahler's. That because instruments' technologies were developed so much that composers can write very complicated symphonies. Also it depends to time or history, especially in Romantic period that composers to write songs with their feelings and ideas.

Recommended songs
Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op. 67 by Beethoven - very famous symphony in the world.
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550 by Mozart


วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 2 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Calling name of classical songs

Hello! I'm going to introduce how to call name of classical songs.
A name consists of :
1. A kind of the song and its number like symphony, concerto, etc., following by the number of the song composer assigned.
2. Scale - Example: C major, C minor, etc.  Necessary for orchestra for which key they have to play.
3. Catalogue number Mostly use Opus, abbreviated to Op. Assigned by order of publishing. Also, in each publishing, if there are many compositions to publish together, another number will be added after opus number. This number helps you to discriminate compositions because there maybe a song has another one which has the same name.
However, some composers didn't assigned opus number, especially Baroque and Classical composers. Example: Mozart's compositions are assigned to KV, Kochel-Verzeichnis, named after Ludwig von Kochel, who made Mozart's songs catalogue.
4. Name of composer

Example
- Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op. 67 by Beethoven
- Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major,  KV. 467 by Mozart
- Prelude in E minor, Op. 28 No.4 by Chopin Notice that many preludes in Op.28, so it has another number after opus number.
Some compositions have specific name, so you can call the kind of name of the song, too. Example: Symphony No.6 in F major, Op. 68 "Pastoral" by Beethoven or Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven.

วันพุธที่ 24 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2556

Main Instrument in Orchestra - Percussion

Hello! This is the last article about music instrument in orchestra - percussion.
Percussion are divided to two groups.

1. Definite pitch

1.1 Timpani or Kettledrums (call from its kettle-liked shape)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Timpani_tuning.jpg/256px-Timpani_tuning.jpg

The most important percussion instrument. They are played by drum sticks. Often played in pair or more. (So they are called in plural Timpani instead of single Timpano) Timpani can be tuned to each key (C, D, E, etc.), so there is a score for timpani. They are used to be tuned by screws, which are around their face. Drummer had to tuned by their hand or taps. Nowadays timpani are tuned by a pedal that acts on a central screw. allowing drummer to change tonality while continuing to play with both hands. Kettledrums were developed during 14th and 15th century in Germany for military using.
This instrument mostly appears in orchestra.

1.2 Xylophone

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Berlin_Wurlitzer_Xylophone.jpg/256px-Berlin_Wurlitzer_Xylophone.jpg        http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Xylophone_%28PSF%29.png/256px-Xylophone_%28PSF%29.png?uselang=th

It is made of woods. It came to Europe in 1860. First use in Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre. There are many versions of this instrument, depending to each nation. Example, Japanese version is mokkin. Thai version are ranad-ek and ranad-tum.

1.3 Glockenspiel

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Glockenspiel-malletech.jpg/256px-Glockenspiel-malletech.jpg

A little metal xylophone. There's a portable glockenspiel called bell-lyra.

1.4 Vibraphone


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Vibraphones.jpg

Similar to xylophone but metal-made and motor-driven valves installed in each bar with tubes called resonators.

1.5 Marimba
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/Classical_Marimba_player.jpg/256px-Classical_Marimba_player.jpg

Lower-pitched xylophone. It has motor-driven valves installed in each bar with tubes called resonators. You have to play with four mallets. (But this picture above is an exception.)



Xylophone, vibraphone and marimba are also played in jazz music.

1.6 Tubular bell or Chimes


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Berlin_Wurlitzer_Chimes.jpg/256px-Berlin_Wurlitzer_Chimes.jpg

Very big brass percussion. You have to play it with small mallets. Originated in South-east Asia.

1.7 Celesta

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Celesta_Schiedmayer_MIM_1592.jpg/256px-Celesta_Schiedmayer_MIM_1592.jpg

Its shape is similar to upright piano. Sound similar to glockenspiel.

2. Undefinite pitch

2.1 Bass drum


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Britannica_Drum_Military_Bass_Drum.jpg/128px-Britannica_Drum_Military_Bass_Drum.jpg?uselang=th

2.2 Side drum or  Snare drum


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Britannica_Drum_Regulation_Side_Drum.jpg

These drums mentioned above are used in military band many times and also equipped in drum set.

2.3 Triangle - called by its shape.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Modern-Triangle.jpg/256px-Modern-Triangle.jpg

2.4 Cymbals- very interesting brass percussion. Also equipped in drum set. They were known in ancient Israel, but forgotten until the introduction of "Turkish" music in 18th century. There are many versions of cymbals. Thai version is ching and chab.
Trivia: Cymbals are mostly produced in Turkish company, Zidjian.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/25/Cymbals_%28PSF%29.png/256px-Cymbals_%28PSF%29.png

This is all of this article, see you next time!

Note: These pictures are public domain.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 4 เมษายน พ.ศ. 2556

Für Elise

Now this article is about very famous piano song student have to start training from - Für Elise, which is composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827).



Für Elise opening score (Public domain)

The real name of this song is Bagatelle No. 25 (WoO* 59) (Bagatelle is a short piece of music, typically for piano) in A minor. This song is well-known because repeating and easy playing melody. It is applied to many songs such as pop, rock, etc.

The score was not published until 1867, 47 years after Beethoven's death.
Nobody certainly knows that who was "Elise" Beethoven referred to, nor why he wrote this song. Many scholars supposed that the song name is published incorrectly and it may refer to Therese Malfatti, Beethoven's friend and student.

* WoO - Werke ohne Opuszahl (In English: Work without opus number). Used in Beethoven's compositions that were not published with an opus number) 


วันพุธที่ 27 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Main Instrument in Orchestra - Keyboards

Hello! Another orchestral instrument article - now is keyboards.

Keyboards

1. Piano (Klavier in German, Pianoforte in Italian) - The most important instrument in orchestra.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Britannica_Pianoforte_Steinway_Grand_Piano.png/128px-Britannica_Pianoforte_Steinway_Grand_Piano.png

Top view of piano

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Britannica_Pianoforte_Silbermann_Forte_Piano.png/256px-Britannica_Pianoforte_Silbermann_Forte_Piano.png

Side view

It invented around 1709 by Bartolomeo Cristofori (1655-1731), a harpsichord builder and keeper of the royal musical instruments in Florence. He developed it from harpsichord. However it wasn't popular until 18th century, along with better building techinques. It got this name because pianist can control dynamic by stamping on pedals. (Piano means "soft, quiet" and Forte means "strong, loud, hard" in Italian.)
There are two kinds of piano - grand piano (Also divided to grand and a smaller baby grand.) and vertical upright piano. A grand is good for concert while an upright is suit for practice, also save a lot of house space.
Almost of pianos have 52 white keys and 36 black keys for a total of 88 keys.
Each piano has three pedals:
(1) Una Corda or Soft pedal. It's on the left side on piano. When you stamp on this pedal, it makes hammers move left (in concert piano) or move closer to strings (in upright) struck only one string for each note, so a note is softer.
(2) Sostenuto pedal. It's on the middle on paino. When you use this pedal, you can sustain selected notes, while other notes uneffected. This pedal is rarely found in European made piano because it is not popular.
(3) Sustaining pedal, the right side on piano. "Sustains" all keys by move the dampers (which are on strings) away from the strings.
Piano is not played in symphony.

2. Harpsichord - Very old keyboard instrument. Shape like piano but, to compare them, piano is string striking hammer harpsichord, while harpsichord is string plucking piano.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Harpsichord_%28PSF%29.png/256px-Harpsichord_%28PSF%29.png


You cannot control volume of this instrument but it has two manual for acoustic quality, the lower one is loud choir, while the upper is soft choir.
Very popular in Baroque era but decline in 18th century. However, it made a resurgence in 20th century and still be played for Baroque music nowadays.

3. Organ -  The oldest key board instrument. Imagine that you play piano connected with big and long pipe. It uses wind moving through pipes to make sound. Its sound is suitable for playing alone, without any instrument.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/Godthaabskirken_Copenhagen_organ.jpg/256px-Godthaabskirken_Copenhagen_organ.jpg

It is supposed that it devised in Alexandria in the 3rd century BC.
Organs are roughly divided to:
(1) Pipe organ - church organ (see above picture) and theater organ for examples.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/LincolnTheatreWurlitzerConsole.jpg/256px-LincolnTheatreWurlitzerConsole.jpg

(2) Reed organ or pump organ

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Magnus_890_electric_chord_organ.JPG?uselang=th

The most-known organ song is Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, as I said in article of Bach's biography.

Musician's Biography No. 1 - Johann Sebastian Bach 

Note: "Organ' Symphony (Symphony No. 3 in C minor), composed by Camille Saint-Saëns, using organ in second movement, though it is not really song for organ.

I have to tell you that I will pick only widely played instrument in orchestra, to make content simple.

The end. See you later in next article!

Note: These pictures are public domain.

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 21 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Musician's Biography No. 1 - Johann Sebastian Bach

Hello again! Now this article is about musicians and artists's biography. The first one I'm going to introduce is Johann Sebastian Bach, the well-known Baroque composer.


Pictures of Bach by Elias Gottlob Haussman, 1748.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) born in Eisenach (in the modern-day Thuringia), Germany, in court chamber musician family. He was also known as organist. He wrote many famous sacred musics, organ, keyboards and orchestral works like the Well-Tempered Clavier, Brandenburg Concertos, etc. After his death, his music was old-fashioned and forgot together with the end of the Baroque Era until Felix Mendelssohn revived Bach's reputation.
About his personality, he was stubborn and strongly believed in the God (He was Lutheran), so he composed a lot of scared songs like cantatas, etc.
Bach's works is widely known by his brilliant melody, music style and techniques,so the works are influence to many musicians in further period, include Rock, Jazz and Pop musics.


This is young Bach picture by J. E. Rentsch, the Elder, 1715.

List of Bach's famous works:
- Brandenburg Concertos (BWV* 1046-1051), concertos Bach presented to Margrave** of Brandenburg.
- The Well-Tempered Clavier (BWV 846-893), contains 24 preludes and fugues.
- Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565), the most famous Bach's work.
- Coffee Cantata (BWV 211)
- Mass in B minor (BWV 232)
- The Art of Fugue (BWV 1080), an unfinished fugal work.

If you have any comment, please feel free to leave it on this blog.

* BWV - Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis - Bach Works Catalogue
**Margrave - a mediaval title of the military commander for maintaining the defense in the border provinces of the Holy Roman Empire. 

http://astore.amazon.com/classical-music-newbies-20

วันเสาร์ที่ 16 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Main Instruments in Orchestra-Brasswinds


Hello again! Here is an article about instruments in orchestra again. Now this one is about...

Brasswinds

1.Horn (Also known as corno and French horn) Very old valved brass instrument. It has this name because it evolved from animal horns, which human used in ancient time. It has a curve shape since 17th century and has valves since 1815. Trivia: Mozart wrote four notable horn concertos.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Britannica_Horn_Modern_Horn.png

2. Trumpet - Another very old valved instrument. It also used very often in military band, jazz music, etc.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Britannica_Trumpet_Proteano_Trumpet.png/256px-Britannica_Trumpet_Proteano_Trumpet.png

3. Trombone - Telescopic slide instrument, often used in jazz and military band, like trumpet.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Britannica_Trombone_Tenor.png/256px-Britannica_Trombone_Tenor.png

4. Tuba- A very big and deep-pitched instrument. The "Bass" of brass instrument.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/WIENER_TUBA_KAWAI_KFB-750L%28made_by_Musica%29.jpg/128px-WIENER_TUBA_KAWAI_KFB-750L%28made_by_Musica%29.jpg

5. Cornet- its shape is similar to trumpet but shorter shape and higher pitch.

http://www.wpclipart.com/music/instruments/other_horns/Cornet.jpg

6. Euphonium - a "Tenor" tuba. It sometimes is play instead of tuba. Mainly found in military band.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Euphonium.jpg/128px-Euphonium.jpg

7. Flugelhorn - Another valved brasswind. Its sound is "fatter" and "darker" than trumpet and cornet.

http://www.wpclipart.com/music/instruments/other_horns/Flugelhorn.jpg

This kind of instruments are often used in military band.
This is all of this article. See you in next article.

Note: These pictures are public domain.

วันศุกร์ที่ 8 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Main Music Instruments in Orchestra-Woodwinds


Hello! I'm Nat. Let's continue from last article. Now this article is about...

Woodwinds

1. Flute - included in woodwinds instrument although it is made from metal, because it was made from wood before. An very old instrument.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_34th_Red_Bull_Infantry_Division_Band.jpg/256px-Flickr_-_The_U.S._Army_-_34th_Red_Bull_Infantry_Division_Band.jpg

This photo is from U.S. Navy. Public domain.

2. Piccolo - its shape is like flute but smaller and has higher pitch.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Piccolo.jpg/256px-Piccolo.jpg?uselang=th

3. Oboe - A very-hard-to-play instrument. Double-reed woodwind. It has sweet and lamentably sound.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Britannica_Oboe.jpg/16px-Britannica_Oboe.jpg

4. Cor Anglais or English Horn (Neither related to English nor the horn) - its shape is similar to oboe but deeper sound and lower pitch.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Englischhorn_horizontal.jpg/256px-Englischhorn_horizontal.jpg

5. Bassoon (Many countries don't call this name.) -  Very big instrument. It has very low and funny pitch so it is called "The clown of orchestra". There is a bassoon's relative instrument called Contrabassoon or Double bassoon. It is larger than bassoon.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/Bassoon_1.png/64px-Bassoon_1.png

6. Clarinet - Another important instrument. Single-reed woodwind. There are many keys of clarinet like A-flat, B-flat, E-flat, etc.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/Britannica_Clarinet_Boehm.jpg/32px-Britannica_Clarinet_Boehm.jpg

 7. Recorder - whistle-like woodwinds. It has been popular in Baroque era. Now it is known as child's instrument. Recorder, however, is played in Baroque era songs sometimes.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Recorder.jpg

In fact there is another woodwind instrument, that is saxophone. But I think I'll tell you about it later because this instrument merely played in orchestra due to its loud, unique sound. Also, an important reason is saxophone has too long story to post here.
End of this article. Bye for now!

Note: These pictures are public domain.

วันอาทิตย์ที่ 3 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2556

Main Music Instruments in Orchestra-Strings


Hello again! Here’s an article about guiding to classical music, now it’s main music instruments in orchestra. First, I’ll introduce string instruments first. They are divided to two groups.
Bowed string instruments
1. Violin – Main character of orchestra. The smallest string instrument.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bb/VIOLIN.JPG/128px-VIOLIN.JPG
2. Viola - its shape is like violin but a little bigger and has a deeper sound.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Bratsche.jpg/128px-Bratsche.jpg
3. Cello (Some countries call its full name-Violoncello) - a big string instrument. Sometimes it is played in jazz, blues and some pop songs.
http://www.wpclipart.com/music/instruments/cello/cello_5.jpg
4. Double bass (Many countries call Contrabass) - the biggest string instrument. You have to stand to play it. Very often played in jazz.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4a/Octobass_and_double_bass.jpg
The left string instrument is double bass, the right one is cello.
These string instruments are called “Violin family instruments”, very,very  important in orchestra.
Plucked string instruments
Harp – very old instrument, played in some song. Its sound is similar to piano but brighter.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/Harp.png
In fact I want to post article about guitar because it is also string instrument, but there are many kinds of guitar so I have to separate it and tell you about them later.
End of this article, Next article will be woodwind instruments.
Note: These photos are public domain.
Sunday Morning with Bach

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 28 กุมภาพันธ์ พ.ศ. 2556

Welcome to Natatnote’s Music Talk Blog


Hello! My name is Nat. This blog is opened to give an area for talking about music, especially classical music.
The first article for this blog is about period of classical music for you who begin listening or are interested to classical music.
1. Medieval or Middle Age (500-1400 A.D.) Begins from the fall of the Roman Empire. There were many chant songs. Very good examples are gregorian chants.
2. Renaissance (1400-1600) More various music instruments, but songs were still connected to religion.
3. Baroque (1600-1750) Music elements in this period were more complicated. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is very good example of composers in Baroque. Please notice that if an orchestra plays Baroque song, you can hear a slightly sound of harpsichord (a keyboard instrument).
4. Classic (1750-1820) Very absolute music, not so much expressions. Simple patterns. Famous composers we should know are Mozart, Haydn, etc.
5. Romantic (Approximately 1800-1900) Many composers’ expressions in their songs. Well-known composers are Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Wagner, etc.
6. Impressionism (1875-1925), led by French composer Claude Debussy. Many whole-tone scale songs.
7. Modernism (1890-1930) Various groups in this era like Expressionism, Neo-Classicism, etc.
8. 20th Century (1901-2000)
9. 21th Century (2001-Present) Both 8. and 9. are more tough to listen.