Music of our time

Fredo Viola's Sad Song

2011-10-23T11:27:00.002+02:00

It's no frequent finding people able to create incredible pieces of art using almost only his voice. This is the case of Fredo Viola which his Sad Song is an incredible and emotive song.

Fredo is also able to produce incredible artistic websites, not only of a high quality because of his music but its visual features: The Turn

Philip Glass - MAD RUSH

2010-03-26T12:32:00.004+01:00

I love seeing Philip Glass playing his masterpieces.

A 1982 performance of Mad Rush.

There's a lot out there ...

2009-03-03T19:06:00.004+01:00

Yes, there's a lot out there... a lot of new concepts, new trends, new movements, new feelings...

When I thought my preferences were clear, Sigur Ros appears in front of me.

Just incredible. A magical music in an arid country, Iceland.

Just look for them ... just listen to their music at youtube, spotify ... impressive.

Two samples ...

Hoppípolla

If you are a spotify user, here I have prepared a selection of the tracks I have enjoyed the most:

Sigur Ros selection

John Adams - Two pieces

2007-09-09T17:06:00.000+02:00

John Adams is a pending subject of mine. I must admit, I have been interested in him as far he followed Philip Glass style and, consequently, his beginnings. I will have to listen to something else from him ...

Here, two works I like a lot. I have them both in my personal record collection, and they are really very good.

Harmonium: Go directly to the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB7PdowAUh4

Short ride in a fast machine:

Titles: Harmonium / Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Composer: John Adams

Philip Glass - Einstein on the beach

2007-09-09T10:45:00.000+02:00

It's Einstein on the beach, either you love it or hate it... The evolution of Philip Glass has been incredible. There's a lot of distance between Einstein on the beach and the Symphony nr. 8, e.g. But, essentially, you can find the same structures, patterns and elements.

If it is incredible just to listen to it, enjoy the Philip Glass Ensemble performing in live!

It's a performing in 1982 at Sadler's Wells Theatre in London.

No mystery in this music. Minimalism. Enjoy its structures, its rhythm, its hypnotic effects...

Title: Train/SpaceShip (from the opera "Einstein on the beach")
Composer: Philip Glass
Performer: The Philip Glass Ensemble

Astor Piazzolla - Libertango

2007-09-05T23:02:00.000+02:00

Tango, tango, tango ... why are you so fascinating?

I must admit I like tango because Piazzolla... his ability to ascend tango to high limits and beyond makes me feel weak and vulnerable...

My first Piazzolla post: Libertango... with Yoyoma as cellist (of course) and Nestor Marconi playing the bandoneon as a master...

Title: Libertango
Composer: Astor Piazzolla
Performer: Yoyoma, Nestor Marconi et al.

Philip Glass - Sesame Street

2007-09-05T21:59:00.000+02:00

When I was a child, one of my favourite moments seeing Sesame Street were those little animations they added as transitions...

These created with music by Philip Glass can even be considered as little pieces of art.

Composer: Philip Glass
Performer: Philip Glass Ensemble

Wim Mertens - Struggle for pleasure

2007-09-05T18:53:00.000+02:00

A gem, a young Wim Mertens (pianist at foreground) performing Struggle For Pleasure, one of his most relevant compositions.

Title: Struggle for pleasure
Composer: Wim Mertens
Performer: Soft Verdict

Michael Nyman - His band in action !

2007-09-05T18:30:00.000+02:00

A great collection of live performances of the Michael Nyman Band.

My favourite, the first one, 'Chasing Sheep is Best Left to Shepherds'. This piece is the one I always select if I have to show someone the music I like most.

Pay attention also to the second one: 'If'. Just delicious !!

Going to the YouTube link, you can get more information about each piece.

Composer: Michael Nyman
Performer: Michael Nyman Band

Metamorphosis II - Philip Glass

2007-09-05T17:24:00.000+02:00

It seems as Metamorphosis II would have been composed originally for harp... fantastic !!

Performance from the LakeComo Festival 2007 in Italy.

Title: Metamorphosis II
Composer: Philip Glass
Performer: Floraleda Sacchi

Pari Intervallo - Arvo Pärt

2007-09-05T17:04:00.000+02:00

A fantastic version for harp of one of the most known works of Mr. Pärt.

Performance from the LakeComo Festival 2007 in Italy.

Title: Pari Intervallo
Composer: Arvo Pärt
Performer: Floraleda Sacchi

My first post

2006-02-21T11:28:00.000+01:00

In my first post of this blog, I would like to thank a set of composers that have changed my life.

Music is now an important part in my life. It is something essential. I need some music everyday.

To discover composers like Philip Glass was almost an accident. But an accident that has changed my music preferences. I started listening to people like Jean Michel Jarre, Mike Oldfield... but, suddenly, Wim Mertens' music arrived at my ears... and changed my mind. After him... Philip Glass and Michael Nyman. No way back. No return.

Now, the list is large: Steve Reich, Terry Riley, John Adams, Arvo Part, Astor Piazzola, Rodrigo Leao, Henryk Gorecki, George Winston, Brian Eno, Gavin Bryar ...

To all of them, thank you.

This blog will be worthwhile, if we are able to discover new styles and cult composers... if we are able to discover more music of our time.