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.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, May 28, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
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...
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...
Saturday, May 26, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, May 25, 2007
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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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)
Subscribe Free Add to my Page
Thursday, May 24, 2007
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....
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....
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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'.
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'.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
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!
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!
Monday, May 21, 2007
'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!
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!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, May 18, 2007
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...
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...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, May 14, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
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.
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.
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