Hill/Wiltschinsky Duo - Soler Sonatas

It is an exciting day as The Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo have released a new CD!
11 Tracks, and all of them are Soler Sonatas.

As a taster I have put the entire track of, 'Sonata No 43 - Allegro' as the first piece on the player in the side bar.

For previews of all the tracks you can visit: 'Hill/Wiltschinsky Duo Soler Sonatas'

Here is a little about the recording:

Antonio Soler (1729-1783)

Antonio Francisco Javier Jose Soler was born in Olat, Gerona in 1729 and was a celebrated composer and organist. He is frequently compared to Domenico Scarlatti, (particularly as at one point he studied with Scarlatti), but Soler’s keyboard sonatas can often be more varied in form than those of Scarlatti.

His musical career started at an early age, when he entered the choir school at Montserrat in 1736.
By 1750 Soler had become maestro de capilla at Lerida and in 1752 was ordained and joined the Escorial community of Jeronymite monks.
It was at this time that he wrote the, ‘Llave de la modulacion’, (Key to Modulation) in which he showed how to move from any major to minor key within moments, the principles of which are still valid today. However, at the time he was criticised for his modern and daring views.

Soler was a highly inventive and adventurous composer whose music exhibited great optimism and energy.
Like Scarlatti, his music is well-suited to the guitar but, unlike Scarlatti, it is rarely performed or recorded on the instrument.

Hill and Wiltschinsky have arranged all the sonatas on this album to give a small insight into his wonderful music.

Follow the link to hear previews of ‘Hill/Wiltschinsky Duo - Soler Sonatas’ and, as I have said, I have added the whole of ‘Sonata No.43 – Allegro’ to the player in the side bar.
The sheet music for these vibrant works will soon be available for download from the Robin Hill site. I'll keep you posted....
Enjoy.

Review of 2009

As is traditional at this time of year, I have decided to do a quick review, and highlight some of the most popular blog posts.

2009 has certainly been busy.

Despite global recession Robin has travelled to over 30 countries (I gave up counting in the end...) and performed to many thousands of people.
It is always a delight when Robin receives comments and feedback after a concert, and when someone goes to the trouble of seeking the artist out to express their enthusiasm, it is even more rewarding.

It hasn't all been good though.

We have been plagued by 'pirates' with well in excess of 10 000 illegal downloads, and those are the ones I know about.

Not unrelated, as major record companies try to find a way around these issues, was a particular low spot for me, as we had to pull out of recording Robin's concerto, 'Eternal Dances' with the fabulous London Symphony Orchestra due to funding problems related to the recession.
However, yesterday I was delighted to receive an email from a gentleman in Ireland, who had heard one movement played on RTE, and was so taken by it that he managed to contact me to express his enthusiasm.
I know that this piece will be an exceptional addition to the classical guitar concerto repertoire and will therefore pursue the project with renewed energy in 2010.

Looking back through some of the blog posts in 2009 there were a few that stood out.

Back in February we joined Reverbnation.
This post, 'The Stories Behind the Music - Robin Hill on Reverbnation' does exactly as it says. A little insight into each of the pieces available on the player.

Then in March there was a performance of Rodrigo's, 'Concierto de Aranjuez' and the corresponding post, 'The Concierto de Aranjuez, an ancient vinyl and advice on nail care.'

In June we were delighted to discover that one of Robin's pieces, 'Dolor de Muelas' had been nominated for an award, 'JPF Music Awards 2009 - Nominee...Robin Hill!!'
Whilst the piece didn't go onto win, it was a massive achievement to reach this stage.

Also in June a surprise favourite post that came about from a simple question posed on Twitter, as to whether musicians like to eat before, or after, a concert.
I'm indebted to all those that replied, and would like you to know that this post continues to be read daily around the world! 'To Eat or Not to Eat - Before a Concert'.

Then in July a milestone was reached as we celebrated our 3rd Birthday. Quite an achievement in the blogging world, and one that I am rather proud of. 'Life of a Musician' 3rd Birthday'.

By far the most popular post of the entire blog, never mind the last three years, was written in October.
'Music Practice Tips - Classical Guitar' continues to be read worldwide on a daily basis.
The post itself is an extract from Robin's book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium', so all those who have found it interesting should perhaps order themselves a copy, as the post is only a fraction of information that has been tried and tested over a lengthy performing career.

But for now I would like to thank all my readers for continuing to follow the life of this particular musician and to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2010.

'Life of a Musician' 3rd Birthday!

Today is the third birthday of 'Life of a Musician'.
I'm amazed how quickly the time has passed and how much as been going on.

Regular readers will know that I haven't posted as much recently, but there is a reason.
Unfortunately I can't yet share it with you!
Suffice to say that a project later this year has been taking up a lot of my time and hence the lack of posts.
But many thanks to you all for being patient, and returning regularly to keep updated.

Here's a reminder of our 1st birthday, 'Happy Birthday to Robin Hill's Classical Guitar Blog', and 2nd birthday, '2 Years of Blogging'.

In the past year a lot has happened and you can scroll down through the archives to catch up with events.

MySpace continues to flourish, Twitter has leaped from 93 followers and 838 updates a year ago, to 421 followers and 3795 updates!
Last year we were at 597 post, and now this will be the 687th post!
We have joined Reverbnation, to reach out to even more people, and new Cd's will be available before too long.

But for now, thank you to all those around the world who regularly drop by, and also to any casual visitors.
I hope to see you all over the next year, as we continue the journey.
Feel free to comment or send me a message if there are any areas you would like me to discuss.

For now though, time to eat cake.

'The Waterfront' - New on Reverbnation

Today I am going to talk about a new track I have added to the player in the side bar, which is also available on our Reverbnation page.

The piece is called 'The Waterfront', and came about after a long day in the recording studio with the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo.

The engineer asked Robin to stay behind as they had been working on a piece and wanted some electric guitar adding.

Always ready for a challenge Robin put away his classical guitar and was duly supplied with an electric one.

The resulting piece of music is strangely hypnotic, and in a very different style to the one Robin had been working on all day!
In total it is 4 minutes 36 seconds long and as the piece progresses there are a few Hill specialties in there with some nice answering phrases.

So listen and enjoy 'The Waterfront', either in the side bar player, track 4, or over on Reverbnation.

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.

Robin Hill Joins Reverbnation

You may have noticed a few new elements to this blog.
To help spread the word of music we have now joined Reverbnation. This is Robin's Reverbnation page.

This enables us to reach a wider audience and also to share in other peoples' musical experiences.
There's a permanent link to this page in the sidebar, plus an area for you to add your email address, if you wish to keep informed of any new developments.

You will also see a music player in the sidebar which has a selection of solo, duo and electric guitar pieces, (all featuring Robin), for you to choose from.
This will remain in place, and there should be something there to suit whatever mood you happen to be in!

So have a listen, and remember, you can play any of these tracks whenever you visit.
Enjoy!