'The Incredible Lightness of Being' - Robin Hill

'The Incredible Lightness of Being', which is track 8 on, 'Robin Hill's Eklectica', was composed by Robin, specifically for the quartet.

The piece begins with a solo guitar introduction and a fine example of the tremelo technique, which is fluent and rhythmic, setting the tone for the whole piece.
After the introduction there is a change of tempo, commencing with the guitar, which plays a demanding and energetic semiquaver sequence, 'moto perpetuo', which continues throughout the rest of the piece.

Gradually the other instruments are introduced, starting with the piano.
As the marimba joins in I'm afraid the extract then stops, but the piece goes on to culminate with all four musicians playing together.

I have always found this piece very intriguing.
It draws the listener in and mesmerises with it's constantly evolving repetition in a very satisfying way.
An ideal piece of music to sit back, close your eyes, and let the music take you wherever you want to go.

It often reminds me of timelapse photography of city life, where the sound of traffic and people going about their busy lives is removed, and replaced with this much calmer and hypnotic soundtrack.
Listen for yourself and come up with your own conclusions.

Meanwhile here at Hillhouse, Robin is enjoying his time at home, whilst preparing for his next trip.
Today his mission was connected with school.
Son number two has been enjoying animal/wildlife week.
Whilst Robin was away a letter was sent home asking if any parent would like to take a pet in to show to the children.
I volunteered Robin, and then let hom know, by email.
Today was the day.
He got up early to take Miss.Bimps (our chocolate labrador) out for a run in the hopes that it would take the edge off her enthusiasm.
Son number two was very excited.
Off they went.
It was a huge success. The class of 4 and 5 year olds loved her, and, she was very well behaved.
The most amusing part in these situations are always the questions session.
There were the usual, "How many walks does she have?", "Why Miss.Bimps?" (see other entries on Mozart's dog...), but most amusing, "How many dogs are there in the universe?"
To which Robin replied he didn't know, and one small boy added, "I think there's about 100."
Robin was so pleased he was here to carry out this parental responsibility. One of those occasions that would have been very sad for all concerned if he had missed it.

Robin Hill Plays Claude Bolling's 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano Trio'

To hear extracts from all the movements from Claude Bolling's 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano Trio', go to iTunes or follow 'Eklectica' link.

Claude Bolling is a French pianist/composer, born in Cannes in 1930.
Bolling was a child prodigy and as a 14 year old boy won an amateur jazz contest in Paris.
By the following year he had formed his own group which was influenced by the music of Duke Ellington, who had become a friend and mentor.
Bolling has also been hugely influenced by New Orleans jazz.

By 1948 Bolling was playing with American musicians such as Lionel Hampton, Roy Eldridge and Kenny Clark.
In 1955 he formed his own orchestra, known as the, 'Show Bizz Band', which continued performing into the 1980's.
He has written numerous film scores and is particularly well known for his semi-classical compositions.

The idea of associating jazz and classical music has often inspired a diverse range of musical personalities. George Gershwin, Dave Brubeck and Jacques Loussier, to name a few.
Bolling's first fusion was in the 1970's when he composed, 'Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano', which quickly became a favourite for both jazz and classical listeners.
The following, 'Suite for Violin and Jazz Piano', commissioned and recorded by Pinchas Zukerman in 1977, was also hugely successful.

But it was Bolling's third work of this kind, 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano Trio', which interests us today.
Of the concerto Bolling said, "The writing needed very special attention so that the piano would not predominate over the guitar."
This is a known problem when composing for guitar and piano as they do not naturally work well together.
Jazz pianists frequently have to reduce their left hand activities to allow the guitar a sonic space in which to be heard.

Bolling certainly achieved his objective in the composition of this concerto.
The 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Piano Jazz Trio', is a rarely recorded, and substantial work in seven movements.
Robin has collaborated with a group of musicians from diverse musical backgrounds to bring you 'Eklectica'.
They are:
Robin Hill - Guitar/elctric guitar/electric sitar/percussion
Daniel Bath - Piano/Vocals
Maurice Cheetham - Percussion
Dave Lynane - Bass

I have heard 'Eklectica' perform all the music on this CD live, and it really is a fabulous, and highly varied concert.
Today we shall look at the seven movements of the, 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano Trio', of which Robin gave the UK premiere.


1) Hispanic Dance.

This movement has a South American theme in 5/4 time, which later alternates with the more seductive jazz feel of 4/4 time. This allows for much improvisation on the piano, and as the movement progresses, both the guitar and the piano alternating and sharing the statements of the opening theme.
The guitar part is demanding and we are reminded of Dave Brubeck's 'Blue Rondo a la Turk'.

2) Mexicaine.

The second movement, Mexicaine, also contrasts two themes. It is said that Mexican street musicians inspired the 5/8 rhythm that dominates much of this movement.
Initially the guitar focuses on a nostalgic lament, before the piano, bass and drums develop into a more jazz influenced melody.

3) Invention.

Invention begins with a baroque dialogue between guitar and piano whilst the bass and drums play an insistent ostinato.
The piano and bass then improvise in turn against the main theme, until the guitar reappears to resume their interplay which culminates in the conclusion of the movement.

4) Serenade.

The guitar opens the fourth movement with slow arpeggios developed harmonically. This continues as the piano enters with the theme and the bass and drums enter softly, one by one, to give the movement a bossa nova feel.

5) Rhapsodic.

This movement commences with the guitar playing a long series of perfect major and minor triads until a new pattern develops, commencing with the double bass, then piano, then drums, which is suggestive of a ballad.

6) Africaine.

Here there are two principle themes, fast paced and strongly accented. The first incantatory, the second more melodic, but, rhythmically complex. Robin improvised his own cadenza which heralds the return of the main theme.
An excellent sense of timing is required to draw on both the classic and the the jazz elements in this movement.

7) Finale.

As the title suggests, this is the finale to the whole piece, a reprise of the six preceding movements, and a mixing of the two main themes from 'Hispanic Dance' and 'Mexicaine', to give a fitting and brilliant finale.

To hear extracts from all the movements follow the 'Eklectica' link.

Robin Hill's 'Eklectica'

A new CD is now available from CD Baby and within the next few weeks will also be accessable from all major digital distribution stores.

I'm actually quite envious of any of you unfamiliar with these pieces, which will be most of you, as some of them are original compositions!
You are in for a real treat.
Robin has collaborated with three other musicians to provide an eclectic mix of classical guitar, jazz piano, and, even some electric guitar and electric sitar.

For now, go over and have a listen, and over the next few days I'll tell you a bit more about each piece.

Here's the link: Robin Hill's 'Eklectica'.

And Finally...Home

Robin is home.
Although yesterday there were times when I thought it may have been quicker to go via South America after all!
After a long flight from LA, the last thing you need is your connecting flight to be cancelled.
It was.
Not once but twice.
Consequently it was some hours later than anticipated when Robin finally arrived home.
The delay caused a last minute problem with child care.
Thankfully a very good friend held onto our two in the school car park, and they were reunited with their Daddy under the bemused gaze of straggling school children, and the lollipop man.

Once home, Robin opened his case, and handed out these beautiful little boxes. They fit together like a puzzle, and are very unusual.
Mind you he did get them in Costa Rica.



But for now, Robin will just enjoy some time with the family.

Home or South America?

Gales, rain and even the threat of snow - ideal flying weather.
Robin is en route for Heathrow and then has to transfer to Manchester.
He nearly wasn't though.

This highlights the unpredictable nature of life as a musician.
Early evening yesterday I had a call from Robin as he waited in Los Angeles airport.
Our London agent had 'phoned asking if he could divert Robin to South America.
Now, I don't know about other musicians diary keeping, but back in December Chris Foley ran a poll on the methods used to keep track of concerts, rehearsals etc. You can read it here.

We couldn't contribute to the poll as the category we use, wasn't available. That is of course - me.
Robin's reply to the agent was therefore, "I'm not sure, I think I've something on, you'll have to call Anna."
Which he did.
I then had a frantic few minutes as I tried to work out if Robin could in fact stay away for another week and go onto South America, before travelling back to North America for a pre arranged concert.
The diary was packed.

When Robin is home I have to fit in any appointments he needs which results in a rather busy time. All of these could have been rearranged, but some were important.
In the near future Robin has a trip to a rather exotic country which requires extra travel protection, ie, Malaria tablets.
If he didn't collect them next week he wouldn't be here long enough to start the course before the trip in March....
Even that is solvable. I could have arranged for the relevant medication to be forwarded to a port somewhere and collected by Robin whilst on his travels.

But then I realised that one date couldn't be changed.
A private performance at the weekend which has been organised for a long time.
We don't like to let anyone down, so, I had to say no to South America.
You have to remember that all this was going through my mind in seconds, as I scanned the diary, with the agent on the 'phone waiting for an answer. It was obviously hectic at his end as he tried to resolve the problem.
Normally, like most musicians, Robin always accepts work, even if it requires some reorganisation. But on this occasion it wasn't possible.

Meanwhile I had an image of Robin, waiting patiently at Los Angeles airport, unsure if he was to catch a flight to Heathrow, and then home, or, South America, which ultimatly would have resulted in a total of 5 1/2 weeks away.
As soon as I'd realised he couldn't do it, and confirmed this with the agent, I called Robin.

The temptation for a practical joke was just too great.
I have after all been on the receiving end of many.
"You're going to South America but they are flying you home for the weekend, then back again...."
Silence.
"Only joking!"
Relief.

At the time of writing Robin has arrived at Heathrow and we are now waiting to see if he gets through all the security checks in time to make his connecing flight.
I'll let you know - tomorrow.

Los Angeles at Last and the Professor Returns?

The Queen Victoria has arrived in Los Angeles and this is where Robin begins his long journey home.
During the last 1000 nautical miles, a recent message from him made me laugh.
He had been enjoying the late afternoon sunshine, relaxing on a lounger, and reading a book.
Robin had the feeling he was being watched so glanced up.
A group of passengers were standing nearby with a video camera trained on him.
Taking refuge behind his sunglasses he tried to carry on reading as if nothing was happening.
Not wanted to upset anyone he maintained his pose for several minutes.
At which point the group switched off the camera and moved on.
He doesn't mind this.
It's an honour that someone feels strongly enough about your performance that they want to capture you on film.
It's also a nice feeling to know that somewhere in the world, marked under 'Family Holiday Jan 2008', and consigned to the archives, is some footage of Robin reading a book.
You never know, it may even find its way onto a site like YouTube at some stage, with a title such as, 'Rare chance to see musician at rest'.

But this is where concerts on board cruise ships differ from those on land.
On land, after the event, and a certain amount of socialising, you are free to go. At this stage most musician will switch off and relax post concert.

On board ship it's different.
You are fairly anonymous until the first concert, and, after that, your movements tend to be monitored by many hundreds of guests.
In some ways it's very nice. You get to talk to some interesting people, and it's always an honour when someone takes the time to tell you how much they enjoyed your performance.
For the guests on board, they have an opportunity to meet artists, which wouldn't arise on land.

However, there must be times when Robin just wants to relax, this has been a 2 1/2 week trip, which is a long time to maintain your composure every single time you step out of your room.
So, I have come up with the solution.
Next trip I shall have to find room in his suitcase for his Professor disguise.
You can remind yourself of it here.
It may prove impractical in the blazing heat of some of his ventures, but, that's the price you pay for anonymity.

Sea, Strings and a New CD

I know it has all been rather light hearted recently, but behind the scenes, there's still a lot going on.
In the next few days we will be announcing the release of a new album. I'm very excited about this, so, keep checking in for more details.

But this blog is about the life of a musician, and many people enjoy seeing the places that Robin goes, the people that he meets, and the music that he plays.
It is after all his life at the moment.

Whilst Robin is away it can be difficult to keep up to date with what is actually going on, as there are many communication problems to overcome.
Frequently we are unable to talk via 'phone, although last night there was a bonus call, as the Queen Victoria was sailing only a mile off the coast of California, so we were able to get an intermittent signal.
He is sure that I have perfected the art of talking as if the line is breaking up. He swears that our conversations are always fine until he asks any taxing questions, at which point, "I...sorry....can't...he..ar..you".
I'm not so sure there isn't a little projection going on.

Also, email can be patchy.
Some days it's fine, other days no messages.
Add in a constantly changing time difference and you can see how it becomes difficult.

One message that did manage to make it, relates to a blog I did a long time ago, which has always been popular, 'The Many and Varied Uses of Savarez Guitar Strings'.

Here's another to add to the list.
Often in hotels, and on board ships, the clothes hangers are designed to only be used in the wardrobe. Understandably, they don't want everyone packing them and taking them home.
But it doesn't help if you want to dry a shirt in the bathroom. There's nothing to 'hook' it over the rail.

Answer: Savarez guitar strings, as demonstrated here:



Musicians have to be versatile.

Mad in Manzanillo

I'm beginning to think that Robin has spent too long on his own.
Without a concert to focus on he appears to be thinking about other projects.
Yesterday he was in Manzanillo, Mexico, and sent a selection of photographs.

The first was titled: 'The New Stage Boots'.



The Second: 'The Mexican Dresses'.



The third: 'The Bandstand'.



The message: "Where's the band?"

Either he feels the need to collaborate with some local musicians, or, the sun has finally got to him...
But, he does now have two days at sea, as the Queen Victoria makes her way to Los Angeles.
Hopefully a gentle breeze from the Pacific Ocean will help to clear his mind.
I do know that he is already thinking about programmes, for the next two overseas trips that he is making, and also running through some new pieces.
So maybe all is not lost.

An Ornithological Day in Acapulco

The Queen Victoria was in Acapulco yesterday.
As Robin has completed his concerts, he was been able to have a good look round, and liked it very much.
There's a huge sweeping bay, and houses dotted all over the hillside, which he anticipated would look spectacular after dark.

First though, a trip to town turned into rather an ornithological day.
First there was his new friend a parrot:



Apparently he was very heavy but had, 'beautiful plumage'.

Then there were some pelicans having a rest on a small fishing boat:



Even the taxi rank looks interesting, made up entirely of VW Beetles:



So, whilst Robin had 'Fun in Acapulco', I took our two children to the nearest town, so they could spend their Christmas/Birthday money, that was burning a hole in their pockets. We had a good day too!

Guitar Concert One Day, Socks The Next...

As the Queen Victoria makes its way up the coast of El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala, heading for Mexico, Robin seems to have turned his hand to more domestic issues:



He appears to have developed a new sock drying technique, patent pending, which apparently was highly effective!
Not sure what health and safety would say, but, he assures me he didn't leave the sock unattended...
Now I know I packed enough, 20 pairs in fact.
A handy hint for travellers, insert your socks in your shoes, it saves space in the suitcase, and maintains the shape of the shoe.
I can only imagine that due to the very hot weather, more socks have been required than expected.
He does however say that it is rather a labour intensive method, which makes me think the other 19 pairs will be returning unwashed.....

Wife of a Musician - Part 2 - Travel

As Robin is on the Queen Victoria, somewhere between Costa Rica and Mexico, it seems appropriate to look at travel, because all musicians have to do it.

Robin's office is his music room, but, every time he goes out to work, long distances are involved.
In the early days, if he was performing in the UK, he would drive to the concert, give his performance, socialise with the organisers and guests, then drive home again, no matter how far, or how late he would arrive back.
But this is hugely impractical, exhausting, and a pace of life that can't be continued.
Now we have a 3 hour rule.
Any venue, more than 2 1/2 to 3 hours drive away, he stays over night, and returns refreshed the next day.

But frequently musicians don't only play in their home country, but, anywhere around the world.
Most people think it's a fantastic and glamorous way of life and in some ways it is.
However, if it's a two week tour somewhere, the musicians generally only see airports, hotels and venues, as they constantly move from city to city.
If they are lucky, they may get a day off at some point, and will then make the most of it.

I know how hard it is as I often travelled with the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.
Yes you get a feel for the country you are in, and hosts are very kind, usually entertain you, and show you a few historical sites. But on the whole, the same applies, airport, hotel, venue, hotel, airport.
I was lucky, as I would usually get an hour or so to look around, before the concert, whilst the duo prepared.
By morning, you pack up and move on.

Sometimes they would have midday concerts, or masterclasses, and then travel onto the next town in time for an evening recital.
So it is hard work.

But the travelling Robin is doing at the moment is different again.
He still has the long haul flights, but as he often performs on various incredible cruise ships, he gets to unpack, and his room becomes home, for the main part of the trip.
Depending on how his concerts fall within the trip, he will get to see more of the countries he visits.
But if they dock at a beautiful island somewhere and his concert is the next day, he really will only allow himself a short visit, as for him, the priority is, and always will be, giving the best performance he can.
But, as on this current trip, sometimes he's lucky.
He has performed his last concert and still has a few countries to visit, so will go ashore and make the most of it.

It's hard though. Can you imaging seeing some incredible place, but the very people you would love to share the experience with, are not there.
One memorable trip to Venice resulted in a huge 'phone bill as Robin took in all the beautiful buildings and relayed the scenes to me on the other end of the 'phone.

As the wife of a musician you have to accept that they will be away from home, and sometimes for quite long periods.
So often you hear of musicians relationships failing because of these separations.
But I knew about Robin's travelling when we married, and have accepted it as part of our way of life.
Luckily, I have always been the sort of person that has plenty of things to do, and keep myself very busy. In fact, when Robin is away my work load obviously increases, so I often find I have too little time to achieve all I need!

That doesn't mean it's easy, you just learn how to cope with it.
It is hard at times and particularly for the children.
They miss him very much, but are also accepting of the situation and, for them, it's normal.
We have all learnt to make the most of the times when Robin is home, and in some ways, are all happier for it.
Musicians have to play, not just to earn a living, but also because it is a basic need.
Without his music he wouldn't be the man I married, simple as that.

William Walton, Julian Bream and the Paraguayan Harpist

A worried man pre-concert:



Relieved and rehydrating post concert:



Robin continues to receive positive feedback after his final concert, and, consequently meets some interesting people.

One enthusiastic lady introduced herself as, 'a Misionera', which is a girl from Misionera, in Argentina. This was prompted by Robin performing Federico Bustamente's 'Misionera', in the concert.

He has also spent some time talking to a Paraguayan harpist, and they whiled away many hours discussing the virtues of South American music and Barrios in particular, along with comparing their nails and various treatments....
The harpist had an interesting tale, he once met William Walton and Julian Bream in a restaurant on the Mediterranean island of Ischia. Walton had by this time moved there from Oldham, a very wise choice I'm sure.
The three talked for some time, and Julian Bream gave him his latest CD which contained, amongst other things, Walton's Bagatelles.

Robin later went out to dinner with a ventriloquist and I imagine they enjoyed a few 'gottles of geer'.

Concert on Cunard's Queen Victoria

I told you it was sunny when Robin went through the Panama Canal.
Here's a view from the Queen Victoria yesterday, which gives you an idea of the beautiful terrain.



Apparently the odd crocodile was spotted basking on the banks as they glided by.
Today, they are at sea, the Pacific to be exact.
It is also the day of Robin's concert.
So, I imagine he is in his room, running through the programme, to limber up before his performance. Not to mention the numerous right and left hand exercises.
Some of the pieces he will be playing are, Asturias, Tango en Skai, Jota and Canarios, so it should be a very nice programme.
I let you know more about it as soon as I have news.

Pre Concert Panama Canal

Robin is practising hard as his second, and final concert of this trip, is tomorrow.
He has had many excellent comments from passing passengers about the first concert, so expectations are high.
Hence many hours of practice.

Today the Queen Victoria is going through the Panama Canal.
It's just incredible how these huge ships manage to fit in, and in fact, I think they are built with the Panama Canal in mind.

To the side of the canal is lush, green, forest, full of exotic wildlife, so it really is an experience.

Just in case Robin gets too involved in his rehearsal, and forgets to go outside and have a look, I found this great timelapse footage of a journey through the Panama Canal.
It's much sunnier on Robin's trip than in the film, he's basking in 100 degrees and above at the moment....

Panama Canal Timelapse

An Iguana in Aruba and the Queen Victoria

The Queen Victoria is now back at sea, having left Aruba, but here she is whilst still in dock.



For those not quite sure where Aruba is, it's in the heart of the Southern Caribbean, about 15 miles (20Km), off the coast of Venezuela.

Robin took great delight in making a new friend. A 2 and a half foot Iguana that happened to be passing by.



Then there's the statue in the square:



Robin now feels it's safe enough to send a few photographs, and I feel brave enough to look at them. (See yesterdays blog)
He did spend some time on land, but as always, his thoughts are never far away from the next concert.
Consequently he usually returns to his room to practice after a quick look around.
Still, it's very nice to be able to take a break in such beautiful surroundings.

All Animals are Equal....

Robin sent me this photo the other day, taken whilst in Fort Lauderdale.



This one is of the Queen Victoria, in dock, whilst passengers, and Robin, enjoy some time on land.



He has now arrived in Aruba, but as yet, hasn't sent me any photographs.
There's a reason for this.
He daren't.
Today is son number ones 11th birthday and he has 6 friends over for a sleepover.
That makes a total of 8 children in the house.
And me.
Robin has 'phoned and spoken to the birthday boy, and sent him an iCard.
Plus he did set up a drum kit before leaving which somehow I managed to keep hidden.
Thankfully, so far, the party goers haven't asked to try them out.
I'm desperately hoping it stays that way.

Robin has, quite rightly realised, that to see images of Caribbean beaches, may just be too traumatic for me.
Maybe by midday tomorrow I'll be able to face it...

The Wife of a Musician - Part 1- The Music

The Queen Victoria, and consequently Robin, are somewhere between the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea, so I guess he'll be needing his suncream.

So I'm going to take this opportunity to look at an area that has been brought to my attention a lot over the years.
People generally seem to have a fascination with music and therefore musicians.
It's one of the reasons I started this blog in the first pace.
So often, when at concerts, I have been asked about, not just the music, but, how it works being a musician. The practical issues of performing and travelling, and generally being involved in a life that many people wish to do, but few make it.

I'm not quite sure where this fascination comes from.
Maybe it's what appears to be a glamorous lifestyle, up there on stage, travelling extensively, which is a basic requirement of most musicians.
But it isn't all glamour.
Years of solitary practice have to be done before you even attempt to make a name for yourself.
The music industry, like many others, is a cut throat business. It's hugely competitive, highly unpredictable, and therefore only suited to those who couldn't perceive of doing anything else.
They are simply driven by the music.

Even though I am unable to travel as much with Robin as I used to, I still get asked about his life, usually via e mail, and from all parts of the world.

It appears that I have inadvertently created a band of followers, trying to read between the lines, as to what it's really like to be a musician, or, closely associated with one.

Obviously I don't have all the answers, and can't really judge anyone else or their relationship, but I do have 16 years of marriage to a musician to fall back on.

Peoples' perceptions of life with a musician can be very different.
Sometimes I hear, "It must be so incredible being surrounded by music all the time,"
whilst others will say, "Doesn't it drive you mad hearing the guitar all day long?"

The fact is that life with a musician is many things, too much to deal with in one blog, so, I'll do it in stages.

Part 1, is all about, 'The Music'.

You have to understand the musician, and their music, from the beginning.
The fact that I have also had a life long interest in music, and particularly the guitar, has certainly helped.
If you are considering a relationship with someone, and you can't stand the instrument they play, then I'm afraid it's doomed to failure.
Musicians need to practice and they do it a lot.
Robin, when home, will do anything between 4 and 6 hours of physical practice a day, every day, be it a birthday, Christmas or family holiday. Although he will do a reduced amount on such occasions. (The only day I've known him do no practice, other than when ill or travelling, was our wedding day!)
Much of that will be technical exercises, scales and arpeggios, and the rest playing pieces and learning new repertoire.

I don't actually 'hear' a lot of that these days.
It's going on in the background, and subconsciously I know where Robin is up to in his routine, but I don't generally consciously acknowledge the sounds I'm hearing.
I am after all getting on with my own work.
But, when Robin is running through his repertoire, or preparing for a concert, I hear every note and constantly tell myself how lucky I am to be listening to such incredible music.

I'm frequently called in to hear a particular musical phrase and asked which sound I like the most. "Does this fingering, or, that fingering sound better?"
"I like this interpretation what do you think?"
But I take all this as an honour.
I respect Robin's musical knowledge and expertise. For him to ask my opinion is high praise indeed.
No matter that I may have been making the tea, bathing the children, feeding the dogs etc. at the time...

For me, to hear Robin in concert, or receive feedback after a concert, is when I feel privileged to have been a part of the whole process.
I know the amount of time, effort, thought and practice, that has gone into every single note that is played in public.
Nothing is ever performed until it has gone through an extensive period of rehearsal and interpretation.

This takes time though.
That is where all the hours of practice come in.
Of course whilst this is under way, life goes on around the music.
Every day things need to be dealt with.
Calls made, agents to deal with, tours to plan and pack for, and a million other household jobs.
The wife of a musician quickly discovers that everyday issues are best dealt with yourself.
It's not that Robin doesn't want to do these things, and he does help out in many ways, but there's no point in even asking until he is taking a break, or, has finished for the day.
To maintain such a level of skill requires one to be completely focused.
But, when home, his working day is more flexible than most peoples, and it is very refreshing to have someone to collect from school or nip to the shops.

Anyone considering a relationship with a musician has to understand, and love, the music.
Right from the start you need to realise that they will never change.
Music is their life.
But remember, that must have been one of the things that attracted you to them in the first place, so why on earth would you want to change them anyway?

Freedom in Fort Lauderdale

At last I can speak to Robin.
The concert yesterday went very well, and the audience were highly enthusiastic, with many standing to applaud at the end.
He did manage to acquire some nail damage during a lively performance of 'Malaguena', but didn't need to carry out any 'on stage' repairs which was a relief.
The cruise director was very pleased and said, 'Fantastic as always', so I think he should be happy.

Robin has now arrived in Fort Lauderdale, and took great delight in telling me he was sunning himself on a lounger, and it was only 9am.
Particularly annoying for me as I had just returned from a very wet walk in the park with the dogs.

He has also had the chance to frequent the fabulous, two storey library on board, and is now enjoying, 'The Secret Agent' by Joseph Conrad.

So, for now, he can relax for a while as his next concert isn't for a week.
I knew I should have done more practice.....

Video of Cunard's Queens & Arts Council Cuts

It is concert day for Robin and he is rehearsing hard but I won' get any details until late tonight or even tomorrow.
But if you follow this link you can watch a video and read a report by Tom Leonard, which opens with a beautiful image of the 'Three Queens' sailing past the Statue of Liberty, with fireworks in the background.
It's very strange for me to see knowing that Robin is on board. Especially when it shows the Queen Victoria in dock. I swear I can hear the distant sound of the guitar...

But I do now have the opportunity to mention the current cutbacks we are experiencing here in the UK.
I had an email from the 'Musicians in Residence' scheme, which has been running for many years, and which the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo have occasionally had dealings with.

The scheme was aimed at supporting musicians and promoters in the Yorkshire region, by offering grants to promoters in the area, to book quality artists they would otherwise be unable to afford.
They have now had their funding removed and the scheme has been stopped.

It's a real shame as the general public are the ones who lose out.
It is now unlikely that smaller promoters and venues will be able to afford the top ranking acts without this financial assistance.
However, it isn't all caused by the Arts Council.
The Musicians in Residence scheme also reported a reduction in promoters taking up the offer over the last few years.

This brings me to an area we have discussed many times here. If people aren't given the chance to see live entertainment, be it music, theatre, or whatever, then their appetite for such things diminishes.
They begin to only expect performances in the major towns and cities, and even there, they are having similar problems.

Meanwhile on the television, reality T.V. is viewed by millions.
It appears that Oscar Wilde was right:

"The English public feels perfectly at ease with a mediocrity."

So some things are never new.

Cunard's Queens in New York

There has been little communication from the high seas today and we are now reduced to e mail.
However, I did talk to Robin late last night, and he was very impressed with Cunard's new ship, the Queen Victoria.
He thoroughly enjoyed the experience of standing on the deck, with Mozart playing gently around him, whilst he watched the QE2, which was alongside, and the Hudson Bridge in the background.
The QM2 was of course also there, and the celebration of this historic event, complete with fireworks, was fantastic.
You can read more about it in this article, 'Three Cunard Queen Ships Meet in Manhattan for Once-in-a-Lifetime Event'.

When we spoke, the QV had set sail and the QE2 was still with them, but I expect they have now gone separate ways.

I was rather amused to discover that someone found this site by a google search, 'Cunard Queen Victoria, Does it have irons in the rooms'?
Well, from my experience of Robin's many trips abroad, on various lines, I have never seen any evidence of there being an iron even in the same hemisphere, never mind in the room.
However, I suspect they do have them on board, and probably in each room, but that Robin hasn't quite worked out its function.....

He is there to work though and it's the first of his two concerts tomorrow.
So I would imagine that Robin is running through the first programme, and limbering up his fingers with some right and left hand exercises, to recover from the long journey.

An Englishman in New York

Robin has arrived safely in New York.
After spending the night in a hotel, he has now transferred to Manhattan, where he will join the Queen Victoria.
This makes a change as usually you board in Brooklyn.
But there's a very special reason.
The QE2, QM2 and the QV, are all in New York together.
This is an historic day for Cunard, as it has never happened before, and won't again, as the QE2 will shortly leave the fleet.

To celebrate the occasion, there will be a firework display later today, against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.
As snow is also forecast, it should be an incredible sight.

I'm hoping for more news tomorrow, and have requested some photographs, but we'll have to see if they arrive!

Dark Side of the Moon

It is a cold, damp, January day here, and I wasn't pleased when the alarm clock rang out at only 6.30 am.
Neither of us wanted to get up, and we managed to silence the noise, and grab a few more minutes.
But reality set in, and we had to organise ourselves, and set off for the airport in a short while.
It's a well practiced procedure in this house and we all know the routine.
Before long we were in the car, and on the motorway, which was thankfully quiet.

We said our goodbyes and then I had to drive off as Robin made his way inside the terminal.
This is always the hardest part.
Especially as son number two was howling in the back of the car.
Luckily, other son had stayed at a friends last night, so I was spared two sets of tears.

By the time I got home Robin called to say he was checked in and ready to go.
It's as hard for him as it is for us.
I don't envy him the flight to New York.

However, after watching a programme on, 'the making of' Pink Floyd's album, 'Dark Side of the Moon', Robin decided to download it, and was looking forward to putting his feet up, his headphones on, and revisiting the music.
When I say 'putting his feet up', I mean that literally.
He's quite tall, so usually has to adopt the full lotus position whilst flying, due to the lack of leg room.

But it will all be worth it.
He gets an overnight stay in New York, and then will be joining Cunard's 'Queen Victoria'.
Weeks of sunshine, good food and plenty of sleep lie ahead.
Oh, and a couple of concerts of course.
I'm not envious, not a bit....

Pre Maritime Tension

It has been one of those weeks when we have had to remind ourselves of this quote:

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein."
H.Jackson Brown Jnr

There has been such a lot going on that my posts here have been neglected.
However, it will be of benefit to you all, as some of that time has been spent finalising the next CD to be released, which I'm very pleased about.
More of that to follow over the next few weeks.
So keep checking in, it will be worth it!

Another reason for extra demands on my time are various family commitments.
I shall cover some of those issues shortly, as I cope with being the 'wife of an absent musician' during a particularly difficult week to come.
There have also been many jobs which required my time but are too tedious to mention.

But for now, my priority is washing, ironing and packing for a trip which starts tomorrow....
As we have been so busy, I haven't actually done anything in preparation, so I can only hope most of the clothes Robin needs are actually clean.
I've got as far as writing a list, so that I can feel a sense of achievement as I cross each thing off.
I'm easily pleased...
I shall now go and brace myself for the next few weeks to come.

Born To Be Wild

It's a strange coincidence that we found a CD of electric guitar music that Robin made a few years ago, especially as he is currently in that mode.
Also, we had been talking about Karl Maddison, the sound engineer on this album who sadly died last year.

The brief for the CD was cover versions of rock classics.
Karl was an inspiration as Robin tried to capture the mood of the songs, quite often during a dull, rainy day, at a studio in Rotherham. Not exactly Rock 'n' Roll!
He sat at the mixing desk whilst Robin thrashed away next to him and by all accounts they both had a great time.

This track is 'Born to be Wild', originally by Steppenwolf, and used in the 1969 classic film, 'Easy Rider'.
The film with Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper captured the zeitgeist and the music featured included artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan.

Anyone wanting to hear more of this CD, which includes Blue Oyster Cult's, 'Don't Fear the Reaper', and Eric Clapton's, 'Layla' amongst others, should contact Music Factory Rotherham, and yes, they are the Jive Bunny people.

Robin's nails are now rested and he is back to preparing for his forthcoming concerts.
It amazes me how he can switch between electric and classical guitar so easily. In fact it is quite unusual for classical musicians to play other styles.
I'm sure we won't have heard the last of his electric playing though. The flame has well and truly been rekindled, and as soon as he is home again, I'm sure he'll be getting out his Fender once more.

But for now, enjoy 'Born to be Wild'.

The Electric Guitar and the Halle Orchestra

It has been rather a strange few days.
As the school holidays came to an end son number one discovered a talent for drumming.
The whole drum kit wasn't set up, but he made use of what was available, and he has requested a new bass drum pedal for his birthday....
Not to be outdone on the noise front, Robin has been playing his electric guitar.

Now this may seem strange to regular readers, as they will know that he is soon off on a trip, and has many programmes to be working on.
But, in an unprecedented move, Robin decided to take a few days off from the classical guitar, to allow his nails to rest and grow, before going away.

Hence the electric guitar.
You didn't expect him to be without an instrument in his hands did you?
I must say it has been a delight to hear, and, Robin has been thoroughly enjoying himself, and now has a new, very funky piece, nearly written.

What he enjoyed most of all was playing along with son number one.
Not to be outdone, second son joined in with his Christmas triangle, and a shaker.

But now school has resumed and we are all getting on with our work.

I read an article by Ivan Hewett today, where he talks to Mark Elder about the forthcoming 150th anniversary of the Halle Orchestra.
If you remember, I spoke to Mark Elder back in November, you can remind yourselves here, and was very impressed with him as a conductor, and his ability to engage with the younger generation.
So, if you are in the Manchester area on January 30th, you can see The Halle's 150th anniversary concert at the Bridgewater Hall. For more details go here.

Benny Goodman Orchestra - Sing Sing Sing

Our very good friend Paul Griffin, recently sent us a link to the Benny Goodman Orchestra, and it makes fabulous viewing.
Paul has been a friend for many years and collaborated musically with Robin in the band 'Force 10', which I have written about before.

Paul's dad was also an excellent trumpeter, Chris Griffin, and you can see him on the following video.
I have mentioned Chris before, here, when Robin whiled away some time in an airport, talking about him.

Robin knew Chris well and they had huge respect for each other musically and it was with great sadness that we learnt of his death back in 2005.
However, if you find yourself in the Catskill Mountains, and need a fabulous place to stay, try 'The Griffin House' where you will be guaranteed as much talk of music as you could wish for!

But for now, you can see Chris in the video, with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, playing 'Sing sing sing' from Hollywood Hotel.
Trumpets, left to right: Harry James, Ziggy Elman, Chris Griffin, Johnny Scat Davis.
Another of Robin's favourites, Gene Krupa on drums.

I think you'll agree, these guys really know how to play....

Benny Goodman Orchestra Sing Sing Sing from Hollywood Hotel

A New Year and an Old Recording

Normality, or what passes for it in this house, hasn't quite returned yet, and won't until school re-opens on Monday.
However that hasn't stopped Robin from getting on with his work.
He has a lengthy foreign trip coming up, which requires a number of programmes to be prepared, so rehearsals are in full swing.
He did however allow himself some time to listen to an old reel to reel recording of Eduardo Abreu playing 'Madronos' by Torroba.
You can guess what's coming.
Yes, Robin dug out the music and has been relearning it in his leisure time.....

He has in fact recorded this piece, many years ago, on an album for the BBC, which was never for sale, but frequently played on air.
What I find interesting is the way that revisiting a piece of music highlights the learning curve which never diminishes for classical musicians in particular.

As Robin has been playing through 'Madronos', which incidentally means 'Strawberries', he has discovered new fingerings and positioning for both left hand and right hands, which makes for a smoother performance.
Years of practice, listening and observing really do pay off in the world of music, and there's always more to be learnt.

Nor does Robin's delight and enthusiasm diminish over time.
The reverse is probably true.
The pleasure he got from listening to Eduardo Abreu play this piece, and also from the rest of the album featuring both Abreu brothers, was immense.
It reminded me of this quote, even if it is a little tongue in cheek:

"The older I get, the more I admire competence, just simple competence, in any field from adultery to zoology."
H.L.Mencken

Be Inspired in 2008

As 2007 draws to a close, many of you will be reflecting on the year, and thinking about ways to change your lives in 2008.
So, I have found a couple of quotes, that hopefully will inspire everyone to fulfill their resolutions:

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
Thomas Jefferson

and,

"Simply seek happiness, and you are not likely to find it. Seek to create and love without regard to your happiness, and you will likely be happy much of the time."
Dr.M.Scott Peck - American psychiatrist.

We have an exciting, and challenging, year ahead.
Exciting in that there are a lot of projects underway, which will be revealed as the year goes on, but challenging as we face long periods of time apart, with Robin travelling to far flung places.
You'll have to keep checking in to find out where he is, and what he is up to, but for now, we wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Barrios, Miss Bimps and Milly, the Musical Dogs

We have decided that we have very musical dogs.
It isn't surprising really, since puppy hood they have grown up surrounded with all types of music.
This morning was a prime example.
Robin was practising in the music room and my faithful friends were by my side as I worked.
The music stopped, the dogs pricked their ears up, then Robin appeared, with guitar and sat down.
The dogs sat down.
Robin started to play.
He wanted to run through 'La Catedral' by Agustin Barrios, to an audience of one (which was me) and two Labradors.
Miss Bimps and Milly put their heads on their paws resigned to the fact that their morning walk was about to be delayed.

La Catedral is in three movements, Preludio, Andante Religioso and Allegre Solemne.
At the end of the fist movement I was spellbound and the dogs didn't move.
The second movement, still nothing.
At the end of the final movement both dogs got up, and did the nearest they could to clapping their paws, by wagging their tails and circling Robin as if they were rounding up a flock of sheep.
As they used to power of positive thinking to stalk their prey, Robin gave in to the pressure, put his guitar away, and took them for a walk.
But how did they know the piece had finished?
I can only assume that we have very knowledgeable and musical hounds...

Here they are, Miss Bimps:



and Milly:

The iPod nano and the Rehydrated Alien...

I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and are enjoying the lull before the New Year festivities get under way.
We have had a great time and enjoyed a relaxing break, spending time with the family, and playing with all the new toys that have accumulated around the house.
Son number one is now the proud owner of an iPod nano, and I must say that I have been delighted with his choice of music.

As you would expect he has added the soundtrack for 'Doctor Who' and 'The Simpsons Movie', but, there are also many fantastic tracks, that I'm proud to say he has chosen.
The artists are diverse, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Cecilia Bartoli, Genesis, Green day, Santana, Tower of Power, Van Morrison and John Rutter, to name a few.
But I happened to notice one piece that has found its way on to the iPod, much to son's amusement, John Cooper Clarke, 'Evidently Chickentown', which, whilst not particularly suitable for a boy of 10, (although it is the cut version) it is an incredible poetic accomplishment.

Today alone he has requested 'Walton: Crown Imperial', oh, and of course, not only his Dad's 'Virtuoso', but, also his 'Concerto Primavera', but then it was composed for him.

We have also been enjoying a very generous gift of a voucher for iTunes. So far, Flora Purim has made her way to our collection, and we are enjoying the sound immensely.

Whilst we listen to 'the beats' as son number one now refers to his music..., I can also report that son number two received a triangle, which he did request on his Christmas list, and is now practicing daily...for lengthy periods.....

But now, I have to rehydrate an alien that we are currently growing in a test tube, another Christmas gift....

Sleigh Ride - Robin Hill

I'm taking a few days off over the Christmas period to spend some time with the family.
So, here is a Robin Hill special.
It's a jovial arrangement of 'Sleigh Ride' for your amusement.
Thank you to everyone, from all over the world, for your support over the last year, and, everyone at Hillhouse wishes you a very Merry Christmas.
Enjoy!

Descant Singing - Hark The Herald...

Since I wrote this post a couple of days ago, I have had a lot of people searching for the descant voices in, 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!'.

So, I've had a look around YouTube, and found this rather nice version, with 'St.Paul's Cathedral Choir', to get you all in the festive mood.
The descant voices appear in the third verse, about 2 minutes 24 seconds in.

Enjoy and feel free to sing along.

Hark the Herald Angels sing

Unusual Google Searches for Robin Hill

Robin has decided to start his Christmas shopping.
I wish him the very best of luck as he fights his way through the bear garden that any town and city will be today.
No, I really do wish him luck, as the only person he has to buy for, is me...

So, whilst he is out, I decided to make a list of 10 of the most unusual ways that people have come across this site, through google searches.
As I have written them is exactly as they appeared in the search, it amazes me that some of them found their way here!

In no particular order:

1) Mozart's dog
2) Pump it or dump it
3) Fava soup
4) Musicians have larger brains
5) Cat called Lovejoy
6) Jeckyll & Hill
7) Thatcher idiosyncrasies
8) If you can keep your head
9) Albert Einstein daydream theory of relativity
10)Home improvement blogspot

Strange but true, all these searches arrived at 'Life of a Musician' one way or another!

Dowland and Dickens

We have now reached Friday and John Dowland continues to ring through the house. At least we have progressed from one or two bars to the entire piece.
I'm still at the stage of enjoying it, which is a relief, but then, I haven't actually been around much to hear it...

As far as the recording in the music room goes, it hasn't been the children that are the problem, but me.
Why is it that when you really try to do something quietly it just doesn't happen?
There I was walking past the room, or rather creeping, (I can tell the difference between practice and recording sounds coming from the room) when I dropped the 'phone and there was a dreadful clattering sound followed by silence from the music room.
The music just stopped.
The silence more deafening and menacing than any noise, so I beat a hasty retreat.
Only to find the same 'phone rang a total of three times in the next 20 minutes....

I think at this point Robin realised that he may have to revert to plan A and move the equipment back upstairs.
Phew.....

Meanwhile we have allowed ourselves some time to relax and have been thoroughly enjoying the BBC adaption of 'Oliver Twist'.
We have been so surprised to read a couple of highly critical reviews. As far as we are concerned the casting is excellent, with all the characters truly convincing.
The filming is beautifully done and one of its greatest strengths is the squalor, filth and general dinginess of Fagin's place, in contrast to the opulent radiance of Mr.Brownlow's Georgian town house.
The music also works very well, who would have thought of using an accordion and banjo, together, in a Dicken's drama?
The reason I'm mentioning it is that I feel it is easy to be critical, yet difficult to achieve such high standards, and in our opinion, the story has been vividly realised and is a welcome change to the mind numbing drivel that is usually on T.V.

We are also in the process of preparing a Christmas treat for you all, so, watch this space.

John Dowland and a Man Possessed

Robin has become a man possessed.
He has re-found the music for a beautiful piece by John Dowland (1563-1626), 'Sir Henry Gifford's Almaine'.

The piece itself is superb, inspired, and has some very difficult acrobatic work, for the left hand in particular.
Anyone who can conceive of such a piece must have been an outstanding player.

Dowland was a contemporary of Shakespeare, and you can get a real sense of the times whist listening to it.

Some of the ideas in the variations on the theme are very adventurous harmonically, and would have originally been played on the lute.
To achieve a similar effect, Robin plays with a capo at the third fret.

When I say possessed, I do mean possessed.
I can't walk past the music room without him calling out, "Come and listen to this bit", and as I try to sidle past unnoticed, he adds, "I know you're there".

This is what happens to a musician when they fall in love with a piece of music all over again.
Every note is analysed, and a process of interpreting the music commences.
Then there's the fingering.
"Does this sound better, or this?"

Many hours are given over to finding the most economical positioning to enable the piece to flow smoothly.

Meanwhile, the rest of us in the house, have a crash course in Dowland and all things connected.
But that's OK, it's all very interesting, and luckily I love the music of Dowland.
Ask me again by the end of the week though, when I've heard the same piece for 3 days, and none of the pre-Christmas jobs have been dealt with as Dowland has intervened....

The Digital World

I came across this article, 'Diving into the digital', by George Varga of 'The San Diego Union Tribune'.

It's an interesting read for us, particularly today, as I have been preparing a new CD, of Robin with his jazz quartet, to be released on CD Baby very soon. More details will follow shortly.

The article discusses the changing face of music distribution, for both the industry itself, and for musicians.
There has been such a change over the last few years that at times it's hard to keep up with it all.
Sites such as CD Baby, iTunes, YouTube, MySpace, and many others, have resulted in a lifestyle change for listeners, and for the artists.

Musicians can no longer rely on record companies to distribute their music, and have to nurture their fan base in a very different way.

The article has many interesting points and it's worth having a look, plus, there are a few thoughts from Sir Paul McCartney.

In some ways digital downloads make life easier for the musician, but, caution is required.
Radiohead's recent experience is rather frightening.
1 million fans ordered their new album in the 10 days prior to release, but paid nothing. Whilst 500 000 fans downloaded it for free from illegal sites, even though they could get it free from Radiohead's own site.
This is a disturbing situation.

Maybe this is a reflection of society.
Everyone wants something for nothing, but we should beware.
Musicians need to make a living.
If their music continues to be 'stolen' in this way, then how are they supposed to survive?

We have had this conversation with many people over the years. It's surprising how frequently people really don't think they are doing anything wrong.
When we have tried to explain, they often reply, "Well, I'm a student, I don't have much money", to which our response is, "Is that what you would say in a shop as you helped yourself to their wares?"

Whatever their reasoning, the general public need to realise that the music they listen to, is created by someone, who needs to pay the bills in just the same way that they do...

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!

It has been a busy and very festive week here.
As son number two has now started school, we had a nativity to attend, in which he played a very brightly shining star.
Son number one has also had a busy schedule with the school choir.
Nerves were in tatters as we waited for his junior school concert, as he was reserve soloist for 'Once in Royal David's City'.
We watched the health of the main chorister over the week, and as it became apparent that he was fit and well, son number one could relax.
It did mean we had excellent seats for the performance though, and it was a wonderful evening.

Also, the same son had been asked, with a number of other choir members, to join the senior school this year for their Christmas service, in order to supplement the descant section.
Again, this was a fantastic event, there's nothing like good choir singing beautifully to really get you in the festive mood.

The descant voices came into their own in 'Hark! The Herold Angels Sing!', in one of the most popular arrangements of this piece by Sir David Willcocks in which the descants are added in the third verse.
Originally the lyrics were written by Charles Wesley, the brother of John Wesley, who founded the Methodist Church in 1739.
But initially it was sung to a different tune, and it wasn't until 100 years later that Felix Mendelssohn composed a Cantata, in 1840, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press.
The English musician William Cummings then adapted the music to fit the lyrics already written.

Strange really, as Mendelssohn had requested the music not be used for any religious events, but, as was practice at the time, his wishes were obviously ignored!
I'm very pleased they were, as it is such a moving occasion to observe all those freshly scrubbed, youthful and innocent faces, singing so enthusiastically.

Then there was the Christmas Fair, and, not to mention helping out at the infants Christmas party, in which 200 very excited, and very loud, small children awaited the arrival of one 'Father Christmas'...

Whilst all this has been going on Robin has continued with his recording. He has, however, made a change to his positioning.
He has moved from the studio, which is quite separate from the rest of the house, to try out the music room.
The sound is better, and warmer, but the concern is that this is on the ground floor of the house, opposite the front door, next to the kitchen, and not far from the lounge.
School breaks up on Tuesday, so this could make for some interesting recording...

Listen To The Music

Ivan Hewett has written an interesting article, 'Open your ears and let the magic in', which is worth reading.
The general gist is highlighting the importance of really listening to music and giving it our full attention.

The report was prompted after 'hearing' some youths 'listening' to music through their mobile 'phones, and realising just how dreadful the sound actually is.

As Hewett says, "When listening intently sounds and music take on a special glow. When mingled with the world's noise and bustle, they shrink down to just another annoying distraction that has to be filtered out if we want to hang on to our sanity." Well said.

From a musician's point of view, sound quality is all important. Such a lot of time and effort goes into creating the best possible sound from your instrument, which isn't an easy process in the recording studio, especially for the guitar.

Listening to music intently is something we are very used to in our house.
Especially at the moment.
As Robin records another track for the new CD, each piece is scrutinized and agonized over.
Has the sound been captured?
Does it have the right feel?
Are there any extraneous noises?

This is a long process which requires many, many takes of each track to get it just as Robin wants it.
I'm sure it is the same for most musicians.

People listen to music in different ways.
They may have sit down purely to listen, or, in the background whilst socialising.
For Robin, a life time of dedication to music makes it very difficult for him to join in a conversation when music is on in the background, as his ear is naturally drawn to the music.
If we play music at home it is to listen to, not to supplement an atmosphere. If we have friends round for a meal, naturally we will play music, but invariably the conversation is drawn to the piece currently playing.
Years of intense listening seem to have affected our ability to 'filter out' the sound.

But we do realise that often people want to listen in this way and that is fine.
But do take the time to sit back and 'really' listen to music. The benefits are incredible.
You will 'hear' so much more than you initially realised was there.
Apart from that, we owe it to our musicians to listen to the music in which they have invested so much time.

Who is the Mystery Blogger?

So far there has been a lot of interest in the new 'Robin Hill' site which is excellent news.
We have even had a comment in the guest book.

I have also had an email requesting a wedding photo to be added to the gallery as no-one out there knows what I look like.

So who is this mystery blogger?
Lets look at the facts.
You know my name is Anna.
You know I'm the wife of a musician.
You can even see my legs in this previous blog, 'Dogged Devotion to J.S.Bach', when I was going through a Hitchcockian phase.

But am I ready to reveal the true identity of the mysterious 'wife of a musician'?
Well, OK, here's a picture of me taken a few months ago:




I should explain that at the time of this picture I was feeling a little ratty.....

Robin Hill's New Site - Download Sheet Music for 'Return to Islay'

We are very pleased to announce the launch of a new site today, 'Robin Hill', which has many exciting features.

You can access this blog, read all about Robin in his biography, look at a few pictures in the gallery, watch some videos, and, feel free to leave a message in the guest book!

One of the most exciting aspects is the store.
For more than 30 years Robin has arranged, and composed, many pieces for solo guitar, duo guitar, guitar and flute, orchestra and original compositions.
We have literally hundreds of scores to hand.
So, we have decided to gradually add them to the site, so any aspiring guitarists can download the piece of their choice, and start some serious practice.

This will be a gradual process and I'll update as we go along and inform you of any new pieces we have added.

We have started with one of Robin's most popular solo guitar pieces, 'Return to Islay', so the sheet music is now available to download. In fact, in various parts of the world, people have already done so!

We are often asked if Robin's music is available in tablature form. So, due to popular demand, he is arranging each piece, so you will have normal notation, with fingering, and tablature.
That's why the pieces will be appearing gradually, but you can't play them all at once anyway...

As I have severe technophobic tendencies, I would like to add that all this couldn't have been achieved without the help of our friend, Andre.
So thank you Andre!

Led Zeppelin Review and Robin Hill on Electric Guitar

Led Zeppelin have reformed for a 'one off' reunion gig which has gone down a storm.
So successful was it that there are rumours that more will follow.
To read an ecstatic review, by David Cheal, of their concert at the O2 arena, here it is, 'Led Zeppelin: Then it got better still'.

This was enough to prompt us to play 'Good Times Bad Times', from Led Zeppelin 1, a favourite of Robin's as it has Jimmy Page playing some triplet scales, ascending and descending, which was quite unusual at the time it was recorded.
We thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and I hope our neighbours did too...

If you have found yourself on this site due to the references to Led Zeppelin, then you may be interested to see that some classical musicians do have the ability to play rock.
Check out these links from previous blog entries I have made of Robin playing electric guitar with various groups over the years.
First, 'Palace of the Kings', with Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Maggie Bell and Paul Martinez.

Then there's, 'Wizard of Waukesha' with his band 'Hooper'.

Or maybe, 'Fast Forward', again with 'Hooper', this time playing his Travis Bean guitar.

Finally, there's another band of Robin's, 'Force 10', here you can read all about them and follow the links for more playing.

So, some players have many facets to their musical character...

Robin Hill plays Agustin Barrios

The final track to discuss on 'Virtuoso' is track 16, 'Villancico de Navidad' , by Agustin Barrios.
I saved this one until the end to get you all in a festive mood as it is an arrangement of a Paraguayan Christmas song.

Agustin Barrios (1885-1944) was born in San Bautista de las Misiones, Paraguay, and was a guitarist and composer.
In 1910 he left Paraguay for a week of concerts in Argentina but was so successful that he was away for 14 years playing in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
I do hope that Robin doesn't do the same thing...

By 1934 Barrios travelled to Europe where he gave concerts in Brussels, Germany and Spain, and in 1936 he returned to Latin America where he taught in the Conservatorio Nacional de Musica, San Salvador.

Barrios composed over 100 works, many attributed to obscure European composers, as he believed they would be taken more seriously.
He's not alone in this practice, somewhere out there is a piece of music played on two guitars, by the composer 'Anna Naneek'.
I'll give you a clue, my maiden name was Keenan, and so far, only one person has spotted this...

Barrios is thought to be the first classical guitarist to make a record, in 1910, and also to have played a complete Bach Suite (Lute Suite No.1).
He was quite a character and in the later stages of his career he reinvented himself as 'Nitsuga Barrios Mangore', the Paganini from the jungles of Paraguay, and appeared on stage in full South American Indian costume!

Thankfully, as Robin is from Huddersfield, I can't think of any national dress that he may choose to wear on stage, and anyway my needlework skills would probably not be up to it.

Stockhausen, Stravinsky and Danza Brasilera

The influential yet controversial German Composer Karlheinz Stockhausen has died. You can read about his life, in one of many obituaries, here.

On a lighter note we enjoyed a fabulous evening yesterday watching the London Symphony Orchestra, with their Principle conductor, Valery Gergiev.
Unfortunately we weren't actually there but BBC4 aired the first of three concerts by the LSO.
It was a fantastic programme with classic works by Debussy and Prokofiev, but the highlight of the evening was Stravinsky's, 'The Rite of Spring'.
Gergiev is a flamboyant conductor and a delight to observe, and he managed to get every last ounce (or should that be milligramme?) out of each and every musician.

If you get the chance to see him at work be sure to take it.

'Danza Brasilera', is track 6 on 'Virtuoso', and is a wonderful samba by the Argentinian guitarist and composer, Jorge Morel.
Robin has added his own introduction but the rest of the piece is as the original.

"The Divine Giuliani" - Beethoven

Mauro Giuliani (1781-1829) was born near Bari and was an Italian guitar virtuoso and composer.
He studied the cello and counterpoint, but the six-string guitar became his principle instrument early in life.
Earlier the five string guitar, known as a 'French guitar' was popular, but the instrument lagged behind the more popular lute and mandora. Once the sixth string was added, bottom E, the 'modern' guitar could at last reach the rank that the mandora had held in the musical world.

There were many fine guitarists in Italy at the beginning of the 19th century (Agliati, Carulli, Gragnani, Nava, etc), but many moved north in order to make a living.
Public interest at the time lay with opera and the guitar was seen as an accompaniment instrument. Giuliani did in fact write many works for voice and guitar throughout his life.
At this stage Italy didn't reward the talented individuals who chose to play the guitar as a solo chamber instrument.
Also, the sound level of a classical guitar circa 1800 was diminutive compared to other contemporary instruments, therefore making it difficult to be heard in the typical Italian theatre.
There was also widespread political instability at the time causing many conservatories to close, and along with a lack of competent publishing houses, there were enough reasons for Giuliani, and many others, to leave.
He settled in Vienna in 1806 and quickly became famous as the greatest living guitarist and a notable composer.

In 1808 Giuliani gave the premiere of his guitar concerto, with full orchestra, to great public acclaim.
From then on he led the classical guitar movement in Vienna, teaching, performing and composing a huge number of works for the guitar.

Giuliani moved in elite circles, in 1813 he played the cello in the premiere of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony, in the company of Hummel, Mayseder and Spohr.

Giuliani had two talented children, Michel, who became a 'professeur de chant' at the Paris Conservatoire, and Emilia, who was also a famous guitar virtuoso and composer.

'Esercizio' by Giuliani, track 20 on 'Virtuoso', is, as it says, an exercise, or study. But like all the best studies it has huge musical value and isn't purely concerned with the mechanical aspects of playing the guitar.

Happy Anniversary!

It is a rare threat that Robin is home at the moment especially as it is our wedding anniversary today.
Luckily we appear to have a more positive approach to marriage than Gustav Mahler. He was quoted as saying:

"Both my marriages were failures! Number one departed and number two stayed."

After 16 years I think you can safely say we know each other pretty well.
I knew from the beginning that the guitar would always play a major part in our lives, and I wouldn't want it any other way.
As Leo Brouwer has said:

"The guitar is a jealous mistress, she will not love you if you don't spend time with her."

Fortunately I love the guitar as much as Robin - nearly, and the time he spends in practice has never been an issue.
The art of living with a musician is something I have frequently been asked about, and, over the last few months had a number of emails.
So I am currently working on a series of blogs for the near future to cover this area.
But for now we shall just celebrate the day.

'Yesterday' and Robin Hill

'Yesterday' by Lennon and McCartney has to be one of the most well known songs ever recorded.
The song was written by Paul McCartney after the music came to him in a dream. He then used the words 'scrambled eggs' until he later worked out the lyrics!

This version of 'Yesterday', is an arrangement of Robin's, for two guitars, and is track 9 on Virtuoso.
Over the years the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo have recorded many Beatles tracks, which they always arranged themselves.
Often they would add little musical quotes from other well known songs, somewhere in the arrangement, and we have often wondered if anyone noticed them. Some are more obvious than others, and they aren't necessarily from other Beatles songs.

There is in fact one in 'Yesterday', but you would have to hear the whole track, to see if you could identify the musical quip.
Can anyone spot it?

Other news, there was an interesting article in the Telegraph today, by Simon Heffer.
Heffer gives an excellent review of a new film about the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It sounds like it will be well worth watching, and you can see it in the UK on Channel 5 on January 1st. As the film is three hours long it should give you plenty of time to recover from any overindulgence the night before.
If you can't wait until then to see it, it's available on DVD form tomorrow, at, tonypalmerdvd.com

Xodo da Baiana - Dilermando Reis

'Xodo da Baiana' by Dilermando Reis is another piece on Virtuoso, track 19, with a truly South American feel.

Dilermando Reis, (1916-1977) was a Brazilian guitarist born in Sao Paulo. He studied the guitar from an early age with his father, Francisco Reis, and by the age of 15, Dilermando was already known as the best guitarist in Sao Paulo.

By 1933 Reis had moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he lived for most of his life, and was prolific in recording over 40 albums.
He enjoyed many kinds of music and recorded pieces from composers as diverse as Bach, Barrios, Tarrega and Gnatalli, among others.
However his first love was for the traditional Brazilian style of music, featuring mainly waltzes and choros full of melodic invention, syncopated rhythms and pleasing modulations.

He was equally prolific as a composer with over 100 of his own compositions, many of which have become standards of Brazilian guitar playing.

'Xodo da Baiana' is typical of his style.
The use of pizzicato in the opening section is highly effective and overall the piece combines melodic and rhythmic invention.

Robin Hill and 'Recuerdos de la Alhambra'

'Recuerdos de la Alhambra' is the 18th track on 'Virtuoso' and was composed by Francisco Tarrega (1852-1909).
Tarrega was born in Villarreal, Spain, but as a child had an accident, fell into an irrigation channel and permanently damaged his eyes.
His parents were concerned that he may loose his sight completely, so, they moved to Castellon, so that Francisco could take music lessons and would therefore be able to work as a musician if he did go blind.
Thankfully he didn't lose his sight but he did become a highly influential musician.

When Tarrega began his studies on the guitar, the instrument was at a low ebb throughout Europe, overshadowed by the louder and more resonant piano.
So Tarrega's father insisted he learn both instruments, in which he quickly became accomplished, in order to keep his options open.

It was in 1869 when Tarrega acquired an unusually loud and resonant guitar, made by Antonio Torres, the famous luthier, that Tarrega was able to prepare the way for the rebirth of the guitar in the 20th Century.

Tarrega transcribed many works for guitar by Spanish composers Albeniz and Granados, along with adapting movements from Beethoven's piano sonatas and many preludes of Chopin.
In all, Tarrega composed approximately 78 original works and 120 transcriptions for solo guitar, along with 21 transcriptions for two guitars. He also composed many varied and extremely taxing exercises which have tormented generations of guitarists ever since but which are extremely effective in the development of technique.

Recuerdos de la Alhambra was composed around the turn of the century. The theme was conceived on a visit to Grenada and the music is evocative of the famous Moorish palace there.
The piece is a tremelo study which requires great technical ability. To maintain a fluent and smooth tremelo, whilst executing clear accompanying notes, and also conveying the emotion of the piece, is not an easy task.

Robin is often asked if his hands ache after playing a piece like this. But years of right and left hand exercises have ensured he is quite able to maintain the tremelo for the required 3 minutes and 16 seconds on this recording. In fact, just like any athlete, the training is all important, so when it comes to the event itself, you really don't consider finger fatigue!

Genius...a Bit of Fun

Well our busy weekend has nearly come to an end, and, as expected, I have had to put on my 'kid gloves' to deal with the younger generation in Hillhouse...
We have survived though, and, Robin has been working hard, so we shouldn't complain.

A lot of blogs have been taking the 'blog readability' test, which up to now I hadn't got round to.
But, last night, whilst waiting for Robin to come home, I decided to have a go.
This is what it came up with:



So congratulations to all our regular readers for being so intelligent!

'Rakes of Kildare' - Robin Hill

Track 17 on 'Virtuoso' is 'Rakes of Kildare', which is a traditional, lively and well known Irish jig.
It is difficult to know for sure the background of the piece and title, but, 'Rakes' could be short for 'rakehell' which stems from the Icelandic word 'reikall' meaning 'wandering or unsettled'.
But 'Rakes' also refers to stylish and spirited young men, whilst 'Kildare' can mean 'Church of the Oaks'.

Whatever the meaning of the title, the piece is a double jig in the Dorian mode.
The version heard here is for guitar and orchestra, one of the movements from Robin's 'Celtic Concerto'.