The Stories Behind the Music - Robin Hill on Reverbnation

Many, but not all, of the pieces featured in the new player, found in the sidebar, have been discussed here before on this blog.
But I thought it might be nice for new readers and followers to access the background information to these pieces, and have the opportunity to listen whilst they learn about some of the history of Robin and his music.

So to make life easy for you I have put all the links together in this post today.
So here goes.

Track 1: Eternal Dance.

Eternal Dance has been discussed many times here as it is a powerful piece of music. To learn more about the concerto version, as found on 'Virtuoso', visit. 'Arrival on iTunes and Eternal Dance - Robin Hill'.

For the quartet version, found on, 'Eklectica', then try this page, 'Robin Hill and Eklectica Play 'Eternal Dance'.

Track 2: Hispanic Dance.

One of the posts relating to 'Hispanic Dance' gives details of the composer, Claude Bolling, and more information about the four members of 'Eklectica', alongside details of the seven movements featured in the concerto, of which Hispanic Dance is the first. 'Robin Hill Plays Claude Bolling's 'Concerto for Classic Guitar and Jazz Piano Trio'.

Track 3: Bach Invention No 8.

Bach invention was first mentioned, very briefly, here, and in a bit more detail with this post, 'Robin Hill and Peter Wiltschinsky 'Arrival'.
I must say, that the Bach, along with track 8 on Arrival, Felix Mendelssohn's 'Song Without Words No1 Op62', are two of my duo favourites.

Track 4: Fiesta de Xabia.

I should point out that no bulls were hurt during the inspiration for this piece. To understand how Fiesta de Xabia was conceived then read, 'Fiesta de Xabia' by Robin Hill - Guitar'.
As yet, this piece is not available to buy, but one of the advantages of reading a blog such as this one is that you get little taster of things to come!

Track 5: Tarantella - Suite Italiana.

Suite Italiana was composed especially for the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo, which you can read about here.
This honour came about after Mario Gangi heard the duo performing one of his pieces, 'Suite Spagnola', which you can read about on the post, 'Track 4 - 'Arrival' - Mario Gangi'.

Track 6: Wheatfield Under Troubled Skies.

This is an orchestral composition by Robin and you may be surprised to hear there isn't a guitar in it!
It's a beautiful piece of music and there are more details on the post, 'World Premiere - 'Wheatfield under Troubled Skies' - Robin Hill'.

Track 7: Palace of the King.

Now for something completely different, and one that really does highlight the unusual twists and turns that a career in music can take.
This is true Rock 'n' Roll with some of the world's best. Read this, 'Deep Purple Haze Days'.

Track 8: Wizard of Waukesha.

This is one of Robin's bands, Hooper, and yes, the man in the picture with very long hair, and playing a Les Paul guitar, is Robin....take a look here.

Track 9: Fast Forward.

This song has been around for many years, and is another example of Robin on electric guitar, playing one of his own compositions. To find out more about Robin's band, 'Hooper', (which, incidentally, includes two BBC Philharmonic Orchestra players!) read, 'Robin Hill and Travis Bean...Rewind to Fast Forward.'

Track 10: Caprice No 7 - Legnani.

Another example of a track not yet available to buy, but our gift to you. Learn more about Legnani here.

Finally,

Track 11: Celebration.

'Celebration' is a song performed by another band Robin has been involved in. They made an incredible sound and had a phenomenal brass section. Check them out at, 'Force Ten To Be Reckoned With'.

So there we are.
A little bit of history attached to all the tracks currently in the player.
I can, and will, be adding new pieces from time to time, so be sure to keep checking!
Just follow the link and then 'click' on the desired track in the player.

Track 8 - 'Arrival' - Felix Mendelssohn

I must be a romantic at heart as this is one of my favourite pieces.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed 8 cycles of 'Lieder ohne Worte' (Songs Without Words) from 1830 onwards.
This one was written in 1843 and features a lyrical, predominant quaver rhythm on top of a rhythm triplet accompaniment, which creates an effective cross-rhythm.

Mendelssohn's 'Songs Without Words' remain his most famous solo piano compositions, and this piece was arranged for two guitars by Miguel Llobet.

Mendelssohn was born into a wealthy and notable Jewish family, and was the grandson of the philosopher Moses Mendelssohn.
Felix's sister, Fanny, was also an accomplished pianist and composer but was not encouraged to pursue music as a career as it was not considered a proper occupation for a woman at this time. She did however have six of her early songs published under Felix's name.
To read about the life of Felix Mendelssohn you can read more here, or, here.

I always enjoy the emotional charge inherent in this music and hope that other listeners are equally entranced. So enjoy Felix Mendelssohn's 'Song Without Words No.1,Op.62'.

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...