Yes,
I know that once again this
week's session is late --
four days late.
I
am well known for not being
punctual. In 1990 I actually
managed to miss a meeting
with Jon Voight. He is a true
gentleman and really decent
fellow though and left the
note you see below.
So,
if I could be so
disrespectful as to be late
for Mr. Voight, well, don't
feel too bad that I'm running
late on the sessions! By the
way, my kids only know Jon
Voight professionally as 'Mr.
Sir' in the movie HOLES. The
character of Mr. Sir is so
much like and at the same
time not
like Jon Voight. Mr. Sir was
mean, but played with lots of
humor. I can't imagine Jon
Voight being mean, but the
humor -- it's there in
abundance!
Anyway,
back to the guitar.
Last
session we looked at a
Ferdinand Carulli prelude. I
have been sorting through and
editing a great deal of
Carulli, Sor, Coste and
Giuliani -- the early
pedagogists and masters of
the guitar. Like I said last
time, these guys knew the
instrument and knew how to
write educational
compositions that are both
enlightening as well as
entertaining. The reason I
have been editing these
masters is so that I can
include new editions of their
works in my upcoming guitar
method. A positive side
benefit of this is that I
have become reacquainted with
pieces I hadn't played
through in almost thirty
years. Even I, the Master
of Old, had
been using newer methods and
studies with my students!
Know what? These pieces are
still as much of a benefit to
the student now as they were
in 1974. Who would have
thought???
Below
is a small piece from the
Carulli Method simply
entitled 'Andante'. I use
this piece in my method as an
exercise for the student. It
is totally unfingered. The
student must add his or her
own right and left hand
fingerings. In an appendix to
my method, I have another
copy of the piece with my
fingering suggestions. Once
the student has completed
fingering the piece, they can
compare their efforts with my
suggestions.
The
left hand is very, very
straight forward. Note
measure 36. Here I would play
the D with the third finger
and the B with the first,
leaving the fourth finger
free for the F# later in the
measure and making a good set
up for measure 37. That is a
good example of how one must
approach the left hand in
this piece -- always
conscious of where the music
is going, not just where
you're sitting at the moment.
Right
hand? I would
recommend that the student
tries it two (maybe more)
ways. First, the natural p
for bass notes with i
and m
plucking the treble/thirds
portions. Second, try
combinations of i
and a
and m
and a
for some variety Keep the
thumb working the bass notes
though. Of course, some
combinations will not work in
some measures, but, hey, get
creative.
Unless
some one emails me, I won't
post my fingerings next week.
Of course, if you want to see
'em... Just drop us a line at
information@pellegrinlowend.com .
And
if Mr. Jon Voight should pass
by this page -- Hi! Sorry I
missed you!
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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.
|
Hear
selections from my new album,
Reflecting Pools. A departure
for
me, it is a keyboard album.
The music is a series of tone
poems written for relaxation
and meditation. Reflecting
pools is the perfect
companion for a rainy
afternoon or a winter
evening. Actually, it is a
great stress-reliever at
work!
Click
the album cover to find links
for samples of all the pieces
on my album.
-
Harry Pellegrin
May
12, 2005
Available soon
through www.BathtubMusic.com
 
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Pound Sterling Graphics