Author: whskyjack

Sunday Serendipity

The bassoon is not an instrument I think of often and had never heard one doing a solo but Vivaldi wrote 39 concertos for the bassoon. I ran across this performance on youtube , with it’s fun and lively sound is perfect for a festive occasion, much better than most thanksgiving music.

I wasn’t able to find much information about the concerto but did run across this bit of information

Many consider the Concerto for Bassoon in E Minor (RV 484) to be one of Vivaldi’s most successful concertos. The opening Allegro poco draws inspiration from the only surviving movement of the Concerto for Flute RV 432. The Andante is languorous; the outer movements vigorous and intense, most notably the final Allegro with its irresistible and unmistakeable Vivaldian élan.

The performance is a national school competition in Poland which may add to the liveliness of the performance.

Enjoy, Jack

Sunday Serendipity

Todays selection is a bit different than my usual picks. I usually try to find soothing music that is suitable for a Sunday morning after a hard Saturday night. But this one caught my attention and I decided to share.

String Quartet No.1 E minor „From my life“ 1st movement: Allegro vivo appassionato,

Composer: Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)

Performed by the Armida Quartet

Enjoy, Jack

Sunday Serendipity

I wasn’t certain where to go with this Sunday’s selection. As this is election week my first thought was something patriotic but with a common man theme such as Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. As I was searching, the youtube algo came through with todays gem.

It is “Cry No More” written by Rhiannon Giddens, produced and arranged by Michael Abels

Giddens is a founding member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops an oldtime Americana string band and one of my favorites. She originally wrote this song after the Charleston church killings in 20 15. This year she added some new lyrics and teamed with Abels for what is in my opinion an instant classic. It is not just her beautiful voice but the whole production just blew me away.

For more of the back story click here

Enjoy, Jack