Tag #MusicLovers

CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets  stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history.  Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish­ – 1400)­ The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450­ – 1600)­ The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – ­1750)­ The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775­ – 1820)­ Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – ­1910)­ Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth
Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula
Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth
Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul
Johann Sebastian Bach (Remastered)#ClassicalMusicMonth
Johann Sebastian Bach (Remastered)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart#ClassicalMusicMonth
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2#ClassicalMusicMonth
Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2
Best of Franz Liszt - 8D Binaural Sound (8D Binaural Sound - Music Therapy)#ClassicalMusicMonth
Best of Franz Liszt – 8D Binaural Sound (8D Binaural Sound – Music Therapy)
Swan Lake - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (8D Binaural Sound - Music Therapy)#ClassicalMusicMonth
Swan Lake – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (8D Binaural Sound – Music Therapy)
The Best of Johannes Brahms#ClassicalMusicMonth
The Best of Johannes Brahms

NATIONAL BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY

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Each year on May 22 we observe National Buy a Musical Instrument Day.  The day is all about playing music.  If you are a musician, it might be time for a new instrument.  Maybe you can learn to play a second or third one.  If you have never played an instrument before, National Buy A Musical Instrument Day might be the motivation you need to start.

National Buy a Musical Instrument Day is not just for school-aged children. This observation is for people of all ages.  Grandpa can play his ukelele while the grandkids play the drums, trombone, and flute. Together they can all make terrific music!

While most of us will only view this as a hobby, I can say from teaching hundreds of adults, yes this is possible. Even if you only sing, play by ear or are interested in playing from music I can tell you it is definitely something that everyone can do to a degree.

Musical Instruments
Find an instrument that suits you. My husband is a professional musician and his keyboard is played in real-time live performances. It has the ability to sound like a $40,000 grand piano, to an electric guitar. With brass, reed and almost anything you might want in between.
Scottlmusic
Check out his site with live music he performs.

NATIONAL BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY HISTORY

While ununable to find any information on the fonder. Evidence supporting National Buy a Musical Instrument Day was originally May 18 in honor of Meredith Willson, the writer, and composer of The Music Man. While the plot of The Music Man and Willson’s hometown inspiration for the book, musical, and film have a delightful kinship to this day, at this time we are unable to confirm the origin of this day.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay

No matter your age or musical experience, May 22nd is the day to go instrument shopping. Use #BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay to post on social media.

Soprano Recorder Instrument for Kids Student - German Fingering 8 Hole Flute ABS Descant Recorders for Beginners with Cleaning Rod and Bag,#BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay
Soprano Recorder Instrument for Kids Student – German Fingering 8 Hole Flute ABS Descant Recorders for Beginners with Cleaning Rod and Bag,
LOOIKOOS Toddler Musical Instruments,Wooden Percussion Instruments Toy for Kids Baby Preschool Educational Musical Toys Set for Boys and Girls with Storage Bag#BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay
LOOIKOOS Toddler Musical Instruments,Wooden Percussion Instruments Toy for Kids Baby Preschool Educational Musical Toys Set for Boys and Girls with Storage Bag
East top Harmonica, Diatonic Blues Harmonica Key of C, Blues Harp Mouth Organ Harmonica 10 Holes 008K with Blue Case, Standard Harmonica For Adults, Professionals, Beginners and Students, as a Gift#BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay
East top Harmonica, Diatonic Blues Harmonica Key of C, Blues Harp Mouth Organ Harmonica 10 Holes 008K with Blue Case, Standard Harmonica For Adults, Professionals, Beginners and Students, as a Gift
digital piano 88 keys weighted keyboard electric piano beginners stand full size upright pedal musical instrument SR-PH80 (wood)#BuyAMusicalInstrumentDay
digital piano 88 keys weighted keyboard electric piano beginners stand full size upright pedal musical instrument SR-PH80 (wood)

NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

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.

Great American Chamber Music#NationalChamberMusicMonth
Great American Chamber Music
Complete String Quartets (Dover Chamber Music Scores)#NationalChamberMusicMonth
Complete String Quartets (Dover Chamber Music Scores)
Chamber Music Concert - Handel, Mozart and Corelli#NationalChamberMusicMonth
Chamber Music Concert – Handel, Mozart and Corelli
Chamber Music of the New Jazz#NationalChamberMusicMonth
Chamber Music of the New Jazz

WORLD PIANO DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

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.

Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)#WorldPianoDay
Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)
Alfred's Easy Piano Songs -- Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades#WorldPianoDay
Alfred’s Easy Piano Songs — Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades
World Piano Day: Piano Bar Jazz#WorldPianoDay
World Piano Day: Piano Bar Jazz
Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World....Ever!#WorldPianoDay
Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World….Ever!

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.

Jaco's Bayfront Bar & Grille Scott Langholff and Bill Barrow Sunday Brunch https://scottlmusics.wordpress.com/

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.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldPianoDay

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.

Roland FP-10 88-key Entry Level Digital Keyboard with Bluetooth#WorldPianoDay
Roland FP-10 88-key Entry Level Digital Keyboard with Bluetooth
World Piano Day#WorldPianoDay
World Piano Day
World Piano Day 2024#WorldPianoDay
World Piano Day 2024
The ONE Lighted-up Digital Piano, Smart Teaching Piano Keyboard with 88 Hammer Action Keys for Beginner/Adult, Full Size Weighted Keyboard with 3 Pedals/Free APP/Bluetooth/MIDI/Headphone Output#WorldPianoDay
The ONE Lighted-up Digital Piano, Smart Teaching Piano Keyboard with 88 Hammer Action Keys for Beginner/Adult, Full Size Weighted Keyboard with 3 Pedals/Free APP/Bluetooth/MIDI/Headphone Output

NATIONAL VIOLIN DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

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. 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalViolinDay

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.

Aliyes Distinctive Artistic Violin Set Designed for Beginners/Students/Kids/adults with Hard Case,Bow,Extra Strings (4/4/Full-size)#NationalViolinDay
Aliyes Distinctive Artistic Violin Set Designed for Beginners/Students/Kids/adults with Hard Case,Bow,Extra Strings (4/4/Full-size)
Vangoa.#NationalViolinDay
Vangoa
Mendini By Cecilio#NationalViolinDay
Mendini By Cecilio
Lindsey Stirling SnowWaltz #NationalViolinDay
Lindsey Stirling Snow Waltz