Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was an American composer who was educated at the Curtis School of Music in Philadelphia. This particular work, in 3 movements, was written when he was 29 years old. The second movement, the andante, is particularly lovely. If you have about 10 minutes and can sit still that long to listen, you will hear something special and relaxing. You might even fall asleep. The movement begins with the oboe.
The violinist is Elmar Oliveira with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra — Leonard Slotkin conducting. — Paul Goldfinger listening.
After the horrid Surf Avenue fire of March, 2011, we realized that the healing process had begun, and this song seemed so appropriate to help boost the spirits of those who were in pain. —PG
Leon Redbone with a beloved Disney song from Pinocchio, sung in the movie by Jiminy Cricket:
By Paul Goldfinger (reposted from Blogfinger September 2011)
Bill Frisell (b. 1951) is a jazz guitarist who has today released his new album, a tribute to John Lennon, called “All We Are Saying.” Frisell has been called the most “innovative and influential guitarist of the last 25 years.” His music is derived from many influences including classical, country and progressive folk. Among his many albums are tributes to Aaron Copeland, Bob Dylan and Madonna. Reviewers describe his work as being “understated” and focused on the “inner beauty” of the compositions.
The new album contains 16 songs, all written by John Lennon. This song, “Across the Universe,” is from a 2007 movie of the same name which featured 34 original Beatles compositions and received an Academy Award nomination.
“Across the Universe” is the first song on the CD. Please listen to it carefully. Then, if you love music—any kind of music—go to the link below and play the video (it is from a web site called lineout.thestranger.com). It provides an unusual opportunity to hear the artists discuss the soul of the music, touching on aspects of the creative process including psychology, trust, love, teamwork, and inspiration. I was impressed that the musicians had the lyrics in front of them while they played the pieces.
“Across the Universe” from Bill Frisell’s new album “All We Are Saying:”
This song, “All My Life” released in 2007, was Billy Joel’s first new song since 1993. It was written in honor of the second anniversary of Billy and Katie Lee. Phil Ramone was the producer. It is a lovely ballad, reminiscent of tunes from years ago including “For Once in my Life” made famous as a slow tune by Tony Bennett.
Billy Joel’s first hit song was “Piano Man” from 1973. He continues to perform, especially in concert in New York City. He is always sold out and he covers his music and others from multiple eras.
This song reminds me of “All My Life” a 1936 ballad by Sam Stept which was sung by Julia Roberts for the movie “Everyone Says I Love You.” What do you think of the similarity.?
BUDAPEST STRINGS: “Sinfonia” from Handel’s Salomon, Act III. (featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral)
Editor’s Note: Don’t forget the Summer Stars Classical Series: Thursdays in July at 7:30 pm in the Great Auditorium beginning on July 2 with the Imperial Brass, featuring special guest Ocean Grove’s Phil Smith (If you love brass music, this concert is not to be missed.)
The Summer Stars Classical series is wonderful and a great bargain at $16.00 for a single ticket or $75.00 for the series of 5 (plus fees.) It’s even cheaper than getting grass stains on your shorts while sitting on the lawn at Tanglewood. —-PG
Some time ago, Blogfinger received an email complaining about our music. The writer, a young woman, said that she wasn’t even born yet when the Doo Wop era kicked in. Others complained about the Doo Wop concerts in the Great Auditorium. It is true that the Doo Wop scene in the GA has seemed, in recent years, as sort of a museum piece, yet the crowds keep coming.
For those of you who were not here in the ’50’s, the advent of this new form of music–rock and roll–had a powerful effect on the teenagers of that time, just like music of an era always does for its particular time in the spotlight.
One of the early songs that had a grip on the souls of kids and musicians in 1954 was “Gloria.” There was something about it that drew you in. Dion said that “Gloria” was a “litmus test” for groups wanting to gain recognition in that world.
This is what the song sounded like in 1954 as performed by Speedo and the Cadillacs. (This video is a current rendition)
For a modern interpretation, listen to the marvelous Kenny Vance and the Planotones recreating “Gloria.” (below)
And, by the way, we got a glimpse of what will happen in the future to this music and these groups last Saturday night when Freddie Parris and the Five Satins did a spectacular set of close harmonies and new music merged with the old. And singing the high notes was a young woman, and the sound was special. —Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
