Posts Tagged ‘chopin’

Concertos Nos

Concertos Nos

Jonathan Biss - Mozart Piano Concertos Nos 21 & 22

Arthur Rubinstein

Arthur Rubinstein

The Bible of ‘Mahina meli’ (Honeymoon) In Hawaii

“It took great courage to ask a beautiful young woman to marry me. Believe me, it is easier to play the whole Petrushka on the piano.”

Arthur Rubinstein

What can be one of the precious moments when she says those most awaited words to you from her charming mouth, “Yes, I will”. Followed by, the wedding, happening with all their loved ones around. Showering their blessings to the newly weds, there is nothing more admirable to see those two in love, see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.

Like in the flick, Father Of The Bride, the happy couple, after a lovely wedding, starts for their honeymoon to Hawaii. Talking about honeymoons, Hawaii is one of the, as is called in Hawaiian language ‘Mahina meli’, the demanded honeymoon destinations for the love birds to coo together. However, if things are not planned properly with care and promised security, your honeymoon can end up being bitter than the bittergourd.

There are certain things which are to be kept in mind while chalking out the whole trip to Hawaii. And, since it is the honeymoon, you’ll have to be extra careful not to turn the occasion into a nightmare.

Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.

Roy Goodman

The largest chunk as an island of the archipelago, Hawaii is a state in the United States. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of O’ahu. The island formed from the volcanic eruptions has the mountain taller than Mount Everest named Mauna Kea which stands at 33,500 ft from the floor of the Pacific Ocean.

Since surrounded by the sea from all the sides, the climate in summers is around 31°C during the day and around 24 °C at night. Winters remain evident with daytime at around 28 °C and nights fall with seldom dipping at 18 °C. However, apart from the verified prerequisite knowledge of the place, there are certain vital points to keep in mind.Firstly, before deciding for the wedding dates, you should have a proper knowledge of the number of working days and holidays in Hawaii. The Honolulu Marriage License Office is open the rest of the days except the 13 to 14 holidays. Hawaii is such a demanded wedding and a party place all over the world that it really becomes nearly impossible to book venues. Moreover, the island is jam-packed with most of its hotels and flights booked during Valentine’s Day and New Year. With the increasing population and tourist pouring in from all over the world, traffic and parking becomes a real challenge. Therefore, it’s advised that the hotel rooms be booked well in advance. Also, check the whole schedule a day before. On the W day, arrive before time to avoid the traffic, delay and parking problems.

Secondly, Hawaii boasts of a beautiful sunny weather, almost the whole year.  However, at times it can be so humid that it can melt the groom and the bride off, of their tux and long, heavy gown respectively. Better start the whole program during the evening or arrange for a big shady site. During the other seasons like the Spring & Fall, night arrangements are quite cool. Rains may usually be followed by beautiful rainbows adorning the sky.

Thirdly, often the sunset views become a masterpiece of nature assumed to be as a gift to the couple from God himself. Surprisingly, every beach has its own unique sunset view daily. Also, different seasons accompany sunsets viewed at different facing different directions.

Fourthly, what if at the spur of the moment, your lover proposes you to marry you? If you just decide to get marry within a couple of hours how will you find a suitable dress for you? Don’t worry. Here comes to your rescue the local dress designers who can provide you with beautiful print traditional aloha dress.

Fifthly, whether it’s a costly affair or a quickie business, it does require all couples to legalize their marriage. It’s just not possible to be like any other lovelorn careless get married at any other aisle. Please note that homosexual marriages are still not legal here. However, some special services are readily provided to soothe their romantic links and non- binding commitments. Wherever you get married a permit is needed. Even beach weddings too, need a permit. Since the marriage is not considered legal in every country therefore it as for $ 1 Apostil is available along with the copy of the license.

Sixthly, it’s a fact that Hawaii marriage license doesn’t really require witnesses to sign on the papers.

Seventhly, this is for those who are looking for some thrill and adventure on their wedding day. The ministers in Hawaii really make it much easier if you ever thought of your wedding to be in a waterfall, or on a hilltop facing the setting sun into the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Eighthly, the State of Hawaii only allows to wedding officiates and ministers to perform a religious ceremony. It’s only the prices that these people offer, that you need to take care of.

Ninthly, for hair and make up the local salons can always come in handy. Also, the hotels where you stay, most probably provide with spas and salons. Just remember to fix your appointment before time to avoid congestion and delays.

Artur Rubinstein in De Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance"

Chopin Piano

Chopin Piano

Can anybody suggest a recording of the Chopin Etudes for piano solo?

After many years of listening to my Ashkenazy version I have decided to buy a new one.

Here're two to consider, each *very* different: Maurizio Pollini (1), a truly majestic reading, and a nowadays often grossly underestimated artist, Adam Harasiewicz (2), with whom I spent an unforgettable, invaluable period of study, so 'ah's biased'... Because of their age, his recordings are not readily found nowadays, but keep looking -- sorry, you ain't getting mine... ))

The music of Chopin - 3 Piano pieces

Chopin Complete

Chopin Complete

Could there be a similarity in how we perceive flawed and brilliant logic?

Erroneous logic is something which is relatively easy to understand, but contains a logical flaw.

Brilliant logic can be so complicated that we fail to comprehend the whole thing, so the 'visible' parts don't seem to make sense.

A novel example of this can be found in classical music with a lot of dissonances like Chopin. At first a melody might sound out of place, but as more is revealed it becomes complete and you understand that it was perfect from the beginning.
Musical ideas, in some form, have the same building blocks as every other idea. But don't worry: that in itself is a really hard concept to understand. You're right, it was kind of stupid to use it as an example.

Well, I get what your saying but truly brilliant logic shouldn't be something as subjective as music.

Alice Sara Ott - Chopin: Complete Waltzes

Rubinstein Arthur

Rubinstein Arthur

Four of the Greatest Modern Classical Pianists of All Times

Every serious piano student eventually learns to play some of the most well-known classical pieces during his or her studies. Nary a pianist didn't learn Palchabel's Canon in D or Beethoven's Fur Elise. Even non-musicians recognize names like Bach and Mozart.

But what about modern classical pianists who have also made notable contributions to cultural history? Here are four the most well-known modern classical pianists and their contributions:

* Glen Gould: The eccentric Canadian-born classical pianist spent more of his prolific career in the recording studio than on stage. Gould covered many of the original classical greats, such as Bach and Beethoven. Gould may be best remembered though for his recordings of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Gould was widely acclaimed for his unusual technique and eclectic renditions of famous classical works. Though he spent many years on the road, touring several countries, he gave up concert performances in 1964 at the age of 32. Though he could have spent decades longer on the road, he preferred to live out the remainder of his career in the studio.

Gould's career was cut short by an untimely stroke at the age of 50, which ultimately took his life. Still, his recordings live on today and have been released and re-released numerous times.

* Arthur Rubinstein: He has been referred to as one of the greatest piano virtuosi of the 20th century. Born in Poland in 1887, Rubinstein's family recognized a depth of unique talent in him, despite the fact he didn't speak until age three. A childhood filled with unusual behavior and outbursts fuel speculation that Rubinstein may have suffered from a learning disorder or autism.

Eventually, Rubinstein's temperament gave way to the talent for playing the piano that he eventually became known for. Rubinstein made his concert debut in New York in 1906 and toured until 1976. He reluctantly retired from public performance at the age of 89 when his hearing and eyesight began to fail. Though he passed away in 1982, Rubinstein is still highly acclaimed among modern musicians.

* Sergei Rachmaninoff: This Russian classical pianist was also a composer and conductor. Perhaps it was his unusual 12-inch hand span that helped him become a legend for his technical proficiency. Rachmaninoff not only commanded the stage, but at a height of 6 feet, 6 inches, commanded a room as well. Though he began piano study casually under the tutelage of his own mother, his extraordinary talent quickly emerged.

Rachmaninoff was mediocre in academics, even failing many of his subjects for lack of motivation. However, his piano instructor, who recognized his potential, insisted on a strict and disciplined practice regimen. If not for him, Rachmaninoff may have given up on his musical studies as well. A later meeting with Peter Tchaikovsky also served as inspiration for him to continue his musical career.

He managed to overcome several setbacks in his career, including scathing public reviews and a long period of writer's block. After several years of performance and changes in location, Rachmaninoff moved to the United States in 1918. He continued performing until February of 1943, just a month before his death from cancer.

* Myra Hess: This British pianist stands out in a genre typically dominated by men, especially during her years of public performance. Even as a young child Hess exhibited extraordinary talent. She was admitted to the Guildhall School of Music just two years after beginning lessons at age five. She gave her first public performance at the tender age of 17 in 1907, when she toured throughout Europe for several years. Eventually Hess debuted in the United States, where she realized almost instant acclaim. In an effort to boost morale during World War II, Hess organized a series of free public concerts in London. Her efforts during a time that saw the closure of concert halls and art galleries due to the war was deeply appreciated and received by the public. Hess herself performed at many of these lunch hour concerts. It may have been these efforts that endeared her to the public and stirred lasting interest in her music and career.

Arthur Rubinstein plays Liszt.