In May of every year, musical ensembles gather before intimate audiences in small concert halls, auditoriums, and even residences to perform a wide range of music.
Historically, chamber music was performed in palace halls or large rooms of homes. Compared to concert music where several of the same instruments are presented, each musician in the ensemble performs with a different musical device from the other musicians.
HISTORY
This May marks the fifth-annual National Chamber Music Month. For each of the last four years, Chamber Music America has powered this nationwide celebration of small ensemble music and the results have been truly inspiring. For more information on National Chamber Music Month visit www.chamber-music.org.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Check out local listings and attend a chamber performance. Use #NationalChamberMusicMonth to share on social media.
Every year on March 28th, World Piano Day unites piano lovers across the globe as they celebrate the “king of musical instruments.” The day also encourages piano players of all ages and abilities to play in public spaces.
Musical instruments are grouped together in families. It’s relatively easy to determine what family most instruments belong. This is not the case with the piano, however. Some say it’s a percussion instrument. Others say it belongs to the string family. Many would say the piano is unique in that it belongs to both families.
Bartolomeo Cristofori of Italy invented the piano in 1700. It was first called “clavicembalo col piano e forte.” This can be translated to “a harpsichord that can play soft and loud noises.” Eventually, its name was shortened to piano.
Throughout the years, the piano went from one basic style to many different kinds. These include vertical, spinet, console, studio, upright, digital, pianola (self-playing piano), grand, and baby grand. These types of pianos come in a variety of different sizes.
Most people play the piano because it’s fun, and they love the sound it makes. However, there are also many other benefits to playing the piano. Some of these benefits include:
It’s a great way to learn how to read music.
It sharpens fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination.
It boosts cognitive and intellectual abilities, including improved memory.
It’s great for mental health, as those who play the piano experience less depression and anxiety.
With so many benefits of playing the piano, today is a great day to sign your kids up for piano lessons, or take them yourself!
My husband Scott Langholff has been teaching for 40years. He’s still a professional performing musician. He uses State of the art professional equipment. Bring Jazz, Swing, Soul, R & B, Latin, folk, and more. Currently performing at Jaco’s Bayfront Bar & Grille in Pensacola, FL for Sunday Brunch.
WORLD PIANO DAY HISTORY
The German musician, Nils Frahm, founded World Piano Day in 2015. He chose the date of March 28th, because it is the 88th day of the year. The piano has 88 keys.
To celebrate this musical day, pianists give free concerts featuring piano music. Other people that take part in this day include composers, performers, piano movers, tuners, and piano builders. There are also many ways for you to participate:
Commit to taking piano lessons.
Thank a piano teacher.
If you are a pianist, gather your courage and play the piano in a public space.
If you took piano lessons as a child, think about reviving your skills.
Attend a piano concert.
Listen to piano music online.
Learn about the best pianists of all time, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Vladimir Horowitz, Myra Hess, and Lang Lang.
To help spread awareness for this day, use #WorldPianoDay on social media.
Honoring an instrument also known as the fiddle, National Violin Day on December 13th celebrates the bow stringed instrument loved around the world.
By drawing the bow across the strings, the violinist manipulates the sound in several ways. A violinist uses numerous bowing techniques to master the violin. The strokes dictate not only notes, but the quality of the note played.
While we associate the violin with classical music, it easily crosses genres. For instance, the violinist demonstrates the versatility of the violin by extensive use in baroque music, jazz, folk music, rock and roll, and soft rock.
“Violin” comes from the Medieval Latin work “vitula” which means stringed instrument.
Although having ancient origins, violin-makers developed most of the violin’s modern characteristics in Italy during the 16th century. Further modifications formed in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The person who makes or repairs violins is called a luthier.
Violin History
It is believed that Turkic and Mongolian horseman from Inner Asia were the world’s earliest fiddlers. They played two-stringed upright fiddles strung with horsehair strings. Likewise, they played using horsehair bows and often featured a carved horse’s head at the end of the neck. The violins we play today (as well as the violas and cellos) with bows still strung with horsehair are a legacy of the nomads.
1555 – Andrea Amati receives credit for the oldest documented four-string violin, like the modern violins.
The “Lady Blunt” brought a record dollar amount when it was auctioned on June 20, 2011. The Stradivari violin sold for $15.9 million.
Musicians and collectors alike seek instruments made by Stradivari almost more than any other maker.
The holiday season offers an excellent time to listen to the violin in concert. Whether you attend a holiday presentation or give tickets to the local chamber orchestra, the violin will certainly be a part of the performance. Other ways to enjoy this holiday include:
Listen to concerts on-line.
Attend a school performance.
Re-discover your violin skills and take a lesson or two.
Offer a violin concert to a classroom.
Add violin music to your playlist.
Give the gift of music for the holidays. Buy season tickets or lessons for someone longing to learn to play.
While celebrating the day, be sure to invite someone to enjoy it with you, too! Share your experience and use #NationalViolinDay to post on social media.
