WMV Music Web Log

New stuff: Astor Piazzolla's Histoire du Tango with saxophonist Anders Lundegard. He sent me a transcription for piano and sax of the original flute/guitar version. I ordered a CD with violin and guitar to find out what it is supposed to sound like. There are problems. The main point is that transcription of guitar to piano is tricky. I read through the piano part over and over, and thought something is very wrong here. Then I listened to the guitar version. Well, the chords are wrong in several places, the doublings and registers are ill-advised, the dynamics make no sense, and altogether the transcription is a botched job. So what do I do? Well, theoretically, this is why I bought Sibelius and Photoscore: I could simply scan in the part and change it to my heart's content. (The original guitar version seems to be unavailable in this country - at least my music supplier does not list it). However, it might take me a week with Sibelius, being that it's only my second project. I have some broad white out tape, and I'll start with that.

George Walker's Viola Sonata - there is some beautiful writing! It is completely atonal, and yet every time I play a wrong note it is glaring. The piece is meticulously and logically composed. He sent me a tape of a performance, which is very helpful, because I can listen to it for just the feeling of what the piece is about. It is an emotional work, and Kim will play it spectacularly.

I may be jumping the gun - seven days left to work, and I wake up thinking about PR pictures, practising, household chores, and blogging. I fully expect my next big idea to come in a dream. Marilyn says now I will have no excuse to neglect my body. Hmm, maybe yoga and long walks - but I'm too impatient right now.

From today's NY Times: "My music is not modern, just played badly." Arnold Schoenberg.