So, yesterday I had a conversation with a conductor having just finished rehearsing Beethoven’s 3^rd piano concerto in which we tried in vain to think of a piece that Ludwig wrote in either e-flat major or c minor that wasn’t great. We could not think of one. That got me thinking, are there any works by any composer with three flats in the key signature that are not masterpieces?

Beethoven’s innate talent for c minor is well known as his fifth symphony, forth string quartet, third piano concerto, op. 9 #3 string trio, and many others can attest. But on closer inspection his e-flat works also stand out; see the Eroica Symphony, “Harp” quartet, op. 127 quartet, “Emperor” piano concerto, and Septet.

(more…)

Wow, it’s been a long time since I updated this site. Sorry about that.

I have been pretty busy with a new job (no, I don’t make my living just playing violin anymore) and have had a few gigs during my free time that have pretty much kept me away from the computer. When I have been online, I have been sucked into Farmville and other Facebook buffoonery that has eaten into my blogging time.
(more…)

With the Thanksgiving holiday having just past and the Christmas and New Year holidays on the way, I thought I would take a moment to list a few of the things that I am thankful for, as well as a few resolutions that I will attempt to fulfill in the coming year (or however long it takes).

In no particular order, I am thankful for:

• Thomastik Vision Solo strings

• Sibelius music notation software (Finale eats it, in my humble opinion) (more…)

I just finished a new piece called “Un Tango Semplice” or a simple tango, for violin and piano, with bass and percussion.  You can listen to it by clicking here.  It can be played with the piano and violin only but the percussion and bass add a lot to the style.  If you would like the sheet music, go here and you can print it along with the piano and/or violin part.

Hi there.

I’ve got a few things in the works that I would like to tell you about.  One is a new composition project that I’ve started, and the other is a new feature of this site that is in the works.

I mentioned the other day that I’ve started an arrangement of the Kruetzer Sonata for full orchestra, and that will still be finished, but a new project has pulled my interest into second gear.  I am working on some jazz pieces for violin and other sundry instruments.  I’ve finished one tune already (ironically not featuring violin at all), and I have 3 others written that are pending notation and editing.  I plan on writing an “album” of about 10-12 songs and then putting together a CD for anyone who might be interested.  More to follow.

Additionally, I am adding a shopping feature to this site which will allow my intrepid readers to purchase T-shirts, coffee mugs, sheet music, and many other items related to this site as well as the violin in general.  This is totally in the infant stages right now, but I’ve already started working with the code as well as sourcing the product.

Thank you for visiting and keeping the violin “Sempre.”

I have started a new arrangement for full orchestra now that the Ysaye is essentially finished.  This time I’m tackling the Beethoven “Kreutzer” sonata (first movement) which is among the most loved, most difficult, and most emotionally charged of his works for violin and piano.  It is a wonderful work that I think will translate beautifully to full orchestra.  It also has a prominent part in that Beethoven movie Immortal Beloved which was not a great movie (although Gary Oldman was spot on as Ludwig), but the soundtrack is outstanding and the story behind this piece helps explain the furious nature of the first movement.

Updates to follow.  Thanks for visiting!