Mozart

Mozart

Feb 25, 2019 | Blog, Christopher J Music

Wolfgang Amadeus

So, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:

Several months ago I began one of my more ambitious projects so far:

To create my own arrangement and recording of a work by Mozart. Sure, I have already dabbled in works by Bach and Beethoven, but really, who could approach Mozart, being the child prodigy that he was? Well, I decided to try anyway. My choice, of course, was Mozart’s most popular work ever, Eine kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major), K. 525.

In this project I am only focused on the first movement: I – Allegro.

My approach is not to fundamentally change the composition, but to apply my own arrangement, instrumentation and groove to it in the spirit of what I have done already in the Bluesy Bach and Friends project. Per the all knowing Wikipedia, “The work is written for an ensemble of two violins, viola, and cello with optional double bass but is often performed by string orchestras.” My version is more of a rock quartet, with guitar, bass, organ and drums. I have attached a snippet of what I have so far and if you have to apply categories to this, it has jazz and blues-rock influences. Stay tuned for the full release in the not too distant future.

Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik Score
Eine kleine Nachtmusik Score
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Mozart, again

Feb 24, 2019 | Blog, Christopher J Music

(This is a repost.  The first post was written with the new WordPress 5.0 Gutenberg editor, and for some mysterious reason it would not display on mobile devices even though it did appear on desktop web browsers.  So if you are reading this on a desktop there is nothing new here!)

So, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 

Several months ago I began one of my more ambitious projects so far:

To create my own arrangement and recording of a work by Mozart. Sure, I have already dabbled in works by Bach and Beethoven, but really, who could approach Mozart, being the child prodigy that he was? Well, I decided to try anyway. My choice, of course, was Mozart’s most popular work ever, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major), K. 525.

In this project I focused on the first movement: I – Allegro.

My approach is not to fundamentally change the composition, but to apply my own arrangement, instrumentation and groove to it in the spirit of my work in the Bluesy Bach and Friends project. Per the all knowing Wikipedia, “The work is written for an ensemble of two violins, viola, and cello with optional double bass but is often performed by string orchestras.” My version is more of a rock quartet, with guitar, bass, organ and drums. I have attached a snippet of what I have so far and if you have to apply categories to this, it has jazz and blues-rock influences. Stay tuned for the full release in the not too distant future.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart Eine kleine Nachtmusik Score

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Missing Audio Player

Feb 21, 2019 | Blog, Christopher J Music

Hey everyone — So, I’ve been kind of busy of late and hadn’t checked up on my web site’s functionality for a while, until today.  When I did I discovered the that I have a missing audio player for song preview buttons on my Music Store page.  I had been using a audio/video player plugin called Yendif player.  I apparently have the latest version, but for whatever reason it just wasn’t up to the task.  I am in the process of switching over to a new audio player, Compact WP Audio Player which I hope will play nice with all browsers!

 

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Hell Froze Over

Jan 15, 2019 | Blog, Humor

Here are a few photos from a Norwegian friend and colleague on life in Norway to confirm that Hell froze over!

My friend wrote me:

A few facts, with evidence below:

  • Hell is in Norway
  • Hell just froze over (this year also)
  • God got an expedition in Hell.  This picture is taken at the train station in Hell.
  • Yes that is the real name of the place. (Meaning something like Stone slap or Stone plate).
  • Gods-expedition = goods/freight terminal. And yes…. It’s cold there, about -5 degrees C today.

Hell froze over in Norway

Here is a recent photo of the Northern Lights from Narvik, Norway!  Very cool! (in more ways than one!)

Northern Lights in Narvik Norway

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Carols & Classics Concert

Dec 13, 2018 | Blog, Christopher J Music

Saturday, December 15th at 3:30 pm Evergreen Community Orchestra, in which I play bass, will be performing its 2018 Christmas holiday concert Carols & Classics.

We will be performing at Everett First Presbyterian Church at 2936 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett, Washington.  If you are in the area, come on in and enjoy the music!

The performance will include favorite Christmas carols including some European tunes and Hanukkah music topped off with Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  I’m sure you will enjoy it and like Steve Martin in the movie, “The Jerk”, you may go away saying, “Well, if this is out there, think how much more is out there. This is the kinda music that tells me to go out there and BE somebody!”

ECO Christmas 2018

Evergreen Community Orchestra

 

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Notating Scores and How to Download Sheet Music

Nov 18, 2018 | Blog, Christopher J Music, Sheet Music

I mentioned this a while ago that I decided, as they say, “to diversify”….. into providing sheet music.  I have been making notating scores, individual instrument parts and/or lead sheets and chord charts available for sale on my web site.  So, as of today, I have posted sheet music for the following compositions:

  • Trailer Park Santa
  • Hallelujah Chorus
  • All Things New
  • Mary’s Gift
  • Angeline the Baker
  • Bluesy Bach Opus 1

I hope to continue notating scores and I will be getting the rest of the Bluesy Bach pieces notated, hopefully sooner rather than later.

You can find them on the Sheet Music page.

Here is a preview of “Angeline the Baker”.  I found this tune in a book called “The Fiddler’s Fakebook” left over from my aborted attempt at learning to play the violin/fiddle. I never got rid of the book because I love a lot of the music in there and find it enjoyable to play on the guitar.

My recording of “Angeline the Baker” is an arrangement I created of an old time fiddle tune based on a song called “Angelina Baker” written by Stephen Foster for the Christy Minstrels, and published in 1850. The original laments the loss of a woman slave, sent away by her owner. The melody of the fiddle tune, Angeline the Baker differs from the Stephen Foster version.

In my arrangement and instrumentation in this recording I spiced it up and added a bit of country flavor! See my music page to buy a copy of Angeline the Baker.

Like this post?  Then check out Mozart!

Notating Scores - Angeline the Baker Sheet Music

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