December 2013

Reflections-

We all need to listen carefully to our own practice and performance. We advance our playing when we listen to other trumpet player’s wonderful qualities and incorporate them into our own practice and style of playing (That’s what the FYI section is all about). But, I also believe that the exploration into other music styles and hearing the artistry of other instrumentalists will add to our enjoyment of music and deepen our possibilities in music making!

During the past year, these are four non-brass or work related CDs that I have repeatedly come back to listen to for fun and exploration…

Arvo Pärt: Da Pacem by the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir and Paul Hillier (2006)

Arvo Part Da Pacem cover photo

 

Great vocal music can always be an inspiration….The music itself… I find it haunting and so very melodic.  I practice to have the beautiful floating quality of sound I hear in the angelic vocal lines when I play the trumpet.

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The York Waits – Music from the time of Richard III (1987)

Ok, yes there are brass players on this CD! But I listen to this CD over and over again because they play with so much heart- they go for it- nothing seems held back- I admire that quality … There is a wide variety in the complexity of the tunes offered here and the diverse pairings of instrumental timbres gives the CD great depth.

York Waits image

 

 

 

Skydance – Live in Spain (2001)

Skydance image

A different inter-cultural collaboration- features:  Alasdair Fraser – violin, Chris Norman – wooden flute, Eric Rigler – Scottish and Irish bagpipes, Paul Machlis – keyboards, Peter Maund – percussion and Mick Linden- fretless bass and other guests too!The excitement of the live audience is amazing… they understand what a treat they are hearing and are totally involved. It’s what you want to have in a performance.Be sure to listen to Track 3 “Marabilla” – guest Mercedes Peón has such a poetic way of singing and her voice is captivating.  Also think of Track 5 – “Cries and Shrieks of Woe” by Chris Norman of Three Highland Dances (1784) performed on wooden flute the next time you go and play a single line etude…

 

 

 

 

 

Celtic Circles image

Celtic Circles – Bonnie Rideout, Scottish Fiddle (1994)

As I have recently performed some unaccompanied solo trumpet pieces, I appreciate all the more the thought in both preparation and performance of this type of genre. This CD provided insights and direction for me- perhaps it will direct you also.

 

Finally, I hope that this Holiday Season brings you happiness and joy! One of my special memories is that of my Grandmother making Canadian Honey Cookies… I am sorry to say I don’t know where the recipe comes from, but over the years many cookies were consumed. The recipe follows, I hope they bring a smile to your face and start a collection of wonderful memories for you too!

Canadian Honey Cookies

1 cup shortening         1 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup brown sugar      3 1/2 cups flour

2 eggs                           2 teaspoons baking soda

1/3 cup honey            1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix shortening, sugar and eggs thoroughly; blend flour, sugar and salt. Combine add honey and vanilla- mix well chill until firm overnight. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. Place on greased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched. When cool put together with apricot jam in pairs like a yo-yo. Dust with confectioner’s sugar. They will soften in a day or so.

 

Happy Holidays!