Robin Hill is Busy and Sgt.Pepper - It Was 40 Years Ago Today...

It's a busy weekend here for us.
Robin is out playing in rather an unusual venue. Some years ago he was asked to perform at Entwistle Remembrance Park, and it went so well, that he has been back every year since.
He now does three dates over the summer, today, Sunday 8th July and the third will be Sunday 5th August.
He is playing outside, which is always a challenge, but the views are spectacular. Just to prove that the north of England isn't all flat caps and clogs, this is where he is.
He has quite a fan base now, who all make a day of it, taking a picnic, and enjoying the weather. They have been remarkably lucky over the years, and only on one occasion has there been a torrential downpour and thunder storm!

We also have to prepare for Robin setting off tomorrow, to join the QM2 in Southampton, on its way to New York. He'll be performing a couple of concerts on board, so more of that as the week unfolds.

Last night Robin didn't get home until after midnight, and as we relaxed for a while before bed, we decided to watch a programme I'd recorded earlier in the evening, 'Sgt Pepper -It was 40 Years Ago Today...' on BBC2.
As we are both massive Beatles fans, we thought we would give it 5 minutes, before turning off in disgust at what had been done to such fantastic music.
It wasn't the case. We were so drawn into it, that it was gone 2am, before we finally went to bed. (Not ideal with a concert the next day...)

Now, I know this isn't classical music, but bare with me...

The Beatles original engineer, Geoff Emerick, steered some modern day bands through the pieces, using the original analogue valve equipment.
First in were 'Kaiser Chiefs'. After their initial shock at the restrictions of 4 track recording, and acknowledging that we should, 'respect our elders', regarding analogue recording, as the 'sound is much better', they went on to give an excellent performance of 'Getting Better'.
We had been concerned how these modern bands would approach these classic pieces, but we were soon put at are ease.
Especially after hearing front man, Ricky Wilson say:

"Musically it's like having a big brother, you get the benefit of learning from them, but then again, you get the things about the fact that they always get there first, and everythings pretty much a hand-me-down after The Beatles."

For such a successful band to be 'big' enough to acknowledge the past, was very refreshing.

Next came Bryan Adams, with a fabulous version of 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band'. He really put his heart and soul into the song, and, gave the impression that he must be a big fan.

3rd on, The Fray, America's most downloaded band, with their version of 'Fixing a Hole'. They passionately wanted to be faithful to the original, and, were therefore rather nervous about the whole thing. But they needn't have been. With the use of some good old fashioned English tea towels over the drums, they came up with an excellent version.

4th, was 'Magic Numbers' with the only track that The Beatles didn't play any instruments. 'She's Leaving Home' was written by Paul McCartney after reading a newspaper report about a runaway. Magic Numbers put the vocals on to a string section with a very pleasant result.

5th, 'Razorlight' playing, 'With a Little Help From My Friends'.
They recognised The Beatles tradition of Ringo singing one track on every album, and therefore Razorlight's drummer, Andy Burrows, took on the challenge. It had a great laid back feel throughout, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has gained much confidence as a vocalist.

6th on were 'Travis', with 'Lovely Rita'. In true Beatles style, they decided to experiment and the result was half the band recording in the studio, whilst the other half were in a stairwell as it had excellent reverb! They even tackled playing the comb and paper, all in the name of The Beatles famous adlibs. Again, a great achievement.

Finally, on this part of the programme, 'Stereophonics' arrived. Unfortunately they had been told they were recording Sgt. Pepper intro, but it became clear, they were in fact meant to be doing the Reprise version. All credit to them, they took it in their stride, and performed a high energy version to compliment the original.

So, as you can see, despite ourselves, we really enjoyed the whole programme.
The attitude of the bands involved showed that they weren't trying to compete, merely show their respect, for the past recording.
Really, this is no different to the approach that classical musicians take every day. Here, the tradition is to recreate a masterpiece from the past, and this is exactly what these bands achieved.
After all, the original tracks can take it.
For Robin to enjoy, and respect, the results of this programme, is quite an achievement.
When Sgt.Pepper was originally released, Robin was a young boy, on holiday with a friend, and spent most of the time at the piano in the hotel, trying to recreate the songs. They have been in is head, all the time, ever since.

From Elgar's 150th Anniversary to the Latest Member of The Zimmers?

Today is the 150th anniversary of Elgar's birth. To read more about him you can take a look at 'The Elgar Society' site.
There are many celebrations going on around the country over the next few weeks, and here are a few of them.

Meanwhile, at home, my gran has been over for the day.
She's always interested in current events and keeping up to date with the world of blogging.
She has been following the success of 'The Zimmers', and was rather amused by the video.
If you want to see it, go to this earlier blog of mine, 'From Concerto Premiere Coming Soon to The Zimmers: My Generation', and follow the links.
I think it all went to her head, at 87 years young, she found Robin's Fender Stratocaster, learnt a few power chords and is now hoping for an audition....

Robin Hill and the Bronte Sisters

Robin has always felt, and stresses to his students, that it is important to listen to a wide range of music played on different instruments, and not to focus solely on the guitar and its repertoire, but to draw inspiration from the other branches of the arts.
As the Paraguayan guitarist and composer Agustin Barrios said:

"One cannot become a guitarist if he has not bathed in the fountain of culture."

With this in mind, he found himself, with son number one, at The Bronte Parsonage Museum, in Haworth, West Yorkshire.

The achievements of the Bronte children are remarkable.
Charlotte wrote 'Jane Eyre', Emily, 'Wuthering Heights', Anne, 'Agnes Grey' and 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', and brother Branwell, shared his sisters' literary gift, if not their success, but his portraits of the three sisters are in the National Portrait Gallery.
It seems incredible that so much was achieved before their untimely deaths, all before the age of 40.

To be surrounded by their personal possessions, and to soak up the atmosphere in which they worked, is truly inspirational, and stresses the importance of widening ones horizons when approaching a career in music.
The fact that Charlotte and Emily Bronte often wrote in the same room, may have fuelled their artistic tendencies, in much the same way as performing with other musicians opens you up to a 'full' musical picture, increases delight in playing, and enables you to play more effectively and musically.

The Beatles, Sgt Pepper -Segovia -The Zimmers - Rosslyn Chapel

The Beatles were one of the factors that decided Robin's fate in life, (Bach, 'Chaconne' was another, but I'll save that one for now.)

The Beatles themselves recognised the importance of classical music and George Harrison once said that, "Segovia is the Daddy of us all."
On hearing this, Segovia's response was, "These pop stars might be nice boys, but what they are doing is obscene and a disease."
Sorry Segovia, I just have to disagree with you, on that one. Maybe he just wasn't quite ready for The Beatles.

Celebrations are underway to acknowledge that 40 years have elapsed since the recording and release of 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.
This incredible album, which sounds as fresh as the day it was released, is being re-recorded by various artists, Bryan Adams, Razorlight, Kaiser Chiefs, to name a few.
Read Robert Sandall's report, 'It was 40 years ago today', for the full story.
Whilst I can't imagine anyone bettering The Beatles own performance, I'll be watching BBC2 on Saturday at 10.45pm, to see what's going on.

Meanwhile, 'The Zimmers', continue to take the world by storm.
They have now had a complete makeover. Read,'From Gran to Glam - Zimmer's new look is a huge hit' , by Hilary Alexander.

Also, you can watch this short video clip, 'Rosslyn chapel: making the stonework sing', to see just how the code was cracked.

YouTube video - Robin Hill

Today I have decided to post Robin's YouTube video on the site. It gives me the opportunity to explain a little about each of the pieces, or rather extracts, that you hear, and for those interested in watching a guitarist at work, you can see what Robin is doing!
As the opening credits role, you can hear, 'Eternal Dance', this is the first movement of 'Concerto Latino' for guitar and orchestra. It features a driving 5/8 rhythm with some occasional 7/8. It begins with solo guitar and light timpani roll before the orchestra then state the theme. This piece was originally composed for Robin's quartet, 'Eklectica', but he then expanded it onto an orchestral canvas.

The first piece that you can watch as well as listen to, is 'Return to Islay'. This piece was inspired during a visit to this remote Hebridean island during a tour with Hill/Wiltschinsky.
Although Robin had never visited the island before he felt the place was strangely familiar, hence the title, 'Return to Islay'.

'Dolor de Muelas' has a freewheeling samba groove and contains much improvisation. As for the title, well, translated it means toothache...The piece was composed and recorded during a very violent bout of toothache. I wish I was so productive when I didn't feel well...

'Canarios' by Gasper Sanz dates from the mid 1600s and was originally for baroque guitar. As the title suggests this lively jig hails from the Canary Islands and many will know this theme from the last movement of Joaquin Rodrigo's, 'Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre' - composed for Andres Segovia in 1953.

With the closing credits you can hear, 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', which comes from the oratario, 'Solomon' by George Frideric Handel. It is eminently suited to performance on the guitar with it's rapid scales and arpeggios, the original dialogue between two oboes being replaced by guitar and recorder.

Over on YouTube many of the comments have been about Robin's technique, so here's an opportunity to observe him.

Happy Birthday to Isaac Albeniz

Today would have been Isaac Albeniz's birthday, he was born on the 29th May 1860.
Albeniz, the Spanish composer and pianist, is one of the most important figures in Spain's musical history.
He was a child prodigy who at the age of four, so amazed the audience with his performance, that they suspected trickery. Famously as a young child, he stowed away on a ship to South America where he entertained audiences by playing with his back to the piano and other amazing antics.
Albeniz performed for most of his life, and, continued composing until his death on the 18th May 1909.
Albeniz composed, 'Suite Espanola', of which the fifth movement is possibly one of the most famous classical guitar pieces, 'Asturias'.
Although originally composed for piano it was later transcibed for guitar by Francisco Tarrega, along with many other pieces by Albeniz.
In fact Albeniz once declared that he preferred Tarrega's transcription of Asturias to his own original piano version.
Asturias can be heard on Robin's, 'Virtuoso' album.


If you go over to Jessica Duchen's blog you will see that it is also Korngold's birthday!

Update on previous blogs:
The other day I mentioned an article by Ben Quinn on an elderly pop group called, 'The Zimmers'. Their version of 'My Generation', by The Who, has been viewed by more than two million people on YouTube. Read, 'Pensioners pop on course for number one', for the full story.
Well done to The Zimmers, and also to Tim Samuels of the BBC, for putting the group together, and highlighting the needs of the elderly - or not!
There's also a further twist to the tale about the 'code cracking' antics of Thomas and Stuart Mitchell. I first mentioned them on the 1st of May, and it appears that Stuart Mitchell has been contacted by a Mexican astronomer who claims the same hexagonal shape can be seen on Saturn.
Apparently, in musical terms, this shape represents a B natural, suggesting more code cracking is needed.
I'm not making it up, read Ausian Cramb's article, 'The Da Vinci chapel echoes to the sound of Saturn', for the full story.

Domenico Scarlatti and the Honky Tonk Piano....

As we have been talking about 'incidents' in the recording studio, I remembered another one, that happened a few years earlier.
Again, it was Hill/Wiltschinsky, and they were recording an album in Yorkshire. 'Music of Europe'.
On this particular day, their attention was solely on Scarlatti's sonata K141.
This is a highly intricate toccata like movement which places severe demands on the players - especially at the tempo that Hill/Wiltschinsky perform it.
The duo pride themselves on their recordings being pretty much what you will hear in concert. No editing was done in this recording, the moment is simply captured again and again, until they are satisfied.
Due to the complexity of the piece the duo spent an entire day recording and re-recording this one piece.
As day turned into evening they tried one more time to capture the sound they wanted.
As the final note disappeared into the air they knew they had achieved their objective.
Both Robin and Peter have an uncanny telepathic understanding when it comes to music.
The relief, and release of tension was incredible, and Robin leapt up, ran to the other side of the studio, and thrashed out some honky tonk, on an idle piano.
"That was great", said the sound engineer, "You'll be pleased to hear I recorded it".
"I hope you didn't do it over the Scarlatti", replied Robin, joking.
Errr, whoops, he had......
What do they do? Shout, scream, jump up and down.
No.
The duo pick their guitars up and start all over again.

Recording For Teldec With Sutured Finger....

After reading, 'Painful gig story from Don Mincher', over on, 'Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog', and leaving a comment, I feel I should tell the whole story here.

Some years ago, the Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo were asked by Teldec to record two new albums, 'Les Deux Amis' and 'The Sound of Strings', with a five week break between each album.
This is, of course, an honour, from such a well respected label.
The duo obviously spent many weeks in preparation for their trip to Berlin.
One week prior to departure, Robin, who is so careful with his hands, cut the index finger of his left hand, opening a tin can.
This required a visit to the local Accident and Emergency department, where a very anxious doctor, was given the job of suturing a musician's finger....

There was no way Robin would cancel the recording.
He continued his rehearsal as well as he could, and a few days later, set off for Berlin.
The duo quickly got into the recording, and Robin was able to transcend the pain and focus on some rather demanding music. The sound engineer found the blood and sweat (but no tears) rather difficult to deal with, but he just had to focus on the mixing desk.

The music ranged from 'Suite Italiana', composed for the duo by Mario Gangi, Fernando Sor, Pierre Petit, J.S.Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn, Scarlatti, Rossini, Faure, Falla, Tarrega and many more, plus their own compositions.

For Robin, the main problem was barring, as the left index finger is under a lot of pressure, but he managed it.

The duo were so delighted when the last piece was finally recorded that they celebrated by walking into Berlin. They didn't appear to notice that it was a 12 mile hike, each way, until they got up next morning to discover the blisters - on their feet...

From Microphones to Britain's Leading Concert Pianist - Stephen Hough

It's a very exciting time here, as Robin has been testing out microphones, and, so far, one in particular, seems to be capturing the beautiful sound his Miguel Rodriguez guitar makes. For the first stage of testing, this is very encouraging, as the guitar is a notoriously difficult instrument to record.
The down side is that Robin remains elusive as to the cost. From experience, this tells me, that I should go and lie down in a darkened room, with a cold compress on my forehead, for at least an hour, before I ask him again.

Meanwhile in the wider world, the virtuoso pianist Stephen Hough, has been barred from performing a concert in Vietnam, 'for his own safety'.
It's such a shame when politics/religion/sexuality or whatever, get in the way of people being able to enjoy music.
But also a reminder to us all, that we should be careful what we say, as we never know when it may come back to haunt us.
For the full report, by Ben Quinn, click here.

World Premiere - 'Wheatfield under Troubled Skies' - Robin Hill

So, here it is.
We finally managed to sort out our technical difficulties, and you are now able to listen to the world premiere of, 'Wheatfield under Troubled Skies'.
But first, let me set the scene.
This piece was composed about three years ago and it may surprise you to find that there isn't actually a guitar within earshot!
It is from a work for piano and orchestra - 'Three Van Gogh Portraits'.
The first movement, (The Journey South) depicts Vincent's train journey from Paris to Arles, and the third, (Yellow House) describes the frenzied creativity and energy of the artist's studio. The second movement, which can be listened to today is 'Wheatfield under Troubled Skies'.

Robin has always had a fascination for Vincent Van Gogh. The title, 'Wheatfield under Troubled Skies', is taken from one of Van Gogh's most dramatic works painted during his final creative period in Auvers.
The painting depicts a wheatfield, literally under a dark, oppressive, and threatening sky. There is an uneasy, brooding feel about the whole image, which reflects his sombre and desperate mood. The sun tries to break through occasionally but is doomed to failure.

With that in mind, we approach the music.
The opening theme is sparse and bare, stated on solo piano, and reflecting a scene of great beauty but all here is not well.....

As the movement progresses it has a rural, pastoral feel, with each appearance of the piano, getting ever more complex and involved, yet retaining the dark mood and reflecting the inner struggle in Van Gogh's mind.
The movement culminates with a rumour of thunder represented by a distant glissandi on the timpani.

The score itself was composed using Sibelius software and, on this recording, is played through a Roland 1080 sound module.
This is, of course, a pale substitute for a real orchestra, but gives a rough impression of the how the work sounds. We hope to record this piece for real in the very near future.. all we need is an orchestra and pianist...anybody out there?....

Listen, and I hope you enjoy. (Click on play and wait a few seconds for the piece to start)


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Guitarists and their nails....

The long trek down to the south of England didn't manage to resolve any nail issues.
Whilst the treatment did work, the sound wasn't quite right, and Robin is a very discerning customer!

I think that after years of trial and error he has devised a technique that serves him well, but, it's always good to try out something new.

He did, however, come home with a handy little device for soaking off glue.
It's a small pot with a rubber top, which you fill with polish remover, then immerse your finger nail into the sealed unit, until the glue dissolves.

Whilst this may sound trivial to you, for me, it's a huge advance. Our varnished wooden floors don't take kindly to spilt nail varnish remover....

Guitarist nails to Elgar

You'll have to wait a little longer for the music as Robin is out of town and has his computer with him.
He has actually travelled the length of the country to visit a nail specialist, who spends her time sorting out guitarists nails, from all around the world.
This is an ongoing problem, that I suspect, all guitarists face. In fact, during a recent exchange of comments with Kenneth Woods, over on 'View from the podium', he pointed out, that he could have never been a classical guitarist for just this reason.
At least it's nice to know that others appreciate the problem.
Lets hope some solutions are found today. Ironically, Robin's nails were in pretty good shape, when he set off yesterday. However, he had to make the appointment when he was home long enough to attend!

Meanwhile, here, and at The Daily Telegraph, Elgar appreciation continues. A report by Simon Heffer discusses the 'meaning of Englishness', and as one critic once commented, 'Elgar wrote the soundtrack of the Empire', so it seems a good place to start.
It's so nice to find people that are able to admire and enjoy home grown talent, not a skill we are known for in the UK.
Heffer ends his article on Elgar, "He is a true landmark of our culture, a life-enhancer, but also, as all great men must be, a towering example."
Here, here.
Read it for yourself, 'Listen to Elgar and learn the meaning of greatness'.

From Concerto Premiere Coming Soon to The Zimmers: My Generation

I'm in the process of trying to bring you a world premiere, right here, on this site.
However, we have encountered a few technical difficulties, which we hope to overcome in the next few days.
Just to keep you all interested, it is a concerto that Robin composed about three years ago, and you will be able to listen to the second movement.
It's always a big decision to 'go public' with a piece, and one that isn't taken lightly. That may surprise a few people, but, musicians are actually very protective of their music!
So, I'll keep sorting out the problems, and you keep checking in.

I couldn't let this article in 'The Daily Telegraph' go without a mention. Especially as Robin composed a poem about 'The Who' only a few days ago.
Nigel Reynolds report, 'The Zimmers: Glad we didn't die before we got old', is rather amusing. A group of 40 senior citizens, with a combined age of more than 3000 years, have recorded a cover version of The Who's, 'My Generation'.
Check out the link, you can even hear it!

'The Top 52 Classical Music Blogs'

All weekend the blogosphere has been buzzing with the latest results from Scott Spiegelberg's, 'The Top 52 Classical Music Blogs'.
The comments have been flying in and out of various sites and it has taken quite some determination to keep up!
Apparently, once a year Scott gathers information from Technorati, and the top 50, or 52 this year, are ranked.
I was delighted to see many, but not all, my favourites, have made it onto the list, and found it encouraging that I'd discovered some of the 'best around', when I first started up.
There are also many other blogs listed that I haven't been aware of, and will take great delight in looking into.
This has come at a good time, as I will be organising my links section shortly, to be a little more user friendly.
I have added Scott's blog, 'Musical Perceptions', so you can refer back to it in the future, and discover some real gems.
After all, he deserves a few extra visits, after all his hard work!

Who Are You?

As requested, I did tape, 'The Seven Ages of Rock', on BBC2 last night, and when Robin got home, we settled down to watch.
It was great, full of fantastic vintage Hendrix footage, with comments from various musicians, journalists, biographers and the late Chas Chandler, Jimi's manager and former member of the Animals.
There were also some great clips of Cream, the Who, the Stones, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and many more.

By the time we had finished watching it was gone 1 am, so, Robin was banned from getting out his Stratocaster and blasting out 'Purple Haze', for fear of waking children and neighbours.
However, his sub-conscious must have been dwelling on all this as he slept, because this is a poem he wrote on waking this morning:

WHO ARE YOU?*

Messrs. Entwistle, Daltrey, Townsend and Moon,

Turn down a side street - the time is mid-June,

The 16 year old with huge head of hair,

Is calming himself with a pint of foam beer,

His heroes have finally come into town,

In a Ford Transit van of mighty renown,

In less than an hour they will be live on the stage,

At the end of their set they give vent to their rage,

Drum kits will fly, guitars they will splinter,

Is this in fact an artistic winter?

Not in the least - these guys are on top,

They're zeitgeist, their muse is unlikely to stop,

There's no substitute for my generation,

No wonder we hold them in great veneration.

ROBIN HILL May 2007

* When Robin was 16 the Who performed at what was then the Casino Club (it's currently a Quick Save supermarket....) on Crompton Way in Bolton. He still occasionally drives past the side street they would have taken to get to the stage door, and always looks, and remembers, their concert.

Mutual Appreciation - Jimi Hendix and Force 10

"There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about." Oscar Wilde

There's some mutual appreciation going on between me, here, and 'Guitarist Widow', over the the US.
Read 'Traits of a Guitar Widow' to see what I mean.

I must say, I was very touched, and also delighted, to find that there is someone else in the world, that truly understands what it takes to be 'behind the scenes', of a musician.
Some of the observations made are so accurate, it's almost as if they have been following me around for the last 15 years!
Yes, you do have to recognise the love and passion that your 'man' has for his music.
Yes, the guitar is another member of the family, and probably the most demanding one.
Yes, you do have to give over your home to guitars, music and associated paraphernalia. (Do you remember an entry I made about finding music stored in a disused fridge...)
Yes, you do travel with them as much as you can.
For many years I got to see some fantastic countries and places all over the world. It isn't as easy these days with young children, but, I'm always there on the end of a 'phone, or computer in the really far flung places.
And, yes, you do wonder what goes on when you're not able to be there. However, I got over that a long time ago. Luckily, Robin does appreciate that the true 'guitar widow' is an extremely rare breed.

All that said, it is a very nice feeling to know that somewhere out there, are others that understand the sacrifices that are made, to enable this exciting, fascinating, unusual, musical journey that we are taking.

Whilst on the subject of the back up I provide for Robin, I'm under strict instructions to tape a programme for him this evening.
Neil McCormick explains in this article, 'Turn on, tune in - but who's dropped out?

So, I'd better prepare for a late night, as once Robin has returned, and we have watched this programme, I feel sure that he will be getting out his Fender Stratocaster, and playing along with Jimi Hendrix.
To hear some examples of Robin playing electric guitar you can revisit this post, 'Force Ten to be Reckoned With...'.
Enjoy.

From 'Tango en skai' to the 'Enigma Variations'.

I can now reveal to you one of the pieces that Robin started working on yesterday.
It's 'Tango en skai', composed by Roland Dyens in 1978, and published in 1985.
Coincidentally, a comment was left on our YouTube site, by someone calling themselves, 'EnSkai', from Singapore, only yesterday.
I know that Robin has made huge progress with the piece, as he is now playing it right the way through, and, in fact, is doing so from memory.
This I can prove, as I have the music in front of me, in order to read the composer's notes, and Robin, continues to play in the music room.

The piece is a Tango, and as Dyens states, "The tango is a sensual, even erotic dance of the underworld, whose rhythm, by definition, must be constant from the opening harmonic to the final chord".

One criticism Dyen's has of the many performances and recordings that he has heard, is that they are, "dominated by an extremely classical, 'bow tie and tails' approach, accompanied by streams of misplaced rubatos and, all too often, strategically positioned rallentandos".

He helpfully suggests that, "instead of the elegant, manicured approach, it would be more appropriate to lose one's soul in the rough criminal suburbs of Buenos Aires".
Dyens also, generously states, that if some extra, unwritten notes should stray uninvited into this tango, that he would welcome them with open arms.

With all this in mind, Robin picked up his guitar, and set to work.
This type of piece is an excellent example of the benefits of not coming solely from a classical background.
Having played electric guitar for many years, with some incredible bands, and as a well respected session musician, Robin has the advantage of being a very 'loose', and relaxed player.
It's certainly helping him here, especially as it isn't an easy piece to play.
I think it may even find its way onto the next CD if we ever resolve the microphone issue.

For the last in the series of 'Elgar week', Geoffrey Norris examines the mystery of the 'Enigma Variations', with this fascinating article, 'Puzzle or publicity stunt?'
It makes you want to don your deerstalker and try to unravel the mystery...

From Learning New Pieces to Julian Lloyd Webber and Elgar

As Robin is home for a few weeks, it is a chance to try out new pieces and revisit old ones, to keep up with the eternally evolving programme.
Robin was waiting patiently for the postman to deliver a package containing two pieces he wanted to look at.
Mid morning they arrived and he has shut himself away in the music room.
At this stage it's hard to identify exactly what they are.
There's a reason for this. Read this quote:

'I always practice the technically difficult passages first - separately and slowly - so that I learn to control and phrase them. One must resist the temptation to try out the right tempo until one has perfect control at the slower tempo. I never play such passages mechanically with the intention of adding the phrasing later. A technically difficult passage needs to be played more slowly until you learn to control it - but with the right musical expression. To separate the technical from the expressive side in music is like separating the body from the soul.'

Daniel Barenboim

Robin used this quote in his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium', when discussing his approach to new pieces, and his own interpretation is:

'We are all impatient to play the piece up to tempo, or beyond, but, unless the firm technical and musical foundation has been laid, we will not gain mastery over the music.'

Robin Hill

So, for now, I'll have to listen to a phrase endlessly repeated, until I can identify the piece. I'll keep you posted...

Meanwhile in the newspaper, two interesting articles.
The first, by Ivan Hewett, 'Time for a ceasefire in the classical 'class' war', which has some great points, and, for Elgar week, Julian Lloyd Webber explains how Elgar's Cello Concerto had an inspirational role in his career.
Happy reading.

Early Morning Music and Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius'.

I was alerted to the fact that jet lag hasn't quite resolved itself, when I was woken at 5.30 this morning by the distant sound of music.
As I slowly 'came to', I realised it wasn't a dream, and that half of the bed was empty.
Drifting up from the music room was a beautifully performed version of 'Passage to New York', freshly composed on Robin's last visit there, only a few weeks ago.
It's a good job it is such a nice piece, otherwise, I may not have been quite so understanding. Especially as a sleepy son number one, appeared by my bed, and decided he may as well keep me company. Son number two sleeps through anything.
We did both get back to sleep, and Robin was still playing his guitar when I was awoken again at 7am, by the much more distressing sound of the alarm clock.

Continuing 'Elgar week' in The Daily Telegraph, there's a lovely article in which the mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker recalls singing the role of the Angel in Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius'.
Again, this is an edited extract from, 'Elgar: An Anniversary Portrait', published by Continuum on May 28th.

From the Missing Mobile to J.S.Bach to Elgar

OK, so it didn't go quite as planned.
Earlier in the day the car wouldn't start. The AA got it going but suggested we drive it straight to the garage. Coincidentally it was booked in today anyway.
Next problem, Robin is about 10 miles from home, but after 26,120 miles in the last three weeks, surely, this shouldn't be a problem.
Taxi home.
An hour later we get a call from an agent, he's been 'phoning Robin's mobile and all he can get is an Asian taxi driver, with a stammer, asking us to call our own mobile so he can return it.
We do.
The taxi drives back and delivers the 'phone, whilst removing some familiar sunglasses and saying, 'I think these are yours too...'
By now we'd given up on the idea of going out, and had paid the equivalent of a meal, to drive a lonely mobile around the north of England.

Meanwhile, son number one declares, 'It's less stressful going into school for my summer exams this week than it is living in this house'.
I think we've done him a favour there.
So, no car = no shopping = no food.
I'll just have to make some of my famous fava soup. Judging by the e mails I got last time I mentioned this dish, I should point out that 'fava', is in fact broad bean.

All was not lost though.
We discovered the 'Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin', if you like J.S.Bach, then you have to listen to them.
Such energy and vitality, just as you imagine it should sound.
A real treat and well worth missing out on a meal.

The next edited extract from, 'Elgar: An Anniversary Portrait', is by David Cannadine, and titled, 'Canny tycoon or tortured genius?'. Follow the link to read more about Elgar the man.

Happy Birthday Robin!

Yes, today is Robin's birthday.
However, he couldn't take the day off, as he had to go over to Leeds University, where his students are about to sit their exams. He needed to fit some lessons in after all his travels.
No need to worry though. A babysitter is in place so that we can go and have a celebratory meal this evening. Which will in fact also be a belated birthday meal for me.
It should be fun when we get home, as Robin has had a case of wine, and, the board game, 'Scrabble'. That should make for some interesting words...
That is supposing that he manages to stay awake. Jet lag is still playing havoc. He should be fine whilst teaching his guitar students, but I'm not too hopeful when it comes to this evening.

As Elgar had such a difficult time recently in the world of blogs, I'm delighted that 'The Daily Telegraph' are celebrating 'Elgar week', starting with an 'exploration of the composer's Englishness'.
This is an edited extract from a book by Nicholas Kenyon, 'An Anniversary Portrait', which is out on May 28th.
It's well worth reading.

Hill is Home and Shakespeare Quotes

Robin is now home and in remarkably good spirits.
Just for the record, he ended up being away for 3 weeks and 13 1/2 hours, due to a delay from Heathrow.
So near yet so far.
This had the result of cranking up the tension even further in two small, excited, children, so by the time Robin finally emerged from the depths of Manchester Airport, the grand reunion brought a tear to even the most hardened of passing business men.

Robin was up with the lark and straight back into the swing of things.
There's guitar practice to be done, and the microphones that arrived whilst he was away, need to be tried out.

It's fantastic to have the 'sounds of music' drifting through the house once more.
Or, as Shakespeare put it:

"How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!
Here will we sit, and let the sounds of music creep in our ears."

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
The Merchant of Venice.

I have noticed though, that Robin has taken to practicing in the studio, rather than the music room.
This is on the 3rd floor of the house and therefore quite removed from day to day family life.
I wonder if he has got a little too used to his own company after three weeks...
We'll soon knock that out of him.

And Now For the Science Bit....

So, Robin is still in the air, en route from Singapore. By the time he gets home tonight, he will have been away for 3 weeks and 12 1/2 hours. He will have been to six different countries, three times in the UK, and twice to Singapore. Ten different cities and travelled a total of 26,120 miles of which 5,954 were nautical.
He has been to Europe, The Americas and Asia.
Ohh, and whilst doing all this has performed five concerts.
I lost track of the time changes weeks ago.
As it can take 72 hours to adjust to a new time zone, Robin's serotonin levels, must be all over the place.
The higher the level, the more likely you are to sleep, which, judging by the messages I've been having, seems to be the case.

The up side, however, is that robin has visited some fantastic places and seen many beautiful and interesting things.
He loved Cochin, and I enjoyed listening to some exotic wildlife in the background, as we talked on the 'phone.
And, of course, he is doing a job that he loves, playing the guitar.
I think he'll need a lie in tomorrow though.....

Meanwhile, here at home, if you like Elgar, there's a great article in 'The Daily Telegraph', written by Michael Kennedy, the author of, 'The Life of Elgar'.
It marks the start of 'Elgar Week', as part of the composer's 150th birthday celebrations which culminate on June 2nd.

Cochin - India and Classic FM

Friday, so it must be Cochin, India. The good news is that it's also the day that Robin will start his journey home. Not that he gets here until Saturday evening, but at least he's on his way.
The last guitar concert on Crystal Symphony was yesterday, and the message that I got from Robin was that it had been fine. From many years experience, I know that this actually means that it went very well, and he had been pleased with the outcome.
He's always very critical of his own performances, so fine, means excellent.

I was very pleased to read Richard Alleyne's article today, 'Teens tune in to Classic FM'. Apparently, their initial interest in classical music stems from film scores, such as Star Wars, but they are now tuning in to help with their homework. For more details follow the link.

I have also discovered that 'On classical music', over in Finland are enjoying following Robin's life, so hello to everyone there!

From Romanian Gipsy music to a Latin American Wedding

I read a piece in The Daily Telegraph today, by Peter Culshaw, about the Romanian band, 'Taraf de Haidouks'. Their new album covers 'gipsy' style versions of classical music, with composers ranging from De Falla, Albeniz, Khachaturian and Bartok.
It sounds interesting, after learning the classical pieces, they then added their own, 'wildly energetic flavour'.

The thought of all those musicians playing together and performing exciting and lively music, reminded me of our wedding day.
What entertainment does a musician put on for their guests in the evening?
Surely not a dreaded disco...
The only solution was live music.

Luckily, we knew Dave Hassell, and talked him, and his band, 'Apitos', into a riotous evening of Latin American music.
It was fabulous and had everyone up on the dance floor.
All except Robin.
How could he possible be in the same room as a bunch of musicians, most of whom he knew, and not join in.
It wasn't the guitar that caught his attention, it was the congo drums, which he proceeded to play for, well, hours.
If you are familiar with the congo drums, you will know that there's a certain way to play them, to prevent sore hands.
Robin was too excited by the whole day, and engrossed in what he was doing, to be bothered with all that.
Consequently, the following morning, his newly placed wedding ring had to be removed with soap/lubricant, to prevent damage to those 'precious' fingers.
Also, his hands were too swollen to carry the suitcases, as we set off on our honeymoon.
I should have realised then that being the 'wife of a musician' was not going to be easy.....

'Concierto de Aranjuez' on Crystal Symphony

A day at sea for Robin, again, but he was beamed live around the Crystal Symphony today!
He recorded an in-house T.V. interview yesterday, in which he talked for a while to the cruise director, and then performed part of Rodrigo's, 'Concierto de Aranjuez'. Obviously this was just a taster as he didn't have a full orchestra with him, unfortunately!
It was broadcast today to prepare the public for his final concert tomorrow.
At least we are now counting days, rather than weeks, before his return.

Meanwhile back at home, I have just found out that I've been linked to a site in America called, 'Guitarist Widow'. I had to check it out, after all, we have to stick together!
Whilst a different form of playing, there are some interesting, and funny, takes on life, with a husband who's obsessed by guitars.

As if by Magic - The Bay of Bengal

As Robin left Myanmar he sent two further pictures.
The first is of this rather beautiful lady and her child. She explained that the face paint was made from wood pulp and worn mainly by the women and children. It's function is not only decorative, but also, to help protect from the vicious sun.



Secondly, an image of a lovely flower:



But now, Crystal Symphony is back at sea, crossing the Bay of Bengal on its way to India.
Robin left home so long ago that his return flight tickets weren't yet available.
I had to pass on a message that I found rather amusing.
When he arrived on board Symphony he had to find the magician, who was bringing out Robin's flight details and tickets, and as if by magic, he would be able to return home.
As it turned out, the magician, Brett, found him, and they immediately got on very well. They have enjoyed many evenings discussing music and found they have very similar tastes.
Robin has also been amazed by some late night, private viewing, of some spectacular card tricks.
His guitar practice will be stepping up a gear now as his second concert is on Thursday.

Robin Hill in Yangon

For those of you who still enjoy listening to cassette tapes, then, you need to start looking after the player. As Harry Wallop reports, many of the large electronic retailers in Britain are to stop selling cassette tapes, and, Christmas will be the last time hi-fi systems will have tape decks included.

We have hundreds, if not thousands, of tapes around the house. Most we don't listen to very often, but, are the result of a lifetimes devotion to music. Home recorded tracks of Robin as a young boy performing in bands, musical ideas and phrases, recorded, and often used, at a later date, etc.
So we will have to start treating our cassette player with a little more respect. At least until we get around to putting them all into digital format.

Meanwhile, over in Myanmar, Robin did leave his guitar practice and took a trip inland. He has found it one of the most different and interesting places that he has visited.

On an hour long journey into town they passed many of these temples:



A typical market stall:



Does anyone know what fruit this is?

How to Boil an Egg - Sir John Barbirolli

Robin will spend the day taking in a few sights in Yangon, but mainly, will be on board practicing his guitar. Still, he can take comfort from the opulent surroundings.



I'm not sure if this is inside Crystal Symphony or Serenity, but, hey, looks alright to me.

As there is only me and son number two at home at the moment, I decided against the traditional Sunday lunch. Didn't seem worth it.
So, eggs it is, and here is how to make the perfect one:

"I always have a boiled egg. A three-minute egg. Do you know how I time it? I bring it to the boil and then conduct the overture to 'The Marriage of Figaro'. Three minutes exactly."

Sir John Barbirolli (1899-1970)

Enjoy!

Yangon, Myanmar - Where's That...

Yesterday Robin did his first concert on board Crystal Symphony, which I assume went well, as I read a post on a cruise board that said they had, 'seen the classical guitar player who was wonderful'. That's OK then.
I can also report that the pianist made it off his elephant, and back on board, as he dined with Robin last night.
Today they are heading for Myanmar, (if like me, you are unsure where that is, then it used to be called Burma.)
This looks like an interesting place.
If you go to the tourist sites for Myanmar, there are lovely pictures, as you would imagine.
He is actually docking in Yangon, and again, that looks and sounds great.
However, if you check out 'Lonely Planet World Guide', then it appears that some caution is needed.
As Robin will be there for a few days, he will be able to assess it for himself.
After more than 30 years of travelling the globe, and many strange, and often rather frightening experiences, I'm sure that he'll handle this without any problems, and just enjoy the experience.

Frustratingly, a new microphone arrived yesterday, ready for testing. I'm sure the travel worn musician will be delighted to put it through its paces on his return.

Phucket to Shakespeare

A photo has arrived from Robin's trip into Phuket. Not the clearest of images, but, all I have at the moment.
Apparently the dog lying in the road is sleeping in the heat, and not, a casualty of one of the great cars!



A good time ashore was had by all, although nobody has seen the pianist, he was last spotted having an elephant ride. I hope he managed to make it back in time and isn't stuck on a rampaging elephant through Thailand.

Meanwhile here at home;

'Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like a snail unwillingly to school.'

William Shakespeare - from, 'Seven Ages of Man.'

Not the case for us this morning. Son number one had the shining face, and was rather snail like, but only because he was struggling to school carrying a huge rucksack as he heads off for cub camp!
The only whining was from me as I had to pack hat and gloves alongside sun cream and sunglasses as the weather is rather changeable!
Good job I'm an experienced packer...

Thursday - Must be Thailand

Robin is in Thailand, or rather, was. Communication has been difficult today, and that combined with a large, and ever changing, time difference, is making life difficult.
However, after a short trip into Phuket, most of his time has been spent in practice.
All the musicians I know, find practicing in a hotel or cabin, a rather self-conscious affair.
Robin is always concerned how much the sound travels, and when you play a guitar as powerful as his, then it can often be heard quite a way off. Believe me, I've walked the corridors of many hotels around the world, and reported back if it can be heard in the lifts, bar, 2nd or 5th floor.
It isn't too bad if you are running through the concert itself, but the majority of practice, is actually scales and arpeggios.
They are something that most people don't really want to listen to, especially for 2-3 hours at a time.
The solution is a pair of socks.
To mute the sound has more than one benefit.
This quote sums it up:

'For these abstract exercises I mute the violin and put a piece of tissue under the strings. I could say that to practise with a heavy mute or, as I once did, with a soaped bow, saves my ear from being dulled with a surfeit of sound, and that this self-imposed continence makes the pleasure of performing aloud all the keener. Beyond that, however, mime obliges me to internalize the music until I can 'hear' it in my digits, muscles and joints, until the body becomes a sort of aural intelligence, an instrument perfectly tuned and playing independently of me, a pure voice.'
Yehudi Menuhin

I would, however, recommend that a clean pair of socks are used...

The Guitar is a Jealous Mistress...

Robin seems to have recovered from his journey and is now enjoying warm, sunny weather, out at sea, on his way to Thailand.
There's no time to relax though.
After losing, more or less, three full days in travel, he now has plenty of practice to do, in order to limber up those fingers ready for his concert on Friday.

As Leo Brouwer once said, "The guitar is a jealous mistress, she will not love you if you don't spend the time with her."

Keep that in mind as you read the following quote:

With what attentive courtesy he bent
Over his instrument;
Not as a lordly conqueror who could
Command both wire and wood
But as a man with a loved woman might,
Inquiring with delight
What slight essential things she had to say
Before they started, he and she, to play.

Frances Cornford (1886-1960)
'The Guitarist Tunes Up'

Good job I'm not the jealous type.

Singapore for Robin - Da Vinci Code Cracking for Me

Robin has now arrived in Singapore and is settling into his room on Crystal Symphony. His first, of two concerts, isn't for a few days, which is excellent news, as I'm sure he needs a few days to recover from the journey.
You would think he would lay down and relax for a while, but no, when I spoke to him he was repairing a nail.
Before he left America, Robin e mailed me a new piece he has composed called, 'A Passage to New York'.
Sight reading isn't really my thing, and despite Robin assuring me I would be fine with it, I feel some work is required.

Not as much as Thomas and Stuart Mitchell though.
They were intrigued by the markings on the arches of a chapel of a church featured in 'The Da Vinci Code'. Using their musical knowledge they have unlocked the notes of a piece of music that has been hidden for centuries. It's an interesting story by Richard Alleyne which you can read here.
I look forward to hearing it and many congratulations to them for their perseverance.

Meanwhile, I must get back to my own code cracking. I'm keen to hear this new piece of Robin's, especially as it's dedicated to me.
At least I have the luxury of playing through it on Robin's Miguel Rodriguez guitar. He has the 'Churchdoor' with him, but his other concert guitar is here with me.
If you happen to be in Singapore, on Crystal Symphony, don't tell him that I'm torturing his music on his precious guitar....

Borat, Kennedy, Ronnie Scot's, and Robin Hill is off to Singapore...

For those of you who are 'Borat' film fans, you will know that it was Sacha Baron Cohen's brother Erran, who composed the score. Due to the controversy surrounding the film, he was surprised to get a 'phone call from Marat Bisengaliev, the Kazakh violin virtuoso and conductor.
The result is a new composition for symphony orchestra called, 'Zere', which will be premiered at St.James's Church, Piccadilly, London, on Friday.
Bisengaliev will play violin and conduct the Turan Alem Kazakhstan Philharmonic Orchestra. For a full report read Adam Sweeting's article in The Daily Telegraph.

Nigel Kennedy has also had a glowing report from Ivan Hewett, for a performance at Ronnie Scott's, where he combined jazz with Bartok and a bit of blues thrown in. Read more here.

Meanwhile, Robin is oblivious to all of this.
Having flown overnight from Miami to Heathrow, he then immediately boarded a flight to Singapore. Another 12 and a half hours...Ouch.
It's tough at the top.

Fort Lauderdale and the Multiple 'Phone Calls

Once again Robin is in Fort Lauderdale. He was only there at the beginning of April! The QE2 docked in Port Everglade, Pier 21, if you are of a nautical persuasion. This is also the day that he jumps ship.
His bags are packed and he has a free day to while away before his flight. Unable to practice, he decided to leave case and guitar in a safe place, and take himself off on a shopping spree.
As this is one of the rare days that we can actually speak to each other, I keep getting 'phone calls telling me of his progress.

1) He's enjoying feeling the land beneath his feet, especially as it is very warm, and sunny.

2)After a short trip into town he found a huge shopping mall. One that he should have been directed to last time he was there when trying to buy clothes to last until his suitcase arrived. The taxi driver told him he was lucky to get out alive from the place he was taken to last time.....

3)He has found a very interesting CD shop where he had purchased a DVD of Joni Mitchell featuring Jaco Pastorius. You will recall that this is Jaco's hometown after all.
Also, a DVD of Chick Corea and some flamenco music.

I look forward to seeing them both, but for now, hopefully, they will keep Robin amused whilst he does some seriously long journeys.
He has more work to do yet, even if it is only to pay for the 'phone calls...

From A Day in New York to Heavy Weather to Rostropovich

Robin was lucky enough to have some time in New York yesterday. This was a rare treat for him as usually he is just passing through. He didn't have a full day, as getting through security took longer than anticipated, and he had to be back on board the QE2 by 4 pm. So, unfortunately, didn't manage to get to The Cloisters, as recommended by Paul, in New Jersey, and Ted, in New York. Many thanks for the directions though!

One thing he did need to do was to get some new strings for the next stage of his trip.
He found himself a luthiers in Manhattan and stepped inside, the first thing he saw was a copy of his very own book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium.' He was quite delighted and it reminded him of seeing a Hill/Wiltschinsky album in Tower Records a few years ago.

After a chat with the owner, Robin purchased some strings, along with another footstool, and this rather beautiful capo.



As he left the shop and walked down the road he came across the legendary Birdland Club. This is the famous New York jazz club that so influenced the band Weather Report that they named their famous song 'Birdland' after it.
This has always been rather a special track for us. In the early days we would listen to it very loud, late at night, often with musician friends, and just enjoy.
Now, well, usually son number one tells us to turn the music down, he's trying to sleep...

However, we should also take a moment to remember Mstislav Rostropovich the outstanding cellist, conductor and pianist who died yesterday. Obituary provided by The Daily Telegraph.

Just a Clumsy Phase - I Hope....

This is where being a regular reader has its rewards. You are privy to backstage information that the audience would have been totally oblivious to.
If you recall, Robin's last concert on the QE2, for this trip anyway, was on Wednesday.
Whilst still in his room making final preparations to go to the theatre, Robin decided his right hand thumb nail required some reinforcing, this is done with super glue, or, special nail glue.
There was only 20 minutes to go until the recital started, so he was already changed, and ready for the off.
Applying glue to a tiny part of the nail is a difficult procedure. When Robin is at home, I am occasionally called upon to assist, by holding a tweezer or squeezing the 'exact' amount of glue that is required, onto 'exactly' the right spot. It is always a rather tense time because if you get it wrong, it is then a lengthy and frustrating operation to remove the glue with cheap nail varnish remover.
Robin is, however, very adept at doing this, and deftly applies the correct treatment, one handed if necessary.

So there he was, alone in his room, and somehow he managed to spill the glue - all over his left hand.
As he frantically tried to remove it, he managed to glue himself to the G sting of the guitar....
By this stage there was only 15 minutes before the performance and the audience were already taking their places.
Little did they know that the artist was currently 'stuck' to his instrument.
The only thing to do, was to literally, pull his finger off the string.
He was then left with the dilemma of changing the string, which had bits of glue attached, or just to pick off as much as he could.
This is a bigger problem than you imagine.
To change a string minutes before a concert is a tuning nightmare. They need a few hours to be played in.
He opted for the, 'pick as much off as he could', route.

No need to worry though.
He put his professional head on and delivered an excellent concert. So good in fact that he was recalled twice to take a bow.
Unfortunately on the second exit he managed to walk straight into a piano - no permanent damage was done, to either of them.
I hope it's just a clumsy phase he's going through....

It's a Ball at the Proms

The papers are awash today with the announcement that the BBC Proms will stage a night of Michael Ball's West End songs. Click here to read more of Nigel Reynolds's article in The Daily Telegraph.
I'm sitting on the fence with this one. On one hand, I feel there are so many opportunities for the public to hear and see this type of music, that the Proms should be left alone for, what is now a rare chance, to view 'classical music'.
However, on the other hand, Ball is very good at what he does, and it could be that many people who haven't contemplated going to, or watching, the Proms in the past, may be enticed back to sample more.

Introducing people to orchestral music has also been discussed by various conductors. Eight leading symphony orchestras have suggested that every child should receive a free ticket to a classical music concert as part of their education.
An excellent idea to promote classical music to the next generation.
To read more, and for a list of the orchestras involved, go here.

For those of you who enjoy singing, but are not quite sure of the lyrics, then, as Richard Alleyne reports, 'The answer my friend...is on the internet'.
There are currently many unofficial lyric sites.
I stumbled across one recently that listed the 'Hill/Wiltschinsky Guitar Duo' as one of the artists. On investigating further the site said, 'The artist will not release the lyrics to their songs.'
Come on guys, do your research. They are a classical guitar duo, they don't have any lyrics!
But, if you do want to look into the words for your favourite songs, then Yahoo are to make lyrics available on line for free.

Meanwhile, out at sea, there have been some rather amusing developments in the last of the Robin Hill concerts on the QE2. But the details are sketchy at the moment, so I'll report more on that tomorrow.

Two Down, One to Go - On This Part of the Trip

News and comments are slowly trickling back on the two concerts performed so far.
The first, which was on Sunday, was very well attended and received.
Between two of the pieces, Robin had some rapid retuning to do, which he generally does very slickly as he introduces the next piece.
The altered string often tries to return to the original position, so one technique to prevent this, is to pull the string a few times so that it relaxes back to the tuning you require.
On this occasion, Robin was stretching the bottom E, whilst talking, but it 'slapped' back into position in a rather 'Stanley Clarke ' fashion.
He reassured his audience that he wasn't about to go into an 'Earth, Wind and Fire', style medley, and continued with the concert.
Audiences always seem to like the little personal touches, that are obviously not planned, and luckily Robin isn't fazed by things like that.
In fact, after the concert, he was talking to a couple who have been on board for 4 months as part of a world cruise. They had been to every classical concert in that time and said that Robin had the best response.
That's nice to know.

The second concert, which was on Monday, also went very well, although it wasn't an easy one for Robin.
The sea was rather rough and there was a certain amount of pitching and rolling going on. When you consider accuracy of finger positions is paramount, and millimeters make a difference, you can see that the moving neck of a guitar, that is beyond your control, is not going to help.
However, he did it, the audience enjoyed it, and he feels much better now!

Happy Birthday to Me!

So here we are. It's my birthday today and Robin is a few thousand miles away feeling rather nauseous in the Atlantic.
He's a romantic soul though, as he gave me some presents before he left, one of which was a bunch of flowers carefully chosen to be in full bloom today. He timed it perfectly, they are beautiful, but then timing is his thing.

It's also the day that in 1792, the national anthem of France, 'La Marseillaise' was composed by Captain Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle. I'm sure he didn't do it all in a day, maybe today was just the day he 'went public'.
So whilst I can't see or speak to Robin, we can communicate via e mail, once he wakes up!
There is another way though.
I read this the other day:

'Music carries me immediately and directly into the mental condition in which the man was who composed it.
My soul merges with his, and together with him I pass from one condition into another; but why this happens, I don't know.'
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910)

So, all I need to do is put on some of Robin's compositions, and I'll be right there with him.
As far as the rest of the day is concerned, well, family are coming over later, and I've saved a couple of episodes of 'House' to watch this evening.
If it's good enough for Jeremy Denk to be an overt 'House' fan, then it's good enough for me.

The Concert in Mid-Atlantic

Have you ever thought about how a soloist feels before going on stage?
Robin wrote this poem on a previous trip, but as he is mid-Atlantic at the moment, and has his second guitar concert tonight, I thought I would share it with you.

The Concert in the Mid-Atlantic

Waiting in my padded cell,

And dreading the recital bell,

The summoning of execution,

From which there is no absolution,

It's outcome all depends on me,

Escape prohibited by sea,

Check fingernails are all intact,

Check nerves that are severely wracked,

Check music is inside my head,

And rise up from the cabin's bed.

ROBIN HILL

Believe me, he does actually love what he is doing!
But it is a lonely time waiting to be called on stage. For those who are as passionate about their music as Robin is, I think it is inevitable, that they will feel this way.
The skill is being able to control the tension and use it to your advantage, which, after many years experience, Robin is able to do.
It isn't quite the same when performing with Hill/Wiltschinsky, as there is a certain amount of backstage bravado going on, which helps to diffuse the tension.

It obviously worked last night as the concert was very well received and Robin has had lots of very nice comments. To add to the evening, and make it feel very special, all the audience were attired in evening dress!

Miguel Rodriguez 'Churchdoor' passes the Sound Check

Robin has settled in on board ship but there has been little time to relax.
Most of the day has been spent practicing in preparation for his first concert tonight.
He decided to take his Miguel Rodriguez 'Churchdoor' on this trip and was looking forward to trying it out in the theatre.
This afternoon he went along for a sound check and although the acoustics in the theatre were very dry, the Churchdoor was completely unfazed, and produced its usual bright, vibrant and powerful sound.
Robin therefore decided to play unamplified.
He always prefers to, but sometimes it just isn't possible, you just have to try the venue out when you get there and make a decision.
Whilst running through the sound check there were actually a few people sitting in the theatre who gave an enthusiastic round of applause at the end.
Robin told them, 'That's only the rehearsal', so I hope they go back later to hear the real thing.

Southampton and the QE2

Robin and his luggage have arrived safely in Southampton and joined the QE2. At least there wasn't a long haul flight to endure, but, merely a short hop down the length of the country.
Mind you, there are plenty of long flights coming up, as he will be visiting some exotic, far flung places, and I'm hoping for some nice photographs. You'll have to keep checking in to find out exactly where he's going.
But for now, he is settling into his room, with a sea view, and I've no doubt, started his guitar practice.
Usually on these trips he performs two 45 minute concerts. But I have had a message to say he'll be doing three this time and the first is tomorrow.
Good job he does have all that music memorised after all...

Robin Hill and Memorisation

Today we have entered the 'twilight zone' where the number of hours in the day seem to be halved and the amount to fit in doubled.
Yes, it's that time again, Robin is setting off on his travels tomorrow.
I did take time out to read an article in The Guardian, 'All in the Mind', by pianist Susan Tomes.
Tomes discusses the art of memorising music and the strains that this puts on musicians. It's worth a read, there are lots of good points.
She states that, 'many musicians find it so stressful that they play less naturally than they would with the score.'
Also, that, 'memorising music is more complex than memorising words and the challenge is multidimensional for those who also have to play instruments.'

I wouldn't dispute that, but it isn't the case for all musicians. However, I can only talk about Robin's view on memorising music.
For him, it is a part of the process of learning and understanding the piece, and he would never perform any music until he felt that process was complete.
Robin likens it to actors on the stage. You wouldn't expect them to walk around still holding onto their script. They only get up on stage to perform once they have immersed themselves in the part.
The same applies to music.
However, at the beginning of his career, he did have music on stage with him, but rarely looked at it, mainly because he usually plays with his eyes shut. In fact, quite often the music on the stand wasn't even the piece he was currently performing. He would literally forget to turn the pages.
The issue was that it was there. A crutch to lean on.

Over time he realised that not only was it redundant, but was also obscuring the view for most of the audience. Even if the music stand is put slightly to the side, someone won't be able to see very well.
So, many years ago, he took the brave decision to perform without music, and he still maintains it is a liberating experience. All his attention goes on interpretation, the notes are already there.
Frequently members of an audience will comment that they have just observed him perform for an hour and a half, without the aid of music, and are amazed that so much information can be stored in the mind. It seems to make the concert experience special for all concerned.

Robin does actually have many hours of music memorised to call upon when required, a combination of physical, audio and sensory memory.

However, he does still take music with him when he travels. Not just new pieces he is working on, but, also ones that will be performed in that concert. He hasn't quite shaken off the crutch altogether, even if it doesn't actually make it out of the suitcase.
Speaking of which, there's a pile of music to make space for in the case I'm just packing....

Robin Teaches in Leeds, I investigate William Grant Still

As Robin is out all day, at Leeds University, putting a few students through their paces prior to their exams, I decided to follow a lead sent to me by one of our American readers, so many thanks to 'kamel'.
I was referred to a story on NPR, (National Public Radio) in the US.
They were running an interview yesterday on William Grant Still, an African/American composer, in which his granddaughter was talking about his life. Although unable to hear the entire interview with Judith Ann Still, extracts are available here.
It's a fascinating story which depicts the problems faced by a black composer/performer throughout his life.
He was born in 1885, Mississippi, and as a child enjoyed listening to opera with his stepfather and also attending concerts.
By 1914 he was playing the oboe and cello professionally, and thanks to an inheritance from his father, was able to undertake further musical studies at Oberlin College, until he was recruited into the navy where he remained until after the war.
Throughout his career he dedicated his life to composing/arranging/conducting and performing.
Still's has been characterized as an :
'American composer whose musical works included African American themes and spanned jazz, popular, opera, and classical genres.
He created over 150 musical works including a series of five symphonies, four ballets and nine operas.'
Whilst listening to the interview it struck me how sad it was that Still was not only struggling to get pieces performed in the same way as many composers do, but also had to deal with huge prejudice.
He did, however, continue with his quest throughout his life, despite the many obstacles.
I must confess that I was not familiar with his works, but having read/listened to an account of his life, was intrigued, and have since listened to some of the many pieces available. So far, I have really enjoyed what I have heard, and you can 'feel' the 'American' style of orchestration shining through. This is something of which his family are rightly proud.
He was unsuccessful in getting any of his music recorded whilst he was alive, but his family have since rectified the situation and now his music can live on through the various and varied available albums.

Robin Hill's markings on 'La Catedral'

I have previously written about Agustin Barrios, the Paraguayan guitarist and composer, but today I found this picture.



It is 'La Catedral', (The Cathedral), and as you can see from all the markings, Robin was working on it at the time.
The piece was allegedly inspired by a visit Barrios made to the main Cathedral in Montevideo. While walking past the building he heard the music of J.S.Bach being performed on the cathedral organ. This spiritual and musical experience later provided the basis for the original 1st movement (this later became the second movement as he added a much later composed introduction).
The original second movement, still obviously inspired by the music of Bach, was, with it's moto perpetuo semiquavers, an impression of the bustling streets outside the cathedral and the temporal world.

Robin was lucky enough to be in Montevideo whilst working on this piece, and derived a great deal of inspiration from visiting the very cathedral. Robin tells me that he always now sees the interior of the cathedral in his mind's eye when he performs this work.
This picture is from the inside.



Just as a little extra snippet of information, Barrios is thought to be the first classical guitarist to have made gramophone records, in 1910, and to have played a complete Bach Suite, (Lute Suite No.1).

Hill meets Doctor Who

Robin has taken time out from guitar practice today for a trip to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry with son number one, as they are currently showing Britain's biggest Doctor Who exhibition.
Doctor Who has a massive fan base, both old and young, but the reason I'm writing about it today is the music associated with it.
Some months ago we downloaded the album, Dr Who Theme (TV version), by Murray Gold.
It has proved hugely popular with both children and their friends.
The new arrangement of the Doctor Who theme, which was originally composed by Ron Grainer, is exciting and beautifully done.
In fact there are a total of 31 tracks, all depicting various characters and scenarios of the series.
Any self respecting 10 year old is able to identify the episode by the music.
This brings me to my point.
Many children don't have access to orchestral music, yet, most do have access to a television.
Gold has introduced an entire generation to the joys of the orchestra, whether the children realise it on a conscious level or only in a sub-conscious way.
From the haunting vocals in, 'The Doctor's Theme', choirs in, 'The Daleks', or the scary and dramatic, 'The Cyberman', (a personal favourite in our house).
This can only be a good thing. The arrangements are superbly done, subtle, and effective.
So if there are any reluctant classical music listeners, of any age really, who happen to be Doctor Who fans, then this is an excellent introduction.

The Frustrations of a Modern Day Composer

Robin put his new pieces on a disc yesterday and we sat back and listened.
For him this is a frustrating process, as what you hear from any computer generated programme, is not as it sounds in his head.
Sibelius is a fantastic tool, and the orchestral sounds are pretty realistic, but nothing can replace real musicians.
An orchestra brings a piece to life, and allows it to breathe at the appropriate moments, interpreting the composers intention under the guidance of a skilled conductor.
But as we have neither orchestra or conductor stashed away under the stairs, for now, we'll have to make do.
However, today, Robin did have a play around with the programme, and managed to add more expression, so we are another step nearer to what he is trying to achieve.
It did prompt a discussion on the advantage/disadvantage modern composers have compared to their predecessors.
Until recently the technology just wasn't available for them to hear their scores played back.
For me as the non-musician, I felt it must make life easier for the modern day composer.
Robin, as the musician, wasn't as sure. It certainly is nice to hear your work, but, he already knows in his own mind what it is going to sound like, and until that is achieved by real orchestral musicians, he will always be disappointed.
However, as Frank Zappa once said, even when your music is recorded by a real orchestra, there will still always be parts you're not happy with.
I guess that for musicians, as they evolve, so does their music. It's part of the artistic process.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder...

It's important to take time out and appreciate the transient beauty around us.
This is what I mean:




Robin captured this image yesterday, in our garden, brought on by the sunny spell. By this morning the white petals are less vibrant and the beauty beginning to fail.
Unlike the piece Robin is composing which is nearing completion and will hopefully have a longer life span than the flower.

I read a quote today that also touched me:

"With a great musician...his playing is become so transparent, so
full of what he is interpreting, that himself one no longer sees
and he is nothing now but a window opening upon a great work of
art." Marcel Proust (1871-1922)

The musician is merely a temporary custodian of the music, rather like being a parent really.

Robin Hill Composes....

At last the sun has reached the north of England and we are basking in beautiful weather.
Not Robin though, mind you, he has just returned from the Caribbean...
The muse is upon him, and he is locked away in the music room composing another movement to, 'A Walk in the Park.' Not a guitar in sight!
It isn't the first piece he has written for other instruments, there's a piano concerto called, '3 Van Gogh Portraits', which is a personal favourite of mine.
As 'A Walk in the Park' progresses I am periodically called to 'listen' to a particular part and proffer an opinion. It's all rather exciting.
The problem is that Robin has another trip coming up fast, and I have a long list of things for him to deal with before he goes.
Dilemma. Do you interrupt a musician at work to deal with mundane everyday household decisions.
Answer. No, how could I deny the world some music. I'll just have to make a few executive decisions myself.
Meanwhile, it was good to read in 'The Daily Telegraph', and article by Edmund Conway and Harry Wallop. BA have managed to make a fortune out of Robin's various missing suitcases, and even guitar, in the last few months. For every call I have had to make to the lost luggage department, they have been making money. Hardly an incentive for them to improve their record...

Robin Hill Plays 'J.S.Bach - Cello Suite No.1'

This is what I really miss when Robin is away on his trips.
Let me set the scene for you.
I am tidying up the kitchen after a typical family breakfast. From the music room come the sounds of J.S.Bach, Cello Suite No.1.
Whilst recently on the QM2 Robin was stopped as he did his daily deck pounding, (makes up for the lack of dog walking), by a couple asking if he would play a piece at the second concert. The man hummed the first few bars, which he had heard on a Segovia CD, and Robin identified it as Bach Prelude.
He explained to the couple that he knew the piece, and had played it a long time ago, but that he hadn't prepared it for the concert.
A quote from his book, 'The Guitar Gymnasium', says, "An amateur practices to get it right - a professional practices so he can't get it wrong."
Therefore, there wasn't time to achieve this before the concert.
It did stimulate his interest though, and after searching through his vast music library on his computer, found the required piece and set about taking it down.

Once home the job of memorizing was underway.
That brings me to breakfast this morning.

As I tidied up, Robin appeared, perched on the edge of the table, and announced he had now memorized the piece.
As the original is for cello, Robin had added the occasional bass note where the harmony is implied but not stated.
This is a very symmetrical piece which gradually modulates to the dominant key almost exactly half way through, it then proceeds to ratchet up the tension by means of a dominant pedal note and after many cascades of scales and arpeggios finally resolves back, on the final triumphant chord, to the tonic (D major).

(The original would have been G major, but this arrangement, and in fact most guitarists, use D major.)

Beautiful, and all as I emptied the dishwasher...

Teaching Children....A word from Sir Peter Maxwell Davies

As I mentioned a few days ago, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was giving a speech at the annual conference of the, 'Incorporated Society of Musicians. To read a transcript of the speech go here. It's long and interesting, but one point that jumped out at me, was the problems our children face when trying to get even a basic musical knowledge from school.
He talks about working at the Royal College of Music, as part of an outreach programme, where he met teachers who thought that, "teaching standard Western music notation was to indulge in extreme elitism", would "inhibit children's creativity", and was "alien to the working class values of ordinary people".
What....
Surely by not teaching them you are 'inhibiting their creativity'.
As Davies said, 'imagine not teaching them how to write the alphabet...'

Davies recognised the need for children to understand music many years ago and back in 1959 was Director of Music at Cirencester Grammar School. Here he vowed to give the children the musical childhood he hadn't had.
He made them sing sounds before writing them down so that the sign on the paper represented a meaningful sound to the children.

All sounds very sensible to me.
Especially when you read it alongside an article in 'The Daily Telegraph' by Graeme Paton, about, 'Tone-deaf teachers 'killing off' singing'. Apparently, primary school teachers are too embarrassed to sing in front of the class.
Maybe some of the budget allocated to 'promote singing in the classroom', to 'improve self confidence and language skills', should be redistributed to employ those people who actually know how to do it.

Home Again

Robin is home and delighted to see all the family. He actually arrived 5 hours earlier than scheduled which was very nice.
Credit where credit due, after recent scathing comments about BA it is only fair that I point out the good side.
An alert check in assistant in New York noticed Robin had two flights, and put him on 'stand by', for a direct flight to Manchester. They had a place, paged Robin, got him on board, and therefore returned him home early.
Also, his case managed to catch the same plane, and there were no problems taking his guitar in the cabin. Well done BA.
If we think we have problems transporting instruments then read this article. Oh dear...
It seems unlikely that this Bosendorfer piano will be played again.
And another thing, as Shane Richmond reports, we have to be nice to each other here in the blogosphere.

New York Calling and Trouble Brewing in the Arts World...

Robin has now docked in New York and talked me through the sites he could see as he walked around the deck. We started with the Statue of Liberty, then Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. Not bad.
He then went off to pack. That concerned me as he told me he was starting it yesterday. Considering he hasn't had any clothes for most of the trip it made me wonder what he needed to do.
I was quite looking forward to the prospect of only a few pairs of socks and the 'M*I*A*M*I' t-shirt to wash.
He has since informed me that once his case arrived he took great joy in wearing most of its contents.
Oh well.
Back here in the UK, I read an article by Martin Beckford, on the state of funding in the arts world.
Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Master of the Queen's Music, is to express his views at the annual conference of the 'Incorporated Society of Musicians', on Thursday.
Sir Peter, another northerner as he was born in Salford, Lancashire, adds to the list of musicians from this part of the world.
It seems serious problems could develop unless there is an increase in funding prior to the 2012 Olympic Games.
Watch this space.

From Salmon at Sea to the Nielsen Flute Concerto

As Robin is 'at sea', gradually heading towards New York, he is making good use of the time by working on a Bach Prelude. That was after he had dined on a salmon omelette for breakfast - I hope he's doesn't expect that when he gets home...
Yesterday I had wanted to listen to BBC Radio 3, 'Discovering Music', as Kenneth Woods had brought the programme to my attention. ( I was also delighted to read that he is a Frank Zappa fan!)
As I was out at the time, this morning I investigated the BBC Radio 3 playback and was able to listen to the whole thing.
Stephen Johnson took us through the Nielsen Flute Concerto, with the soloist Sharon Bezaly, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and conductor, Kenneth Woods.
It really brightened up a wet Easter Monday, with an interesting exploration of the piece before the performance.
As I listened I was supervising son number one in the art of grating cheese ready for a sauce. After he left, I was so distracted by my listening, that the Hillhouse canines helped themselves to the whole lot, right behind my back.
It's time their master returned to restore some discipline.
I guess lasagne is off tonight, we'll have to have bolognese instead...