Music: Improvisation

Louis (Louie) Armstrong 

Louis Armstrong lived the American dream. Born the grandson of slaves he hauled coal by day and played cornet at night in New Orleans dance halls. Jazz, the American musical expression, was his avenue out of poverty. One day, one hundred years later, an airport would be named after him and his recordings with "Hot Five" and "Hot Seven" would be preserved in the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress. His achievements came through hard work and many hours of practice. Armstrong said at the end of his life " I think I had a beautiful life. I didn't wish for anything that I couldn't get and I got pretty near everything I wanted because I worked for it."

This colorful man brought innovative and bold new sounds to jazz. He was one of the first to record scat singing (improvising vocals using sounds not words) and "Lazy River" is a great example of his scat singing. His unique gravelly voice and exceptional trumpet skills put him in a class with other solo artist. His ability to be able to remake a song was remarkable and "Hello Dolly" is one of these greats. It became #1 in the pop charts in 1964 pushing the Beatles out of the #1 spot. At age 63 he was the oldest person to accomplish this. 

This generous man was loved around the world. He toured Africa, Europe, and Asia they nicknamed him "Ambassador Satch," Satch or Satchmo was short for Satchelmouth. After a magazine editor greeted Armstrong in London "Hello Satchmo!" the name stuck. Armstrong supported the civil rights cause at home by giving abundantly to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During the conflict over desegregation in Little Rock, Armstrong called President Eisenhower "two faced and gutless", he then cancelled his state department sponsored tour of the Soviet Union remarking, "the way they're treating my people in the south. The government can go the hell." 

Jazz would be incomplete without Armstrong's great influence. Bing Crosby was only one performer who took much from their close working relationship. They worked together on projects including the film "Pennies from Heaven." Frank Sinatra and Billy Holiday also reflected on his influence. Holiday said, " she wanted Armstrong's feeling in her singing." Few if any performed with more emotion or heart. Listening to Louie Armstrong is a spirit lifting and happy experience.

The Triumph of Music

 Status (Chapter 1)

This chapter focuses on the statuses of composers and musicians in society throughout history. The statuses of great musicians and composers have changed drastically throughout the history of music. Musicians have been looked upon as slaves or servants that were completely under the control of a master. Even famous composers such as Mozart had to take direction from a higher power. On the other hand there are musicians and composers that have been looked upon as royalty for there illustrious careers. Beethoven was so loved that he had one of the biggest funerals in Vienna's history with a turnout of around 30,000 people. While Mozart on the other hand had hardly anyone show up to his funeral. Another factor that played a huge role in the status of musicians and composers throughout history was the ability of a fan to visually be able to depict what these musicians and composers looked like. With the development of lithography and photography people were able to see what these musicians and composers looked like. This brought about the factor of sex appeal to the world of music. Musicians such as Franz Liszt and Niccolo Paganini were not only known as two of the greatest musicians to ever live but they were also known for their immense amount of sex appeal. this factor of sex appeal, as we all know, plays such a large role in the music of today, in fact it is practically taking over the music industry. It has gotten to the point that even famous politicians use well known musicians in order to further their campaigns. Prime minister Tony Blaire was well known for surrounding himself with famous musicians, and would also make it a point to let everyone know that he was also in a band and had a love for rock music. Tony Blair's favorite band was the Rolling Stones and because he made this known he believed that he would be loved by everyone who loved the the Stones as well. Smart politicians realize that in order to win elections they must target their campaigns towards the youth of the country and their is no better way of doing this than relating to the youth through music. Bill Clinton did this as well, during his campaign for president he appeared on MTV by doing so he was referred to as basically a rock star candidate. Early musicians were controlled while most musicians of today are out of control. This goes to show how the statuses to people in the music business have changed drastically over the course of history.

Purpose (chapter 2)

Over the course of history music has had many different purposes. Some musicians and composers have dedicated their whole lives to giving their music some sort of purpose. Music has been written to make you feel, or think, or just relax and forget about all of the worries of the world. Music has been in existence forever it has been used for countless numbers of things over the course of mankind's history. In Plato's day music was looked upon as a science that was broken down and analyzed very carefully. Scientist would take different objects such as strings and hollowed out wood and try and figure out what they could do to make sounds fit together in perfect harmony. Music has also been used to heal the mentally sick, it was thought that music had the ability to reach parts of the human soul unlike any other thing. Music is the most complicated of all art forms in the way that nothing else can have so many different effects on the human psyche. A listener is often able to tell what kind of mental state a composer was going through just by listening to his music. Composers such as Beethoven put an immense amount of emotion into the music that they wrote. It is said that after the first performance of Beethoven's 9th symphony the audience erupted with emotion. Even today someone who listens to that piece of music is going to feel the overwhelming amount of emotion that was put into this piece. Whether the purpose of music is to cause an emotional response whether it be happy or sad or even in love, or the purpose be for the music to cause you to think. There is always some purpose to all music.

Places and Spaces( Chapter 3)

This chapter explains the development of where music has been played over the course of musical history. This chapter mostly focuses on the architecture of different cathedrals and opera houses. It also tells the reader about some very awkward places that music has been played. Royalty use to have a group of musicians follow them around almost everywhere so that when they felt like hearing music it was always available to them. The wealthy would also have a small orchestra follow them around on hunts so that they could have music played during the climax of an exciting hunt. During the 1600's and 1700's music was looked upon as something that the wealthy was able to enjoy when ever they wanted. Opera houses were extremely segregated with the boxes for the wealthy, and the common folk would sit in the gallery. Some opera houses only were available to the wealthy. It was not rare for a box owner to go to the same opera 30 nights in a row. They would look at the opera more as a social gathering than a concert. Some orchestras were told that they need to cater to the audience, making them quiet down when they noticed that the audience was having conversations with each other. Most opera houses had a similar design they all had boxes for the wealthy, and their was also always a center box which was always glamorously designed for the highest royalty. In the case of the Paris opera house which is probably the most famous opera house in the world. The designer believed that it was just as important to have an elaborate entrance as it was to have a glamorous concert hall. The stair case which can only be used by those who are sitting in expensive seats. The Paris opera house was built with the social aspect of going to the opera in mind. When it first opened in 1875 the richest people in all of Europe were invited to attend. It was as much about the experience as it was about the actual music. On the other hand the Festival Theatre in Bayreuth which was designed by Wagner. This design all about the music, it was not glamorous but it was very practical. Wagner said in his original design that he wanted the concert hall to be made out of wood. He wanted to provide a place where common people could go and enjoy good music. His original thought was that all the concerts were going to be free of charge, but this did change over time and they had to start charging. Theatre was capable of seating almost as many people as the Paris opera house but it cost about seventy times less. Apparently the Bayreuth house is one if not the best place to enjoy a concert in the world. In the mid 1800's a large space was one that could seat 2000 people now there are stadiums that can seat over a 100,000 people. Over the course of a single century places and spaces have expanded to unfathomable amounts.

Technology (chapter 4)

Technology has played a major role in how music has changed over the course of musical history. Many instruments have become obsolete due to new technology. The first instrument that the author really goes into detail about is the piano. Apparently nobody really took an instant liking to this instrument, but over time it became the most popular instrument in the world. After a while their was a piano in almost every house in Europe and women were pretty much expected to know how to play. Before music was recorded, which was also talked about in this chapter, their were a much greater number of musicians. When it was made possible to record music effectively and inexpensively the number of musicians in world greatly decreased. Technology has brought about the existence of almost every new genre of music. Think about it what is rock without the famous electric guitar. It is impossible to go anywhere without hearing some sort of music. Its truly everywhere and this is all due to technology. Music has has been a huge part of every decade in the second half of the 20th century without things wouldn't have been nearly as crazy. Music has the ability to liberate, which is something that is discussed in the next chapter, and because of this ability it has influence different treads of society. The only reason why music has gotten the chance to have such an effect on society is because of technology. It all started with the jukebox which was soon located in every diner and bar across the country. Along with the jukebox came music on the radio, and this opened up a whole world of opportunities for music. Now you could hear music in your car, or just when your hanging out at home, or even while your out working. As long as you had a radio you had access to music. Along with this technology came immense stardom for those who were making the music. Everyone in the country knew the names of the musicians that were played on the radio. Now because of technology new sounds are created everyday. The possibilities are endless for the music industry.

Liberation (chapter 5)

This chapter concentrates on the affect of music in society over the course of history. Music Music has been known to be very influential throughout history. Music has played a major role during times of war, and also during big elections. Music has been known to have to ability to effect how people react to different situations. It is not ridiculous to say that some music has the ability to brain wash people. Music has also had the effect of encouragement as well both spiritually and mentally. Its true that a lot can be said about someone just by finding out what type of music they like. Musicians of today have the ability to set new trends in society. If theirs a famous musician who wears purple tights in a music video I guarantee that people that would have never done so otherwise will go out and buy a pair of purple tights. Think about the fact that more people vote for American Idol than they due for president. In church you see much more of an emotional response to praise and worship than you do to a sermon in itself. It is not what is said it is how that it is delivered, and by delivering a message that is pleasing to the ear through music you are having a much greater effect on your audience.

Note to Professor Held: I hope this works for you I don't know why but the blogger wasn't letting me post pictures. I spent a lot of time on this and I hope this shows you that I did read the book. Thank you, Josh Bourelle

 

Beethoven blog

Summery

Beethoven was all about the music. Without Beethoven's music he would have been just another pathetic person shaped by his father's abuse. The "tone poet" as he called himself said, "For you there is no longer any happiness within yourself, in your art, O Go give me the strength to conquer myself, nothing at all must fetter me to life." With great disappointments in his personal life he always had his music, the only thing that gave him real satisfaction and joy. 

It surprises me that Ludwig didn't grow up hating music, when considering the trauma and abuse associated with it. Ludwig's father, a cruel taskmaster, forced 3 year old Ludwig to practice piano all hours of the day and night and beat him for any interruptions to his lessons. It seems that music was in Beethoven's soul, for even with his father's abuse, spontaneous creative music poured out of him even as a child. His first teacher (Neefe) saw his student's great need to create and improvise however Neefe kept him on task with music fundamentals. It was evident at a young age Beethoven had a great gift. Fortunately for Ludwig he had a loving mother whom he adored. I would suspect that whatever stability he exhibited could be credited to his relationship with his mother. Ludwig secured a position as a court organist at age 14, out of necessity he supported his family while his father became more of a degenerate drunk. Leaving Bonn to spend time studying with Haydn in Vienna proved to be disappointing. Haydn had little time to teach and it seems that Beethoven and Haydn never really clicked. Beethoven was able to study with Albrechtsberger who rigidly forced him to give attention to the finer points of composition. He was developing the skills he would need to be perhaps the greatest creative music mind that has graced this earth. The bigness of his playing could not be contained, it was a prelude of things to come in this changing revolutionary world. He gained favor in Vienna as he launched a trio of works for publication with great success. 

The turn of the century brought good things in Beethoven's life, he was now an established composer and his finances allowed him a comfortable life in Vienna. Beethoven's creative juices never stopped flowing he could be found writing on a wall, a tree, composing while shaving or eating, anytime, his thoughts rarely escaped him. In 1801 he sought help for hearing loss and chronic diarrhea both plagued him all his life. The best the medical profession provided was almond oil applied to the ears and a painful bark implant to the upper arm. A depressing disability for a man of his profession he even considered suicide. Facing his hearing loss didn't diminish his creative drive. As he moved into his 30's he worked on many great music works, Moonlight Sonata being only one. As he became more reclusive he said, "I live only in my notes, and one composition is scarcely done before another is begun." I suspect he felt the need to get down to business while he still had some of his hearing. Between 1803-1812 he composed an opera, six symphonies, four solo concertos, five string quartets, and six string sonatas all of these are masterpieces. He also composed many more, most of them great works as well. Beethoven was a master of multitasking, his sketch book was filled with many different projects simultaneously. It's fair to say Beethoven was a type A personality who worked with great energy. He liked to be physically moving and loved his walks in the country.

 Beethoven was bringing a new sound to music, a revolutionary style, to match the changing times. Some thought his "Heroic Symphony" was too long and too different for their taste however he proved to be new, innovative, and a challenge to the listener's mind. When Beethoven's quartets were criticized by a violinist he said, "They are not for you, but for a later age." Beethoven wasn't a people person, as he turned out great works of art, his ability to get along with others diminished. He would fight with his brothers with little if any cause. Consequently Beethoven wasn't liked. I believe deafness had a part in his aggressive nature. Unfortunately his ability to conduct was affected as well however he used his eyes to see what music was played. I admire the way he adapted to his disability rather than being defeated by it.

As Napolean raised havoc in Vienna Beethoven became even more dependent on his aristocrat friends. He threatened to leave Vienna when he was in need of money this of course caused a panic among his elite friends. They couldn't lose their music god. They banded together to provide a good yearly salary. His deception worked like a charm, they never knew he had not intended to leave. At this time Beethoven was the composer for the rich and famous he said, "I don't write for the galleries!" He composed for those who could understand and appreciate his innovative ideas. Beethoven described his music as "something eternal, infinite, something never wholly comprehensible-". 

"It's not good for man to be alone." God was right and Beethoven was a prime example. Tormented by his loneliness and longed to be loved, his need to be loved by a women, created a gaping hole in his being. He was repeatedly disappointed by female interests. Apparently Beethoven wasn't an attractive man and he certainly had some unattractive behaviors. As he began to accept that marriage would never be realized and he would lose all his hearing, his music reflected this mood. Some people should not be parents and Beethoven was one of these people. With the torment of cruel abuse in his own childhood he was destined to repeat history. Taking custody of his brother's son, Karl, was a mistake, only one of many mistakes, in his personal life. His mental instability and deafness limited him progressively throughout his life. Despite his inability to father Karl their is no doubt that he loved the boy in a distorted way. The result, Karl was so troubled that he tried to take is own life fortunately it was a failed attempt. 

Beethoven's personal life was simply a mess. His life's work was an example of musical perfection. It's a sad contrast and I can't wonder if the tragic nature of his life helped to shape his creative genius. As he grew older, Edmond Morris writes,"Beethoven in fact was incapable of imitating even himself. Even more now than in the past, every fresh work had to be unique." Hammerklavier Sonata is a good example of his forward thinking, blending old, new and never heard before to produce work that was unmistakably Beethoven. His creative life was his life, he best expressed himself with notes rather than words. He was the "tone poet" a gift to all who love great music. Beethoven is loved today for his contributions to humanity. I only hope he will not be judged too harshly for his shortcomings. His life was all about the music and he did that beautifully. 

Beethoven's symphonies numbers 3,6,and 9

Symphony number 3 fit for a king as it was designed to honor Napoleon. Beethoven became unhappy with Napoleon's arrogant self appointment as Emperor and rededicated this symphony,"In memory of a great man." Many feel this was a turing point in his career as a composer. The "Heroic" was twice as long as anything composed by anyone before it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFltqVS8d9I

Symphony number 6 in F major op 68 "Pastoral"

Beethoven felt symphony number 6 had a spiritual element. Much of the inspiration came from nature. I can imagine Beethoven on one of his walks in the country studying quail and writing in his sketch book. Judging from the peaceful sounds of the "Pastoral", I thing Beethoven was probably in a better place emotionally. This was the most programmatic of his works. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZGb-Kjy0S0

Symphony number 9 in D minor op. 125 "Grand Symphony"

At its first performance of the 9th, the concert hall erupted in a show of emotion. People were so moved by the music the police needed to restore order. I suspect Beethoven wanted to leave his fans with something to remember him by so he created the most revolutionary sound to date. Grand is truly the best adjective for the 9th Symphony. A bigger sound is hard to come by. "Grand Symphony" was the right choice for the destruction of the Berlin wall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sE-sS_1JQZI

Josh Bourelle

 On July 5th I attended a jazz concert at a restaurant called the Blue Dragon Musiquarium. The band that me and my mom went to see was the Olliephonic Horns and they were actually very entertaining. It was in a great family enviroment where the food was great and the entertainment was even better. The band played many different songs ranging from Benny Goodman, to Frank Sinatra, to Jitter Bug numbers, and mostly big band swing. The Olliephonics are an extremely big band with 12 members. Mostly all of whom played horns hence the name Olliephonic Horns. They had a guest appearance by a Sinatra style singer named Joe Mackie. When I learned that one of my assignments was to go to a jazz or blues concert I was a little worried about finding one, but I went to one of the resorts and a concierge who in fact a big jazz fan told me about the Blue Dragon. This was in fact a great place to go see a concert my mom and I had front row seating to a great show and not only was the music good but the food was great as well. There was a lot of people dancing during the show and my mom kept bugging me to go dance with her, but I didn't. probably should have though. Well more about the band, during the show the band kept explaining to the audience that they were a non profit organization that got together to share the gift of music with the youth. Some of the members of the band were in fact music teachers at different schools on the island.