Heitor
Villa-Lobos.
There are
two varieties of classical guitarist: those who
play the Villa-Lobos etudes and preludes and
those who will be learning them very soon. The
etudes and preludes are kind of deceptive--they
are not terribly difficult reading, they
reinforce a particular pattern, be it chordal,
melodic or rhythmic. The devil is in the
execution. These pieces are a worthy challenge
to the student as it is often the
endurance that is the crux.
Etude One
in e minor is a neat little piece. What I consider
the 'B' section of the piece is (mostly) nothing
more than a single chord played in one fret
descending pattern from the box to the nut. Look
at the pattern. This is a right-hand exercise,
correct? Note the repeated 'melody note' in each
measure. It's the 'b' in the first measure, the b
flat in the second, etc. The uppermost note is
repeated three times in each measure and is
usually performed with this note accented, first
loud, then a bit softer, then softer still--but
still louder than the accompaniment. This gets to
be an issue in measure seven, eight, nine and ten
as the accompaniment crosses over and steps on
the three 'melody' notes. So, yeah, it really is
right hand finesse, but it is a good ear that can
sort it out! Steel-string acoustic and electric
players who use a pick -- you can still benefit
from this piece. Play it and work on your flat
picking keeping in mind the accents I have
previously mentioned.Classical students, buy
these etudes and preludes. There are twelve
etudes, each a worthy 'opponent' your victory
will make you stronger! The preludes are dynamite
little concert pieces, play one for an encore,
play 'em all for a second half program selection.
Enjoy these exercises and come back next week for
more!.
A
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LOW END
By Harry George Pellegrin. The
first in the Gary Morrissey series of mysteries. Dealing
with modern subject matter in the classic style of the 1940's
Mystery Noire masters--think Raymond Chandler in New York in the
1980's... LOW END is the story of a drug addict who is
murdered after he believes he has found evidence of a major
government conspiracy. Is it only drug-induced paranoia?
Might be, except his paranoia could be considered justified: he
was murdered, after all. Friend Gary Morrissey takes it
upon himself to find out just what happened and lands himself in
the crosshairs.
See more info...
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Classic Guitar Method
Composed,
written, transcribed, edited and arranged by Harry G. Pellegrin: Now in one volume, much of what the novice classical guitarist will need to know to lead him or her to the recital stage. From proper instrument care and maintenance to the necessary technical skills, musical mind-set, and the standard repertoire—all exposed and explored with enough detail and insight that the student will wish to keep this book handy years to come as a ready reference source.
See more info...
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DEEP END: The Wreck
of the Eddie Fitz By
Harry George Pellegrin. A mystery novel. Involving a
semi-professional musician and a Kreyol death cult, DEEP END
takes the reader from the bottom of Long Island Sound to the
steamy streets and Blues clubs of New Orleans. Alternative
spirituality does battle with the common working man. Published by
PAB Entertainment Group in association with LULU.com.
See more info...
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Reflecting Pools
Original Music by Harry G. Pellegrin:
Reflecting Pools is a departure for me
as it is totally keyboard. Well, the guitar did show up on one
track...
"...Reflecting Pools is a notable first album [for
Mr. Pellegrin]. A dramatic sense of tonality and mood are
propelled by exemplary musicianship and exciting compositional
exploits."
...And containing nine tracks that are relaxing, inspirational
-- sounds like a snooze. Not really, this is great stuff to
listen to on a rainy afternoon, while with your significant
other (nudge, nudge, know what I mean?)
Please visit the Reflecting Pools
page on this site or
www.bathtubmusic.com.
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