Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Ukulele Chord Changes - How to Make Them Smooth

The biggest challenge beginner ukulele players face is getting their chord changes quick and smooth. Too often players' strumming is halting whilst playing.

This article will give you a few tips on how to avoid this situation and bring together your chords to make smooth changes.

Tip 1: Play At A Slower Tempo

The biggest mistake most beginners make when learning the ukulele is trying to play too fast. Whenever you learn a new song, always start playing it at a snails pace. This will get your fingers used to making the changes.

If you're playing too fast, you will make mistakes. And the more mistakes you make, the more your fingers will repeat that same pattern and continue to make mistakes.

Tip 2: Strum Evenly

When you are strumming, make sure you strum slowly enough so that the chord changes fit between the strums and the music is smooth. At the beginning, this may mean you have to play exceptionally slowly. Don't worry about it.

Once you have it under your fingers, you can start to increase the tempo gradually. This will result in much smoother playing.

Tip 3: Prepare for the Changes

You should have in your mind and which chord comes next and how you're going to change to it. Think of ways you could make that change easier for yourself.

Take the change from a C chord to a G chord. With the C chord you'll be fretting the A string with your third finger. Whilst you're doing this, you could also be holding down the A string at the second fret with your middle finger - so it will be there already when you have to change to G.

Another preparation you can make is to have your fingers placed just above the string where they will have to be for the next chord. Now they will be much closer to where they need to be for the next chord.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Looking For Baritone Ukuleles For Sale?

There are three other sizes besides the baritone ukulele which are the soprano, tenor and concert. It is a member of the guitar family and like the guitar it is termed a chordophone.

It was first brought to Hawaii in the nineteenth century by Portuguese immigrants and became immediately immensely popular. These instruments came to the United States in the twentieth century where they gained popularity and then traveled over the seas and on internationally.

The baritones are the largest of the ukuleles for sale and were made 'trendy' by one of America's most prominent entertainers, Arthur Godfrey.

Arthur Godfrey played a huge part in redesigning the instrument in the late 1940's. He played it in his shows on radio, television and personal appearances, and as a result its popularity grew.

Stringed instruments made from cigar boxes were popular during the nineteenth century and ukuleles had their time as a cigar box stringed instrument. They were made from a cigar box and had a broom handle through it going from top to bottom. The instrument had three strings. The sound and tone did not vary with each hand made instrument.

Baritone ukulele chords sound much like the chords of a conventional guitar, and there are strings of a special gauge that will enable you to change its sound.

Many families are getting away from the television after dinner routine and going back to some of the old ways, such as when sitting on the front porch swing and having a sing-a-long while someone played a stringed instrument was a way of life. It was an easier, happier, more comfortable and less stressful way of life.

Why not recreate that happy atmosphere in your family by purchasing a baritone ukulele?

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Ukulele Cases - Protect Your Treasured Ukulele

The ukuleles have been around since 1879. There are several accessories for them, which is why caring for them is just one aspect of a musicians job. Of the better accessories, cases are extremely important because they will protect the ukulele from damages caused by tipping or bumping into it. It is important to keep your instrument maintained and the case will make it simpler to keep it maintained by keeping all the necessary parts and accessories right at hand.

It is important to get a ukulele case that fits your instrument properly. You need to measure the total length of your ukulele, Then measure the lower bout (hips) of the instrument and the thickness at the bottom.

The ukulele is the smallest stringed instrument which makes it the most portable. It also makes it more prone to damage from being packed from place to place. A hard case to store it in will save you a lot of time, energy, and money by shielding it from accidental mishaps that you would normally have to repair. It also helps to keep it in tune by providing some protection from humidity and weather.

In 1915 when the ukulele came across the ocean to the United States, the craze began. Everyone had to have one. Their popularity quickly spread across the United States. Then came the Roaring 20's and Tin Pin Alley days. Every young swain had to have a raccoon coat and a ukulele.

Unfortunately, by the year 1910, there was only one original ukulele creator left. Soon after this was realized, and the demand far outweighed the supply, the mainland guitar companies started producing ukuleles. Although there were several companies producing the instruments, they were still being flooded with the orders so all of the producers had work particularly hard to attempt to meet the demand. Chicago was a great manufacturing center for the ukulele. The mail order companies sold thousands of ukuleles.

The ukulele is a great instrument for young and old people because of the weight and size of it. Even young children enjoy picking at the strings and listening to the sound it produces. It is a small and light instrument, which is very nice when you want to travel with it. The popularity of concert ukulele instrumentals has grown to be almost as popular as mainstream ukulele music.

It is very popular to buy a case for your ukulele with the initial purchase because you won't have to tune your ukulele as often as if you didn't have a case. The case will protect your ukulele from suffering any damages from outside sources.

You only have to learn a few chords of your ukulele in order to play. It is a big advantage if you are able to make everyone smile becaue you can not play a sad song on a ukulele.

Keeping all your extra accessories, strings, picks, and music in any one of the fine cases available keeps you organized and ready to head to the next concert or gig in a heartbeat.

The ukulele comes in four sizes, soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukulele. Case are made specifically for each size of instrument and you can still get a case for it and it will be very easy to carry and store your instrument. Even though the Hawaiians didn't originally like the sound that ukuleles produced, it is now the most popular instrument in the Hawaiian Islands and is easier for you to own now more than ever. The early Hawaiians knew the ukulele would never fit into their chants and drumming of their native music. They were wrong.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Buying a Ukulele - Things to Consider

Buying a ukulele, particularly for beginners, can be a bewildering experience. Despite being much smaller, there is a much greater variety in ukuleles than there is in guitars. This article will guide you through the choices you'll have to make.

The Size

Ukuleles come in four main sizes. From smallest to largest, these are: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. There are also other sizes such as super-concert (between tenor and concert) and the absolutely tiny sopranino.

The best choice for beginners is probably the soprano. It is the standard ukulele size and gives the sound most associated with the ukulele. It's size means that it is well suited to playing chords. Also, the cheapest ukuleles are almost always soprano ukuleles.

The tenor ukulele gives much more room for your fingers to move, making it more suitable for solo playing. It is the size most often used by professionals such as Jake Shimabukuro.

The concert is a compromise between these two - giving the advantages of both - and is my favourite size of ukulele.

Baritone ukuleles are much closer to guitars than they are to ukuleles. The producer a much deeper sound and are tuned like the top four strings of a guitar. As such, they tend to be preferred by guitar players and people wanting to move on to the guitar later.

The Price

Ukuleles can be bought very cheaply (less than $20). These very cheap instruments are not great quality, but they are a lot of fun. If you are serious about playing the uke, it's well worth spending an extra few dollars for that first step up in quality. Makala and Lanakai are two brands which make good budget ukuleles.

If money is no object, having your ukulele made by a luthier is the best option. An experienced luthier will be able to guide you through the process and help you discover the elements that will suit your style of playing.

The Brand

There are a huge number of brands around. Modern makes such as Kala and KoAloha, vintage brands such as Martin and long standing makes such as Kamaka. Each brand has its own acolytes and detractors. Reading around on the net will give you a good idea of how well respected a brand is.

You might want to consider where a ukulele is made. The world's most respected brands tend to be made in Hawaii. Brands like KoAloha make ukuleles in Hawaii in a factory of skilled makers which offer regular tours. Today, most ukuleles are made in China to keep costs down and tend to be lower quality. As a compromise, some brands are made in China but finished in the US.

Which ever ukulele you choose, you're sure to have a great time playing it.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

The Ukulele - A Traditional Hawaiian String Instrument

The ukulele, or uke, is a Hawaiian stringed instrument. This instrument was developed in the late nineteenth century in Hawaii, and was based on a small instrument similar to a guitar brought to the islands by immigrants from Portugal. In particular, three cabinet makers are credited as the inventors of the first ukulele. The Portuguese immigrants were known to play folk songs on the dock, where native Hawaiians were impressed not only by the sweet sounds of the instrument, but also the fast fingers of the players. Roughly translated, the name "ukulele" means "jumping flea," a reference to the action of the player's fingers.

The ukulele's quick rise in popularity has been credited in part to the ardent support of the instrument by King David Kalakaua, the last king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Serving from 1874 until 1891, he was in office when the first ukuleles were played in 1879 and 1880, and soon made them an integral pat of royal performances. Several members of the Hawaiian royalty learned how to play this instrument; it also became popular with Hawaiians from all walks of life, including fishermen and taro farmers. Today, the ukelele is often associated with music from the Hawaiian islands due to its use in popular music originating there.

During the early and mid twentieth century, this exotic instrument also gained popularity on the mainland of the United States. This is due in part to the Panama Pacific International Exposition, which took place in San Francisco throughout 1915 and featured a guitar and ukulele band hailing from Hawaii. The popularity of this exhibit at the Expo launched a fad for Hawaiian-themed music on the mainland during the Jazz Age of the 1920s.

This enjoyment of all things Hawaii would continue following World War II and the resulting popularity of tiki culture. The ukulele fit right in with this midcentury fad. From the 1940s through the 1960s, over 9 million inexpensive plastic ukuleles were produced to satisfy the demand from Tiki aficionados. Today, the ukulele can be found in many musical styles around the world. It is particularly popular in Japan.

The ukulele is known as a relatively inexpensive and portable instrument, making it a favorite of amateur players since the 1920s. On the other end of the spectrum, some of the most valuable ukuleles, made from Hawaiian koa wood prized for its tone and attractive coloration, can cost thousands of dollars.

A subset of the guitar family, most ukuleles have four strings. The sounds emanating from a ukelele depends on its size and how it has been constructed. There are four common sizes of this instrument: baritone, tenor, concert, and soprano. The soprano, the smallest uke, is the original size. In Hawaii, it is known as the "standard" ukulele. Although traditional ukuleles have a body shaped like a figure eight, similar to the body of an acoustic guitar, there are also oval ukuleles (sometimes referred to as a 'pineapple' shape), boat paddle shaped bodies, and occasionally square bodies, which are often constructed from a wooden cigar box.

Friday, August 20, 2010

How To Play A Ukulele

If you have been fortunate enough to get a ukulele, either as a gift for yourself or from someone else, you will want to learn how to play the instrument. There are some things that you should know before learning how to play the ukulele.

The first thing you need to do is understand that pluck a ukulele instead of strumming it, like a guitar. You can use a felt pick. You normally use your thumb to pluck the instrument.

A ukulele has four strings, six strings or eight strings, depending on the style. There are many different styles of this instrument as well as shapes. Most of them play the same notes, such as the soprano ukulele which is the original instrument that was introduced in the United States. The baritone ukulele, which was introduced in the 1940s, is slightly different and plays lower notes.

You can learn to play the ukulele as soon as you learn the notes. You are probably better off to start with a four stringed instrument as it will be easier to learn the four notes instead of six. A ukulele is similar to a guitar, but a bit easier to play. You pluck the strings and learn chords, but because the instrument is smaller, there are less chords and fewer strings. This means you can easily start playing once you have learned the notes.

Learning the different notes is not difficult. You can do this online or through a video tutorial. Before you begin, however, make sure that the instrument has been tuned. This can be accomplished by someone who is familiar with tuning a ukulele and who has an ear for music or through the use of an electronic tuner. If you know someone with an electronic tuner, you can borrow it to tune your instrument.

You can use your thumb to pluck the instrument, although it will most likely get calloused after a while. This is why so many people decide to use a pick. Unlike the picks for guitars, ukulele picks are made of felt and are softer.

Once the instrument is tuned, play around with it a bit. Learn how the different notes sound and get what they call an "ear" for music. Some people have this as a natural gift, others can learn this. You can also take a look at some tutorials on the proper way to pluck the instrument, using your thumb and in some cases, your thumb and forefinger.

All of the different types of ukuleles that are on the market are placed the same way, by plucking. If you have been used to strumming a guitar, this may be a bit different for you. But once you have gotten used to the motion, it will be second nature.

Once you are comfortable with holding the instrument, high in your arms, and plucking the strings with your thumb or felt pick, you are able to take lessons and learn how to really play the instrument and make some good music.

6 Sure Ways to Tune Your Soprano Ukulele

There is nothing worse to a tuned ear than the sound of an instrument being played out of tune - in particular any type of ukulele. So one of the most important things you would want to be able to do as a ukulele player is to be able to tune your ukulele perfectly. This article will look at six ways that you can use to tune your soprano ukulele.

Using an Electronic Tuner
For anyone without a good ear and anyone with a good ear this would be the way to go if you want your ukulele to be in perfect tune. Electronic tuners vary in price and functionality but are fantastic to have and very easy to use. There are tuners that produce sounds which you tune your ukulele strings to and ones which show on a screen what note your string is playing after plucking a string. If you had a good ear then tuning to another instrument is another way.

Tuning to Another Instrument
Virtually any tuned instrument such as a guitar, piano, recorder, another ukulele, keyboard etc can be used to tune your ukulele accurately. You just need to know what notes to tune to and have a good ear. The pitch of a string is matched to the pitch of the note played by the other tuned instrument. If you haven't got access to another instrument try tuning the ukulele to itself.

Tuning the Ukulele to Itself-Relative Tuning
If you just want to play on your own without worrying about being in tune with someone else you can tune your ukulele to itself, often referred to as relative tuning. Relative tuning of your ukulele means you are using one of the strings to tune the other strings of the ukulele. Once mastered it is really easy to do. If this doesn't work for you try tuning online.

Tuning the Ukulele Online
Tuning online is a breeze. There are many online tuners out there on the internet to choose from. Online tuners can also be downloaded so that they can easily and quickly be accessed. An online tuner is quite unique because you can see and hear notes as they are being played. Just click on the note for the string you want to tune and then tune the tuning keys on your ukulele to match the sounds of the string notes to the pitches of the notes that are being played by the online tuner. It's that simple! Another way is to use a CD or DVD which normally comes in a commercially produced instructional package.

Tuning to a CD
Many instructional tutor books come with a CD or DVD which without fail have the notes of each string being plucked so you can easily tune your ukulele. The CD/DVD unusually also includes supporting examples of the exercises and tunes found in the instructional manual which is a bonus. These are excellent too. With the advent of You Tube, information about ukulele tuning is easily obtainable.

Using YouTube
By going to You Tube, free online instructions for tuning your ukulele can be found by simply typing in an appropriate keyword into the search box. A variety of ukulele enthusiasts can be found there explaining the finer points of tuning a ukulele. These are excellent and well worth investigating.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

The Cordoba Brand Ukulele

The Cordoba brand ukulele line of instruments is designed for the more advanced, even professional, player. For those who are looking for a second instrument that they won't have to upgrade to accommodate their increases in skill, this line provides several options. These instruments are designed to be concert-quality and, to that end, they require the level of care demanded by any quality instrument. They are durable and long-lasting, like any well-made instrument. This company was founded in 1997 and has a good reputation with advanced players of the ukulele.

The characteristics of more high-end instruments are apparent in any Cordoba brand ukulele. The woods used generally include koa, one of the traditional materials for manufacturing these instruments. The back and sides of the instruments are generally made of mahogany, a preferred wood among instrument builders for hundreds of years. These materials are all combined in a durable instrument that offers good tone and playability. The instruments manufactured by this company encompass the full range of ukulele voices, from soprano to baritone, making them diverse enough for the professional player in their offerings. Some of them have other modifications preferred by players who take their instruments seriously.

Models such as the 25TK-CE Cordoba brand ukulele have cutaways on the body. This body design has been popular for guitars for many years-stylized cutaways are usually among the most distinctive features of electric guitars-and they add a lot to any instrument so designed. The cutaway allows the performer to reach the uppermost frets while keeping their hand in a suitable position for sounding clear tones. It also reduces hand fatigue by ensuring that one need not stretch very long distances to reach the last frets. In modern compositions, higher notes tend to be more heavily-used, making this a necessity for serious performers.

One should always purchase a case with an instrument of the caliber of a Cordoba brand ukulele. The case, of course, protects the instrument in transit but also provides an easily-controlled environment for the ukulele. This is imperative to preserving the integrity of the instrument. Wood is very much affected by temperature and humidity and a case allows the owner to keep their instrument safely stowed in what amounts to a micro-climate, where these variables can be more easily controlled than they may be in a large room. When they're not in a case or being played, a stand should be used to hold these instruments.

Cordoba brand ukuleles, like any high-end brand, can be instruments that last for a lifetime. With proper care and maintenance, these ukuleles will retain their sound and, in many cases, older instruments even improve in their sound over time and with being played. These ukuleles also demand high-quality strings to achieve the best sound and a player shouldn't be shy about purchasing several different brands and seeing which they like the best. These instruments deserve all the high-end accessories, as befits their high standards of construction.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Review of the Weather Report CD Mysterious Traveller

The exceptionally talented Jazz group Weather Report have released their CD entitled Mysterious Traveller. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Weather Report fans, and Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Mysterious Traveller their artistic excellence is on full display as they have once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be their best work to date.

I wish it weren't the case but, it's not everyday that I get a CD for review that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Mysterious Traveller. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Jazz isn't your favorite style you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the musicians.

Overall Mysterious Traveller is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Jazz collection. Truly an outstanding Jazz CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While this entire album is really very good some of my favorites are track 2 - American Tango, track 5 - Blackthorn Rose, and track 7 - Jungle Book

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Nubian Sundance. Outstanding!

Mysterious Traveller Release Notes:

Weather Report originally released Mysterious Traveller on June 4, 2002 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Nubian Sundance

2. American Tango

3. Cucumber Slumber

4. Mysterious Traveller

5. Blackthorn Rose

6. Scarlet Woman

7. Jungle Book

Weather Report: Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor saxophones); Joe Zawinul (Fender Rhodes, piano, synthesizer); Alphonso Johnson (electric bass); Ishmael Wilburn (drums); Dom Um Romao (percussion).

Additional personnel: Miroslav Vitous (acoustic bass); Eric Gravatt (drums).

Recorded at Devonshire Sound, North Hollywood, California between February and March 1974. Includes liner notes by Hal Miller.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Alto Saxophones

A saxophone is a musical instrument that belongs in the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments, having been invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian. Saxophones were earlier used in the military and in big orchestras but are now found in smaller bands as well. They are generally used for big band music, pop music, concerts, marching bands and jazz music. There are four commonly used kinds of saxophones: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones.

The alto saxophone is the most common saxophone in use. It is a basic model, and is generally preferred for beginners because of its comfortable shape and size. The alto is of medium size. It is shaped like a "J" bent backwards. Some alto saxophones are also straight in shape with a slightly tipped bell. The alto is usually preferred for classical compositions from composers like Ibert, Glazunov and Debussy.

The alto, like all other saxophones, is a transposing instrument. It is in the key of E-Flat. It is slightly longer than the soprano, and also lower sounding. Hence, it is a preferred solo jazz instrument.

The main parts in an alto saxophone are: the mouth-piece, including the ligature and the reed; the main tube that has tone holes and keys; a series of rods that connect the keys to the tone holes; the pads that securely cover the tone holes and, most importantly, the bell.

The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are different places where one can buy alto saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good source to find information about alto saxophones, but it is wise to test a few of them before buying.

Tenor Ukulele Tuning - A Tips Guide For First-Timers

The tenor ukulele is the 2nd largest of 4 distinct lengths that define the ukulele family: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The greater the scale length of a uke, the greater the volume and the greater the bass. A tenor uke will have a scale length (the length from the nut to the bridge) of 17" along with an overall length of 26". Although tenor ukes have grown extremely popular, they actually started out being preferred by just a somewhat small number of skilled players, such as Jake Shimabukuro.

This has now changed, with the tenor ukulele becoming a popular choice for novices. I wanted to create this short article in order to reply to a common question associated with the way to tune a tenor uke, which can be a tad confusing at the beginning, seeing as there are 3 ways to tune one: gc'e'a' (re-entrant c-tuning), g'c'e'a' (low-G tuning), or d'gbe' (re-entrant D tuning).

First off, let's start using the standard method: Re- Entrant C-Tuning.

Your G string needs to be higher than the C and E strings.

Your C is exactly like the middle C of a piano.

Your 4th fret of the C string is the same as the open E string.

Our 3rd fret of the E string is equivalent to the un-fretted G string.

Your 5th fret of the E string is going to be exactly like the open A string.

Second, the Low G tuning, which is over time becoming a very popular approach to tune the tenor ukulele, possibly as it more closely resembles a guitar. I prefer to tune mine using this method for solo performing, since you are able to create a bass accompaniment. To implement this tuning, just simply go through the above process, with the exception that the G string has to be tuned lower than the C string.

Finally, the least common is re-entrant D tuning - a somewhat new technique. You are going to want some non-standard strings so that you can make use of this tuning. This is also much like a guitar, but with the D string tuned higher.

Curious about how to decide upon which way to tune for your style of play? This is an effective general guideline:

Strummers - re-entrant C

Solo playing - low G

One example of exactly how I would tune a tenor ukulele to low G (g'c'e'a') is as follows:-

Hold down the second string (from the top) at the 4th fret, and pick it alternating with your open string underneath it. Tune this open 3rd string to sound the same as fretted one above it.

Then, hold down your third string (from top) at the 5th fret, and then tune the string beneath it so they sound the same.

Finally, tune your top string by simply holding it down on the 2nd fret, and tuning it in order to sound like your bottom string.

Have fun.

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Hilo Brand Ukulele

Hilo Ukulele models encompass many of the traits that attract new players to this instrument. While even a very basic guitar will usually run at least a couple of hundred dollars, one can pick up a playable, tunable and good-sounding ukulele for under a hundred. There are also a range of ukuleles available, encompassing all the standard voices in which this instrument is manufactured. The materials used to construct these ukuleles are not at all junk, consisting of mahogany and other high-end woods. For those starting out, there are several attractive elements to this manufacturer's offerings.

Hilo ukulele voices extend all the way down to the baritone. The baritone ukulele has a similar range to that of the guitar and, because it is often tuned to the same pitches as the highest four strings on a guitar, it is an easy transition for those trained in that instrument. The larger fretboard and more generous size all around make it suitable for those with larger hands, who may have a problem fretting a standard-sized ukulele. In an ensemble, it adds a beautiful bass layer to the collective sound, creating a space on which the melody may be established by the higher instruments.

For those who want to be less concerned with the foundation of a song and who want to be a bit more in the spotlight, the tenor ukulele is an excellent choice. Hilo ukulele manufactures instruments in this range, as well. The tenor voice is sometimes the star of the show and sometimes part of the underpinnings of a piece. This instrument represents a nice compromise between the full, bass sound of the baritone and the lilting tones of a soprano voice. This is one of the most popular voices in the ukulele styles commonly-available.

Hilo ukulele also makes soprano instruments. This is the most popular voice for ukuleles. The soprano is always the star of the show, voicing the melody and occupying that musical range on top of all others. This range of instrument is particularly well-suited for those with very small hands or for those with excellent coordination who like to be able to span a wide range of notes on a single chord. The tone on this range of ukuleles can be deceptively rich, despite its high pitch. This instrument is the smallest and most convenient of these instruments to carry, making them popular with those who like to take their instrument on adventures.

A Hilo ukulele is a good choice for beginners. While taking up a musical instrument is a worthwhile pastime-and sometimes an eventual profession-one should spend sensibly at first. To that end, balancing quality with affordability is key. A shoddy instrument does not give the player an authentic representation of its capabilities. A too-expensive instrument may prevent new players from ever getting started. This brand line allows those who are interested in the instrument to get started without breaking the bank and to still get a quality ukulele.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Tenor Saxophones

A saxophone is a musical instrument that belongs in the woodwind category. It is one of the youngest musical instruments. The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. Later, many people made their own alterations to the instrument. Saxophones were generally used in the military and in big orchestras but are now found in smaller bands as well. They are generally used for big band music, pop music and jazz.

The saxophone is similar to a clarinet, in that both use a single mouthpiece. However, it has a square or round evacuated inner chamber. The body is conical in shape, like the oboe, though the curve is more distinctive at the bell. Saxophones may be straight or curved, though straight ones are more common. Though there are many kinds of saxophones, these four are the most common: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones.

The tenor saxophone is the second most common saxophone, after the alto. It is slightly larger than the alto, with a small bend in the neck. The rods and tone holes are also longer and larger than those of the alto. The longer neck is the main reason for neck damage in a tenor. The tenor is a typical jazz saxophone, although it is also used for classical music.

The main parts in a tenor saxophone are: the mouth-piece, including the ligature and the reed; the main tube that has tone holes and keys; a series of rods that connect the keys to the tone holes; the pads that securely cover the tone holes and, most importantly, the bell.

The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are various places where one can buy tenor saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good source of information about tenor saxophones, but it is a good idea to test a few of them before buying.

Saxophones

The saxophone is one of the youngest musical instruments. It was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. The saxophone has a sound that is very close to the human voice, which is why it is used to express emotions. The saxophone often compliments the French horn, since both of them have a similar range and timbre. A saxophone is as complex as a classical instrument yet as unconventional as a non-classical instrument.

The saxophone was originally used in the military, though it is now a popular jazz instrument. It is generally used in big bands, marching bands and concerts. Saxophones are mostly related with jazz because they are used mostly to play jazz music. However, they are also used for classical music. Saxophone players are called saxophonists.

Saxophones are classified as woodwind instruments, though they are generally made of brass. They are coated with clear or colored lacquer. Some saxophones also have gold or silver plating. The lacquer coating not only helps to prevent corrosion but also enhances the quality of sound and gives a beautiful look to the instrument. The mouthpiece may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, wood or glass. However, the material does not affect the sound quality. The shape of the mouthpiece is found to have an effect on the quality of sound, since those with a concave chamber are felt to produce softer tones.

The saxophone is similar to a clarinet, in the sense that both use a single mouthpiece. However, it has a square or round evacuated inner chamber. The body is conical in shape, like the oboe, though the curve is more distinctive at the bell. Saxophones may be straight or curved, though straight ones are more common.

The main parts in a saxophone are: the mouth-piece including the ligature and the reed; the main tube that has tone holes and keys; a series of rods that connect the keys to the tone holes; the pads that securely cover the tone holes and, most importantly, the bell. The neck strap is also important since saxophones can be very heavy.

There are several kinds of saxophones but the four most common are: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones. The Alto saxophones are smaller and ideal for first-time players. They are also the most popular kind. There are also vintage saxophones available.

Second-hand saxophones can also be bought for a reasonable price. While buying a used saxophone, ensure that the keys aren't noisy or leaking. Also check for dents or scratches. The pads and the cork should be in good working condition. It is better to get it checked by a professional before buying it.

The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are possible sources for buying saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good place to find information about saxophones, but it is a good idea to test a few of them before buying.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Ukulele Size Guide Part 1 - Soprano Ukulele

Ukuleles are classified according to their size. From smallest to largest the main four area soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. Specifically, the size is determined by the length of the string between the bridge and the nut i.e. the scale length.

The smallest ukulele is the soprano which has a 13 inch scale length.

The soprano is the most common ukulele of all. So why is it so popular?

Traditional Sound

The soprano is the traditional size of ukulele. It has the sound associated with the ukulele. This is very important for people who want that Hawaiian sound when they play.

Cheapest

Most of the cheapest ukuleles that you will find for sale are sopranos (although not all sopranos are cheap by any means). This makes them perfect for beginners who just want to test out whether the ukulele is for them.

Small Size

The size of the soprano has meant that it is the perfect instrument for kids and schools. But the advantages extend to grown ups too. It makes it relatively easy to stretch for notes and to form chords.

Chord Strumming

Strumming the soprano is a very natural feeling. And it can be used to produce a wide variety of sounds from soft, lilting Hawaiian style to punchy and forceful.

Downside of the Soprano

It's not all good news with the soprano size ukulele. There are some disadvantages. The flip side of its suitability for strumming is that is less suited to finger picking (your fingers have a tendency to trip over themselves).

And many players find the soprano a little too small and prefer having an extra bit of space to play with.

Overall

The soprano ukulele is the perfect ukulele for many people. It's particularly good for beginners since it is easy to play, sounds fantastic and is adorably small!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Woman Who Revived the Art of the Castrato Singers - Cecilia Bartoli

The very idea of castration as a means of gaining a special voice in a singer seems so cruel that we like to think that it belongs to a distant past. However, we have two recordings with one of the last castratos, Alessandro Moreschi (1858-1922), that are from 1902 and 1904 which is not all that long ago. His voice sounds kind of spooky, but that may also be because of technical difficulties of this early recording, which includes "Ave Maria" by Bach. By the way, this singer never performed on an opera stage, but solely in churches. From 1883 until 1913 he was in the choir at the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Maybe that is why he was not cnsidered one of the greatest of these singers. The last one of the truly great castratos was Giovanni Battista Velluti (1780-1861), but there is a legend of how he was not happy with the competiton from a female singer, Maria Malibran, perhaps also because these castratos had had this field of female rôles for themselves and suddenly the women gained access to the domain they had won by their sacrifice.

The most famous castrato was Carlo Broschi (1705-82) who rose to fame as Farinelli. His ambitious family had him castrated and claimed that the boy had had a riding accident and that he could not be healed and would not survive unless he underwent this operation. Most probably that is not true and the family seems to have made the same choice as many other poor, Italian families, i.e. to sacrifice their boys in the hope that their voices can bring everyone in his family economic progress and safety. Sadly enough, many lost their health or their lives and never fulfilled the dream of fame and money. Their families chose to chance the future for them as "singing machines" and themselves because of the pecuniary and social gains they could expect if they got famous.

The boys, who all belonged to poor and uneducated families, had to undergo a strict schooling. They had to speak classical Italian to perform and was trained in many different fields to perform. It was no easy assignment both to train vocal and cultural issues on a daily base. Also they had to learn to interpret difficult and not always perceptible mythological and historical matters.

One of the composers who composed music for castratos was Gluck who e.g. made "Orfeo ed Euridice" (1762) for an alto castrato, but had to change the music when it was performed in Paris with a soprano castrato as Euridice. All this kind of opera music gave the castratos the opportunity of shining as singers. It was full of difficult cadances and frills that a genuine woman's voice normally could not perform. However, in Cecilia Bartoli's voice this group of singers may have found something close to their own voices and thus something which can give an impression of their lost art. In her recording of some of the repertoire of the castratos, "Sacrificium", she sings very varied arias and it is obvious that this is no easy genre. Only a strong and very versatile voice can suffice as a castrato singer and that she has. She both sings Nicola Porpora (1686-1768), Antonio Caldara (1671-1736), Handel (1685-1756), etc, etc. which means that she has chosen the composers from the early period. Nicola Porpora, who was a very diligent composer, also taught the boys who trained for a career as a castrato.

The Secrets of Scream Singing

Are you wondering how to properly scream sing? There are many different scream singing techniques. This article should teach you the basic ways of how to properly scream sing without suffering from vocal strain.The biggest thing to remember about how to properly scream sing is that it is not what it sounds like.

You do not need to yell as loud as possible to scream sing. It may sound like you do, but it is simply not the case. Scream singing really requires that you use your false vocal chords. That way you can scream in a band without straining or doing any permanent vocal damage.Before you can learn how to properly scream sing, you need to figure out what vocal range you fit into. Are you a soprano, alto, tenor baritone etc.?

If you don't know then you should research the subject. You could also try singing along to a musical instrument. That can help you to determine what vocal range is yours.Warming up is the next vital step to learning how to properly scream singing. Scream singers such as Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, Byron Davis of God Forbid and Phil Labonte of All That Remains all do singing warm ups before they scream sing.

Singing warm ups are exercises like scales, often done at choir practice sessions. Scream singers should use the same basic vocal exercises.As you first start to learn how to properly scream sing you may also make some unusual noises. Some will be low, like a cat growling. Others will sound more nasal. The best thing to equate that noise to is the voice of Marge Simpson. It is a sort of nasal, grating sound. The difference is that the cat growling sort of sound is made from deep in your throat and can do damage to your voice.

The higher, more nasal sound is safer and more comfortable for you to produce. Once you figure out how to make scratchy noises properly, from the nasal region, you will have gone a long way toward learning how to properly scream sing.You should also learn how to sing from your diaphragm correctly too. You should not hold all of your air in your chest when you sing. The air should fill your stomach area, instead of you chest.

One good way to test that is to place a hand on your stomach. If you are breathing properly it should expand when you inhale air.If you follow these simple steps, you can improve your voice dramatically. So, protect your vocal chords while still doing what you love. Once you know how to properly scream sing it is easy, fun and safe to do!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

What Are The Types Of Mandolin In The Mandolin Family

The mandolin is the soprano member of the mandolin family, just as the violin is the soprano member of the violin family. Similar to the violin, the instrument scale length is typically about 13 inches (330 mm).

So what are the different types of mandolin that can be found? Well, below is a list of some of the main type of mandolin:

The mandola (US and Canada), termed the tenor mandola in Europe, Ireland and the UK, which is tuned to a fifth below the typical mandolin, in the same relationship as that of the viola to the violin. Some people also call this instrument the "alto mandola." The instrument scale length is typically about 16.5 inches (420 mm). It is normally tuned like a viola, which is: C-G-D-A.

The octave mandolin (US and Canada), termed the octave mandola or mandole in Europe, Ireland, and the UK, which is tuned an octave lower than the mandolin. The instrument scale length is typically about 20 inches (500 mm), although such instruments with scales as short as 17 inches (430 mm) or as long as 21 inches (530 mm) are not unknown.

The mandocello, which is classically tuned to an octave and a fifth below the mandolin, in the same relationship as that of the cello to the violin: C-G-D-A. Today, it is quite frequent that it is restrung for octave mandolin tuning or the Irish bouzouki's GDAD. The instrument scale length is typically about 25 inches (635 mm). Note that a violoncello scale is 27" (686mm).

The Greek laouto is actually a mandocello, ordinarily tuned D-G-D-A, with half of each pair of the lower two courses that are being tuned an octave high on a lighter gauge string. The body is a staved bowl, the saddle-less bridge is glued to the flat face like most ouds and lutes, with mechanical tuners, steel strings and tied gut frets. Modern laoutos, as played on Crete, have the whole lower course tuned in octaves as well as being tuned a reentrant octave above the expected D. The instrument scale length is typically about 28 inches (712mm).

The mando-bass, has 4 single strings, rather than double courses, and it is tuned like a double bass. These were made by the Gibson company in the early twentieth century, but appear to have never been common. Most of the mandolin orchestras will prefer to use the ordinary double bass, rather than a specialized mandolin family instrument.

The piccolo or sopranino mandolin is a rare member of the mandolin family, tuned one octave above the tenor mandola and one fourth above the mandolin; the same relation as that of the piccolo or sopranino violin to the violin and viola. The instrument scale length is typically about 9.5 inches (240 mm).

The Irish bouzouki is also considered a member of the mandolin family; although it is derived from the Greek bouzouki, it is constructed like a flat backed mandolin and uses fifth-based tunings (most often GDAD, an octave below the mandolin, sometimes GDAE, ADAD or ADAE) in place of the guitar-like fourths-and-third tunings of the three- and four-course Greek bouzouki. Although the bouzouki's bass course pairs are very often tuned in unison, on some instruments one of each pair is replaced with a lighter string and tuned in octaves, in the fashion of the 12-string guitar. Although occupying the same range as the octave mandolin/octave mandola, the Irish bouzouki is different from the former instrument by its longer scale length, typically from 22 inches (560 mm) to 24 inches (610 inches), although scales as long as 26 inches (660 mm), which is the usual Greek bouzouki scale, are not unknown.

Fascinating Facts About the Ukulele

The ukulele has been present and popular in history since approximately the 1880s. Originally from Hawaii, the ukulele is now globally recognised as one of the popular instruments of our time. Easy to play and nice to look at, many people have taken on the ukulele as their instrument of choice.

Both adults and children play the ukulele. It is very popular in youth centres and schools as youngsters find it relatively easy to get the hang of, and this encourages them to further develop their talents and skills with reading and writing music. It is also very versatile, meaning it can be played in a variety of genre of music - indie band Noah and the Whale use the ukulele in their songs but it has also been played by legends such as former Beatles star George Harrison (who used to buy ukuleles as presents for people).

Ukuleles, sometimes abbreviated to the term 'Uke', are made from both wood and plastic, although the general and original material is wood. There are, as with most things, cheaper ones available as well as very expensive models, which can be worth thousands. Cheaper models are made from laminate or ply woods, or occasionally spruce. The most valuable ones are made from a wood called Koa, which originates from Hawaii and is well known for its attractive colour and fine tone. Other expensive, but still affordable ukuleles are made from woods such as mahogany, which is also known for its distinctive colour and sturdiness.

Ukuleles also come in four different common sizes; baritone, tenor, soprano and concert. Less commonly, bass ukuleles and sopraninos can also be found, but these are at the extreme ends of the ukulele sizing spectrum. The smallest is the soprano, which in Hawaii is alo known as the standard size. This was also the original size of the instrument. The larger sizes were developed to create deeper bass and more volume as it became more widely used in concerts and festivities.

Ukuleles typically resemble a small acoustic guitar, with figure eight style bodies. However, oval ones are also made, which are called 'pineapple' ukuleles. The Kamaka ukulele company invented a paddle shaped version and even a square shape is available (this is often made from an old cigar box).

There have also been instruments that are based on the ukulele that are also well known; these include the harp ukulele and the banjo ukulele.

Ukuleles can make excellent gifts for people, especially if they are musically inclined or have expressed an interest in learning an instrument. Most retailers will include a guide book or DVD for a beginner, which means that they will not have to buy this separately. As they are classed as easy to play, some people choose not to take lessons initially, as they feel they can grasp the basics themselves. As Christmas fast approaches, it may be an ideal time to start thinking of what to buy for the important people in your life, and music is definitely a topic which inspires and interests a lot of people.

Friday, August 6, 2010

What's the Difference Between an Orchestra & a Band?

Different combinations of musicians are given different names, based mostly on personnel, instrumentation, and the style of music played.

An orchestra, traditionally, is made up of the following: strings (violins, violas, cellos, bass), brass (trumpets, trombones, french horns), woodwinds (clarinet, oboe, bassoon, flutes, piccolos), and percussion (snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, misc. percussion instruments). Although there are exceptions, an orchestra plays mostly symphonic music (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, etc.) and most often performs in a concert setting. Most orchestras are seated the same way with the violins and violas on the conductor's left, cellos to his right, woodwinds behind the strings, brass in back to the conductor's right, and percussion, back center. Its quite common that a piano is included to the conductor's immediate left. A soloist usually takes this position as well. The average size of an orchestra is 75 to 100 players. Smaller groups of 50 or less are often called chamber orchestras.

The word orchestra is sometimes used in a less informal way such as the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. The Boston Pops orchestra is known for playing popular songs of the day.

A concert band, unlike an orchestra, has no stringed instruments such as violin or cello. And where an orchestra usually has three trumpets, a band can have as many as twelve (as well as that many trombones and clarinets). Although concert band music can range from symphonic to popular to Jazz, many bands are known for playing marches such as The Stars and Stripes Forever and The Washington Post March. Some bands play both in a concert setting and perform as a marching band (such as in parades or as part of the entertainment at a football game).

The word band, of course, can also be used to describe a rock band, Dixieland band, or hip hop band. Personnel and instrumentation varies widely in these kind of groups as well as does the music being played.

A choir is made up entirely of singers (and often a piano accompanist) and most often takes the form of male and female vocalists divided into five voices (vocal ranges): soprano and alto (women) and tenor, baritone, and bass (men). Music written for choirs utilizes the five voices to create the parts that might otherwise be played by musical instruments. Choirs can be all male or female and there are many specialty choirs such as singers that perform only certain styles of music. Jazz choirs are quite common as are barbershop quartets.

An ensemble is a "catch all" phrase for a group of musicians. The term is mostly used to describe string ensembles. The term is sometimes used when describing a group of singers (e.g., a vocal ensemble). Typically, an ensemble contains four to twenty members. It is derived from the word "assembly."

The word combo (from the word "combination") is sometimes used when describing an ensemble, but for the most part, it means a four-or five-piece group, typically with guitar, bass and drums. You'll see the term most often when describing jazz musicians (i.e., a jazz combo).

Tommaso Starace Quartet - Don't Forget

The Tommaso Starace Quartet draws from an array of influences from photography, personal occurrences, music legends, and more on the release Don't Forget to forge a progressive blues, jazz, and swing sound.

Don't Forget: Prelude to Isfahan; Isfahan; Divieto di Sosta; Seven Blues; Overjoyed; Farewell Capa; Confused; Go Tom! Bohemia After Dark; Don't Forget

Personnel: Tommaso Starace - Alto and Soprano Saxophones; Michele Di Toro: Piano; Attilio Zanchi: Bass; Tommy Bradascio: Drums

Don't Forget was produced by Alessio Brocca and released on the Edizioni Musicali Brocca label. This marks the third recording by Tommaso Starace and his first collaboration with Michele Di Toro, Attilio Zanchi, and Tommy Bradascio. Tommaso is an artist that got his start playing the saxophone at 18, a bit later than some, but he has made up for any lost time. He has infused his being into his music drawing inspiration from the best of the past and present both musically and from various photographic images, while always inserting his unique sense of timing and playfulness into his playing.

Don't Forget opens with a solo by Tommaso on Prelude to Isfahan where his saxophone creates a cascading series of voices that beckons the listener to take notice that they are in for a treat. The Prelude to Isfahan leads into its namesake, the track Isfahan, which provides ample space for each of the band members to add their individual signatures to make the song swing. The track Divieto di Sosta (No Parking) pokes fun at all the drivers who have been unjustly ticketed by the police. Tommaso uses his unique arranging to create a distinct interplay between the saxophone and each of the other instruments to reflect the different stages that a driver may go through as they plead their indefensible case to the police officer [amazement, surprise, bewilderment, humility, and frustration].

Seven Blues opens with a rousing drum solo that leads into a jazz and blues sound complemented by Tommaso's haunting saxophone as he runs through some staggering riffs. Attilio Zanchi looks back at his many influences from the 1970's in his arrangement of the track Overjoyed, written by Stevie Wonder, as he adds in a bit of mischievousness and energy to the sound.

Tommaso's ballad Farewell Capa is influenced from the many photographs by the legendary combat photographer Robert Capa. A very poignant track that mirrors the emotional photography rendered through Robert Capa's eye.

Additional tracks include Confused featuring a torrid saxophone against a compelling drum and piano solo with a swinging bass complement, Go Tom that features a notable straight ahead groove, Tommaso's fiery arrangement of the Oscar Pettiford track Bohemian After Dark, and closes with the title track Don't Forget, written by Pat Metheny.

Websites where you can procureTommaso Starace Quartet - Don't Forgetare IBS, JazzCDs, and Tommaso Starace.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Grady Nichols "Sophistication" Smooth Jazz Music CD Review

The exceptionally talented Smooth Jazz artist Grady Nichols has released his CD entitled Sophistication. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Grady Nichols fans, and Smooth Jazz fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Sophistication Grady Nichols's artistic excellence is on full display as he has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be his best work to date.

Grady Nichols has been a super star in the Smooth Jazz genre for quite some time now and Sophistication is an excellent illustration as to why.

Smooth Jazz music fans will recognize some of the well known contributors n the project including Jeff Lorber and Chris Botti plus a few other notables as well.

If you're a Grady Nichols fan this is a CD your collection flat cannot be without. In fact, this is one of those CDs that you don't even have to be a fan of Nichols, or even Smooth Jazz to know is good. It's just good music. Period.

While the entire CD is really very good some of my favorites are track 1, Tuesday Morning, track 4, End Of The Night, and track 9, Circle Of Friends.

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Dinner And A Movie. What a nice track!

Sophistication Release Notes:

Grady Nichols originally released Sophistication on Jul 27, 2004 on the Compendia Music Group label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Tuesday Morning

2. Livin' O The Life

3. Sneak

4. End Of The Night

5. All Right

6. Dinner And A Movie

7. Within The Blue

8. Behind The Scenes

9. Circle Of Friends

10. Alone With You

11. Quiet Times

Personnel include: Grady Nichols (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); Jeff Lorber (various instruments); Paul Pesco, Ray Fuller (guitar); Chris Botti (trumpet). Recording information: JHL Sounds, Pacific Palisades, California.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Santana Borboletta - Rock Music CD Review

The exceptionally talented Rock artist Santana has released him CD entitled Borboletta. I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Santana fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Borboletta Santana's artistic excellence is on full display as Santana has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

I wish it weren't the case but, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Borboletta. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Santana possesses the characteristic of being able to win you over with him talent alone. The kind of artist I really enjoy listening to.

Overall Borboletta is an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up and is most definitely a worthy addition to any Rock collection. Truly an outstanding Rock CD. One of those that is completely void of any wasted time, as each track is simply superb.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 3 - Life Is Anew, track 7 - Practice What You Preach, and track 12 - Borboletta.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Spring Manifestations. Outstanding!

Borboletta Release Notes:

Santana originally released Borboletta on June 19, 1990 on the Legacy Recordings label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Spring Manifestations (Sound Effects)

2. Canto De Los Flores

3. Life Is Anew

4. Give And Take

5. One With The Sun

6. Aspirations

7. Practice What You Preach

8. Mirage

9. Here And Now

10. Flor De Canela

11. Promise Of A Fisherman

12. Borboletta

Santana: Carlos Santana (guitar, percussion); Tom Coster (piano, keyboards); Michael Shrieve (drums).

Additional personnel: Leon Patillo (vocals, piano); Flora Purim (vocals); Jules Broussard (soprano & tenor saxophones); Armando Peraja (soprano saxophone, congas); David Brown, Stanley Clarke (bass); Leon Chancler (drums); Jose Areas (congas); Airto Moreira (percussion).

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Angela Gheorghiu and I in Don Giovanni (Part Two)

The opera would come to an end as is always the case yet to me it was as if I had been witnessing another spectacle than that of those who were about me in the auditorium that was this opera house. Angela Gheorghiu would naturally be showered with roses for her performance merited every single flower and cheer delivered yet for myself; mine would be to catch her eye as by the end I had gone down to where the stage was to toss a huge bouquet of red roses. This being my gallantry for the evening which came to the attention of the lovely Angela who but smiled upon me; (as she picked up the roses) who being caught by her gaze merely placed my hand upon my heart and bent my body as I took my leave.

The opera had ended yet to me this was but the start of what would be the evening with Angela Gheorghiu, for with all my sources mine had been to find out at what hotel she was staying at with the man whose vows she had accepted in matrimony. To many a gentleman such a union might serve but to discourage them from the persuasion of such a woman who be involved in marriage to another man yet I, being of a noble heart and not a jealous nature am not one to disturbed by such a minor inconvenience; would proceed with my plan of seduction. For this above all was mine in life as an obligation to bring on to all ladies the joy of my fantasies of the flesh. This regardless of weather they be married or not, rich or poor, of noble or simple birth, of body delicate in frailty or plentiful in flesh for to my perception all were deities of their gender and it was no less my desire that theirs should be to experience the heavenly delights of human pleasure.

I, naturally being a noble was one who could find ways were others might be limited in their possibilities; it being this precise ability which would allow me to enter Angela Gheorghiu's room while my sources of information had let it be known to me that her husband would not be about on the night that was to be this one. It was with the knowledge that I planned to enter her room in the middle of the night and being so Angela would take me for her husband who had come back unexpectedly to render her a surprise yet hers would be of another variety not to be described till our climatic moment was done.

Angela was staying in a hotel which I being a man of property owned, this making it possible for me to have access to what ever key be needed to open any door which might hide the treasures my desires sought out. The night was splendorous in its generosity of stars to exhibit their light on to those below while the heat of summer was no less unselfish in causing those to be exposed to it to perspire in their passions. This while I for my part as always in my tradition wore my mask as I entered Angela's room in the apartments which though she knew not of had been chosen for her by myself; ever careful that this diva receive the grandest my hospitality had to offer.

The sight of Angela Gheorghiu as an angel in slumber was the fashion in which she greeted me as I sneaked in to her room. I walking ever so silently as to imitate the soft breeze of summer from her open window approached Angela's bed to expose my senses ever more to the delicate sensual aroma of her body. It not being one to exit a bottle but that of Angela's inspirations of the night to hail me ever nearer to where she lay in oblivion to what my passion held for her; who lay not under covers but in elegant delicate wares of temptation.

As I walked over to where I stood above Angela, I gazed upon her who slept exposing her angelic features to the sky above while she was sound in the sleep of the night yet as I focused on her face; I noticed expressions as if her dreams had transported her to where all was joy or such did her smile expose in what was her nocturnal rest. So much inspiration did she provide, all making it clear that the time was upon that I take to the activities which had brought me to the place ever so blessed with Angela's presence.

I then at the foot of her bed bent to where my view was limited to her legs and the passage leading through the gown of the night which her body displayed to the rose of her womanhood. It being my sight of the night which was followed by the stroke of my finger ever so slightly on her foot to glide upward toward where all desires ended much in the manner rivers did likewise on to the sea. How this sense of mine delighted in the flesh of her legs of she who had yet to come out of the ways of slumber. The feel of hers was as fine silk to raise my arousal ever further yet as my touch continued the course of her leg it became my tongue to take to the ways of the green eyed monster; in wanting to make its presence known to the lady I so much held in my desires.

It was at this point that my tongue could not hold its place for it knew itself to be on the trail marked by my longing which led my hands to open the robe which had been hiding the body of the one my tender thoughts held in such high esteem. The sight of Angela Gheorghiu in complete nudity was one of such powerful lust yet delicate beauty that it seemed to me, I was contemplating one of sheer perfection; as if hers be what my fantasies had always dreamed yet my mind had never held conscious of. Angela's legs bearing the shape as to grab the stares of any whose eyes they should pass in front of while the rose of her womanhood black as the crown of her glory to cover her head as this one did the most intimate area of her femininity. Arising further my view took in all the grandness of breasts so supple in their bounty to include not only all the beauty of her gender but areoles of a color to match roses yet hers had a life of their own.

Angela's face however was the main attraction in all this that she was, her features perhaps not always being of ideal proportion yet this mattered not for in their details they expressed an exquisiteness not to be described in words save emotions which manifested themselves in so many shades. This as to include her joy when she sang or her capricious nature when she walked about others or the fashion in which her smiles gave the impression of being slightly laced with orgasmic ecstasy. I at that point did nothing but look upon her for what must have been but a minute in which my eyes almost caressed her face ever so delicately yet in all she started to woke. As if my stare had been not limited to merely that which held no solid contact but had in fact struck her with some of the intensity of my contemplation.

My moment had arrived as it would be then or never, for I as a great lover was all too aware that passion was what had its time which needed to be captured; for when allowed to escape the spirits of desire might not provide a return. I was ready to give all to this lady who ruled the night like a queen as the aria she had sung in the earlier part of the evening to make my fantasies take flight.

My tongue by now I could not limit, as it took the path slowly ever marking its way to the rose of Angela's desire which started to awake in its moisture even before she did; as my hands also felt the divinity yet in all she had not fully awaken. My taste did not take long in arriving at the point of the curls which served as cover for this most intimate passage of Angela's anatomy and as it did; it was delicate kisses that covered its charm while my imagination was further motivated by her perfume of excitement.

Now these kisses took on further aggression, forgetting all caution that she might not awaken which became replaced with urgency that she might become an active member on to what was already a feast of carnality. Angela's turn came to awaken and as she did in ignorance of my being claimed "Roberto, my dear you are back to your Angela" yet I not being the man tied to her in marriage whom she believed me to be held silence while her hands found place upon my head as my tongue intruded itself upon her dampness. Angela's legs at that moment with all the force given them by the nature of her impetuousness wrapped themselves around my head as I might not elude the duty; of tasting from her to provide the sensation that might spread all about her body. In all I looked up not for mine might be discovered yet also as my wish was not to be distracted from the affairs of what was of such a palatable nature as to make my thirst not be quenched from merely my tongue but the whole of my mouth to want to extract from her source.

I at this point was no longer conscious if Angela was still under the impression that I might be her husband, Roberto but this no longer held the weight of importance it had at the start for I could hear her voice sing out in phrases of ecstasy to equal those she tended to display at the opera house. Angela had always seemed to me to be a fickle child who was granted the wish of her every desire for reasons of not only her unquestionable beauty but talent and to me at this moment nothing could have been clearer as she with force of hands pushed my wanting deeper in to her rose. As mine as one of a generous soul of delivering was never to deny ladies of loveliness.

My tongue's activity in Angela's rose however had left my root with a sense of envy which I needed to remedy before the night was over; as it would be unjust if it did not get to make an appearance in the same sacred stage where upon my tongue had performed. It being at that point after our bodies had been introduced to each other in an act of intimacy that all became facilitated to where we moved as a couple in a dance in which the steps are dictated by the music and both merely follow it. This being what transpired as Angela changed the position of her body to where she exposed her round bottom to me with apparent intensions that my root make its presence felt where my tongue had just done so. I could see her eyes as lovely as those on stage and as she looked at me in the dark that made outlines and little else visible, I as the dancer I was did not need to have explained what step should proceed.

This was what I had desired for so long and it was about to arrive yet as mine has always been, it is the knowledge that wisdom dictates not to rush those moments leading up; for they are the essence of what awaits at the end. I gradually took the step in our dance of moving to where my hands I placed on her waist while my root advanced to the entrance of Angela's rose. This the place where its small point was but ready to enter the sanctity of Angela's sexuality.

The moment was brief yet significant as Angela and I started upon the act of making love with my root letting Angela feel the passion of one who simply had to posses what he longed for, as to him passion meant suffering to the point where it was to obtain or not be. Ours in a way was like a duet in which we both knew not only our lines but that of the other; as if this had been an aria we had sung many times in the past yet we engaged in the ultimate act of intimacy between a man and a woman for the first time and as we did my root could feel the excitement in Angela's rose. It entering only to exit to do the motion over and over, as her moisture was all my senses encountered as my hands continued to hold Angela from where ours would be deeper as waves of ecstasy were sent through out. I, however concentrated on Angela's face as she turned to capture my expression yet in all I could see her eyes; almost childlike in their joy as if she had just received that which he had truly desired and longed to show all to what extent she was in delight.

Naturally, I for my part continued my strokes in this most lovely part of Angela's body which she almost like a spoilt child, not content with what it could provide on its own; squeezed with the lust of her rose as to make me feel a ring being made tight. This being a sensation of wonder as her hands reached back to tease the source of my wanting which they did so with delicate caresses in a fashion similar to mine on her womanly mounds.

The intensity of her moves continued as did mine which brought us closer to the end of our aria where our voices would meet in a finale and as this came Angel's soprano voice claimed so much in what was not expressed in lyrics but notes of such a high nature as to equal la Traviata. Of course, I could think of her on stage and how thousands admired her with many of the gentlemen wishing their place was mine at the moment while many a woman held her in envy for not only her voice but look of female divine. It had build up for long yet our moment arrived when our voices did so simultaneously in bliss manifested in a spray of freshness much like the rain on days of heat matched by a tremor for her whose body shuttered.

Ours perhaps should have ended as the song came to its conclusion and perhaps it would have been for us to declare the evening a part of the past with me taking leave yet Angela like a dancer who wishes to stay on the floor for another song; smiled like a child who needed to be indulged beyond what had been. Angela then lay upon her back almost as if she intended to go back to sleep yet her eyes invited me to dance another number; as if an orchestra had already started the music. Angela's and mine would be to make love in the most conventional of positions yet there was something which intrigued me about being so close to her as our eyes met even if mine were covered by a mask.

My root once again penetrated Angela's garden yet this time her rose felt with more intensity as our bodies became wrapped with the other's as her legs clung to my torso with strength to equal the one they had applied upon my head when my tongue had made the same journey. Angela and I were in another dance though the music was the same intense rhythm as before with our actions being similar yet I observed her face more clearly as it made gestures which I had often seen her perform on stage. It being as if she were vocalizing an aria just for he; who was prompting her to perform at her peak.

Angela was an angel floating in ecstasy or so did her expressions declare as she pressed upon my root with her rose to claim that she was the one to control, for she was a diva beyond any to make use upon what her whims but dictated yet in her there was a sweetness. It being like a child who few have the character to ever refuse.

Again our voices would end this aria in harmony of perfection to be marveled by the two of us in pure delight yet time was upon that I should take my leave. This being apparent in the manner our eyes communicated though utterance of words did not come as our dance came to a stop yet as I was about to part; I could not help but borrow another glace at her who lay as if floating on a cloud. Mine not being a stare but admiration of a playful child, who in a quick jest to catch me off guard, stroked the source which had united us with the soul of her foot; as if to pet a small creature which had given her merriment.

I then got up as our eyes had claimed our good bye and I probably would have left without a second thought but memories of what had been when I, at the door heard Angela's voice cry out "please take one of the flowers you gave me for my performance tonight". It being these words that caused me to deviate from my routine of departing as soon as the romance was over and stop to turn around in the light of the moon and take off my mask; since apparently my identity was known. Angela did not speak further as she with hand stretched out held out one of the roses she wished to return yet I could not take her flower; for mine was to continue our dance till light of morning which though the years have passed has still to arrive.

The Language of Music is One that All Arts Aspire to

It was Schopenhauer who first said that all arts aspire to the condition of music. What he was referring to was the abstract qualities of music. The path between music and audience is a direct one, without the intervention of a medium of communication that is used for other 'everyday' purposes, which is unlike many other art forms! The architect expresses himself in buildings, which have some utilitarian purpose. The poet uses words, which we use on a daily basis in conversation. The painter usually expresses himself by representing what he sees i.e. the visible world. Only the composer of music is perfectly free to create a work of art out of his own consciousness, which performs no function, other than to please.

A testimony to the mystical nature of music is the unknown Polish classical composer who's "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" sold more than pop icon, Madonna, in the year it was released and more than any other classical composer in the entire history of the world! However, this remarkable achievement only occurred 17-years after he composed it.

Polish Composer in Translation

The composer's name is Henryk Gorecki and his success is nothing short of a miracle. When he wrote the symphony (his 3rd) in 1976, he and his wife were declared 'non-persons' under the communist regime and their passports were confiscated. His name was unknown, and according to records in Poland, he did not even exist. Gorecki had been born in Czernica, in the coal-mining belt of Silesia on The Czechoslovakian border. It is 20-minutes from the town Oswiecim, which the Germans would later name Auschwitz. This piece of music was so inspired, as to be a warning to future generations and to bear witness to what had occurred there. Corecki commented: "The fact that 17 years later, it seems young people all over the world have heard what I said, and understood: that my warning will not go forgotten into the world".

Beauty and hope are firmly embedded in this piece of music that is played by taxi drivers and royalty alike. 300 000 copies were sold worldwide when it was released, unheard of for a classical piece which would hopefully sell 10 to 20.000 copies in a lifetime, and that's about it.

A Symphony of International Value

The road to fame of the "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" is an interesting one. 1976, the year it was composed saw the first performance in a Paris concert hall. After the performance a music critic whispered 'Merde!' into Goreck's ear. The first recorded version appeared in Britain in 1987, and was basically ignored by the classical music magazines. In 1989, the piece reappeared; this time in concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, after the London Sinfonietta decided to champion Gorecki's work.

Bob Hurwitz, head of Warner's Elektra Nonesuch label decided to attain the symphony for his label. In 1990, Hurwitz recorded it with the London Sinfonietta using young American conductor David Zinmaan and the soprano Dawn Upshaw. In September 1992, classic FM, Britain's first commercial classical music station was launched and picked Gorecki's symphony as the station's first classic 'sure thing'. In October that year a sudden demand caused chart sponsors W H Smith to stock the symphony. In November BBC Radios 3 and 4 followed, then Radio 2, and finally, DJ Simon Bates on Radio 1.

A Multicultural Moment

January 1993 was a watershed moment for 'Symphony of Sorrows' as the album jumped from 71 to 27 in the Music Week pop charts. In February that year Gorecki received a gold disc for sales of 100,000.

Fascinating to think that a symphony, 54-minutes long, scored for a large string orchestra, would climb so high up the charts and sell more than a contemporary musical legend. It is a true testament to the universal language of music, the genius that lies in certain compositions and the infinite power of music to move people.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Used Violins

Used violins are probably a good choice for novices. They are available in different sizes such as 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4 or in full size. Purchasing a used violin is a nice way to save money. By purchasing a used violin you can get the same quality as that of a new violin at half the price. While purchasing a used violin, take someone who knows about violins along with you.

You can purchase a used violin from a violin shop where you can find a wide range of used violins that fits your budget. Local music store or a private individual selling a used violin are other options. There are several websites that offer online purchase of used violins. Amazon.com, eBay.com, musiciansbuyline.com, elderly.com and halfvalue.com are some of the websites where you can find used violins.

The price range of a new violin falls between $200 and $20,000. Compared to new violins, the cost of used violin is much less. The price of a used violin depends on the condition and age of the instrument.

Buying a used violin is an ideal option only if it is purchased with caution. There are so many points to consider while purchasing a used violin. Always make sure that you are purchasing it from a reliable, trustworthy dealer. It is necessary to check the body of the violin for any cracks or imperfection in the carving before making the purchase.

Make sure there is no sign of wear and no pieces are to be replaced. Replacing bridge and strings and making minor adjustments can cost hundreds of dollars. You may have to spend some money on refurbishing used violins; therefore, buy from shops that offer some kind of warranty.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

All About Owning and Playing the Soprano Ukulele

The soprano ukulele is one of four sizes for this musical instrument. It is the one most people think of when they see or hear of a ukulele performance. It is the most common of the ukulele types and the smallest of the four. The Ukulele is strongly linked to the Hawaiian Islands, but was originally brought there by Portuguese immigrants.

The guitar-like instrument is available in four sizes. A soprano version is the smallest, followed by the concert, tenor and baritone sizes. A soprano-size ukulele usually measures up to thirteen inches on the strings with a maximum length of 21 inches.

The tuning for the soprano ukulele, or standard ukulele as it is traditionally known is G C E A. The G is tuned one octave higher than the other three notes. The G may also be tuned as a low G. Another popular tuning for the soprano and the concert sizes is the sequence A D F# B. It is one step higher and is said produce a sweeter sound.

The D tuning was the most popular method used during the Hawaiian music craze that hit the country during the early 1900s. This tuning sequence is the one used in the Canadian school system. The A D F# B sequence is sometimes known as Canadian tuning.

The other sizes of ukulele instruments are tuned differently, each producing a unique sound and style of playing. There are also some more exotic styles and sizes of ukuleles. These include the banjo, harp and lap steel ukulele.

Almost all ukuleles today are made of wood, the less expensive ones will be of laminated wood or ply construction. The soundboards for the lesser quality instruments will be made of spruce. As the ukuleles move up the quality list, they will be made of acoustically superior woods such as mahogany or koa, a Hawaiian specialty wood. These instruments are tremendously valuable and can cost thousands of dollars.

The traditional ukulele shape is a figure eight, similar to a small-size acoustic guitar. More unusual shapes include a pineapple shape, boat paddle shape or a square shape. There are kits sold so that musicians can construct their own instrument for very little monetary outlay.

Learning to play the soprano ukulele is fairly simple, particularly if you are already knowledgeable about chords. Tuning advice and introductory lessons can be found online or in music stores. As with any other musical instrument, practice makes the player more proficient. The short length of the scale makes the ukulele a good starting point for those wanting to begin playing a plucked string musical instrument.

Types of Saxophones

The saxophone belonging to the woodwind family is a conical instrument made of brass and played with a reed mouthpiece, like the clarinet. It was patented as 14 instruments divided into two groups.

Saxophones vary in size from fifteen centimeters to two meters. Commonly available saxophones include the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, the most popular being the alto saxophone.

The alto saxophone is medium sized, ideally suited for a beginner. It is curved with a smaller mouthpiece that does not allow much personalization of sound. The alto saxophone is the most popular among classical composers and performers. It sometimes comes in a straight model with a slightly tipped bell. The alto is in the key of E flat. True tone alto is also available.

Soprano saxophones come in straight or curved models. They are rather difficult to learn and therefore not advisable for beginners. Most of the new sopranos are straight or with a slight curve in the neck, bell or both. Curved sopranos were in vogue during the thirties. E-flat and B-flat soprano saxophones are available.

The tenor saxophone is larger than the alto saxophone, with a small bend in the neck. The mouthpiece, the rods and tone holes are larger. This saxophone is commonly used in jazz music. The tenor is in the key of B flat. It has some excellent applications in classical music. However, the shape and length of the neck may cause neck damage.

The baritone is the largest of saxophones. It is available with or without an extension attached to the end of the horn. If it has an extension, it is called a low A baritone. The baritone has severe intonation problems, especially in the highest and lowest registers. The latest model baritones have an extra key that allows the player to play a low A.

Other rare types of saxophones include the C Melody, F Mezzo soprano, C soprano, Bass, Conn-O-Sax and F baritone. B-flat tenor, E-flat baritone, B-flat bass and contrabass are also available.