Arachnophonia: Romantic Arias

Posted on February 13, 2023 by marmstr3

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 CD collection of opera arias sung by tenor Jonas Kaufmann. Thanks, Esther!

Romantic Arias

If you frequent the music library, you may remember the question we had on our whiteboard last semester: do you listen to music when studying? If you do, this CD is something you should definitely check out.

Side note: the whiteboard questions are open for anyone to answer!

This CD is a collection of arias, or long accompanied songs for soloists, from a variety of romantic composers. The romantic era in music can usually be characterized by the introduction of chromatic harmonies and new chord progressions that “break” the rules of classical composition. They do not necessarily rely on resolving a melody or having a constant tempo throughout the piece. Romantic composers saw music as a medium to express human emotion and experience; it was seen as a way of communication.

Sung by my favorite tenor, this CD contains arias sung in Italian, French, and German. Jonas Kaufmann is a German operatic tenor noted for his versatility. You may remember seeing him as Don José in Carmen, but I personally became a fan after watching him in Massenet’s Werther. Check out this CD along with the CD players we have available for use in the library for your next study session!

Parsons Playlists: If Home Was A Person

Posted on February 3, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features songs that make her think of her best friend.

If home was a person

One of the many things I am grateful for and continue to grow in appreciation for is having the most wonderful friends. These are a few songs that remind me of my best friend!

Danny and Alex – “4/4”

Mellow Fellow feat. Clairo – “How Was Your Day?”

HOAX – “Grow”

Early Eyes – “Marigolds”

Sam Ock feat. Michelle – “Can I Have The Day With You”

Planttvibes – “Heart on a Shelf”

Delorians – “Daisy”

Ben Chandler – “Red Line”

The Millennial Club – “Summer Nights”

Stephen Day – “For Life”

gerentperez – “Cherry Wine”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexqMUgojMDU0_p61kHyp1D2

Parsons Playlists: Chamber of Secrets

Posted on October 21, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Esther (class of 2025) and features an assortment of chamber music.

“~~Harry Potter and the~~ Chamber of Secrets”

One of my favorite aspects of chamber music is exploring the intimacy of its subtle expressions. Here are some of my top chamber music pieces (including some I’ve been gatekeeping).

Robert Schumann – Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major Op. 44, Mvt. 1

Sergei Rachmaninoff – Trio élégiaque in G Minor No. 1

Johan Halvorsen – Passacaglia for Violin and Viola

Antonín Dvořák – Bagatelles Op. 47, Mvt. 5

Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet in F Minor Op. 18, No. 1, Mvt. 2

Felix Mendelssohn – String Octet in E flat Major Op. 20, Mvt. 3

Dmitri Shostakovich – Two Pieces for String Octet, Op. 11, Mvt. 2

Franz Doppler – Nocturne, Op. 19

Pablo de Sarasate – Navarra, Op. 33

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zew5NyVTiSg-ofiHKC01sZha

Arachnophonia: Mozart’s Letters, Mozart’s Life

Posted on October 5, 2022 by marmstr3

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 Esther (class of 2025) and features a collection of Mozart’s letters. Thanks, Esther!

Mozart’s Letters, Mozart’s Life: Selected Letters
Edited and translated by Robert Spaethling

Portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the age of 13 in Verona, 1770

When we first hear the term “classical music,” we often think of great composers like Beethoven and Mozart. Despite his relatively short life, Mozart is known and celebrated for his prodigious musicality and influential compositions even to this day. But what was Mozart like? You may know several of his pieces, but have you taken the time to consider the person behind these famous pieces?

There’s no better way of being first introduced to Mozart’s private life than Mozart’s Letters, Mozart’s Life by Robert Spaethling. Spaethling, a scholar of German literature of the 19th and 20th centuries and Mozart, has carefully chosen and depicted a compilation of Mozart’s letters spanning twenty-two years of the young composer’s life. Spaethling’s most recent edit of these letters provides us with the most accurate translation to appropriately convey Mozart’s nuanced personality.

Through Mozart’s Letters, Mozart’s Life, we are invited to explore Mozart’s innermost thoughts and raw perspective of life. In addition to the analysis of the different voices that shine through in Mozart’s candid letters, Spaethling includes information, such as various life events throughout the composer’s life, that encourages us to think deeply and have greater appreciation for the person behind these great works.

Arachnophonia: A New Dawn Fades “I See The Nightbirds”

Posted on February 22, 2022 by marmstr3

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 Esther (class of 2025) and features a locally produced album by A New Dawn Fades. Thanks, Esther!

A New Dawn Fades

I See The Nightbirds

I See the Nightbirds by A New Dawn Fades is a new album released by Cherub Records. The title song’s polyrhythmic beat, complimentary guitar and bass lines, and attractive transitions converge to create a distinctive musical picture. The gradual accumulation of tension yet unrushed nature of the piece is what results in the captivating arch shape drawn throughout the song.

Cherub Records, founded by PJ Sykes in 2001, is an outlet through which Sykes and his friends communicate their music to the rest of the world. Though originally located in Lynchburg, VA, Cherub Records has now moved to the city of Richmond where they document and release music of numerous bands. Their curious exploration of music conveyed through improvised pieces has been one of the defining traits of this band. Furthermore, they are known for blurring the line drawn between the audience and performers by interacting with the crowd during their live performances.

Because Richmond is known for its unique sense of community, supporting our local musicians is significant in allowing the local music scene to grow and thrive. It gives us the opportunity to experience new music specific to our area and builds mutual support between the musicians and ourselves. I assure you, I See the Nightbirds will make you reflect on the vast range of what music encompasses and what makes it truly special.

Parsons Playlists: Apricity

Posted on February 11, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features a selection of wintry songs curated by Music Library student assistant Esther (class of 2025).

Apricity

The term “apricity” is defined as the warmth of the sun during winter. We may feel lethargic and burned out during the cold months, but I hope this playlist can provide some warmth and positivity to cheer us on!