Victoria - O Magnum Mysterium

Merry Christmas! We've been preparing this piece for the past several months at my church choir, and I find it absolutely stunning.

For All the Saints

I must say I am impressed with this young man's multi-tasking capabilities! One of my favorite November hymns, enjoy.

On Eagle's Wings

Do Re Mi - Train Station Improv

How cool is this? This reminds me of a modern-day musical when everyone suddenly knows all the words to a song and choreographed moves to go with it!

I have fond memories of beginner piano lessons. This was actually the first piece I ever learned to play, using both hands. I recall practicing into the wee hours of the night, much to the dismay of my family, who even to this day cannot hear the intro without cringing, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" ;-)

Shepherd Me, O God

Please enjoy this outstanding musical expression of Psalm 23 by Marty Haugen, one of my favorite praise musicians.

Ave Maria

In the Catholic tradition, May is the month of Mary, Mother of God. Of the many songs written to celebrate and honor her, Ave Maria is one of the most popular. There are many different versions: Biebl, Schubert, Gounod, Bach, Caccini to name a few. My personal favorite is Gounod (the one in this video), with Schubert closely behind. Last Sunday at my church our choir director sung the first verse of Schubert with organ accompaniment, and I and another clarinetist dueted melody and harmony on the second verse, also with organ accompaniment.

Early Etching

Chamber Music

-Jules-Alexandre Grün

Home music-making in the 19th century.

Pappy's Clarinet Improv

Nice one, Pappy!

The Piano

This is very heartwarming...and very lifelike!

Polifonia

-Leonardo Nierman

Bassoon Wizard of Oz

I wasn't aware that it was humanly possible to dance and play the bassoon at the same time!

The Art of Improvisation

This documentary features Keith Jarrett, piano virtuoso, and the influence of classical music on his life as a pianist. One of the poignancies he mentions that strikes a chord (or two or three) with me is that you have to be out of your mind...in another place mentally to play the music and play it well.

History of the Clarinet

Chant Notation

My church now uses chant notation during certain parts of the liturgy. It was a bit confusing for folks at first, but the congregation is finally starting to get the hang of it. Despite the popular belief that you can't teach old dogs new tricks, I have evidence to the contrary! We are broadening the horizons of the populus, enriching them with an abundance of musical knowledge.

I found a handy reference entitled "The Idiot's Guide to Square Notes" which can be found here.

Easter Music Video -- "On My Cross"

Please enjoy this moving video performed by the Moore's Chapel Praise Team. Among the many positive attributes of this work, I especially admire the tight harmony of the vocalists, the guitar, and piano.

Tony Melendez

Tony Melendez is such an inspiration to me on many levels...as a human being, as a musician, and as a man of incredible faith. I have been a fan of his since I was little. Please enjoy.

Pink Panther

I've had this in my head all day....one of my faves to play on clarinet when I'm just messing around :)

Music Tax?

They're kidding, right?

One of Those Days...

Remote Control Choir

I couldn't resist posting this...

Easter Alleluia

Happy Easter! Please enjoy this work put together by University of Notre Dame students.

Panis Angelicus -- Bryn Terfel & The Choirboys

I played this piece on clarinet with organ accompaniment last night at my church's Holy Thursday liturgy. It truly speaks to my heart. I love the angelic innocence expressed in this particular rendition by the children. The oboe's melodic interludes haunt me. It is truly breathtaking. Please enjoy!

Angels Playing Violin

I believe that this work by William Bougeureau (1825 – 1905) captures the very essence of music.

The Human Instrument

"The human voice can create an impressive array of sounds because it relies on non-linear feedback by which a small input can result in a disproportionately large output. One of the voice’s more effective nonlinear mechanisms is inertive reactance, whereby singers create special conditions in their vocal tract to amplify sounds generated by the vocal folds."
-Aaron Goodman

Creative Chaos

This work, "Musical Instruments" by Evaristo Baschenis (1617-1677) candidly portrays what I like to call the "creative chaos" of many a mad musician!

Canine Cantata

Bravissimo, Bowser!

Nature's Maddest Musician

I'm all for giving props to the folks who deserve them...this little critter takes the cake!!!

Hello Notes

In keeping with custom and just plain good manners (not that I always follow societal norms, mind) I should probably introduce myself at the very least and give a little background.

My name is Angela.

This "lovechild" is the result of 1) the need for yet another creative outlet 2) finally jumping on the bandwagon after about a year of internal conflict 3)admiration and respect for another musician and her blog 4) desire to share a part of myself with "the world" 5) hope that someone, somewhere will benefit, even if only to find amusing 6) pure passion for music.

Now that we are properly introduced and past the formalities, I am looking forward to imagination, insight, and inspiration on this blog!