Music has been around for a very long time. Long before mankind even began a written history of their lives, there was music. And long before the development of the treble clef, music notation had to begin somewhere. Prehistoric Music Notation At the earliest point in known music history, music notation did not exist. People […]
Read More
Ola Gjeilo (pronounced Yay-lo) (b. 1978) is a 21st-century pianist and composer who has changed the face of contemporary choir music. His compositions whisk the listener away on a journey full of emotion and beauty. Gjeilo is one of my favorite modern choir composers, so let’s learn more about him and his music. About Ola […]
Read More
Today’s post is so exciting because I will be discussing my latest piano composition and my first album! Let’s talk about the piano piece first. The Girl with the Fire A few months ago, my sister and I were talking about music during the intermission of this choir concert. She half-jokingly suggested I compose a […]
Read More
“I wish to make German hymns for the people, that the Word of God may dwell in their hearts by means of song also.” Martin Luther Faith, Works, and the Bible Five centuries ago, during the peak of the Renaissance era, Martin Luther (1483-1546) made history by stepping away from the Catholic church and helping initiate the […]
Read More
I had the pleasure of hearing Lyric Fantasy (Lyrisk fantasi) for Orchestra, Op. 54 by Swedish composer Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986) for the first time on my local classical radio station the other day. I was immediately struck by its beauty: Background Even though Larsson was born to a nurse and a factory worker, he showed musical talent […]
Read MorePlease enjoy my latest music vlog, a series of 3 YouTube videos that offers tips on practicing the piano. Included you will find discussions on injury prevention, how to stay motivated to practice, dealing with stage fright, getting better at dynamics, teaching yourself how to play the piano, and more.
Read More
After discussing the Romantic era last week, today I want to introduce you to English composer Cyril Scott (1879-1970). Essentially a “modern late-Romantic Impressionist” composer, Scott defined his musical style by combining contemporary trends with his own flare. Biography Born to a scholar father and amateur pianist mother, Cyril Scott showed musical talent at a […]
Read More
The Romantic era is one of the most popular periods in Western music history. And it’s easy to see why! Lasting from 1820-1910 (or so), music from this time is known for its shift away from the balanced and light Classical era characteristics and towards more emotive and descriptive sounds. Romantic Era Ideals A Shift […]
Read More
I’m so excited to share my latest piano composition with you, entitled Heartbeat: Heartbeat is a piece for solo piano that uses modern-day minimalism combined with beautiful melodies, lush harmonies, and driving rhythms. If you want to play it, download the sheet music here! Background A few months ago, I first heard the piece The Runner by […]
Read More
As July is coming to an end and the days are long and hot, please enjoy these classical pieces inspired by summer: Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Mendelssohn was just 17 years old when he composed his famous Midsummer Overture. This emotive piece tells the story of Shakespeare’s play through […]
Read More