Bethany Yarrow and Rufus Cappadocia form a duo unlike any other. Rufus plays a five string electric cello that he invented. He plays with percussive rhythmic funkiness and Bethany sings in a down home bluesy bent. They mix jazz, funk, folk, and world music together and the resulting sound is truly unique.
Listen to “900 Miles”
http://soundcloud.com/musicdish/bethany-rufus-900-miles
One of their releases is a song called “900 Miles.” This tune is a great example of how these two musicians can mix styles. Where the lyrics and Bethany’s tone affect a melancholy and ghostly feeling, Rufus’ bass line is inescapably funky. One finds himself dancing to this ballad of a forlorn traveller. As Bethany sings, “if this train runs me right, I’ll be home tomorrow night, ’cause I’m 900 miles from my home.” A strange mix, to be sure, but Bethany and Rufus make it sound beautiful.
Watch the music video for “900 Miles”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnmEoLjdtJc
Along with this song comes a music video. The piece depicts both musicians slowly trekking down a long desolate railroad track and cuts to scenes of them playing together in a small cabin. The imagery captures the meaning of the song in an eery setting. It evokes a feeling of loneliness and desperation as Bethany sings of the train that will bear her home, a train that never seems to come.
- Review by Jon Peritz
Subscribe to the Bethany & Rufus mailing list
http://bethanyandrufus.fanbridge.com
http://www.myspace.com/bethanyandrufus
http://bethanyandrufus.musicdish.net
About Musicdish:
MusicDish LLC is a veteran internet company that is composed of several divisions designed to help both indie artists and business professionals expand their reach in the digital world.
Listen to “900 Miles”
http://soundcloud.com/musicdish/bethany-rufus-900-miles
One of their releases is a song called “900 Miles.” This tune is a great example of how these two musicians can mix styles. Where the lyrics and Bethany’s tone affect a melancholy and ghostly feeling, Rufus’ bass line is inescapably funky. One finds himself dancing to this ballad of a forlorn traveller. As Bethany sings, “if this train runs me right, I’ll be home tomorrow night, ’cause I’m 900 miles from my home.” A strange mix, to be sure, but Bethany and Rufus make it sound beautiful.
Watch the music video for “900 Miles”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnmEoLjdtJc
Along with this song comes a music video. The piece depicts both musicians slowly trekking down a long desolate railroad track and cuts to scenes of them playing together in a small cabin. The imagery captures the meaning of the song in an eery setting. It evokes a feeling of loneliness and desperation as Bethany sings of the train that will bear her home, a train that never seems to come.
- Review by Jon Peritz
Subscribe to the Bethany & Rufus mailing list
http://bethanyandrufus.fanbridge.com
http://www.myspace.com/bethanyandrufus
http://bethanyandrufus.musicdish.net
About Musicdish:
MusicDish LLC is a veteran internet company that is composed of several divisions designed to help both indie artists and business professionals expand their reach in the digital world.
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
MusicDish LLC is a veteran internet company that is composed of several divisions designed to help both indie artists and business professionals expand their reach in the digital world.
What degree am I going to purse? What do I want? A diploma or a certificate? What do I prefer? A full-time or part-time study? How much is the tuition fees? Is the school near or far? These are the questions that must be taken into consideration. And once you have decided on these, you will still need to undertake a significant exploration and consultation to focus your interests and choice of a music school.
What are the guides that I need to follow?
Search the internet and look for the school’s website. This is because the complete information is stated on their website. This includes the programs, the fees, admission requirements, audition specifics, faculties and opportunities. Often the school’s website will provide a “Q&A” or FAQ page which will answer the most common questions. It is always beneficial to know more about the school that you are interested to join, so that you will have more confidence and consider that the time you spend there will not be in vain.
An indication of its stability and also its reputation and standing in the industry is by doing background checks. For sure, certainly would not want to invest your hard-earned money in a school, only to find out the next day that the whole school has melted from the face of the earth!
Also, do check out more information about the directors and their credentials. Do they have a business background, or are they more of musicians? This will affect how the school is run and also the vision of the business too.
Check out the connections that the school has in the music industry. This depends on the focus of the music school in question. Who knows, this might be the key to your stardom in being a cellist, and so they would have more connections with artiste management companies, record companies and recording studios too.
These are also probably the schools with their own music publishing house. This is so that their students will be able to send in their songs to these houses and contend for a slot in the next recording album for various artists or much better if they would have more connections with performance place like concert halls, theatres or even prestigious arts venues in the country. This will provide the institution to be able to organize concerts and shows for their student performers, to give them more exposure and build up their confidence onstage!
Thorough knowledge of the curriculum and study programs that can bestow a perspective to your decisions, and sometimes lead you in new directions and this can happen if you’ll try to talk to some school administrators. Study other sources of information. There is a wealth of things that you can do here: If you know past graduates of the school, talk with them about their experiences while they were still a cello student. Find out also what kind of courses the school offers, and who are the instructors teaching the courses.
Of course, once you have found out these ideas, you will be able to choose the school without wasting of time and directly to the best school candidate in your place.
The leading cello agency in Singapore. Making cello lessons in
Singapore fun and interesting. Helping hundreds of students master the
cello quickly and easily. Find out more at
www.cellolessonssingapore.com
What are the guides that I need to follow?
Search the internet and look for the school’s website. This is because the complete information is stated on their website. This includes the programs, the fees, admission requirements, audition specifics, faculties and opportunities. Often the school’s website will provide a “Q&A” or FAQ page which will answer the most common questions. It is always beneficial to know more about the school that you are interested to join, so that you will have more confidence and consider that the time you spend there will not be in vain.
An indication of its stability and also its reputation and standing in the industry is by doing background checks. For sure, certainly would not want to invest your hard-earned money in a school, only to find out the next day that the whole school has melted from the face of the earth!
Also, do check out more information about the directors and their credentials. Do they have a business background, or are they more of musicians? This will affect how the school is run and also the vision of the business too.
Check out the connections that the school has in the music industry. This depends on the focus of the music school in question. Who knows, this might be the key to your stardom in being a cellist, and so they would have more connections with artiste management companies, record companies and recording studios too.
These are also probably the schools with their own music publishing house. This is so that their students will be able to send in their songs to these houses and contend for a slot in the next recording album for various artists or much better if they would have more connections with performance place like concert halls, theatres or even prestigious arts venues in the country. This will provide the institution to be able to organize concerts and shows for their student performers, to give them more exposure and build up their confidence onstage!
Thorough knowledge of the curriculum and study programs that can bestow a perspective to your decisions, and sometimes lead you in new directions and this can happen if you’ll try to talk to some school administrators. Study other sources of information. There is a wealth of things that you can do here: If you know past graduates of the school, talk with them about their experiences while they were still a cello student. Find out also what kind of courses the school offers, and who are the instructors teaching the courses.
Of course, once you have found out these ideas, you will be able to choose the school without wasting of time and directly to the best school candidate in your place.
The leading cello agency in Singapore. Making cello lessons in
Singapore fun and interesting. Helping hundreds of students master the
cello quickly and easily. Find out more at
www.cellolessonssingapore.com
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
The leading cello agency in Singapore. Making cello lessons in
Singapore fun and interesting. Helping hundreds of students master the
cello quickly and easily. Find out more at
www.cellolessonssingapore.com
Does the cold, cerebral feel of modern jazz leave you cold? Maybe you’d like to have a little bit of “gospel” in your jazz? Maybe you just want to take an old hymn and give it some updating. Then you’ll need to load yourself with an arsenal of gospel jazz chords.
Gospel jazz chords involve extending the dominant seventh chord with additional tones. The ninth, 11th and 13th chords are all used in gospel jazz. These are extensions of the basic dominant seventh chord. If you don’t know how to form a dominant seventh, here’s the rundown.
The dominant seventh is formed by taking a basic triad, which is 1-3-5, and adding a b7. In the key of C, you would play the notes C, E, G and Bb. The C chord is formed by the C, E and G. The major seventh is B, so you would lower it a half-step to get Bb. Play this chord and notice how it brings to mind some great blues and jazz. The C dominant seventh chord is written as C7.
Now you’re going to learn a bit more theory to understand gospel jazz chords. Since the notes of a major scale are numbered 1-7, where does the ninth tone come from? It comes from extending the scale beyond one octave. After the seventh tone of the scale comes the root, which is considered the eighth tone of the scale. So the ninth tone is the second, only an octave higher. To form a ninth chord, take a dominant seventh and add the ninth.
The 11th and 13th chords are formed in a similar fashion. The 11th tone of the scale is just an octave above the fourth, while the 13th is an octave above the sixth. The 13th is one of the most used gospel jazz chords. By extending chords to these extremes, you’ll hear some interesting tonalities and overtones develop in a well-tuned instrument.
Since every note of these chords is easily played on a piano, the resulting sound may get a little muddy. Some of the tones create a clash with other tones. A clash is when two notes that are a half step apart are played together. Sometimes a clash is useful, while at other times it isn’t. For these reasons, less important tones are often left out of extended gospel jazz chords. Take the ninth chord, for example. The fifth is often dropped from the chord to create a cleaner emphasis on the third, seventh and ninth tones of the chord. Try it and hear the difference.
Though it all seems a bit complex at first, the simple theory of gospel jazz chords comes naturally with a little practice. Try these chords in different keys, leave out different chord tones, and find out what gospel jazz chords sound best to you. These chords are useful in other jazz styles, as well. Even popular music today makes slick use of extended gospel jazz chords. Tasteful use of these chords can spice up even the most ordinary of hymns and gospel songs.
Gospel jazz chords involve extending the dominant seventh chord with additional tones. The ninth, 11th and 13th chords are all used in gospel jazz. These are extensions of the basic dominant seventh chord. If you don’t know how to form a dominant seventh, here’s the rundown.
The dominant seventh is formed by taking a basic triad, which is 1-3-5, and adding a b7. In the key of C, you would play the notes C, E, G and Bb. The C chord is formed by the C, E and G. The major seventh is B, so you would lower it a half-step to get Bb. Play this chord and notice how it brings to mind some great blues and jazz. The C dominant seventh chord is written as C7.
Now you’re going to learn a bit more theory to understand gospel jazz chords. Since the notes of a major scale are numbered 1-7, where does the ninth tone come from? It comes from extending the scale beyond one octave. After the seventh tone of the scale comes the root, which is considered the eighth tone of the scale. So the ninth tone is the second, only an octave higher. To form a ninth chord, take a dominant seventh and add the ninth.
The 11th and 13th chords are formed in a similar fashion. The 11th tone of the scale is just an octave above the fourth, while the 13th is an octave above the sixth. The 13th is one of the most used gospel jazz chords. By extending chords to these extremes, you’ll hear some interesting tonalities and overtones develop in a well-tuned instrument.
Since every note of these chords is easily played on a piano, the resulting sound may get a little muddy. Some of the tones create a clash with other tones. A clash is when two notes that are a half step apart are played together. Sometimes a clash is useful, while at other times it isn’t. For these reasons, less important tones are often left out of extended gospel jazz chords. Take the ninth chord, for example. The fifth is often dropped from the chord to create a cleaner emphasis on the third, seventh and ninth tones of the chord. Try it and hear the difference.
Though it all seems a bit complex at first, the simple theory of gospel jazz chords comes naturally with a little practice. Try these chords in different keys, leave out different chord tones, and find out what gospel jazz chords sound best to you. These chords are useful in other jazz styles, as well. Even popular music today makes slick use of extended gospel jazz chords. Tasteful use of these chords can spice up even the most ordinary of hymns and gospel songs.
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
Duane Shinn is the author of the popular online newsletter on piano chords, available free at “Exciting Piano Chords & Chord Progressions!”
June 29, 2006
Hello from Montreal: Dining and a Bit of Jazz at Modavie
After my initial introduction to Montreal through my driving tour, my next step was to explore the city on foot. I set out on my first walk through Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal). Literally five minutes from my hotel is the Place d’Armes, one of the most historic locations of Montreal, highlighted by the impressive Basilica of Notre Dame. I strolled eastwards on rue de Notre Dame towards Place Jacques Cartier, Montreal’s main square, that is surrounded by historic buildings, featuring many restaurants, as well as by Montreal City Hall, an excquisite Second Empire architectural beauty elevated on a ridge overlooking the port area on the St. Lawrence River.
My own European heritage always makes me appreciate historic architecture, and Old Montreal’s layout, with its narrow cobble-stoned streets reminds me very much of European cities. It’s just the perfect spot for a stroll. The centre of the square houses numerous vendors selling flowers, souvenirs and 10 minute portrait artists. Thousands of locals and visitors alike enjoy this atmosphere and Place Jacques Cartier was very busy and the restaurant terraces were brimming with people.
I walked east to the Marché Bonsecours, formerly Montreal’s public market. After its closure in 1960 due to the proliferation of supermarkets, the market housed municipal offices and exhibition hall and since 1996 it now features a variety of merchants selling arts and crafts. The late evening sun was reflecting off the silver dome of the market and the mood was set for a gorgeous evening.
I strolled along St-Paul Street, a narrow cobble-stoned street featuring multiple restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops and galleries, one of Montreal’s oldest streets until at 1 St-Paul Street I found my dinner location for the day: Modavie Restaurant, a two-storey eating establishment located in a historic building right at the corner of St-Laurent and St-Paul Streets. I had a chance to spend some time with Christine, manager of Modavie, to find out a bit more about this restaurant.
Modavie is one of several restaurants and hotels owned by the Antonopoulos family. Tony and Costa Antonopolous have won numerous awards for their contributions in revitalizing Old Montreal. Their portfolio of hospitality establishments includes the Restaurant de Vieux-Port, the Hotel Nelligan, the Hotel Place d’Armes, the Auberge du Vieux Port, as well as Galianos. There are actually two Modavie locations: one in old Montreal and one on the South Shore on the south side of the St. Lawrence River.
The building housing Modavie dates back roughly to the 1890s and was originally an inn primarily accommodating sailors. Christine explained that the name of the restaurant comes from “mode de vie” or “lifestyle”. The building is located just steps away from Montreal’s waterfront and Montreal’s Science Centre is a few steps south at the King Edward Pier. The Circque de Soleil is also located in the port and will return next summer. They are currently performing a new show in Las Vegas: “Love”, a show about the Beatles.
Christine explained that Modavie is actually well situated for watching some of the many fireworks displays that are launched in Montreal’s port area. I lucked out with one of the best tables of the house: a corner table upstairs with a view south and eastwards, apparently a favourite table for wedding proposals.
The décor is Mediterranean in style with lots of wood and a warm atmosphere. When you come into the restaurant downstairs you are facing the bar with tables to the right and into the back of the restaurant. Christine showed me their wine cellar which features more than 1000 bottles from all over the world, including wines from Italy, California and France. Modavie even features one Canadian wine – from Ontario no less.
Christine mentioned that Modavie’s welcoming atmosphere is reflected by the staff’s attention to detail and they take great care in making the customers feel comfortable. She herself has been at Modavie for seven years now and although she left a couple of times she keeps coming back. She originally started out at age 18 as a waitress and 11 years later she has worked her way up to being the manager of a 100 seat restaurant. Christine explained to me that their menu has changed over the years and that Modavie originally offered sandwiches and pizza. As time went on things got a bit fancier, more choices were added and tablecloths appeared.
What attracted me to Modavie was that it features live jazz music on a daily basis. While I was there, the Greg Cleyton Trio was setting up and they started to entertain the growing crowd from about 7:30 onwards. As the evening progressed people kept streaming in from the street and the restaurant filled up to capacity.
As I chatted with Christine I had a chance to peruse the extensive menu and decided to start the meal of with a warm goat cheese salad with almonds and a peach and mango vinaigrette. A delicious course of ravioli stuffed with Portobello mushrooms in a tomato and mascarpone sauce followed. And Christine surprised me with a special desert: a “crepe baluchon” with pears. Crepe is always one of my favourite desserts and this nicely wrapped up ball of sweet dough definitely hit the spot.
Being located in such a prime area, Modavie sees a wide range of customers. During the summer it is frequented by Canadians from all over the country, Americans and Mexicans. Fall is a very popular season with European travelers and during winter there are a lot of conventioneers as well as travelers from Germany. The day-time crowd consists mainly of lawyers who come here for a tasty lunch from the courthouses which are located close by. Modavie features a different lunch menu every day and at a reasonable C$15.95 it includes a soup or a salad, a main dish and coffee.
Modavie is a beautiful spot with a warm welcoming atmosphere. My packed agenda included a Montreal Ghost Tour next, so I did not have time to sit back and relax, but Modavie was a great introduction to dining in Old Montreal.
Hello from Montreal: Dining and a Bit of Jazz at Modavie
After my initial introduction to Montreal through my driving tour, my next step was to explore the city on foot. I set out on my first walk through Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal). Literally five minutes from my hotel is the Place d’Armes, one of the most historic locations of Montreal, highlighted by the impressive Basilica of Notre Dame. I strolled eastwards on rue de Notre Dame towards Place Jacques Cartier, Montreal’s main square, that is surrounded by historic buildings, featuring many restaurants, as well as by Montreal City Hall, an excquisite Second Empire architectural beauty elevated on a ridge overlooking the port area on the St. Lawrence River.
My own European heritage always makes me appreciate historic architecture, and Old Montreal’s layout, with its narrow cobble-stoned streets reminds me very much of European cities. It’s just the perfect spot for a stroll. The centre of the square houses numerous vendors selling flowers, souvenirs and 10 minute portrait artists. Thousands of locals and visitors alike enjoy this atmosphere and Place Jacques Cartier was very busy and the restaurant terraces were brimming with people.
I walked east to the Marché Bonsecours, formerly Montreal’s public market. After its closure in 1960 due to the proliferation of supermarkets, the market housed municipal offices and exhibition hall and since 1996 it now features a variety of merchants selling arts and crafts. The late evening sun was reflecting off the silver dome of the market and the mood was set for a gorgeous evening.
I strolled along St-Paul Street, a narrow cobble-stoned street featuring multiple restaurants, clothing stores, souvenir shops and galleries, one of Montreal’s oldest streets until at 1 St-Paul Street I found my dinner location for the day: Modavie Restaurant, a two-storey eating establishment located in a historic building right at the corner of St-Laurent and St-Paul Streets. I had a chance to spend some time with Christine, manager of Modavie, to find out a bit more about this restaurant.
Modavie is one of several restaurants and hotels owned by the Antonopoulos family. Tony and Costa Antonopolous have won numerous awards for their contributions in revitalizing Old Montreal. Their portfolio of hospitality establishments includes the Restaurant de Vieux-Port, the Hotel Nelligan, the Hotel Place d’Armes, the Auberge du Vieux Port, as well as Galianos. There are actually two Modavie locations: one in old Montreal and one on the South Shore on the south side of the St. Lawrence River.
The building housing Modavie dates back roughly to the 1890s and was originally an inn primarily accommodating sailors. Christine explained that the name of the restaurant comes from “mode de vie” or “lifestyle”. The building is located just steps away from Montreal’s waterfront and Montreal’s Science Centre is a few steps south at the King Edward Pier. The Circque de Soleil is also located in the port and will return next summer. They are currently performing a new show in Las Vegas: “Love”, a show about the Beatles.
Christine explained that Modavie is actually well situated for watching some of the many fireworks displays that are launched in Montreal’s port area. I lucked out with one of the best tables of the house: a corner table upstairs with a view south and eastwards, apparently a favourite table for wedding proposals.
The décor is Mediterranean in style with lots of wood and a warm atmosphere. When you come into the restaurant downstairs you are facing the bar with tables to the right and into the back of the restaurant. Christine showed me their wine cellar which features more than 1000 bottles from all over the world, including wines from Italy, California and France. Modavie even features one Canadian wine – from Ontario no less.
Christine mentioned that Modavie’s welcoming atmosphere is reflected by the staff’s attention to detail and they take great care in making the customers feel comfortable. She herself has been at Modavie for seven years now and although she left a couple of times she keeps coming back. She originally started out at age 18 as a waitress and 11 years later she has worked her way up to being the manager of a 100 seat restaurant. Christine explained to me that their menu has changed over the years and that Modavie originally offered sandwiches and pizza. As time went on things got a bit fancier, more choices were added and tablecloths appeared.
What attracted me to Modavie was that it features live jazz music on a daily basis. While I was there, the Greg Cleyton Trio was setting up and they started to entertain the growing crowd from about 7:30 onwards. As the evening progressed people kept streaming in from the street and the restaurant filled up to capacity.
As I chatted with Christine I had a chance to peruse the extensive menu and decided to start the meal of with a warm goat cheese salad with almonds and a peach and mango vinaigrette. A delicious course of ravioli stuffed with Portobello mushrooms in a tomato and mascarpone sauce followed. And Christine surprised me with a special desert: a “crepe baluchon” with pears. Crepe is always one of my favourite desserts and this nicely wrapped up ball of sweet dough definitely hit the spot.
Being located in such a prime area, Modavie sees a wide range of customers. During the summer it is frequented by Canadians from all over the country, Americans and Mexicans. Fall is a very popular season with European travelers and during winter there are a lot of conventioneers as well as travelers from Germany. The day-time crowd consists mainly of lawyers who come here for a tasty lunch from the courthouses which are located close by. Modavie features a different lunch menu every day and at a reasonable C$15.95 it includes a soup or a salad, a main dish and coffee.
Modavie is a beautiful spot with a warm welcoming atmosphere. My packed agenda included a Montreal Ghost Tour next, so I did not have time to sit back and relax, but Modavie was a great introduction to dining in Old Montreal.
Frederic Chopin is one of the better known composers of the classical era, with compositions such as his “Minute Waltz” and the “Funeral March” making him world famous. We all know a Chopin piece when we hear it – even if some of us do not recognise the composer!
Here are a few things that you might not know about Chopin:
1. What Did He Look Like?
There is only one known photograph of Chopin. It was taken in 1849 in Bisson in the same year that he died. You can view that photograph here: http://www.er.uqam.ca/merlin/ga991424/images/compositeurs/Chopin.jpg
2. Chopin The Inventor
Chopin invented popular musical forms such as the ballade and was also a leader in innovations in the forms of the piano sonata, mazurka, waltz, noctume, etude, impromptu and prelude.
3. A Polish Birth
Chopin was born in 1810 in the village of Zelazowa Wola near Warsaw, Poland to a French father and Polish mother. He left Poland in 1830 during the “Great Immigration” following the suppression of the Polish in the November Uprising.
4. Polish Origins But a French Name
Chopin is reported to have remained a Polish patriot, however in order to rely on using Russian documentation, he performed under a French name. Later in life, he even adopted French nationality.
5. A Child Prodigy
Chopin received his first piano tuition at the age of 6, although he had already been playing piano and had previously received help from his older sister Ludwika. He received tuition from the respected Wojciech Zywny. He soon out-grew his tutor, and started public performances which drew comments and comparisons with Beethoven, and particularly with Mozart as a child.
6. Royal Fans
At around the age of 11, Chopin performed for Tzar Alexander I of Russia during an opening of the Polish parliament. He was later invited to the Belweder Palace as a “playmate” of the Russian Polish ruler Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich of Russia. He was also a summer guest of Prince Antoni Radziwill.
7. Chopin’s Works
Chopin wrote many pieces, with the manuscripts of over 230 surviving. These works include such popular pieces as:
2 concertos for piano and orchestra, Opp. 11 and 21
27 études (twelve in the Op. 10 cycle, twelve in the Op. 25 cycle, and three in 58 mazurkas
a collection without an opus number)
26 preludes
20 waltzes
17 polonaises (orchestral accompaniment)
17 polonaises (cello with accompanying piano)
21 nocturnes
5 rondos
4 ballades
4 impromptus
4 scherzos
4 sets of variations
3 piano sonatas, Opp. 4, 35, and 58
3 écossaises
8. Chopin’s Death
Chopin passed away in 1849 at the age of 39 in Paris by the side of his sister Ludwika and a number of other distinguished attendants. It is unclear to this day whether he died as a result of Tuberculosis or Cystic Fibrosis. Either way he passed away at a young age, even for the time.
9. Memorials to Chopin
According to Chopin’s wishes, his heart was removed and preserved in alcohol, before being encased in a pillar in the Holy Cross Church in Poland.
The funeral was held a few weeks later in Paris and was attended by somewhere in the order of three thousand people, and then buried at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
Here are a few things that you might not know about Chopin:
1. What Did He Look Like?
There is only one known photograph of Chopin. It was taken in 1849 in Bisson in the same year that he died. You can view that photograph here: http://www.er.uqam.ca/merlin/ga991424/images/compositeurs/Chopin.jpg
2. Chopin The Inventor
Chopin invented popular musical forms such as the ballade and was also a leader in innovations in the forms of the piano sonata, mazurka, waltz, noctume, etude, impromptu and prelude.
3. A Polish Birth
Chopin was born in 1810 in the village of Zelazowa Wola near Warsaw, Poland to a French father and Polish mother. He left Poland in 1830 during the “Great Immigration” following the suppression of the Polish in the November Uprising.
4. Polish Origins But a French Name
Chopin is reported to have remained a Polish patriot, however in order to rely on using Russian documentation, he performed under a French name. Later in life, he even adopted French nationality.
5. A Child Prodigy
Chopin received his first piano tuition at the age of 6, although he had already been playing piano and had previously received help from his older sister Ludwika. He received tuition from the respected Wojciech Zywny. He soon out-grew his tutor, and started public performances which drew comments and comparisons with Beethoven, and particularly with Mozart as a child.
6. Royal Fans
At around the age of 11, Chopin performed for Tzar Alexander I of Russia during an opening of the Polish parliament. He was later invited to the Belweder Palace as a “playmate” of the Russian Polish ruler Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich of Russia. He was also a summer guest of Prince Antoni Radziwill.
7. Chopin’s Works
Chopin wrote many pieces, with the manuscripts of over 230 surviving. These works include such popular pieces as:
2 concertos for piano and orchestra, Opp. 11 and 21
27 études (twelve in the Op. 10 cycle, twelve in the Op. 25 cycle, and three in 58 mazurkas
a collection without an opus number)
26 preludes
20 waltzes
17 polonaises (orchestral accompaniment)
17 polonaises (cello with accompanying piano)
21 nocturnes
5 rondos
4 ballades
4 impromptus
4 scherzos
4 sets of variations
3 piano sonatas, Opp. 4, 35, and 58
3 écossaises
8. Chopin’s Death
Chopin passed away in 1849 at the age of 39 in Paris by the side of his sister Ludwika and a number of other distinguished attendants. It is unclear to this day whether he died as a result of Tuberculosis or Cystic Fibrosis. Either way he passed away at a young age, even for the time.
9. Memorials to Chopin
According to Chopin’s wishes, his heart was removed and preserved in alcohol, before being encased in a pillar in the Holy Cross Church in Poland.
The funeral was held a few weeks later in Paris and was attended by somewhere in the order of three thousand people, and then buried at Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
This article was written by Gary Tallon to celebrate Chappell of Bond Street’s collection of sheet music by Frederic Chopin amongst their collection of 50,000 titles of sheet music.
AMSTERDAM UNDISCOVERED: The Second Edition
Pencilbrain Records presents: Under the Radar
Live Music from up-and-coming ARTISTS AND DJ’S based in AMSTERDAM
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND, Saturday, November 7th / 14th & Friday, November 27th
One Month – Three new artists – Four great DJs
Discover another side to Amsterdam
Location: Argan, Overtoom 141, Amsterdam, from 21:00 – 03:00.
Tickets: Advance €7 / At the Door €10 / special offer All 3 events €15
Advance tickets sales: http://www.pencilbrainrecords.com/tickets.html
Live performances:
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009:
Dress (Holland) (pop/alternative/indie) and AwkwardI (Holland) (other)
DRESS: Amsterdam’s electro-acoustic duo: Jochem Klijnman & Bjorn Uyens.For the past eight years, Dress has been quietly and steadily building a very solid, loyal fan base. Their blend of solo drums, rounded Rhodes sounds and Bjornís vocal style which is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain with a bit of Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) has made them a favorite to anyone who has seen them perform live.
Opening for Dress, AwkwrdI: Djurre de Haan: (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Diederik Nomden (keys, percussion, guitar, vocals) Jelte van Andel (cello, bass, vocals) Susanne Linssen (violin, vocals).
Saturday Nov 14, 2009:
Vicky Lovecat (Belgium) (singer-songwriter)
Imagine this: a blend of Joni Mitchell, PJ Harvey, and Suzanne Vega with a splash of Lady Gaga and you get Jasmine Wynants a.k.a. Vicky Lovecat. Formerly one half of The Jack Stafford Foundation, Jasmine has taken some of the tongue-and-cheek humor she was known for and added it to some intensely personal tales which are sung by her alter ego Vicky Lovecat. In her distinctively soothing voice layered over some deceptively simple melodies, Vicky Lovecat reaches deep into your soul and sometimes makes you laugh at it all.
Friday Nov 27, 2009:
Kingalita and Turo Rudy Gipsy Band (Hungary, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Serbia.) (Gypsy/Oriental/Balkan)
Kingalita and Turo Rudy Gipsy band has an almost embarrassing amount of talented musicians. So, how fast this band has gained a reputation and popularity with the Amsterdam ìin the knowî crowd is no surprise. Through their uplifting Gypsy/Oriental/Balkan crossover music and high energy charismatic performances, you know thereís always going to be a party atmosphere – so bring your dancing shoes as the dance floor is sure to be / swinging/crowded/gezellig/hopping! An interesting bit of information; Turo Rudi Gypsy Band takes its name from a famous Hungarian cheese/chocolate bar.
Kingalita (Hungary) – vocals, Faiz Guseinov (Azerbaijan) – violin, Mehmet Polat (Turkey) – oud, Levent Guzel (Turkey) – percussion, Leopold Mitrovic (Serbia) – accordion, Focko – contra bass (NL)
DJ sets by:
DJ Javier (Spain), DJ M. van Beuren (Mexico), DJ Maxito (Holland), DJ Luciano (Holland), M. Gallo (Columbia), ZTT (Holland).
A bit about the sponsors:
Pencilbrain Records is an independent music & publishing company based in New Haven, CT (USA) and Amsterdam (Holland).Z.T&T Concepts, Amsterdam (Holland), is an entertainment company dedicated to different styles and expressions in the new and creative urban arts of the 21st century.
Links:
Pencilbrain Records
http://www.pencilbrainrecords.com
ZT&T Concepts
http://zttconcepts.com/
Pencilbrain Records presents: Under the Radar
Live Music from up-and-coming ARTISTS AND DJ’S based in AMSTERDAM
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND, Saturday, November 7th / 14th & Friday, November 27th
One Month – Three new artists – Four great DJs
Discover another side to Amsterdam
Location: Argan, Overtoom 141, Amsterdam, from 21:00 – 03:00.
Tickets: Advance €7 / At the Door €10 / special offer All 3 events €15
Advance tickets sales: http://www.pencilbrainrecords.com/tickets.html
Live performances:
Saturday, Nov 7, 2009:
Dress (Holland) (pop/alternative/indie) and AwkwardI (Holland) (other)
DRESS: Amsterdam’s electro-acoustic duo: Jochem Klijnman & Bjorn Uyens.For the past eight years, Dress has been quietly and steadily building a very solid, loyal fan base. Their blend of solo drums, rounded Rhodes sounds and Bjornís vocal style which is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain with a bit of Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) has made them a favorite to anyone who has seen them perform live.
Opening for Dress, AwkwrdI: Djurre de Haan: (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Diederik Nomden (keys, percussion, guitar, vocals) Jelte van Andel (cello, bass, vocals) Susanne Linssen (violin, vocals).
Saturday Nov 14, 2009:
Vicky Lovecat (Belgium) (singer-songwriter)
Imagine this: a blend of Joni Mitchell, PJ Harvey, and Suzanne Vega with a splash of Lady Gaga and you get Jasmine Wynants a.k.a. Vicky Lovecat. Formerly one half of The Jack Stafford Foundation, Jasmine has taken some of the tongue-and-cheek humor she was known for and added it to some intensely personal tales which are sung by her alter ego Vicky Lovecat. In her distinctively soothing voice layered over some deceptively simple melodies, Vicky Lovecat reaches deep into your soul and sometimes makes you laugh at it all.
Friday Nov 27, 2009:
Kingalita and Turo Rudy Gipsy Band (Hungary, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Serbia.) (Gypsy/Oriental/Balkan)
Kingalita and Turo Rudy Gipsy band has an almost embarrassing amount of talented musicians. So, how fast this band has gained a reputation and popularity with the Amsterdam ìin the knowî crowd is no surprise. Through their uplifting Gypsy/Oriental/Balkan crossover music and high energy charismatic performances, you know thereís always going to be a party atmosphere – so bring your dancing shoes as the dance floor is sure to be / swinging/crowded/gezellig/hopping! An interesting bit of information; Turo Rudi Gypsy Band takes its name from a famous Hungarian cheese/chocolate bar.
Kingalita (Hungary) – vocals, Faiz Guseinov (Azerbaijan) – violin, Mehmet Polat (Turkey) – oud, Levent Guzel (Turkey) – percussion, Leopold Mitrovic (Serbia) – accordion, Focko – contra bass (NL)
DJ sets by:
DJ Javier (Spain), DJ M. van Beuren (Mexico), DJ Maxito (Holland), DJ Luciano (Holland), M. Gallo (Columbia), ZTT (Holland).
A bit about the sponsors:
Pencilbrain Records is an independent music & publishing company based in New Haven, CT (USA) and Amsterdam (Holland).Z.T&T Concepts, Amsterdam (Holland), is an entertainment company dedicated to different styles and expressions in the new and creative urban arts of the 21st century.
Links:
Pencilbrain Records
http://www.pencilbrainrecords.com
ZT&T Concepts
http://zttconcepts.com/
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
Pencilbrain Records is an independent music & publishing company based in New Haven, CT (USA) and Amsterdam (Holland).ZT&T Concepts, Amsterdam (Holland), is an entertainment company dedicated to different styles and expressions in the new and creative urban arts of the 21st century.
Do you want your guests to have a one of a kind experience during your Paris wedding? One of the best things that you can do is to have a Jazz band that will rev up a lively atmosphere for your wedding. Having an orchestre Jazz Paris playing irresistible Jazz music during the ceremony or reception is the perfect solution to keep your guests entertained.
Before you finalize your plan to hire a Jazz wedding band, you should know what kind of entertainment you want from the band. This way, you can give proper instructions for the band, choose the music you want to be played, and get the best performance that your guests will love. So here are some important things you must do first before you hire a groupe de Jazz in Paris.
First, you need to look at the repertoire list of the Jazz band that you want to hire. This is easier nowadays because Jazz wedding bands have their own websites. An orchestre Jazz Paris group will upload its live performances on websites. All you have to do is to listen to the listed audio files so you can determine if the band is the right groupe de Jazz for you. This step is important so you can avoid hiring a Jazz band with a style that is different from your preferred style. To be safe, you should take a look at the Jazz Bang ensemble website. This group can customize the music according to your preferences. Although the ensemble also has its own repertoire, the Jazz musicians of Jazz Bang can easily accommodate your requests and customize their play list.
Second, you need to have a clear plan for the Jazz band. You can compile a list of songs that you want and find out if the orchestre Jazz Paris that you want to hire can perform them. It is best if you can work closely with the Jazz wedding band in preparing the list of music you want. Besides, these musicians are professionals and they will certainly have better ideas in music selection. You should also have a clear plan on when you want the music played. You have to specify to the band if you want music to be played during the processional and the recessional. You can also ask the band to play during the cocktail reception. Make sure to specify if you want music to be played during meals or after meals. You can also make a program where your guests can dance while the Jazz band is playing.
Lastly, make sure that you will have enough space in the reception area where the orchestre Jazz Paris can set up their equipments and instruments. It would be best if you can provide a raised platform for the band so that everyone in the room can see the musicians. If you are having a garden wedding, you should put up a makeshift kiosk for the Jazz wedding band so that the musicians will be comfortable during the performance. You will surely get the best performance from the Jazz musicians if you can properly prepare the area where they will play.
Before you finalize your plan to hire a Jazz wedding band, you should know what kind of entertainment you want from the band. This way, you can give proper instructions for the band, choose the music you want to be played, and get the best performance that your guests will love. So here are some important things you must do first before you hire a groupe de Jazz in Paris.
First, you need to look at the repertoire list of the Jazz band that you want to hire. This is easier nowadays because Jazz wedding bands have their own websites. An orchestre Jazz Paris group will upload its live performances on websites. All you have to do is to listen to the listed audio files so you can determine if the band is the right groupe de Jazz for you. This step is important so you can avoid hiring a Jazz band with a style that is different from your preferred style. To be safe, you should take a look at the Jazz Bang ensemble website. This group can customize the music according to your preferences. Although the ensemble also has its own repertoire, the Jazz musicians of Jazz Bang can easily accommodate your requests and customize their play list.
Second, you need to have a clear plan for the Jazz band. You can compile a list of songs that you want and find out if the orchestre Jazz Paris that you want to hire can perform them. It is best if you can work closely with the Jazz wedding band in preparing the list of music you want. Besides, these musicians are professionals and they will certainly have better ideas in music selection. You should also have a clear plan on when you want the music played. You have to specify to the band if you want music to be played during the processional and the recessional. You can also ask the band to play during the cocktail reception. Make sure to specify if you want music to be played during meals or after meals. You can also make a program where your guests can dance while the Jazz band is playing.
Lastly, make sure that you will have enough space in the reception area where the orchestre Jazz Paris can set up their equipments and instruments. It would be best if you can provide a raised platform for the band so that everyone in the room can see the musicians. If you are having a garden wedding, you should put up a makeshift kiosk for the Jazz wedding band so that the musicians will be comfortable during the performance. You will surely get the best performance from the Jazz musicians if you can properly prepare the area where they will play.
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
Looking for the best Orchestre Jazz Paris to play during your wedding? Visit our website today and find out why we are considered as the finest Jazz band in Paris today.
1) Know the genre you want to learn for improvisation.
One of the best ways to find out the genre that appeals to you is by listening to a few styles (i.e. jazz, blues, rock, folk, country, pop, etc.). The ones that stick in your mind are the ones to start off with. Like with anything you learn, learning becomes easier when you’re interested in it. As you listen to the various styles, one thing to keep in mind is that the blues genre relates to most all the other genres. For that reason, if you learn to improvise in the blues genre, it will ultimately end up helping you improvise across all the genres.
2) Build up a foundation of jazz guitar licks and riffs.
Successful players have built up a memorized library of licks and riffs. During their jazz guitar lessons, they have absorbed and practiced these licks from a variety of sources so that when it comes time to perform solo or lend an improvisation, they are ready to practice and apply what they have learned. Improvisation becomes easy because they know how to blend tunes on their gypsy jazz guitar.
3) Knowing the scales is the foundation for improvisation.
No jazz guitar player can improvise without knowing their instrument and how to craft the melodies together. When learning to play jazz guitar, you can’t ignore this important step. You don’t have to learn all the scales. In fact learning just a few scales like the major scale and the blues scale will be sufficient for a lot of improvs and solos. For example if you can see a lick in and filter it through the major scale, you’ll have mastered what makes a jazz guitar player a jazz guitar player and your audience will appreciate your talent and effort!
4) Transcribing tunes are a great source for improvisations.
Transcribing involves learning a tune by ear and then working it out in different chords if you choose. Transcribing really helps any serious player and should be a regular part of their solo practice. It involves trial and error practice where you’ll discover what works for you and what doesn’t work.
5) The best part is hearing yourself play.
Inspire yourself during your improvisation by recording yourself (you might also consider hooking up jazz guitar amps). When you listen to the recording, you’ll be able to hear even better the areas that need work. At the same time, you’ll also hear the areas that work very well and demonstrate the progress you’ve made as a jazz guitar player.
Improvisations and solos are like a string of musical ideas that you have gathered along the way through your learning career. You’ll get these “musical ideas” by learning and mastering the scales, learning to key licks and riffs and by transcribing tunes that you enjoy. You’ll soon see your creativity and skills take off!
One of the best ways to find out the genre that appeals to you is by listening to a few styles (i.e. jazz, blues, rock, folk, country, pop, etc.). The ones that stick in your mind are the ones to start off with. Like with anything you learn, learning becomes easier when you’re interested in it. As you listen to the various styles, one thing to keep in mind is that the blues genre relates to most all the other genres. For that reason, if you learn to improvise in the blues genre, it will ultimately end up helping you improvise across all the genres.
2) Build up a foundation of jazz guitar licks and riffs.
Successful players have built up a memorized library of licks and riffs. During their jazz guitar lessons, they have absorbed and practiced these licks from a variety of sources so that when it comes time to perform solo or lend an improvisation, they are ready to practice and apply what they have learned. Improvisation becomes easy because they know how to blend tunes on their gypsy jazz guitar.
3) Knowing the scales is the foundation for improvisation.
No jazz guitar player can improvise without knowing their instrument and how to craft the melodies together. When learning to play jazz guitar, you can’t ignore this important step. You don’t have to learn all the scales. In fact learning just a few scales like the major scale and the blues scale will be sufficient for a lot of improvs and solos. For example if you can see a lick in and filter it through the major scale, you’ll have mastered what makes a jazz guitar player a jazz guitar player and your audience will appreciate your talent and effort!
4) Transcribing tunes are a great source for improvisations.
Transcribing involves learning a tune by ear and then working it out in different chords if you choose. Transcribing really helps any serious player and should be a regular part of their solo practice. It involves trial and error practice where you’ll discover what works for you and what doesn’t work.
5) The best part is hearing yourself play.
Inspire yourself during your improvisation by recording yourself (you might also consider hooking up jazz guitar amps). When you listen to the recording, you’ll be able to hear even better the areas that need work. At the same time, you’ll also hear the areas that work very well and demonstrate the progress you’ve made as a jazz guitar player.
Improvisations and solos are like a string of musical ideas that you have gathered along the way through your learning career. You’ll get these “musical ideas” by learning and mastering the scales, learning to key licks and riffs and by transcribing tunes that you enjoy. You’ll soon see your creativity and skills take off!
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
You probably know that gaining a complete mastery of guitar scales is essential if you want to improvise jazz solos fluidly. To discover an unusual but very effective way that you can do this, please visit www.GuitarScaleMastery.com
Paris is a city steeped in jazz history. This history is celebrated every year at the Paris Jazz festival, which takes place every year in the Parc Floral de Paris between June and July. This festival invites crowd pulling jazz legends but also endeavours to showcase new talent from emerging talents of the international scene. Concerts take place in the afternoons every weekend and are the perfect way to experience an authentic Parisian summer atmosphere. With numerous affordable modes of transport and competitively priced Paris apartments on offer, this is the perfect time of year for your romantic city break.
After World War I Paris was turned into a new and exciting hotbed of creativity and innovation, particularly in its underground music clubs and bars. This subculture evolved after the first influx of African American soldiers arrived during the war and brought with them their unique brand of music, which grew rapidly in popularity and quickly established itself in the area of Montmartre. This area has become the spiritual home of jazz in the city and was famed for clubs including Le Grande Duc and Bricktop’s.
This infectious music quickly spread to the areas of Montparnasse, Saint-Germain-des- Prés and the area around the Champs Elysses. The cabaret clubs of the 20’s and the 30’s were the setting for a significant change in the social and artistic development of Paris during this period with some early pioneers of the scene including Josephine Baker, Darius Milhaud and the now legendary Django Reinhardt.
The popularity of the music grew rapidly and by the 1960’s Paris jazz clubs were regularly blessed with jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Today there remains a strong musical tradition and Paris regularly plays host to reputable artists from the international scene.
There is a vast selection of offerings throughout Paris, and with live music every night there will be no excuse for staying in.The Balle au Bond is a truly unique venue. This jazz club is actually a boat that is docked in the Seine in central Paris with fairly reasonably priced drinks.
Le Bilboquet, 13 rue Saint-Benoit 6th is a Paris jazz institution dating back to 1947. This is a great place to soak up the unique ambience in this classy establishment. There is no cover charge, however the drinks are expensive (one glass of white wine costs 18€).
Autor de Midi, 11 Rue Lepic is an authentic underground jazz club. The roster generally contains the local players in this authentic dark jazz “cave”. Reasonably priced drinks and a friendly atmosphere.
Why not end the weekend with a “jazz brunch” in the famous Jazz Club Lionel Hampton at Le Méridien Etoile (81 Boulevard Gouvion St Cyr. This large and up market supper-type club offers smooth jazz and swing on Sundays with its brunch menu costing 36€.
For expert jazz aficionados or novices alike, Paris offers the perfect getaway to explore this musical culture and take in some of the most ambient spots that the city has to offer on the way.
After World War I Paris was turned into a new and exciting hotbed of creativity and innovation, particularly in its underground music clubs and bars. This subculture evolved after the first influx of African American soldiers arrived during the war and brought with them their unique brand of music, which grew rapidly in popularity and quickly established itself in the area of Montmartre. This area has become the spiritual home of jazz in the city and was famed for clubs including Le Grande Duc and Bricktop’s.
This infectious music quickly spread to the areas of Montparnasse, Saint-Germain-des- Prés and the area around the Champs Elysses. The cabaret clubs of the 20’s and the 30’s were the setting for a significant change in the social and artistic development of Paris during this period with some early pioneers of the scene including Josephine Baker, Darius Milhaud and the now legendary Django Reinhardt.
The popularity of the music grew rapidly and by the 1960’s Paris jazz clubs were regularly blessed with jazz royalty such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Today there remains a strong musical tradition and Paris regularly plays host to reputable artists from the international scene.
There is a vast selection of offerings throughout Paris, and with live music every night there will be no excuse for staying in.The Balle au Bond is a truly unique venue. This jazz club is actually a boat that is docked in the Seine in central Paris with fairly reasonably priced drinks.
Le Bilboquet, 13 rue Saint-Benoit 6th is a Paris jazz institution dating back to 1947. This is a great place to soak up the unique ambience in this classy establishment. There is no cover charge, however the drinks are expensive (one glass of white wine costs 18€).
Autor de Midi, 11 Rue Lepic is an authentic underground jazz club. The roster generally contains the local players in this authentic dark jazz “cave”. Reasonably priced drinks and a friendly atmosphere.
Why not end the weekend with a “jazz brunch” in the famous Jazz Club Lionel Hampton at Le Méridien Etoile (81 Boulevard Gouvion St Cyr. This large and up market supper-type club offers smooth jazz and swing on Sundays with its brunch menu costing 36€.
For expert jazz aficionados or novices alike, Paris offers the perfect getaway to explore this musical culture and take in some of the most ambient spots that the city has to offer on the way.
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
Richard Jones writes for WayToStay.com, an online bookings agency that provides short term rentals in the most important European cities, including Paris. For more information about the Paris apartments available please visit WayToStay.com.
Apocalyptica tickets are now available and can be bought or sold online at Stubhub.com.
People living in the Nordic region of Europe must have Viking blood running through their veins. How else to explain the passion for dark, violent, dramatic metal?
Even those with classical training have a love for it, it seems. Apocalyptica, a cello quartet from Helsinki, Finland, were initially received as an amusing novelty when they debuted in 1996 with an album full of Metallica covers. But in time, they’ve gained an enormous amount of respect and goodwill from metal fans around the world, which enjoy their music for containing all the drama and rage of a good metal song.
The band is composed of four cellists who met at the Sibelius Academy for music: Eicca Toppinen, Max Lilja, Antero Manninen and Paavo Lotjonen. At first, their diverse range included everything from Bach to Jimi Hendrix. But eventually, their shared love of metal led them to craft covers of well-known metal standards. The bands they included Pantera, Metallica, Slayer and more. Eventually, they decided to join a covers night at a local metal club. They approached the gig with some trepidation—they weren’t sure how the crowd would react—but in the end, they received lots of applause and had a great time.
After putting out their first album (with a title that was straight and to the point: Four Cellos Cover Metallica), they continued to tour and gig both at home and abroad. In Finland, and especially in Helsinki, they were a massive hit. But the band thought they could do more.
They began writing their own songs, and eventually added a drummer, Dave Lombardo. This allowed them to pursue more of a rock or metal hybrid sound as opposed to a strictly classical one. They found future success with each album that came out. Their most recent, 2007’s Worlds Collide, featured an excellent cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” sung in German by Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann.
Now on tour, this is the time for metal fans to snap up some Apocalyptica tickets and see this band live.
People living in the Nordic region of Europe must have Viking blood running through their veins. How else to explain the passion for dark, violent, dramatic metal?
Even those with classical training have a love for it, it seems. Apocalyptica, a cello quartet from Helsinki, Finland, were initially received as an amusing novelty when they debuted in 1996 with an album full of Metallica covers. But in time, they’ve gained an enormous amount of respect and goodwill from metal fans around the world, which enjoy their music for containing all the drama and rage of a good metal song.
The band is composed of four cellists who met at the Sibelius Academy for music: Eicca Toppinen, Max Lilja, Antero Manninen and Paavo Lotjonen. At first, their diverse range included everything from Bach to Jimi Hendrix. But eventually, their shared love of metal led them to craft covers of well-known metal standards. The bands they included Pantera, Metallica, Slayer and more. Eventually, they decided to join a covers night at a local metal club. They approached the gig with some trepidation—they weren’t sure how the crowd would react—but in the end, they received lots of applause and had a great time.
After putting out their first album (with a title that was straight and to the point: Four Cellos Cover Metallica), they continued to tour and gig both at home and abroad. In Finland, and especially in Helsinki, they were a massive hit. But the band thought they could do more.
They began writing their own songs, and eventually added a drummer, Dave Lombardo. This allowed them to pursue more of a rock or metal hybrid sound as opposed to a strictly classical one. They found future success with each album that came out. Their most recent, 2007’s Worlds Collide, featured an excellent cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes” sung in German by Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann.
Now on tour, this is the time for metal fans to snap up some Apocalyptica tickets and see this band live.
Click Here For Quality Electric Cellos
Written by Andrew Good and sponsored by StubHub.com. StubHub sells sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world. Don’t miss Apocalyptica tickets.