The days grow shorter and the countryside turns a blazing orange as the sun slides lower in the sky with each passing rotation of the Earth. Scampering squirrels hurry to collect acorns for the inevitable snow and cold while woolly caterpillars slowly squiggle along the ground, in abundance this year, perhaps a harbinger of a long winter ahead.
The autumnal smell of crackling wood fires and smoke gently wafting from chimneys during the evening twilight is one of my favorite parts of fall. The mornings are crisp this time of year as light gray mist hovers just above the fields as the sun crests over the eastern horizon spreading an array of warmth across the sky.
Soon the spectacular foliage will be just a fallen memory as the trees go bare and the dead leaves crackle in the November winds. By then, mornings will be frosty and flurries may fly across the landscape. Speaking of frosty mornings, a 7am Blue Band gameday practice in late November on a clear, calm morning with snare drum rim shots rifling across the field as the ground crunches underfoot is something to behold.
But before the world turns barren and the snow drifts pile up on the lawn, we have October. A beautiful yet somewhat bittersweet month. A time for reflection.
Frequent readers of this blog know I love a wide variety of music. In this case, I think Eric Whitacre did an extraordinary job capturing the many sights, sounds, and feelings above in his piece for wind ensemble, October. One of my favorite pieces for wind band, it exquisitely sums up all the feelings of the month in 7 minutes.
From falling leaves to pumpkin pies. From a hayride at sunset to taking a walk at sunrise. October is a month of change as we slip into autumn.
I think I need to turn on my gas fire place and pour myself a glass of whiskey.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
12 Years Later: A Musical 9/11 Compilation
It's been twelve years since that fateful day and I still remember exactly how the day unfolded.
To remember the tragic events of this day, a list of poignant pieces of music is below that allow us to reflect. Click on a link or two if you are interested and listen for a bit. Let us never forget the lives that were lost that day and since September 11, 2001, fighting the global war on terror.
"That's the beauty of music. They can't get that from you." -Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption
If I Had My Way; By Frank Wildhorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y32XCriC-rI
Linda Eder's first performance of a piece written in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
Ever Braver, Ever Stronger; By Gordon Goodwin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxj16vzScfw
Piece written in tribute to the American spirit post 9/11.
Tuesday; By Five for Fighting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X6Y0x615Ik
Note to the Unknown Soldier; By Five for Fighting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUv-ZENAg0
September; By Michael Mogensen: http://www.barnhouse.com/~barnhous/samples/mp3/012-3967-00.mp3
Written in memory of those lost on that fateful day. A piece for wind band that ranges through the many emotions of the events of 9/11. Unfortunately the link is only a sample of this great piece.
Livin' on a Prayer (Live Acoustic); By Bon Jovi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0bFpRG7_9c
Undivided; By Bon Jovi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2ZmfMpUxmk
Memorial; By Rene Clausen:
Choral and wind symphony piece written in 2003 divided into 5 sections, September Morning, The Premonition, The Attack, Prayers & Petitions, and Kyrie. You can find professional recordings of this piece on Grooveshark.com by searching "Memorial Concordia".
Early Light; By Carolyn Bremer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ebtJXVsZE
An uplifting piece for wind band that has bits of patriotic themes throughout. Not associated with 9/11 that I know of.
Hymn for the Lost and Living; By Eric Ewazen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_D3zkAkjL0
Wind band piece. A description from JWPepper.com, "...intended to be a memorial 'for all the lost souls who are gone from this life but are forever treasured.' The profound sense of loss and extreme gravity of the situation are given a voice in this musically rich and emotionally stirring composition, displaying the power of music to portray so well things that are not easily put into words."
For my thoughts on 9/11 from the 10 year anniversary in 2011, see my first blog post: http://theskysthelimit-dan.blogspot.com/2011/09/reflection-september-11-2001.html
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Tim and Paul Samaras, Carl Young: Meteorological Community Loses Three Great Men
Having never visited the Plains, I've only experienced the immense power of tornadic supercell thunderstorms virtually, through my computer and television. I remember one particular documentary (National Geographic I believe) that I must have watched at least 10 or 20 times when I was younger about severe thunderstorms and storm chasing. Of course Twister was a must see and still is my favorite weather movie. I always wanted to chase storms one day.
------
Mike Bettes and his team were lucky.
They came away with bruises and needed stitches after being hurled over 200 yards by the EF-3 El Reno, OK twister on Friday, May 31, 2013. Their mangled chase vehicle was severely contorted. After this news, many in the meteorological community hoped that this near death experience of a high-profile chase team would change storm chasing in the future before someone indeed did perish.
Sadly, it was confirmed this morning that three chasers, Tim and Paul Samaras and Carl Young, died in that same tornado on Friday.
These three highly experienced storm chasers weren't your recreational folk seeking a thrill. They were trained scientists, sometimes featured on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, researching the atmospheric environment in and around tornadoes to gain a better understanding of why some storms produce tornadoes and others don't. This WAS Twister.
The outpouring of remembrance for the Tim, Paul, and Carl has been stunning and shows how tight-knit the weather community is and how many people were inspired by their work. Although I never met any of the three, I've heard numerous stories from colleagues over the past day. Those that knew Tim say he was doing amazing work and that the field as lost a great man.
This tragic event highlights the danger of storm chasing, especially for those not experienced and trained in meteorology. Unpredictable storms, combined with congested roads can lead to a "no way out" scenario.
There is certainly a bigger discussion to be had here regarding storm chasing and those that do it for research vs. those that do it to seek thrills. That however, will be saved for another day.
------
While chasing is still something I'd love to do some day, events like this past Friday remind me, and the rest of the world, of the risks involved. Even with the best intentions, latest technology, and some of the smartest minds in the business, chasing Mother Nature's monsters can go horribly wrong.
RIP Tim, Paul, and Carl
Nat Geo's last interview with Tim
Tim Samaras Bio
------
Mike Bettes and his team were lucky.
They came away with bruises and needed stitches after being hurled over 200 yards by the EF-3 El Reno, OK twister on Friday, May 31, 2013. Their mangled chase vehicle was severely contorted. After this news, many in the meteorological community hoped that this near death experience of a high-profile chase team would change storm chasing in the future before someone indeed did perish.
Sadly, it was confirmed this morning that three chasers, Tim and Paul Samaras and Carl Young, died in that same tornado on Friday.
These three highly experienced storm chasers weren't your recreational folk seeking a thrill. They were trained scientists, sometimes featured on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic, researching the atmospheric environment in and around tornadoes to gain a better understanding of why some storms produce tornadoes and others don't. This WAS Twister.
The outpouring of remembrance for the Tim, Paul, and Carl has been stunning and shows how tight-knit the weather community is and how many people were inspired by their work. Although I never met any of the three, I've heard numerous stories from colleagues over the past day. Those that knew Tim say he was doing amazing work and that the field as lost a great man.
This tragic event highlights the danger of storm chasing, especially for those not experienced and trained in meteorology. Unpredictable storms, combined with congested roads can lead to a "no way out" scenario.
There is certainly a bigger discussion to be had here regarding storm chasing and those that do it for research vs. those that do it to seek thrills. That however, will be saved for another day.
------
While chasing is still something I'd love to do some day, events like this past Friday remind me, and the rest of the world, of the risks involved. Even with the best intentions, latest technology, and some of the smartest minds in the business, chasing Mother Nature's monsters can go horribly wrong.
RIP Tim, Paul, and Carl
 |
| Quite the show of remembrance. Storm chasers use their GPS locaters to position themselves in the initials of the three chasers who died Friday. |
Nat Geo's last interview with Tim
Tim Samaras Bio
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Les Miserables: An Emotional Epic Fit for Film
It's not often a movie can make you leave the theater both completely drained emotionally, yet hopeful and inspired about the piece of art you just saw. Les Miserables is one of those movies.
An avid Les Mis fan for the past 8 years since I saw the revival on Broadway, I was eager to see the Tom Hooper's film and finally got around to it last night (after a delicious Red Lobster dinner). Going into the movie, I'd read some less than favorable reviews that had criticisms such as "the middle is drags" and "many of [Schonberg's] songs just seem to peter out." My parents had also said that Russel Crowe was poorly cast as Javert. So I was ready to be less than 100% impressed....At the End of the Day (pun intended), I was bowled over by the film and emotionally moved in a similar, if not more intense way than when I saw the stage version (2 times).
Are there things the movie could have done better? Sure. Are there moments where I wished I was watching Alfie Boe as Valjean instead of Jackman? Sure, but Jackman does an admirable job bearing the burden of the character--his opening soliloquy should win him an Oscar by itself...if it wasn't for that performance by Lewis in Lincoln.
One of the great things about the film version of Les Mis is the ability to use cinematography to make it such a sweeping epic. The film begins with a shot under the water and slowly pans up to above the water-line to a storm ravaged shipyard where Valjean is enslaved. From there forth, each time the time advances by a number of years (the film takes place in 3 main segments), Hooper decides to use a "pan-up" which is an awesome technique. He pans up as Valjean ends his soliloquy on the edge of a cliff. A pan up is used over top of a church after Javert's "Stars". And lastly, the camera pans up and over the monastery as Valjean dies. What this symbolizes is evident. Each pan up is part of Valjean's ascension to being a better man whether it be finding god, realizing love, or lastly, dying and ascending to heaven (the other side of the monastery) where the rest of the dead from the movie reside and they sing the closing number. As a side note, the faith based message of the film is spot on and there are subtle hints in the camera work throughout such as the pan-up (again) above Valjean as he finishes "Bring Him Home."
In addition to the phenomenal camera work just mentioned, the use of zoomed in shots on characters while they sing exceptionally emotional songs is a different and useful method. Fantine first gets this treatment and Hathaway soars...a lock for an Oscar. Somewhat overlooked is Eddie Redmayne's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." He plays a fantastic Marius and this song is the 2nd best performance in the film behind Hathaway.
Aside from the cinematography (and great use of lighting...which I won't go into for sake of length), the orchestration is exceptional. Having only seen this on Broadway with a relatively small pit orchestra, hearing Shonberg's score fully orchestrated and played by a full orchestra was a treat. While it stays true to the original, small tweaks here and there only add to the soundscape. "Stars", despite Crowe's performance, is a fresh take on the song while the arrangements of the opening 10 minutes of music are extraordinary.
I would be remiss if I didn't talk about Crowe's troubling performance as Javert. Was he terrible? No. But when you compare anyone to the original (Philip Quast), they have no chance. Thankfully Crowe is in tune but just doesn't have the right voice for the part. Javert should have a gravely, deep voice and Crowe just doesn't have the right timbre for it. On the flip side, his acting during "Stars" and his suicide is superb and you really feel the agony with which his character has to deal.
Lastly, Jackman, while not over-the-top impressive as Valjean is very good. I thought his rendition of Bring Him Home was pedestrian yet his soliloquy and "Who Am I?" superb. Another role that is not mentioned much is Eponine. Samantha Banks nails both On My Own and A Little Fall of Rain. The Thenardier's? Fantastic...perfect!
All-in-all, Les Mis gets a 9/10 from me and was close to a 10/10. I'm still confused with the casting of Crowe as Javert but he could have been much worse. The risk Hooper took with live singing and zoomed-in camera work could have completely backfired but instead really makes the movie feel real. I challenge viewers not to get emotional (or cry)...it's not easy as there are MANY opportunities to do so!
Les Miserables was epic...only made more epic by Colm Wilkinson playing the bishop (awesome symbolism).
An avid Les Mis fan for the past 8 years since I saw the revival on Broadway, I was eager to see the Tom Hooper's film and finally got around to it last night (after a delicious Red Lobster dinner). Going into the movie, I'd read some less than favorable reviews that had criticisms such as "the middle is drags" and "many of [Schonberg's] songs just seem to peter out." My parents had also said that Russel Crowe was poorly cast as Javert. So I was ready to be less than 100% impressed....At the End of the Day (pun intended), I was bowled over by the film and emotionally moved in a similar, if not more intense way than when I saw the stage version (2 times).
Are there things the movie could have done better? Sure. Are there moments where I wished I was watching Alfie Boe as Valjean instead of Jackman? Sure, but Jackman does an admirable job bearing the burden of the character--his opening soliloquy should win him an Oscar by itself...if it wasn't for that performance by Lewis in Lincoln.
One of the great things about the film version of Les Mis is the ability to use cinematography to make it such a sweeping epic. The film begins with a shot under the water and slowly pans up to above the water-line to a storm ravaged shipyard where Valjean is enslaved. From there forth, each time the time advances by a number of years (the film takes place in 3 main segments), Hooper decides to use a "pan-up" which is an awesome technique. He pans up as Valjean ends his soliloquy on the edge of a cliff. A pan up is used over top of a church after Javert's "Stars". And lastly, the camera pans up and over the monastery as Valjean dies. What this symbolizes is evident. Each pan up is part of Valjean's ascension to being a better man whether it be finding god, realizing love, or lastly, dying and ascending to heaven (the other side of the monastery) where the rest of the dead from the movie reside and they sing the closing number. As a side note, the faith based message of the film is spot on and there are subtle hints in the camera work throughout such as the pan-up (again) above Valjean as he finishes "Bring Him Home."
In addition to the phenomenal camera work just mentioned, the use of zoomed in shots on characters while they sing exceptionally emotional songs is a different and useful method. Fantine first gets this treatment and Hathaway soars...a lock for an Oscar. Somewhat overlooked is Eddie Redmayne's "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." He plays a fantastic Marius and this song is the 2nd best performance in the film behind Hathaway.
Aside from the cinematography (and great use of lighting...which I won't go into for sake of length), the orchestration is exceptional. Having only seen this on Broadway with a relatively small pit orchestra, hearing Shonberg's score fully orchestrated and played by a full orchestra was a treat. While it stays true to the original, small tweaks here and there only add to the soundscape. "Stars", despite Crowe's performance, is a fresh take on the song while the arrangements of the opening 10 minutes of music are extraordinary.
I would be remiss if I didn't talk about Crowe's troubling performance as Javert. Was he terrible? No. But when you compare anyone to the original (Philip Quast), they have no chance. Thankfully Crowe is in tune but just doesn't have the right voice for the part. Javert should have a gravely, deep voice and Crowe just doesn't have the right timbre for it. On the flip side, his acting during "Stars" and his suicide is superb and you really feel the agony with which his character has to deal.
Lastly, Jackman, while not over-the-top impressive as Valjean is very good. I thought his rendition of Bring Him Home was pedestrian yet his soliloquy and "Who Am I?" superb. Another role that is not mentioned much is Eponine. Samantha Banks nails both On My Own and A Little Fall of Rain. The Thenardier's? Fantastic...perfect!
All-in-all, Les Mis gets a 9/10 from me and was close to a 10/10. I'm still confused with the casting of Crowe as Javert but he could have been much worse. The risk Hooper took with live singing and zoomed-in camera work could have completely backfired but instead really makes the movie feel real. I challenge viewers not to get emotional (or cry)...it's not easy as there are MANY opportunities to do so!
Les Miserables was epic...only made more epic by Colm Wilkinson playing the bishop (awesome symbolism).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)