A
Salute to Giuliani
And
that's not the famous New York City Mayor!
It's all about control, man. Yeah, I'm a control
freak. You should be one too--in fact, you have
to be a control freak to play guitar with any
degree of musicality.
If you've
played Mauro Giuliani, I don't have to tell you
what a terrific composer he was. He wrote in what
I consider to be the classic 'classical' style,
utilizing themes from Rossini's operas and the
little gem from Handel's 'Harmonious Blacksmith'
that spawned this tiny variation. This is a fairly
simple piece that can and is (usually) played in
a student's third year with the instrument. I
know a few recitalists who still play this piece,
not because of its razzle-dazzle factor, but for
its musicality. Listen to John Williams'
rendition on his Virtuoso Variations recording
for Columbia Records. It has a subdued
razzle-dazzle. It's a neat piece.
What makes this
particular variation interesting is the rests.
John Williams, wonderful player, student of
Segovia, master of the instrument, he still lets
those bass notes in the variation ring through
the ensuing rests! (As recorded in the previously
mentioned album.)
I am sure
that Giuliani wanted silence in the bass part
when he penned those little sixteenth rests. Ink
was precious in those days... Successfully
performing those rests is a combination of both
right and left hand technique. Obviously, once
the note is plucked, you'd think the right hand
technique was just about a done deal. Well, yes
and no. Yeah, you've made your choice for volume
and tone of attack, but something else is needed.
First look at what you'll need to do with your
left hand. Getting your finger off the C# (first
beat, first measure) will result in a short
duration for the note. How about the A that
commences the second beat? Getting your left hand
finger off an open string.... Not such a beast.
Here's where right hand technique comes in. I use
the fat side of my thumb to dampen the string
after the initial attack. It works.
Making
sure those rests come across as rests--bits of
silence--makes the variation really have a bit of
snap and crispness that is lost when the notes
are allowed to ring. Try it.
Here is
another gem you need to have in your library. I
am sure all the classical guitarists who have
been playing more than a year have this one
already, but if you don't, grab a copy ASAP. It's
the famous 120 Daily Studies for the
Right Hand and has many exercises
that link the type of techniques described above
to a easy and brainless chord progression.
Perfect for noodling in front of the TV!
Enjoy
these exercises and come back next week for
more!.
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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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