Well here we are...
Hello!
If I haven't already bumped into you at some point, my name is Carrera Stamile; it's nice to meet you. I am a Freshman at Converse, but have grown up here for what feels like forever...taking lessons at Lawson and going to recitals. It somehow feels like a second home to me.
Anyway...
I am majoring in Classical Mandolin Performance. Mandolin is my passion and is something I want to go on to do as a career. At the moment, I am planning to finish my degree here and then pursue a graduate degree abroad. The dream is to be a performer and travel around the world!
Music.
Makes.
Me.
So.
Happy.
I constantly listen to music, and one of my favorite hobbies is going to concerts (especially house concerts...they are a superbly different experience. If you don't believe me, go to one that you can see the viola's music over his shoulder like I did. Be transformed!)
Music has always been a huge part of my life. All throughout growing up, I've been exposed to it and taught to appreciate and understand the art of the performance. It often feels like a constant and endless thing to learn about.
Mendelssohn's Song Without Words: Op. 67 no. 2 in F-sharp minor is one of the pieces on my current go-to list. It's interlacing harmonies and simple, innocent melody is so relaxing and genuinely so beautiful.
You know that piece that just makes your brain sigh with happiness?
...this is it for me.
'sighs with happiness'
An example of music I do not seem to connect with as much with is metal. Although I appreciate music with intensity, I am just not as familiar with appreciating the intensity in metal. I have had exposure to a decent amount of classical crossover, which takes 'gasp' classical music and puts it with pop/rock songs (It's actually pretty awesome, check out violinist David Garrett). Anyway, metal is something I do not seem to be immediately drawn to due to personal taste and unfamiliarity. It does without doubt, take very skilled musicians to play metal, so every genre has its artistry and its own individual charm. I do have respect for it!
This 1985 recording is of the group Iron Maiden, and takes the poem "Rime of The Ancient Mariner," incorporating it into a song. Honestly pretty fascinating...
I must put this last clip because Bach is my favorite composer. I love the way it sounds on the mandolin and the overall complexity and emotion of his compositions. I actually had the privilege of listening to this piece live this last August where the mandolinist Alon Sariel taught a Bach for mandolin course in Vancouver! You are welcome to look up his full version of Toccata and Fugue, but here is part of it in a pretty video of with fall leaves ...
I hope you enjoy this musical journey as much as I do. There really is so much to explore in its vast realm!
Thanks for reading and happy practicing!
Carrera
I was really excited to read your blog because I was curious as to what you'd have listed. I thought it was interesting that you said you disliked metal music because of the intensity of it. I grew up listening to that kind of stuff with my dad, so it was really the first music I'd been introduced to. I guess the intensity doesn't really phase me as much or something because of that. I really liked the Mercado de San Juan, I added it to my playlist on Spotify. I also really like classical Spanish guitar, for no particular reason though. Oh, and Mendelsohn's Song Without Words is a good choice. You seem like a very interesting and educated person- and great taste in music! :)
ReplyDeleteHi! I have always been interested in learning the mandolin. One day I hope I'll be able to give it go! I really enjoyed listening to "Mercado de San Juan". I play Classical and electric guitar, but I haven't had much experience with Spanish guitar. I'm to going add it to my list of pieces to learn. Metal is one of my favorite genres, but I can see how some people wouldn't be able to connect with it. I really like when metal is influenced by classical music.
ReplyDeleteHi Carrera! I also love Song Without Words. You totally explained what I feel when I hear it, my brain sighs with happiness. Also, I liked your explanation of how the song is beautiful with the harmonies and the melody. I really enjoyed listening to Mercado de San Juan.
ReplyDeletehey girlie! i truly wanted to see what you put in your blog because i always feel your positive energy towards music; rather it be listening to it or making it. I really love the Mendelssohn piece you showed us! it is so captivating and absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love how passionate you are. I also love your musical selections. It've very cool that you exposed to spanish music. I love how it sounds too. Anyway, you're doing amazing things, keep up the great work!
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