Video of the Week: Masterpiece by The King's Singers

I met Simon Carrington and Bob Chilcott while I was a junior high student.  Southwest Junior High's Bel Canto choir was chosen to be a part of an American debut concert and to sing Bob Chilcott's "Singing by Numbers".  I didn't realize then how amazing that kind of invitation was.  I have wonderful memories of that concert.  

I continued to get the opportunity to work with Simon Carrington throughout my time in junior high, high school and even in college while he was the Director of Music at the University of Kansas.  But I will have to admit that I wasn't as familiar as I should have been with the music of The King's Singers.  One way or another one of their CD's finally made it into the house and for awhile there it was in regular rotation.  Thanks to YouTube I have caught up even more.  

I have too many favorite arrangements to list here but I was able to narrow down a piece to share for this week's Video of the Week.  Imagine 400 years of western music all wrapped up into 9 minutes.  Take a listen to "Masterpiece" sung by The King's Singers.  Enjoy!

The King's Singers Sing Masterpiece
 

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Video of the Week: Clair de lune Animated Piano Solo

The Music Animation Machine opens up a new dimension for enjoying music.  The colors and patterns align with the sounds to create a truly unique music experience.   This week's "Video of the Week" is an animation of one of my favorite pieces for piano, Claude Debussy's "Clair de lune".  Enjoy!

Debussy, Clair de lune, piano solo

Video of the Week: Leading Like the Great Conductors

Today's "Video of the Week" is brought to you by Orchestra Conductor, Itay Talgam, who shares with us the unique styles of six, 20th century conductors, while illustrating important lessons for all leaders. 

I'm not an orchestra conductor but I gleaned quite a few ideas about leadership in music that I think translates very well to many different situations.  The most important message I gleaned was to respect the musicians you are working with and create relationships built on respect. 

Enjoy!

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Video of the Week: Will You Be Playing Piano Past 100?

At 106 years old, Alice Sommer Herz is such an inspiration.  In this short video clip she shares with us some of her thoughts on music and then a little Bach.  I hope I can be just as musical as I age.  Enjoy! 

More Free Music on the Web - RowyNet

I wanted to share one of my new favorite places to download free sheet music for solo musical instruments.

RowyNet - Free music scores online

http://www.rowy.net/

Besides classical sheet music, they offer folks songs and new classical music and all downloads are legal.  I first found them while looking for a new vocal score of Schubert's Ave Maria.  I was very surprised by the size of RowyNet's collection.  It's a great resource.

Here are their top 20 most popular downloads

1. 1_Piano Album - Intermediate 12 Pieces piano
2. 2_Piano Album - Interm._Easy 12 Pieces piano
3. 1_Organ Album - Senza Pedale 12 Pcs. organ
4. 1_Flute Album - 12 Pieces flute
5. Beethoven - Fur Elise piano
6. 2_Organ Album - Senza Pedale 12 Pcs. organ
7. Grieg - Peer Gynt Anitra's Tanz public domain
8. Schubert - Ave Maria vocal
9. Debussy - Claire de lune piano
10. Albeniz - Espana_2_Tango piano
11. Bach - Badinerie flute
12. Gounod - Ave Maria piano
13. Bach - Air Suite in D Major BWV 1068 organ
14. Beethoven - Für Elise recorder
15. Telemann - 6 Duets Sonata I fl vl pd
16. Albinoni - Adagio in G Minor cello
17. Bach Gounod - Ave Maria organ
18. Anonymous - La Cucaracha trumpet
19. Bach - Bourree guitar
20. Rowy - City Life_December piano

Video of the Week: Mozart on Rollerblades

This "Video of the Week" is so whimsical.  This presentation happened on David Letterman recently.  Enjoy!  

Video of the Week: CATcerto

The CATcerto is the current project of the lithuanian conductor, composer and artist Mindaugas Piečaitis. Mindaugas Piečaitis composed and directed the Catcerto for Nora The Piano Cat™ and orchestra, where Nora, the soloist, was brought in via video.  Enjoy!

http://www.catcerto.com

Crazy Awesome Orchestra

This is a crazy awesome music experience. I think it speaks for it self. Enjoy!

What's on Your Musician's Christmas List?

I am terrible at remembering what I would like to have for gifts so several years ago I started keeping a run-on list on my Palm PDA. Any time I think of something that would make a great present for me or something that I know I would buy if I had the money right now I put it on the list. It really has come in handy and helps me to prioritize my spending, too.

So, what to get the budding musician in your life? I thought I would list here some of the things on my gift list as well as past gifts that were really helpful or just plain neat. If you are still stumped, you can always go the gift card route. I know that I appreciate gift cards a lot.


Emily's Music Wishlist

Performance music folder with hand strap - Makes solo singing a breeze

Music Stand - My studio desperately needs one

German-English, Italian-English & French-English dictionaries - for all those vocal score translations

Piano Style Sustain Foot Pedal - I was thrilled to find out they made these. I can't wait to have my own.

De-Lovely Soundtrack CD - I am in love with this movie and the music of Cole Porter. A must have for my music collection.

Rhythm Heaven - For my Nintendo DS

Musicnotes.com Gift Certificate - This is such a great place to get sheet music. I love the fact that I can pay and print my music at the same time. I don't have to wait for it to be shipped to me.

Metronome - This handy tool is great for practice

Private Music Lessons Gift Certificate - Couldn't resist a shameless plug for the Elliott Music Studio

Concert Tickets

Musical Biographies & History of Music Books

Mixed CD's - Share some of your favorites

Tea Basket - For the singer in your life fill a basket with herbal teas and throat soothers. Add some honey and maybe a nice travel mug.

Composer Statues

Novelty Music Gifts - Check out this website for an awesome collect of music nick-nacks and the like.

I hope this list gets you started and helps you find the perfect gifts for the musicians in your life.
There are so many perfect gift ideas out there that I know I am bound to miss one. Don't forget to tell me what I missed in the comments. Merry Christmas!