Arachnophonia: Suite Espagnole

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features a streaming audio version of the solo piano piece “Suite Espagnole”, plus a biography of the composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909).. Thanks, Xipeng!

Suite Espagnole by Isaac Albéniz

Isaac Albéniz

Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909)

Isaac Albéniz, a Spanish musical virtuoso, and his “Suite Espagnole”

Isaac Albéniz was a Spanish composer and pianist known for his significant contributions to Spanish classical music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on May 29, 1860, in Camprodon, Catalonia, Spain, Albéniz demonstrated remarkable musical talent from a young age. He received his initial musical training from his father and then studied in various prestigious institutions across Europe. His compositions often feature intricate rhythms, evocative melodies, and a passionate, virtuosic piano technique.

Isaac Albéniz: Portrait of a Romantic by Walter Aaron Clark

I have been studying “Suite Espagnole” recently. It is one of Albéniz’s notable compositions, showing his profound affinity for Spanish themes and musical traditions. The suite is comprised of eight pieces for solo piano, each representing a different Spanish region, and the piece “Granada” is one of my favorites. It represents the Andalusian city of Granada, which is located in southern Spain and is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture, including the Alhambra, a historical palace and fortress complex. This composition is a showcase of Albéniz’s ability to blend classical piano techniques with the traditional sounds of Spanish folk music. Learning this piece always reminds me the memories I spent a summer in Granada with my family.

There’s a biography of this wonderful composer in our music library, Isaac Albeniz: Portrait of a Romantic by Walter Aaron Clark, and feel free to check out the recording, Iberia & Suite española / Albéniz, which is available online!

Arachnophonia: Chopin – Ballade in G minor, op. 23

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features Chopin’s Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23. Thanks, Xipeng!

Frédéric Chopin – Ballade No. 1 in g minor, op. 23

Portrait of Chopin by Louis Gallait

Portrait of Chopin by Louis Gallait (1843)

The Op.23 Ballade is undoubtedly one of Frederic Chopin’s most representative works, and it was created between 1831 and 1835, during Chopin’s first few years in Paris. Completed in 1835 and published a year later it was followed by three more in this new genre: Op.38 Ballade in F Major, Op.47 Ballade in A-Flat Major, and Op.52 Ballade in F minor, published in succession till 1842. Discussion of the genre “ballade” is inevitable. It has been said that Chopin created a new genre in applying the titles of these pieces, at least for his own purposes.

According to Edward Hirsch, the English “ballad” represents a narrative song, a poem that tells and preserves a story orally. There are several vital features Hirsh mentions regarding the ballad that are relevant to the interpretation of Op.23 Ballade’s structure: an abrupt introduction, an emotionally intense refrain and overall a voice of an individual representing the community. In composing the Op.23 Ballade, Chopin was influenced by personal turbulence in midst of a turbulent social environment; thus, he expressed inner struggle and nostalgia, which, at the same time, also represented other Polish emigres’ grief and indignation and his own homesickness for the old country.

As Robert Schumann wrote in 1836: “It seems to me to be the work closest to his genius (though not the most brilliant). I even told him that it is my favorite of all of all his works. After a long, reflective pause he told me emphatically: ‘I am glad, because I too like it the best, it is my dearest work’”. The g minor ballade is unique being the representative of the public voice during the 1830s and the epitome of that specific era; meanwhile, it can still appeal to the audience’s sympathy and inspire imagination when performing in the 21st century.

Our library has many different pianistsrecordings of Chopin’s Ballades. Feel free to check out books/scores/CDs at the music library!

Arachnophonia: L’Histoire de Babar

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Kiran (class of 2024) and features music for narrator and piano inspired by Babar the Elephant. Thanks, Kiran!

L’Histoire de Babar le petit éléphant (The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant) by Francis Poulenc

L'Histoire de Babar - score

As a music library employee, one of our tasks is to ensure that each piece of media and literature is in the correct spot so that patrons can access materials with ease. A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a score for L’Histoire de Babar, Le Petit Éléphant. I recognized the character almost immediately, as I grew up reading the book series and later watching the early 2000s television series in my 2nd grade French class.

Babar originated in France during the 1930s and became a hit in the United States soon after. The story follows a young elephant who is introduced to western society after fleeing hunters. He returns to the elephant realm with modernized ideas and becomes their king shortly after. Babar is accompanied by many friends during his adventures.

This particular score is a piano piece with the narration of Babar’s first story, written in French. It came out long before any TV media was produced, but influenced Babar’s theme song in subsequent years. Babar has certainly influenced a generation through its media presence but has also become a story of the past. You can check out niche items like L’Histoire de Babar, Le Petit Éléphant and other unique materials at the music library (translations may or may not be included).

Histoire de Babar book cover

Arachnophonia: Chopin’s Letters

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features book of letters by the composer Frederic Chopin (1810-1849). Thanks, Xipeng!

Chopin’s Letters

Chopin's Letters - book cover

I started working on Chopin’s G Minor Ballade last December, and it was the piece with the heaviest emotions I have ever studied before. By chance, I read several sections of this book, a collection of Chopin’s letters, and the texts have such a strong power that I was immersed in the intensity and great sorrow reading through the lines.

Here is what Chopin recorded in his Stuttgart diary in this book when the Battle of Warsaw took place in September 1831: “Sometimes I can only groan, and suffer, and pour out my despair at the piano! … Is a corpse any worse than I? … A corpse is as colorless as I, as cold, as I am cold to everything now” (Chopin, 149).

When studying a new piece, I found it extremely helpful to better interpret the narrative and emotions behind the composition by reading different versions of the score and the composer’s diary or other written documents. The book Chopin’s Letters will give you a brand-new insight into this patriotic composer if you love his music! The call number is ML410.C54 A4 1988.

Parsons Playlists: Music for Two Pianos from Martha Argerich

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features works for two pianos performed by Argentinian classical concert pianist Martha Argerich and friends.

Music for Two Pianos from Martha Argerich

Martha Argerich has always been one of my favorite pianists, and it’s amazing how two pianos can produce the sound of an entire orchestra. Enjoy this exhilarating complete performance!

martha argerich two pianos

Tchaikovsky: Suite from the Nutcracker, Op. 71a Arranged for two pianos by Nicolas Economou (Martha Argerich/ Lilya Zilberstein)

Rachmaninov: Suite No.2 in C Major, Op.17 (Martha Argerich / Gabriela Montero)

Rachmaninov: 6 Morceaux, Op.11 (Martha Argerich / Lilya Zilberstein)

Brahms: Sonata for 2 Pianos in F minor, Op. 34b (Martha Argerich / Lilya Zilberstein)

Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos, Op. 56b “St. Antoni Chorale” (Martha Argerich / Polina Leschenko)

Prokofiev / Symphony No.1 in D Major, Op. 25 “Classical” Arr. Rikuya Terashima (Martha Argerich / Nelson Freire)

Mozart Sonata for Two Pianos, K. 448 (Martha Argerich / Daniel Barenboim)

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zeyn2KswGm9bpnTmsPUH3n_z

Parsons Playlists: A Mini Collection of Mozart

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Xipeng (class of 2024) and features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

A Mini Collection of Mozart

I have to say that my childhood was accompanied with Mozart’s music, and today’s playlist is all about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

violin solo with orchestra

Mozart – Piano Concerto No.21 in C Major, K.467 “Elvira Madigan”: I. Allegro maestoso
Artist: Rudolf Buchbinder

Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 27 in B-Flat Major, Op. 17, K. 595: I. Allegro
Artist: Rudolf Buchbinder

Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 13 in C Major, K. 415 – 1. Allegro
Artist: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli

Mozart – Piano Sonata in C major, K. 330- 3rd mov. Allegretto
Artist: Mitsuko Uchida

Mozart – Piano Sonata in A minor, K. 310- 3rd mov. Presto
Artist: Mitsuko Uchida

Mozart – Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major (K. 313)
Artist: Sharon Bezaly, Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra

Mozart – La Flute Enchantee – Der hölle Rache
Artist: Sabine Devieilhe

Mozart – Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K216: I Allegro
Artist: Hilary Hahn

Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, KV 219 “Turkish”: III. Rondeau
Artist: Bomsori Kim

Mozart – Piano Trio in G Major, K. 496
Artist: Clara Trio

Mozart – Piano Trio No. 1 (Divertimento), K. 254 in B-flat Major
Artist: Sean Cavanaugh, Nathaniel Shapiro, Kelly Knox

Mozart – Fantasia in D minor K. 397
Artist: Mieczyslaw Horszowski

Mozart – Flute Quartet No.1 in D Major, K.285
Artist: Ensemble Connect

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zexyj2fQfwVMgM2RqB25FRkP

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

Arachnophonia: Enrique Granados “Goyescas”

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Eli (class of 2024) and features Goyescas, a piano suite by Spanish composer Enrique Granados. Thanks, Eli!

Enrique Granados

Goyescas

Granados - Goyescas cd cover

Enrique Granados is undoubtedly one of the great ‘what-ifs?’ of classical music. Born in Lleida, Spain in 1867, Pantaleón Enrique Joaquín Granados y Campiñabegan studied music as a teenager, but was unable to attend a formal conservatory. Instead, Granados relied on private lessons and individual practice, eventually exploring composition.

His first real success was the 1898 opera Maria del Carmen, receiving critical acclaim for his composition and conducting. The Spanish King, Alfonso XIII, even attended a performance.

Granados continued composing and performing at a small scale for the next decade, but found his career take off with his piano suite Goyescas which premiered in 1911. Based on the paintings of Fransisco Goya, the works were incredibly popular, leading Granados to compose an opera based on the same themes. This opera became world-renowned after it opened in New York City (the European premiere was canceled due to the outbreak of World War One), and Granados was invited to perform for President Woodrow Wilson.

A walk in Andalusia - Francisco Goya (1777)

“A walk in Andalusia” – Francisco Goya (1777)

Unfortunately, Granados perished shortly afterwards, drowning when his boat back to Europe was sunk by a German U-boat. Had Granados stayed in his cabin (half of the ship was untouched) or turned down the New York premiere, his name could have become household in the world of classical music. I highly recommend listening to the Goyescas suite, especially “Quejas o la Maja y el Ruiseñor”, or “Laments, Or the Maiden and the Nightingale.”

Granados and canine friend

Enrique Granados poses with a canine friend

Parsons Playlists: 19th & 20th Century Piano Music

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we are featuring a collection of 19th and 20th century piano music curated by Music Library student manager Ryan (class of 2022).

Baby grand piano

Samuel Barber – Excursions, Op. 20

Erik Satie – Trois Gymnopédies No. 1

Erik Satie – Trois Gymnopédies No. 2

Erik Satie – Trois Gymnopédies No. 3

Frédéric Chopin – Waltz No. 7 in C Sharp Minor, Op. 64

Frédéric Chopin – Nocturne for Piano, No. 8 in D Flat Major, Op. 27

Franz Liszt – La Campanella

Franz Liszt – Liebestraume S541/R211, No. 3. Nocturne in A-Flat Major

Here is a link to the full playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyweOia4E_CpnV5TG7iyQO0

Liszt Chopin Barber Satie

Music of Chile

At the Music Library, we have celebrated this year’s Chile-themed International Education Week with an exhibit about the country’s music.

Chile - International Ed Week flyer

Our exhibit highlights items (both physical and streaming) from UR’s collection as well as information about traditional Chilean instruments and dance. It also includes thumbnail biographical info on several Chilean musicians.

Here’s a little info on the music with some links to items in the library’s collection and a few video clips for good measure!

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The traditional music of Chile is a rich mixture of Spanish and Pre-Columbian influences.

Some of the traditional instruments commonly used in Chile include Andean instruments such as

Charango

* The charango – a small stringed instrument of the lute family. It was traditionally made from armadillo shell, but is more commonly made of wood today. It has 10 strings.

and

Zampoña - Chilean pan pipes

* The zampoña – these are Chilean panpipes.

You can hear some examples of these instruments in action on songs like “Nieve, Viento Y Sol (Snow, Wind and Sun)” which is available to stream at this link: https://richmond.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01URICH_INST/191gg5k/alma9917693733606241

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The Cueca is considered to be the “most traditional music and dance of Chile” and is officially the country’s national dance. While cueca’s origins are not entirely certain, indigenous, African and Spanish influences are evident.

Cueca

It is a partner dance which is indented imitate the courtship of a rooster and hen. Men usually wear a traditional Chilean cowboy costume while women traditionally don a flowered dresses with an apron.

Here is a video of a cueca performance:

And here is a link to a reference article about the dance.

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Nueva Canción Chilena

In the 1960s and 1970s, Chilean songwriters like Victor Jara and Violeta Parra used the tonada as a foundation of the “Nueva Canción,” explicitly political music that blended Chilean folk music with progressive politics, similar to the way Bob Dylan and Joan Baez led a political folk revival around the same time in the U.S.

The foundations of nueva canción were laid by Violeta Parra (1917-1967) who was a popular folk singer-songwriter and musicologist who researched and recovered the poetry and songs of rural Chile.

Photograph of Violeta Parra

The library owns several resources with information about her and also a 2013 biopic about her called Violeta se fu a los cielos (Violeta Went to Heaven) that’s worth a look. Here’s the trailer for the film:

Víctor Jara (1932-1973) was a legendary Chilean folk singer and political activist who also pioneered nueva canción. His activism led to his murder by the Pinochet dictatorship in 1973.

Photograph of Victor Jara

Jara’s life and work continue to be celebrated by Latin American artists as well as globally known bands like U2 and The Clash. The 2018 documentary film The Resurrection of Víctor Jara is a great introduction to his life and legacy and is available to UR students, faculty and staff as a streaming video resource.
Here’s a trailer for the documentary:

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Claudio Arrau (1903-1991) was a Chilean pianist known for his interpretations of a vast repertoire, especially the works of Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt and Brahms.

Photograph of Claudio Arrau

He is widely considered to be one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century.

Here are a couple of library resources about his life and work:

* Claudio Arrau, the Emperor (DVD)

* Piano Lessons with Claudio Arrau: A Guide to His Philosophy and Techniques (Book)

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Of course, this is only a small sampling of music from Chile, but hopefully it will intrigue you and make you want to learn more!

Map of Chile and surrounding countries

Arachnophonia: Claude Debussy “Claire de Lune”

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Deisy (class of 2024) and features a streaming version of Debussy’s classic piano piece “Claire de Lune”. Thanks, Deisy!

Claude Debussy

“Claire de Lune”

Starry night over the Rhone" - Van Gogh

One of the big names in classical music, Claude Debussy, has greatly influenced the movement of music and art even past his years. His work is a great way to have a study session and or even to play on a rainy evening to unwind.
There is something so calming about his music. I love to play it when I’m studying and when I’m falling asleep, especially the song “Claire de Lune”. It has been in my playlist since I can remember and has always made me feel like I am part of some Disney movie.

Claude Debussy - 1900

Debussy has been a source of inspiration for many artists. Art is the inspiration of other art, we gather things we like and make them our own. Because of this, we see that Debussy is a very important aspect of the art community. Painters use his music to inspire a story in their artwork, theaters use his music to add emotion to a play, pianists use his music as inspiration for their own pieces. Because art is a cycle of borrow, transform, repeat, we can understand how influential a big musician was to an artist even in the 21st century.

Debussy at the piano

Sometimes when studying, you don’t want to sit in total silence but you also don’t want to listen to Drake’s new album, Certified Lover Boy. Debussy’s music is a great balance of both, it gives you some background noise but will not distract you with lyrics.