I do not particularly like Evanescence, but I think that this song is very powerful. Her voice in one with the piano is very unique. Although I have never been in a serious relationship, I feel like I can understand her. She's broken, and she is affected forever by what someone did to her. "These wounds won't seem to heal." What "he" did will never go away. He scarred her for life. We all are hurt by someone else in our lives, and the impression is often deep. I have yet to have these feelings, but I imagine that when I do they will be similar to this song.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Groban- Oceano
A few posts back I was discussing Josh Groban's new genre of music. He sings in Italian for many of his songs, but then has a modern style to his singing. This song, Oceano, is an example of that.
As you just saw, not only did the music have a modern feel, but the set, the lighting, and everything else had a modern feel. The only thing that seemed slightly classical was his technique, which makes the song that much better. He uses correct technique to sing. He has a great tone that you could listen to all day, and his vibrato is the cherry on top of it all. Also, Josh Groban is young and has a audience that is skewed to a more young audience. Thus, the kids and young adults can still have fun and be in the presence of great, healthy singing, instead of having to listen to a musical soundtrack or opera to hear the more classical voices. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of singing, and I'm not saying that voices other than classical voices are wrong. All I am saying is that it's a good thing for young people to hear the ligit voice once and awhile. The ligit voice in my opinion is very beautiful, but the music that often accompanies it is often boring. Josh Groban and his music is not boring at all, which is why I enjoy listening to his music.
As you just saw, not only did the music have a modern feel, but the set, the lighting, and everything else had a modern feel. The only thing that seemed slightly classical was his technique, which makes the song that much better. He uses correct technique to sing. He has a great tone that you could listen to all day, and his vibrato is the cherry on top of it all. Also, Josh Groban is young and has a audience that is skewed to a more young audience. Thus, the kids and young adults can still have fun and be in the presence of great, healthy singing, instead of having to listen to a musical soundtrack or opera to hear the more classical voices. Don't get me wrong, I love other types of singing, and I'm not saying that voices other than classical voices are wrong. All I am saying is that it's a good thing for young people to hear the ligit voice once and awhile. The ligit voice in my opinion is very beautiful, but the music that often accompanies it is often boring. Josh Groban and his music is not boring at all, which is why I enjoy listening to his music.
"Sleep" by Eric Whitacre
Silence. There is so much to say about this piece, but it seems we can say the most without words. After listening to this, I feel that everything else has become more peaceful, more idyllic. Everything seems so still. I didn't know a song could have that affect on me. Listening to that song made me extremely happy. There's is truly something about it. I can hardly write coherently. There is energy in the silence. During the breaks of my typing I can feel it. It's a feeling I've never had before- the power of music has once again prevailed. I feel like everything has stood still, the world has halted its turning. Just give me a moment to take this all in...
Okay. Basically, Eric Whitacre is a modern-day Handel. Even further, he's better than all of the choral composers put together. His work is unprecedented, and he is in a different league than everyone else. Each of his songs is innovative, using unique chord structure and entrancing chord progression. Also, his songs often send off a message, either through the lyrics or through the sound of the music. For sleep, at the end of it I felt like I was sleeping even though I was wide awake. The song put a spell on me. The song pumped me up, but at the same time muted my surroundings. The song is therapeutic in a sense. After I listened to it, I felt so alive. Even now, after taking a few moments to let it sink in, I feel like anything can come my way and I'll face it with ultimate strength. This song is something else. I know I say that a lot, but usually a song does not affect me the way this song has. My day is better because I listened to it. I won't leave the computer and forget about this song. It will be with me for the whole day- if not the whole week. I feel blessed to have listened to such beauty.
So kudos to you Eric Whitacre! You have changed many people, including myself. I can't imagine how proud you must be to have written such beautiful music.
A Capella
About a month ago, my friend started singing Amazing Grace, and then I joined him with harmony. It sounded really cool so whenever we're bored we just start that up again. For some reason, singing a capella is very rewarding. It's the only time when you can hear the pure voice- the voice is by itself without piano or guitar or anything else shadowing it. It is very powerful when there are many people singing a capella together- well only if they sing well together. If the group isn't very good, the effect is lost completely, which is why it's sometimes safer to have background music that aids the singers. I'd rather hear nothing at all than hear a bad a capella group. When I hear a bad a capella group I just sit back and laugh. I know they're trying really hard, but when you sing a capella you have to understand your skill. Those groups that aren't very good should pick out easier music and leave the more difficult songs to more experienced groups. However, when my groups' a capella pieces fail I don't laugh at all. I am just embarrased and wish for a second shot.
In school, I am currently in three musical groups that sing a capella pieces (but not exclusive to a capella pieces). The first is called Concert Choir, which is a just a mixed choir. Last year we sang an Eric Whitacre piece called "A Boy and a Girl." It's about an archeological find: a man's and a woman's bones were found embracing each other. The song is essentially about their love. It's a beautiful song, and I will remember that song as one of the best my choir has ever sung.
Although the group doesn't traditionally do a capella pieces, this year Happiness Inc., the show choir, performed two minutes of a capella with the song "Fix You." I was proud of the group for taking on the song, and I thought we did our best. I only we wish we could've performed the song with a better amount of air (we sang it right after two very physically demanding songs choreographically). If we had been just a little more fit to sing the song then it would've been an undeniable success.
Finally, I am a part of Moonlight Express, the jazz group at Kennedy. Traditionally, the group has only sang a capella pieces, but this year we got a back-up band that plays in three out the four songs. Our a capella piece this year is entitled "Embraceable You." The arrangement of the song iss very beautiful. The song is delicate and I think that the group displays that very well. I love singing that song, but I only wish I could listen to us sing it from the audience (of course I can't because then I wouldn't be singing it). I love singing a capella, and it's very fulfilling to me. I just hope that I will be able to do it for the rest of my life.
In school, I am currently in three musical groups that sing a capella pieces (but not exclusive to a capella pieces). The first is called Concert Choir, which is a just a mixed choir. Last year we sang an Eric Whitacre piece called "A Boy and a Girl." It's about an archeological find: a man's and a woman's bones were found embracing each other. The song is essentially about their love. It's a beautiful song, and I will remember that song as one of the best my choir has ever sung.
Although the group doesn't traditionally do a capella pieces, this year Happiness Inc., the show choir, performed two minutes of a capella with the song "Fix You." I was proud of the group for taking on the song, and I thought we did our best. I only we wish we could've performed the song with a better amount of air (we sang it right after two very physically demanding songs choreographically). If we had been just a little more fit to sing the song then it would've been an undeniable success.
Finally, I am a part of Moonlight Express, the jazz group at Kennedy. Traditionally, the group has only sang a capella pieces, but this year we got a back-up band that plays in three out the four songs. Our a capella piece this year is entitled "Embraceable You." The arrangement of the song iss very beautiful. The song is delicate and I think that the group displays that very well. I love singing that song, but I only wish I could listen to us sing it from the audience (of course I can't because then I wouldn't be singing it). I love singing a capella, and it's very fulfilling to me. I just hope that I will be able to do it for the rest of my life.
The Music of a Movie
For me, a movie only has the potential to be great if the music is great. Even if the actors are horrible, the movie can still be okay. Think about watching a scary movie without music. It is definitely not as scary, and there is no suspense to lead up to the scary parts. Also, the parts when something jumps out at you, there is no orchestral hit to accompany the jumping out. Music often brings great suspense to scenes often dealing with fighting crime, a chasing scene, or an action scene. The most obvious example for me is in "National Treasure." If you've ever seen the movie, you will also agree that the movie is accompanied by some awesome music. Whenever Nicholas Cage and his costars are running from the "bad guys," there is this music that makes you want to listen in and see what happens. Here's a link to hear the music, and I must say that this music doesn't give the music in the movie full justice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwTMJMD1As
In my opinion, some of the most powerful music that has ever accompanied a movie is the music in "Titanic." When I watch the movie, it is the music that makes me eyes start to water. Yes, the story is sad, but I could handle it alone. The music along with the visual just digs right down into me. The music makes the story what it is, and it makes it a masterpiece. In most Best Picture films, as was "Titanic," the music is utilized to its full extent- think of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Million Dollar Baby." The first uses regal music along with music that gets your heart pumping blood more quickly while the second often uses gentle piano. Both have their effects, and both substantiate the feelings of the movies.
Music in movies is like the voice of a recorded book. When you read the book, you get the story and you understand it, but when someone is saying it, you get the emphasis, the connotation, and often the most raw feelings are exposed. Similarly, movie music is like saying something instead of writing it. Isn't it much easier to write, "I love you," than actually say it? And isn't it much easier to write down mean things than actually say them to a person face to face? Of course it is, but when you actually say those things, they go right to the heart. When someone tells you they love you there's a feeling that you cannot replace. Respectively, you are much more hurt when someone screams at you nasty comments instead of them writing them down. Music in movies helps display the power of the emotion, and it sets the mood of the whole movie. Overall, there is nothing like the perfect mixture of a movie and its music. It is something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXwTMJMD1As
In my opinion, some of the most powerful music that has ever accompanied a movie is the music in "Titanic." When I watch the movie, it is the music that makes me eyes start to water. Yes, the story is sad, but I could handle it alone. The music along with the visual just digs right down into me. The music makes the story what it is, and it makes it a masterpiece. In most Best Picture films, as was "Titanic," the music is utilized to its full extent- think of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Million Dollar Baby." The first uses regal music along with music that gets your heart pumping blood more quickly while the second often uses gentle piano. Both have their effects, and both substantiate the feelings of the movies.
Music in movies is like the voice of a recorded book. When you read the book, you get the story and you understand it, but when someone is saying it, you get the emphasis, the connotation, and often the most raw feelings are exposed. Similarly, movie music is like saying something instead of writing it. Isn't it much easier to write, "I love you," than actually say it? And isn't it much easier to write down mean things than actually say them to a person face to face? Of course it is, but when you actually say those things, they go right to the heart. When someone tells you they love you there's a feeling that you cannot replace. Respectively, you are much more hurt when someone screams at you nasty comments instead of them writing them down. Music in movies helps display the power of the emotion, and it sets the mood of the whole movie. Overall, there is nothing like the perfect mixture of a movie and its music. It is something.
Josh Groban- A New Genre, a New League
Josh Groban has one of the most amazing voices of our time. This post is basically a tribute to him, so if you feel differently go ahead and look at something else. Josh Groban has many qualities that all singers strive for: incredible vocal technique (precision for every note, complete vocal control, he sings "ligitly" or properly) and he puts his heart into every song- much like the other singers I have praised in this blog. One quality that is rather unique to Josh Groban is that he sings many of his songs in Italian. However, the songs that he sings do not sound like anything classical. Those songs sound more as if they are modern songs of another country. Many of Josh Groban's songs mix operatic style and text perfectly with the modern day, which is why his style is so appealing.
Before Josh Groban, most teens and young adults only listened to rap and hip hop, two types of music that didn't require highly trained singing. When Josh Groban entered the pop world, people couldn't get enough. His songs have a popular feel, and yet they show off excellent singing technique that make his songs even more powerful and influential than songs that don't involve proficient singers. I remember the first time I ever heard Josh Groban sing; it was at the Super Bowl about five years ago and he sang "You Raise Me Up," perhaps his most well-known song. I was so impressed, and I think he drew in many people to his genre through that performance.
I also think that the chord structure of all of Josh Groban's songs fit the music and text perfectly, and they are often very innovative, feeding off of classical and modern styles. As a result, it appeals both to young and old listeners, drawing in a wide range of ages to the music. Nearly all of his songs are also very catchy; the lyrics and the tune help do this.
Another strong point of Josh Groban is that all of his songs showcase his voice. For some artists, some songs don't show their high notes or their power. Some artists only have up beat songs while others can only have somber ballads. Some songs don't let the singer craft the music to make it more interesting, and some songs just aren't moving at all. Each and every one of Josh Groban's songs show his high notes, his power, his gentleness, his craft, his technique, his control, his energy, and his heart. Each of his songs actually means something. For me, even if the lyrics are all in Italian, I am still moved by his songs. The tunes just give themselves to me and they make me think of good times- or bad times. And whether his songs are in Italian or English, each builds and builds throughout the whole song until it reaches the climactic high note or phrase. However, the way up to that moment is just as interesting and moving.
All in all, Josh Groban has created a new type of singing. His songs colorfully blend music that appeals to the youth now with music that appeals to older generations. Many of the songs have a classical feel with new and present lyrics and melodies. They music is unlike any other, and Groban has created something truly extraordinary. Creating new music is always something artists strive for, and I think that Josh Groban will keep creating brilliant music that touches the hearts of millions, if not billions, of people.
Before Josh Groban, most teens and young adults only listened to rap and hip hop, two types of music that didn't require highly trained singing. When Josh Groban entered the pop world, people couldn't get enough. His songs have a popular feel, and yet they show off excellent singing technique that make his songs even more powerful and influential than songs that don't involve proficient singers. I remember the first time I ever heard Josh Groban sing; it was at the Super Bowl about five years ago and he sang "You Raise Me Up," perhaps his most well-known song. I was so impressed, and I think he drew in many people to his genre through that performance.
I also think that the chord structure of all of Josh Groban's songs fit the music and text perfectly, and they are often very innovative, feeding off of classical and modern styles. As a result, it appeals both to young and old listeners, drawing in a wide range of ages to the music. Nearly all of his songs are also very catchy; the lyrics and the tune help do this.
Another strong point of Josh Groban is that all of his songs showcase his voice. For some artists, some songs don't show their high notes or their power. Some artists only have up beat songs while others can only have somber ballads. Some songs don't let the singer craft the music to make it more interesting, and some songs just aren't moving at all. Each and every one of Josh Groban's songs show his high notes, his power, his gentleness, his craft, his technique, his control, his energy, and his heart. Each of his songs actually means something. For me, even if the lyrics are all in Italian, I am still moved by his songs. The tunes just give themselves to me and they make me think of good times- or bad times. And whether his songs are in Italian or English, each builds and builds throughout the whole song until it reaches the climactic high note or phrase. However, the way up to that moment is just as interesting and moving.
All in all, Josh Groban has created a new type of singing. His songs colorfully blend music that appeals to the youth now with music that appeals to older generations. Many of the songs have a classical feel with new and present lyrics and melodies. They music is unlike any other, and Groban has created something truly extraordinary. Creating new music is always something artists strive for, and I think that Josh Groban will keep creating brilliant music that touches the hearts of millions, if not billions, of people.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Toto's Africa
I only wish I had heard this song before this week. Toto's Africa is a masterpiece. The tune is intriguing and it brings you into the song. I do not totally understand the choice of words, such as "I bless the rains," e.g. However, the words seem to fit perfectly with the melody and the harmonies. One of the coolest parts of this song is the overriding theme that starts from the very beginning. The change of chords in this theme is very catchy and enhances the funk of the song. Here's the music video.
As you saw, the accountant was an African American lady (who could've been African or South American in reality). I don't want to seem like a racist, but I think this has some significance. I think he's talking about his love to this African woman. Obviously, the lyrics such as "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the background music of African marimbas, bongos, the African sounding flute, and the gong all establish that the song has to do with more than just love; it has to do with a primitive and tropical love. If you listen to the song without looking at the video, you may be unsure why he says "I bless the rains down in Africa," but if you see the woman, it all makes sense. He's praising Africa as being itself. He is praising Africa for its beauty and for making way for this young, beautiful woman to be with him. That's what the song is about.
As you saw, the accountant was an African American lady (who could've been African or South American in reality). I don't want to seem like a racist, but I think this has some significance. I think he's talking about his love to this African woman. Obviously, the lyrics such as "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the background music of African marimbas, bongos, the African sounding flute, and the gong all establish that the song has to do with more than just love; it has to do with a primitive and tropical love. If you listen to the song without looking at the video, you may be unsure why he says "I bless the rains down in Africa," but if you see the woman, it all makes sense. He's praising Africa as being itself. He is praising Africa for its beauty and for making way for this young, beautiful woman to be with him. That's what the song is about.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Let It Be- Xavier
One of the best songs I've heard all this year was Xavier's "Let it Be." The thing that made this song was the soloist. She is simply amazing. She has pure talent, as I knew her from when she was six or seven singing "Don't Rain on my Parade." Her voice is perfect for this song, and although some say that the solo is too long, I wish that the solo would keep going. When I heard it at the Kennedy Invitational, it gave me goosebumps. Kudos to you!
The song is also one of the greatest songs ever written. It is one the Beatles' best, as it's tune is strong as well as the words. I really think that Xavier gives the song justice.
The song is also one of the greatest songs ever written. It is one the Beatles' best, as it's tune is strong as well as the words. I really think that Xavier gives the song justice.
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye
Before hearing this song, I had thought Boyz to Men was some rap group. But "boy," was I wrong. There is so much talent in this group, and I think that everyone should listen to this song. Besides the amazing talent, one of the great things about this song is that it is so straightforward. The group expresses their feelings in no round about way. They get to the point, and they get to the heart of the listener. Also, every listener can somehow relate to this song. There's always a time when you have to say goodbye to someone something.
For me, one of the hardest times to say goodbye was at my grandpa's funeral. He was such a influential person in my life, and it was hard to accept that I would never get to talk to him again. However, I knew he was happier and that he was with his wife, my grandma Bubbie.
Another moment occurred during the last show of "The Music Man." I still remember standing in the hallway leading to the exit of the theatre, saying goodbye to everyone. I was saying goodbye to all of those great experiences on the tour and to the people I truly loved. It's always hard to say goodbye, and this song vocalizes those feelings almost too perfectly.
For me, one of the hardest times to say goodbye was at my grandpa's funeral. He was such a influential person in my life, and it was hard to accept that I would never get to talk to him again. However, I knew he was happier and that he was with his wife, my grandma Bubbie.
Another moment occurred during the last show of "The Music Man." I still remember standing in the hallway leading to the exit of the theatre, saying goodbye to everyone. I was saying goodbye to all of those great experiences on the tour and to the people I truly loved. It's always hard to say goodbye, and this song vocalizes those feelings almost too perfectly.
People
"People" is originally from the musical "Funny Girl" but soon after became a pop culture hit. It's one of Barbara Streisand's most famous songs. I personally enjoy a few things about it. First, I enjoy her voice. It's spectacular- especially in this song. Secondly, I enjoy the tune and melody. It flows so smoothly and it's so easy to remember. Lastly, I enjoy the meaning of the song. It's that nothing is better than being with one person and loving them forever. Now since I am not in love, this song has a meaning perhaps beyond the scope of the song. When I first heard the song, I thought about all of the people I knew and my friendships with them. The song made me realize that even if I have hundreds of friends, it doesn't mean anything unless I really need one of them. Everyone needs someone, but sometimes people don't need others. The ones that have someone, perhaps a friend, whom they need and whom needs them back are the luckiest people in the world.
Without a Phone
When I arrived at the show choir competition yesterday morning I realized I didn't have my phone. I thought I had brought it along, but it wasn't in my bag and it didn't seem to be in my car. So throughout the day I kept finding myself reaching into my pocket to grab my cell phone that wasn't there. It was like when you get your braces off. Everytime you lick your teeth you expect to find your braces there when they really aren't. It was weird not having access to a phone for the day. I couldn't talk to anyone unless I called on someone else's phone, and if I would've had an emergency- while driving, e.g.- than I would've been in some deep doo-doo. I never truly realized the extent to which my cell phone is a part of me. It's basically always on me.
Although I got through the day with great ease, I think that many of my peers would not be able to do so. For them, it's borderline vital. Some people text twenty-four seven, and I can't imagine what they would do without a cell phone. Perhaps they would go cry and sit in a corner, or go home and eat a box a chocolates while watching "The Notebook." I'm just glad I'm not one of them. Nonetheless, I realized that I do depend on my cell phone more than I had thought before that day. It's pretty sad and it says a lot about where our society's going.
I think it would be pretty interesting to have one day where everyone cannot use their cell phone. Or maybe a contest to see who could stand without calling or texting the longest. This is actually a pretty good idea for a fundraiser. Maybe I'll make it happen.
Although I got through the day with great ease, I think that many of my peers would not be able to do so. For them, it's borderline vital. Some people text twenty-four seven, and I can't imagine what they would do without a cell phone. Perhaps they would go cry and sit in a corner, or go home and eat a box a chocolates while watching "The Notebook." I'm just glad I'm not one of them. Nonetheless, I realized that I do depend on my cell phone more than I had thought before that day. It's pretty sad and it says a lot about where our society's going.
I think it would be pretty interesting to have one day where everyone cannot use their cell phone. Or maybe a contest to see who could stand without calling or texting the longest. This is actually a pretty good idea for a fundraiser. Maybe I'll make it happen.
The Cause of the Depression
No depression or recession was as severe as the Great Depression of the 1930s. The U.S. didn't recover from the depression until the onset of World War II when lots of products were needed for the war effort. It began slowly. Consumer spending declined after 1927 and housing construction slowed- inventories piled up. Economy in recession by 1929. The stock market was the symbol of American wealt and business culture. However, only 10% of nation's homes owned stock (4 million people) in 1929. Stock prices rose steadily since 1921, and then increased quickly in '28 and '29. Margin buying occurred (small down payment and finance the rest with loan).
Black Thursday and Black Tuesday: 28 million shares changed hands in trading. Stock values fell from $87 billion to $55 billion. As a result, banks started to close. Great Crash was certainly a cause, but there were other causes. Farmers had never recovered from 1920 and 1921 recession. Also, there was an uneven distribution of the nation's wealth, in part due to Mellon's tax policies. In 1929, the poorest 40% of population made up 12.5% of aggregate family income, while the richest 5% received 30%.
After it began, the Depression was self perpetuating. One bank closure caused another and so forth. These are just the basics of how the Depression began. This simply touches the surface.
Black Thursday and Black Tuesday: 28 million shares changed hands in trading. Stock values fell from $87 billion to $55 billion. As a result, banks started to close. Great Crash was certainly a cause, but there were other causes. Farmers had never recovered from 1920 and 1921 recession. Also, there was an uneven distribution of the nation's wealth, in part due to Mellon's tax policies. In 1929, the poorest 40% of population made up 12.5% of aggregate family income, while the richest 5% received 30%.
After it began, the Depression was self perpetuating. One bank closure caused another and so forth. These are just the basics of how the Depression began. This simply touches the surface.
Why does "now" matter?
Lately I have been hanging around some people too much. I have been good friends with these people but lately have started to get sick of them.
So I started thinking, why are these people even important to me? There are plenty of other people who I can be friends with, and who cares if these are the coolest people? At least I have fun with them. I do want my friends to be "fake" friends, and always having to try to fit in by always being the follower. That's stupid. Why is having these friends important now? I should be focused on my future and getting work done. If these kids really think it's that important to gain acceptance by changing themselves they'll find that they will never be fulfilled. I am going to start hanging out with people that really care about me, and people whom I can have a true laugh with, instead of a fake "haha."
So I started thinking, why are these people even important to me? There are plenty of other people who I can be friends with, and who cares if these are the coolest people? At least I have fun with them. I do want my friends to be "fake" friends, and always having to try to fit in by always being the follower. That's stupid. Why is having these friends important now? I should be focused on my future and getting work done. If these kids really think it's that important to gain acceptance by changing themselves they'll find that they will never be fulfilled. I am going to start hanging out with people that really care about me, and people whom I can have a true laugh with, instead of a fake "haha."
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