Arachnophonia: Dear Evan Hansen

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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 Marissa (class of 2025) and features the vocal selections score for Dear Evan Hansen. Thanks, Marissa!

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen

Premiering on Broadway in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen is a musical about Evan Hansen, a high school senior in therapy for social anxiety and depression. As an exercise, his therapist tells him to write a letter to himself about his feelings going into the first day of school. The musical also centers around Connor Murphy, another high school senior battling depression. On the first day of senior year, Evan and Connor bump into each other, and Connor ends up taking Evan’s letter. Later that same day, Connor sadly ends his own life, with Evan’s letter still in his pocket. Connor’s family later reads this letter thinking Evan must have been Connor’s best friend, and Evan goes along with it instead of telling the truth. Through classic songs like “Sincerely, Me” and “You Will Be Found“, Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of just how big a single lie can get, while also raising awareness for teen mental health and suicide.

Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Alex Lacamoire are responsible for bringing this world to life through their musical talents. Their music has been heard off and on-Broadway, on tours, and even in a musical movie. If you would like to learn how to sing these coming-of-age pieces through sheet music, you can check this item out now from the Parsons Music Library.

Parsons Playlists: Soul of the Tango

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Xipeng (class of 2024) and features tango music.

Soul of the Tango

Bandoneon

Yo Yo Ma – “Libertango”

Astor Piazzolla & Roberto Goyeneche – “Balada Para un Loco”

Astor Piazzolla & Quinteto Tango Nuevo – “Milonga del Angel”

Curtis Chamber Ensemble – “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires”

Gidon Kremer, Alois Posch, Per Arne Glorvigen & Vadim Sakharov – “Allegro Tangabile”

Tango Rosa Rio – “Soledad”

Astor Piazzolla & Quinteto Tango Nuevo – “Escualo”

Evgenia Nekrasova & Nikita Kravets – “Butcher’s Death”

Hauser with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra – “Oblivion”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zew-4PqS9QemNgw_qIAGtgqn&si=EcBNdVISZlwTqLuF

Arachnophonia: Waitress

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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 assistant Nicole (class of 2024) and features the cast recording and vocal selections score for the musical Waitress. Thanks, Nicole!

Waitress

Waitress CD

Have you checked out Waitress yet? It’s a musical that serves up a slice of life with a side of humor and soulful tunes.

Based on the 2007 film, Waitress became an award-winning Broadway musical with lyrics and music by Sara Bareilles.

The story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and exceptional pie-maker trapped in a tough situation of domestic abuse. She finds solace in baking and pouring her hopes and dreams into her pies.

The score, by pop singer Sara Bareilles, is a work of art. “Opening Up” and “What Baking Can Do” set the stage, while “She Used to Be Mine” steals the show with its powerful and heart-wrenching arrangement. Over the past few years, the musical has earned multiple accolades, including Tony and Grammy nominations. Another song favorite of mine is “Everything Changes,” which captures pivotal moments in Jenna’s life that eventually lead to her resurfacing power to get through adversity. As the story unfolds, it teaches the audience a lesson about resilience to get through life’s obstacles.

The ensemble members add depth and texture to the story, filling the stage with vibrant personalities. Whether they’re delivering pies, chatting over coffee, or sharing in Jenna’s triumphs and struggles, each member of the ensemble contributes to the vibrancy of the musical’s narrative.

Overall, Waitress serves as a story of resilience and human connection. The musical’s cast recording includes heartfelt performances, humor, and unforgettable melodies.

You can check out the Waitress score and cast recording at the Parsons Music Library!

WDCE Charts 4-17-24

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WDCE 90.1 Logo

WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.

We’re sharing chart information from WDCE as reported to the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Chart.

Here’s the WDCE Top 30 from April 17, 2024 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE 4-17-24

For comparison, here is this week’s national NACC chart (click the image to see a larger version):

NACC 4-17-24

You can stream WDCE live here: https://live365.com/station/WDCE-90-1-FM-a39711

WDCE 4-17-24

Arachnophonia: Frozen II

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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 Eliana (class of 2024) and features insert title info here. Thanks, Eliana!

Frozen II

Frozen II piano/vocal selections book cover

Is Frozen II (2019) your favorite movie? It should be! While this film has my heart for many reasons, the score is truly what sets it apart from many films of similar caliber.

The piano/vocal selections score, available at Parson’s Music Library, contains all songs from the film. The songs are written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Fun fact, Kristen Anderson-Lopez grew up in my hometown!

The score includes hits such as “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself.” In December of 2019, the soundtrack album reached number one on the US Billboard charts, making it the first soundtrack of an animated film to hit the position since Frozen (2013).

The soundtrack of Frozen II has many of the same elements that the first film had, but with even more depth and nuance. The score’s composer, Christophe Beck, said in an interview that the score matured alongside Anna and Elsa, with new sophisticated musical concepts and themes.

To supplement your listening/playing, I highly recommend watching Into the Unknown: The Making of Frozen II available on Disney+. It’s a 6-part docuseries that dives deep into not only the film’s score, but the cast, animation, and development process. I should warn you, though, it’s a tearjerker!

Arachnophonia: The Commodification of Music at the Dawn of the Era of “Mechanical Music”

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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 Esther (class of 2025) and features a scholarly essay on the commodification of music. Thanks, Esther!

“The Commodification of Music at the Dawn of the Era of ‘Mechanical Music'” by Timothy D. Taylor (published in a collection called Music in the World and online)

Player Piano illustration

Dr. Timothy D. Taylor’s essay on “The Commodification of Music at the Dawn of the Era of ‘Mechanical Music'” delves into the evolving nature of music commodities and their commercialization influenced by surrounding circumstances. As a respected musicologist specializing in global issues, particularly the interplay between consumerism, technology, and music, Dr. Taylor, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles Herb Alpert School of Music, demonstrates his expertise throughout this article.

Using player pianos as a case study, Taylor examines, from an ethnomusicological perspective, how the means of reproducing music impact its dissemination. Building on Karl Marx’s concept of commodities, Taylor argues that the success of player pianos as the first commercially mass-produced products can be attributed to effective advertising strategies tailored to the societal norms of the time.

Taylor highlights the democratization of music access and the role of advertising in the reification of music. He observes the historical evolution of marketing tactics from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, a period considered the rise of popular culture, noting certain enduring strategies still relevant today. The ongoing commodification of music adapts to contemporary dynamics, influenced by the rise of artificial intelligence and online platforms. I highly recommend this article to anyone interested in learning about one of the many significant roles music plays in our lives!

Arachnophonia: Bob Dylan

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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 Amy (class of 2025) and features Bob Dylan’s first studio album (released in 1962). Thanks, Amy!

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan (1962)

Bob Dylan’s debut album, released in March 1962 by Columbia Records, marks a pivotal moment in the history of folk and popular music. Recorded over two days in November 1961, the album introduces the world to the raw, authentic voice of 20-year-old Dylan. The opening track, “You’re No Good,” immediately showcases Dylan‘s distinctive vocal style and his ability to infuse traditional songs with new life. The album is a compelling blend of folk standards, bluesy interpretations, and a few original compositions, offering a glimpse into the mind of a burgeoning songwriter and storyteller.

Dylan’s command of the acoustic guitar is evident throughout the album, providing a solid foundation for his poetic and often socially conscious lyrics. “Talkin’ New York” is an autobiographical track detailing Dylan’s early experiences and struggles in the Greenwich Village folk scene. “In My Time of Dyin'” reflects Dylan’s fascination with mortality and traditional blues themes, while “Man of Constant Sorrow” highlights his ability to reinterpret folk classics with a fresh perspective.

The album also features Dylan’s take on the traditional ballad “House of the Risin’ Sun,” a rendition that would influence countless musicians. The haunting quality of this track, combined with Dylan’s distinctive vocal delivery, contributes to the enduring appeal of the song. “Song to Woody” pays homage to Woody Guthrie, one of Dylan‘s most significant influences.

In hindsight, Bob Dylan is a captivating snapshot of an artist on the cusp of greatness. While not an immediate commercial success, the album laid the groundwork for Dylan’s subsequent groundbreaking work. Its influence on the folk revival of the 1960s and its enduring impact on subsequent generations of musicians solidify its place as a seminal piece in the folk and rock canon. Bob Dylan captures the essence of a young artist finding his voice, foreshadowing the revolutionary changes he would bring to the world of music in the years to come.

You can listen to Bob Dylan’s first studio album Bob Dylan at Parsons Music Library.

Parsons Playlists: Best of Blaine

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Marissa (class of 2025) featuring songs performed by the character Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) on the Glee TV series.

Best of Blaine

Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) - Glee

If you’ve ever seen the hit show Glee, you probably remember an amazing solo or two from one of my favorite characters, Blaine Anderson. This playlist has my favorite Blaine songs from the 6-season show. Enjoy!

Glee Cast – “Somewhere Only We Know”

Glee Cast – “What Kind of Fool”

Glee Cast – “Bills, Bills, Bills”

Glee Cast – “Cough Syrup”

Glee Cast – “Teenage Dream”

Glee Cast – “Beauty School Dropout”

Glee Cast – “Hey, Soul Sister”

Glee Cast – “Hopelessly Devoted To You”

Glee Cast – “Raise Your Glass”

Glee Cast – “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You”

Glee Cast – “When I Get You Alone”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEPpzeK8v3s25YnTTxWfcwqkRBea3O09I&si=2dK8rakTS-7h85V3

Arachnophonia: The Phantom of the Opera

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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 Alexandra (class of 2026) and features the 2004 film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Thanks, Alex!

The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film)

Phantom of the Opera - 2005 film poster

This is the 2004 film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infamous 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera, which is considered to be one of the most iconic productions of all time. It is the longest-running show in Broadway history, and second longest in West End history, indicating how well audiences have taken it over the years. The show ended its run in 2020 in London and in 2023 in New York, which has seen many viewers looking to the movie. For those who have not seen the musical, the film is an amazing way to experience the amazing songs and storytelling done by Webber. The movie tells how a woman, Christine, becomes the obsession of a disfigured man, the Phantom, who lives below the Paris Opera House.

One of my favorite things about the movie is the amount of involvement Andrew Lloyd Webber had with the entire process of production as well as the selection of the actors. It allowed his vision to match that of the vision of the musical, giving the movie the right feel. For those who have seen the musical, it is a great watch since it has so many similarities while also having elements not possible in a musical. For those who have not seen the musical, the movie version is a great introduction to the greatness of the musical and can make the plot a bit easier to comprehend on the first watch.

WDCE Charts 4-10-24

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WDCE 90.1 Logo

WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.

We’re sharing chart information from WDCE as reported to the North American College and Community (NACC) Radio Chart.

Here’s the WDCE Top 30 from April 10, 2024 (click the image to see a larger version):

WDCE 4-10-24

For comparison, here is this week’s national NACC chart (click the image to see a larger version):

NACC 4-10-24

You can stream WDCE live here: https://live365.com/station/WDCE-90-1-FM-a39711

WDCE 4-10-24