BBC: Guitar Gives Classical Gems New Sparkle

By Laurence Peter, 4 May 2011.


Last week, we had an article by The Economist which briefly suggests that we are at the dawn of the next epoch of classical guitar.  This week, BBC interviews classical guitarist David Russell.

David Russell

In this article David explains why J.S. Bach's music is not just for the organ or harpsichord.  How the previous era of classical guitar greatness was heralded by Segovia, John Williams & Julian Bream.  How the tastes for classical guitar music has changed, and how multicultural exchanges have benefitted the classical guitar.

"The classical guitar repertoire would be impoverished were it not for the hundreds of transcriptions of music written originally for other instruments." - David Russell.

Modern compositions has contributed much to the recent classical guitar.  Popularity of electric guitars, jazz and acoustic guitars have infused the classical arena with new input and perspectives.


Cultural influences from performers such as, Carlo Domeniconi, Xuefei Yang, Eleftheria Kotzia, Keigo Fujii and Fiona Harrison have brought much to the table, as well as bringing the guitar to diverse populations.


David ends by giving some tips to guitars on how to memorize pieces.


Read the full article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13229108

The Economist: Fingersmith

By The Economist, 28 April 2011.


In the recent issue of The Economist, it has been suggested that the classical guitar is experiencing a revival.


This short article looks at how performers, technology, financial uncertainty, electric guitars and pop music are shaping the classical guitar scene.


Although its just a brief article, what intrigues me is why The Economist decides to do an article.

"The honesty of this way of music-making makes the guitar supreme. It’s so personal and delicate." - Milos Karadaglic

 I agree that the guitar is an extremely intimate instrument.  The classical guitar, with its nylon strings, warm sound and various techniques makes it all the more intimate and sensitive.


Check out the original article at: http://www.economist.com/node/18617908

MuseScore 1.0 Released!

MuseScore 1.0 is a new free music composition/notation tool that is available on Windows, OS X and Linux.  I believe that it was in testing for quite some time, so we should be expecting quite a polished product.

http://musescore.org/en

On their website, it boasts:

• WYSIWYG, notes are entered on a "virtual note sheet"
• Unlimited number of staves
• Up to four voices per staff
• Easy and fast note entry with your keyboard, mouse, or MIDI keyboard
• Integrated sequencer and FluidSynth software synthesizer
• Import and export of MusicXML and Standard MIDI Files
• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Translated in 35 languages
• GNU GPL licensed

They seem to have a pretty comprehensive tutorial on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/user/MuseScoreHowTo

I've just downloaded it, and hope to give it a run in due time.  For those of you who have used it, do feel free to share your views in the comments section.

Jeremy

Joy to the World!

Terroir Arts wishes all its readers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Lets not forget the true meaning of Christmas: the Birth of Christ.  Lest the festivities distract us from it.


As 2011 approaches, forget not what made 2010 really memorable for each and everyone of us.  For me it was family and loved ones, quality time spent with the people I care about.  I know that in 2011, people will be the centre of my life once again.  What about you?


Jeremy

"If something collapses, it's okay, you can rebuild it again." - Mr Kim Whye Kee

The story of a ex-triad who became grassroots volunteer and sculpture artist in the making.  (Story from The Straits Times, Monday, November 1, 2010, Pg B6.)


Once a triad chief, the 31-year old has been in trouble with the law since 19.  Today he volunteers fervently in Jurong GRC.


"As I lay in bed in prison, I would reflect on what I had done, and the more I reflected, the more I repented."


"I came to a decision: if my past was a disaster to my family and society, the purpose of my present existence is to repent, repay and rebuild."


With much support and encouragement from the people around him, and the Yellow Ribbon Project (http://www.yellowribbon.org.sg/); Mr Kim is now a first-year student pursuing a diploma in fine at at Lasalle Collage of the Arts.


His passion is sculpture, which he wants to use to bring hope to the community that has helped him get back on his feet.  "If something is not straight, you make it straight," drawing a parallel between his art and his redemption.


I feel that his story is such an encouragement to many people.  Its not just what he is doing, but his story and journey will inspire more people from different walks of life to really admire his spirit and determination.  Now as he pursues sculpturing, I believe we can expect greater things, both artistic and socially beneficial.  To take time to seek out the entire article.


Full Story available at:
http://www.straitstimes.com/Singapore/Story/STIStory_597715.html

(Subscription required)


Jeremy

Welcome to Terroir Arts

Terroir Arts is an initiative with hopes to:

1) Increase general awareness of creativity & artistry.

2) Encourage & support initiatives which brings arts and social elements together.

'Terroir' is a French word which roughly means 'effects of the land/soil'. It is often used to describe the nuances the land gives to wine, tea and coffee.

Arts is all about people, and what people interpret about life. People are of the land, so is nature and culture. The influence of the land upon the arts is significant, just like how the land shapes lives.

Welcome to Terroir Arts.

Jeremy