Animated Score – Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist

Better Than Coffee, Gustav Holst, “Jupiter”

on June 7, 2013June 7, 2013 By mikeslayen 4 Comments

Click here for previous Better Than Coffee posts.

I think most of you who read this blog would agree music is the best ‘drug’ of all time…including our beloved morning coffee.

This series has been and will continue to be a public service for those of you trying to cut your caffeine intake, by enjoying some fast/energetic music…. 😉

…Or for those of you looking to enhance that morning cup.

Gustav Holst, “Jupiter,” from, “The Planets.”

If you are unfamiliar with, “The Planets,” each planet was characterized musically. “Jupiter,” was composed as The Bringer of Jollity. This piece is fun and furious. Even the slower parts are dignified, stately and triumphant!

Do you think, “Star Wars,” composer John Williams mightn’t been influenced? hmmm

This video is another in the line of animated scores click here for others.

Happy Friday, Enjoy!

Music to Relax, Debussy, “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune”

on June 5, 2013June 5, 2013 By mikeslayen

This is one of Debussy’s most popular pieces. “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.”

Impressionist music was often dreamy in nature and this piece fits right in that category. The dreamy quality of the melody is achieved using the whole tone scale. Whole tones on guitar are achieved by skipping on fret each time you advance on the neck. On piano you would skip one key(whether black or white.) There are only two whole tone scales….think about it???

Debussy achieves the lush sonority with his orchestration in the strings and his use of tall chords…chords with extensions, 9, 11, 13s etc. The sound of the harp also adds to the piece’s calmness.

The video again has an amazing animated score which may visually help you enjoy the music so try and follow along!

Enjoy!

Amazing Audio/Visual Presentation of Stravinsky’s, “Rite of Spring”

on May 31, 2013May 31, 2013 By mikeslayen 1 Comment

Did you check out my previous post on Stravinsky’s, “Rite of Spring,” Centennial celebration?

Did you try to listen to it?

Did you just not get it?

That’s OK it is a hard listen but one that is well worth it. I just came across this video which has animated the complete score of the first section of the piece. It enhances the listening experience for myself and I think a novice listener would benefit, as well.

Through the animation you can see the compositional and orchestrational processes more clearly which should enhance the listening experience.

Give it a try…or just enjoy the flashing colors… 😉