Music and Us: Our New Playlist!

Music and Us: Our New Playlist!

This class has been so enjoyable to be a part of, and I really value the vastly different cultures and musical traditions associated with each country. There is so much to appreciate and learn from regarding these fascinating countries and their music!

Now let's get on to the music, shall we?

This is "Russian Song" based on a Russian folk song "Nichto v polyushke ne kolyshetsya" (Nothing in the field moves). It is performed by Ekaterina Skliar on the domra, a traditional Russian instrument. I chose this recording because of its haunting melody and lovely sound. Ekaterina has a very special way with the domra. The control she has, the technique, and the expression comes across so powerfully. For the past two years, I have actually had the privilege of working with Ekaterina (who is also a mandolinist) at a festival in New England! She is an amazing person whom I recommend you meet if you are in the Boston area! :)

The second video is of mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda! Hamilton (b. 1976) is one of Brazil's foremost musicians and a world-renowned mandolinist. He grew up in Brazil, and has gone on to compose and perform all over the world. While learning the mandolin, I personally played a lot of Brazilian pieces called choros, so I have a great appreciation for the sound and the style of this music. Hamilton, known for his impeccable improvisation, composes music that borrows from the traditional Brazilian choro and of jazz. This clip is of one of Hamilton's original compositions, and is part of his 2015 album "Caprichos," featuring 24 caprices for bandolim (Brazilian for mandolin). 

Fun fact....I met Mr. Holanda this last year and did a masterclass with him, performing his composition Capricho Venezuelano. I must say, he is one of the most delightful human beings...his soul is so full of the music that he performs.

I did manage to get a picture with him!😆

Now, we move to the Spanish flamenco. The flamenco is a style of music, song, and dance that originated in southern Spain. I am fascinated by the sound of this style, as it is so (as Boone Hopkins would say) rich... in colors, rhythm, style, and technique. This is a spectacular rendition of the Spanish folk song Malagueña! A helpful quote about this piece from the musician: "This is a mix between a rendition of the famous Malagueña by the cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona and a composition by myself named Spanish Dance. I added some latin american/cuban/brazilian rythms to spice it up. I hope you enjoy my rendition of this masterpiece!..." The theme of the Malagueña, originally a traditional, has been incorporated into many arrangements that borrow its familiar theme. Enjoy!

Lastly, here is some traditional folk music from Israel. Klezmer music is genre of music derived from and built upon eastern European music in the Jewish tradition. I have played a good bit of this as mandolin/violin duets with my sister, and it is so much fun! There is a very distinct sound to the Klezmer style. This recording is of a band in Budapest! I especially love this clip because of the energy the clarinet soloist gives to it. Then sounds of the entire group meld and blend together to form this lively, virtuosic, and captivating piece of music. 

This project of blogs and of compiling a new playlist was very enlightening, musically and personally. It helped me to really appreciate and to better understand the musics, traditions, and ways of life in other countries. It helped me to see the syncretic relationships in the music we hear today and appreciate its origins. I am very grateful to have had this time to explore music and diverse cultures with all of you!

Thank you for reading :)

Carrera