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Keywords:
piano (602), classical (372), solo (72)
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Description:
This is a solo piano piece I wrote a long time ago for a friend, played live. She liked impressionistic music, so I tried to write accordingly...
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like the painting &mdash 06/04/07 - 02:27:13 PM
It evoked a strong desire to daydream :-) Subtle, intriguing and mysterious. It sounds so free spirited and improvised. I wish i could call that up. :-) [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 06:49:29 AM
Thanks for having a listen, and I'm glad you liked it! I just left a comment on your "Shoo Shoo Bop" collab, which I really liked! You've worked on some of the best collaborations here at MJ's! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
A pensive restless quality... &mdash 06/04/07 - 02:31:42 PM
... to this theatrical piece. I see spotlight on a lone dancer on a darkened stage. She's searching for something with controlled and calculated grace.
Suddenly she's taken hold of and tossed about becoming a spinning whirlwind - just as suddenly she's let go falls helplessly to the ground. Slowly she lifts herself up to again begin her search.
A short and fascinating study played with great passion and a musical treat Clark.
Best,
Charlie [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 06:53:30 AM
Thanks a lot, Charlie; as you know, I am a big fan of your music, so I'm glad you were able to have a listen. What a great discription! I sometimes think that, rather than make a movie first, then add music, someone should try making the music first, then making a film about it... Although I'm sure it's been done... "Fantasia," for instance... (?) --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
A perfect title..... &mdash 06/04/07 - 02:35:55 PM
This piece evokes a dream sequence in an older film musical.
Bernstein comes to mind although I don't know quite why.
I also hear cello and muted brass in places, going off on their own musical tangent against this backdrop.
If I had one gripe it would be your lady friends attention span. Too short. (Ha ha).
Should I expect this theme to be developed??
Take care.
Paul. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 06:58:54 AM
Hi Paul, you make a very interesting comment! I was a little surprised at first that you heard Bernstein-like qualities here, but then I realized that maybe the faster, more rhythmically-urgent section about 2/3 of the way through might be what gave you that association... Interesting. I have no plans for further development of this... This is part of a set called "Ten Short Piano Pieces," so I was thinking miniatures as I wrote them. The other ones are almost all shorter.
Thanks again! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
I agree..... &mdash 06/05/07 - 10:00:46 AM
I agree about the section that evoked Bernstein being towards the end. There is a small section where the type of sound/technique brought a vivid picture of 1950'ish musicals that had some sort of surreal section, usually with one actor/dancer and a sparse set, to my minds eye.
I would be very interested in listening to other pieces from your set. If they are in the same or similar vein I'm sure there would be quite a few people, besides me, who would love to hear them.
I learn such a lot from this type of classical piece, such as technique, phrasing, articulation and arranging.
Thanks for sharing it with the world.
Take care.
Paul.
---
Remember that joy is contagious, so infect someone..... [ Reply to This ]
Thanks again &mdash 06/22/07 - 03:49:28 PM
Thanks again, Paul. I may upload a few more from the set... I guess I haven't uploaded them before because they're mostly "miniatures," pieces that are over in less than a minute. I really appreciate your interest and support though! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Definitely... &mdash 06/04/07 - 04:27:54 PM
...in the impressionistic genre. And beautifully done. So glad to be able to listen to such fine music and "talk" to the composer/performer.
Another fine, fine piece of art, Clark... [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:00:45 AM
Thanks a lot Bob! I've been enjoying your music very much. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
A frozen progression... &mdash 06/04/07 - 04:33:37 PM
I will first mention that I am frozen in the Baroque/Classical/Romantic era, and never quite made it into the Impressionistic era (Monet and Debussy leave me squinting incomprehensibly)... my loss. I must say that although this wanders into sort of Debussy territory, it seems more listenable than much of his stuff, so you did well with a tough audience like me. Not my style, but mostly abstract and fluffy. Definitely well-written, performed and recorded, though. :-)
ttfn,
Drakonis [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:13:21 AM
Thanks, Eduard. You mean you don't like "The Girl With the Flaxen Hair?" "Clair de lune?" "Golliwog's Cakewalk?" How is this even possible??? Those are three of Debussy's most popular piano pieces, so if you haven't had a chance to hear them, I highly recommend them... If you have heard them and remain unswayed, then fair enough! We all like what we like, and there's nothing wrong with that.
While I like a lot of Debussy, Ravel is one of my all-time favorite composers; he has been compared to Mozart, for writing so many 'perfect' pieces in which there is not a single superfluous note, and melodic invention abounds. Abounds, I tells ya! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
now Ravel... &mdash 06/05/07 - 09:42:29 AM
I think I was traumatized by having to listen to "La Mer" over and over as a child... but yes, I've heard Golliwog and Clair de Lune, and they are less impressionistic and thus more popular, and yes, I like them better :-) But I agree about Ravel, not only a fabulous composer, but also an amazing orchestrator... after all, when we hear Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition", it is usually Ravel's orchestral transcription, not Mussorgsky's original piano piece we hear. Anyway, I remain unswayed about Debussy (and Monet.) Besides, if I liked *everything*, I'd have to enjoy Hovannes, Brittney Spears, John Tesh, Death Metal, and the complex overtones of fingernails on a chalkboard. (evil smirk)
ttfn,
Drakonis
---
Deja vu - It's the next best thing to being there<br>
### Today's song:<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/24994">DidgeEmber</a> [ Reply to This ]
Just say 'no' to John Tesh????? &mdash 06/06/07 - 08:33:01 AM
You mean you don't like John Tesh? What are you, some kind of anarchic iconoclast or something??? Next you're gonna tell me you don't like Yanni, Kenny G, Meatloaf, James Blunt, etc.... a veritable who's who in musical greatness.. This is all too much too handle... must lie down... (falls into a swoon)--- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Exceptional &mdash 06/04/07 - 05:14:55 PM
Your music is always accessible to me, even though its vocabulary is much more extensive and more "outside" than my own. The dissonances are very effective and communicate deeply. This is a tool I do not own.
Very enjoyable flow, very polished and professional, like all your work, Clark. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:21:37 AM
Thanks Mr. Pucker... er, Patrick! One of the beautiful things about musical communication is that it can happen in so many ways, irrespective of the tools we happen to have and use. And you already have a wealth of tools, that you always use to great advantage!
(It seems like we're overdue for another Futzpucker composition! Is something in the works?) --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
very well played - &mdash 06/04/07 - 09:43:26 PM
Each note was- oh- for lack of a better way to say it - well placed. Others here have described it in a much more sophisticated way.
This song is one I could easily play for my students, and they would love it. They'd also make up long stories about what was happening in the song, (I'm thinking lower primary, here.) As a matter of fact, I try to expose students to more impressionistic and 20th century stuff than I was, because I want them to have less of a phobia about modern music. This is short, descriptive, and holds enough of a melody line that they would become involved in it.
Oh - i like it, too. It's not fluffy or comforting, but it's good! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:29:57 AM
I love that you expose your students to more 20th-century music than you heard as a student; I think you're right, that the earlier we hear this kind of music, the less likely we are to develop antipathy or snobbery against it as we grow older. My experience, and that of pretty much any teacher of young kids that I have talked to, is that young kids are generally receptive to this kind of stuff, especially if it has a programmatic title that sparks their imagination. This is from a set of short piano pieces, which I played for elementary school students at a school visit a number of years ago, and they seemed to respond well. They seemed eager to make up a story to go along with each piece, which was fun for me.
Thanks!
PS I'd be curious to know what the reaction was if you were ever to play this for your students. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
I like this &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:16:33 AM
Pensive/dream/frantic/exhaustion rather than a calm state.
The pianist's performance is excellent and I enjoyed the dynamics in the playing and in the recording. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:46:20 AM
Thanks, Bill. I'm glad you were able to appreciate the performer's dynamic control; she did a wonderful job, especially in getting so quiet as to be almost inaudible some times, which is very hard to do. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Claude storm clouds drifting &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:20:56 AM
Fabulous prelude in the impressionist style. Marvelous playing. Where did you record this? Very nice chamber room feel. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/05/07 - 07:49:03 AM
Thanks, Tobin; glad you enjoyed it. It was recorded for radio broadcast during a recital in our large concert hall, which has wonderful accoustics. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
debussey &mdash 06/05/07 - 01:28:00 PM
Thanks &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:20:33 AM
Thanks! As it happens, I was playing some of your tracks for some musician friends of mine in the last two days (I'm trying to get them to sign up here at MacJams), and they, like me, were blown away by your playing. Literally! Well, no, not literally... they're still alive and all, but the point is that they liked it. A lot. Literally! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Aw heck... &mdash 06/05/07 - 09:14:52 PM
...you've got the MacJams Critical Big Guns listening on this one...
Anything I say will reveal my ignorance. Again.
You know what this reminds me of? Hitchcock... if we're talking movie sorts of things, I'm thinking 'impressionism meets suspense'... And in fact, what do I know, but dissonance seems at times to EVOKE suspense...one strains towards resolution... or I do, at any rate...It's like something has been tipped justly slightly past the balance point, and is straining towards a new point of balance that may not arrive...
A heroic impulse for less certain times...
I love listening to your stuff, Clark. We at The Institute ARE going to be needing your brain...
Ed
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/06/07 - 06:34:20 AM
Thanks, Ed. I really like your description of Hitchcock visual imagery... This piece, like virtually every piece I ever wrote, was written without any thoughts of a title or programmatic association, and it was only after I finished it that I tried to figure out what was being evoked here, and what a good title might be. It seemed to have both a suspenseful element, as if walking home very late at night in an isolated area, and hearing footseps behind you, wondering if you are imagining this, and a calming, dream-like feel, which is how it got its title. But all this does sound very Hitchcockian, you're right!
As for my brain, I am feeling very nervous right now, wondering when your goons from the institute will be paying me a call... I think I'm living out the plot to my submission... EEK! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
You should know... &mdash 06/05/07 - 09:18:45 PM
My partner has never really risen to the point of gushing over my music when I've asked him to listen, until today. He's into folks like, Mozart and artist with names like, Caravaggio - And he's a Shakespearean, you know. (I don't know these names - I had to google them just to post this comment)
But back to my point - Today, when I gave him my headphones and asked him to listen to music that I had just created, I got a fairly different response then what has become, par ftc. His eyes beaming wide, with a huge smile on his face, he asked, "YOU DID THIS!?!?!?" - REALLY!?!?!?" It was on repeat in itunes, and it continued to play over and over, as he stood there, listening. - It really almost bothered me - He sported a look of disbelief mixed w/ a smile of total contentment.
"This is really good!" he said.
Finally, guilt started to roll in and I was starting to feel as though this little lie grew bigger than I had intended - It was time to confess that no, I didn't create this piece of music, and in fact, I was just about to offer up a few words of gratitude and appreciation to the real creator of said, work of art.
It's the least that I could do...
Really Clark, I'm not so qualified as to be able to tell ya all of the reasons why this IS a work of art, but I do rub elbows w/ folks who can...
Thank you, Mister Ross! Glad to see that you're still posting at MJs. It does 'round up', 'what is' truly talent here... Dion" [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/06/07 - 08:24:46 AM
Ha! That was a great comment... you are very, very funny, in addition to being a huge talent and maybe the most generous soul at MacJams!
From Wikipedia: Caravaggio was considered enigmatic, fascinating, rebellious, and dangerous. He burst upon the Rome art scene in 1600, and thereafter never lacked for commissions or patrons, yet handled his success atrociously.
In fact, he killed a guy in a brawl and had to flee Rome... Man, can I relate to that!
Okay, not really, but there are reasons I live on an island in the North Atlantic, as opposed to, say, Rome...
Anyway, that was a great, make-my-day comment, and I thank you for that. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Hearing... &mdash 06/05/07 - 10:11:10 PM
...your work here is like listening to fine diamonds being polished with intensity and great care. The unity in this number is startling as you move gracefully from a one note repetition to extravagant splashes of energy and then back again with effortless poise. ... Can you tell I love this number? I hate it when someone says, "It sounds like..." To me, Clark, it "sounds like" YOU, period: inventive, subtle, and enigmatic. This is a REAL trip! You've opened my eyes to some interesting possibilities. (And I liked someone's comment above about making the film AFTER the music. Great idea...
Peace.
Paul [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/06/07 - 09:17:24 AM
Thanks, Paul. You write like you compose - beautifully and eloquently! Thanks very much for your kind words! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Beautiful &mdash 06/06/07 - 01:27:58 AM
Nice and relaxing. Like little raindrops. Like everything you compose, this one is a gem! Thank you. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/06/07 - 09:21:49 AM
Thanks very much, Enrique! I'm glad you were able to have a listen and leave a comment. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
delicate rain drops &mdash 06/06/07 - 04:50:42 AM
very impressionist ... as footsteps
wonderfull ....and emotional
thank you for sharing such gem here
with us !!
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/06/07 - 09:24:23 AM
Thanks very much, Mr. McBlues! I am grateful for your kind comment. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
This was &mdash 06/06/07 - 09:44:02 PM
beautiful. How lucky to have this music hear.
Loved what paul said. It's a jewell of a tune!
Thanks for sharing this terrific piece. Love the assurance of this piece. Your attack on the piano is very striking and delicate and all of it was a great artistic flair!
[ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/11/07 - 04:34:50 AM
Thanks for the great comment, Bill! I wiish I could take credit for the performance, but I can't... or at least, I outght not to, since this performance is by the friend for whom I wrote it... anyway, you're right; she is a marvelous pianist, with a wonderful, sensitive touch.
Thanks again! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Timeless stuff &mdash 06/07/07 - 08:33:46 AM
A dash of one of Gershwin's preludes, a splash of Debussy, just a hint of Bernstein.
A fine recipe indeed.
Beuatifully realised and performed. Melodies left tantalisingly unformed and rhythms indeterminate.
Works for me.
Cheers
Dick [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/11/07 - 04:44:23 AM
Thanks very much, Dick. Your comment made me want to listen to some of your music, and I'm glad I did! Just left you a comment. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Now, I know .. &mdash 06/07/07 - 05:45:04 PM
.. what impressionist painting looks like, and like it a lot, but I'm a little embarassed to say that I didn't even realise there was an impressionist school in classical music (guess who wasted time in high school music classes?!). Having said that however, if this is an example of said genre, then I'm in. This actually took me (and before I'd read the impressionist bits) to wandering around Marc Chagall's museum in Nice - maybe it was the title - hearing footsteps (lots of them, belonging to a class of 7 year olds on their school excursion) was a part of that experience.
I'm very envious of your ability with the keys - hey, you can probably even read the black dots!
Very nice piece Clark!
Neil [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/11/07 - 04:51:35 AM
Thanks for the great comment... The part about hearing footsteps at the Chagal museum in Nice -- lots of them, belonging to 7-year olds -- made me smile; it is a meaning of "hearing footsteps" that I hadn't considered when I titled this piece (I was thinking of it in a more suspenseful-being followed late at night - kind of way, but I really liked your description.
And sadly, I must confess that this is not me playing; it's an old friend and former colleague, who is a fantastic performer.
Thanks again! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
beautiful &mdash 06/10/07 - 04:11:09 PM
Thanks &mdash 06/11/07 - 04:59:00 AM
Thanks for the compliments! I just checked out one of your songs and left a comment. Cheers! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
excellent piece! &mdash 06/11/07 - 12:14:20 AM
Thanks &mdash 06/11/07 - 05:01:09 AM
ha! &mdash 06/11/07 - 11:46:19 AM
Eavesdropping of spirit. &mdash 06/12/07 - 08:57:07 AM
Eavesdropping that pours down over person's mind.
This sound soaked into my body. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/22/07 - 10:58:35 AM
Thank you Tagashi, as always, for your wonderful imagery! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Footsteps &mdash 06/13/07 - 05:27:39 PM
I can imagine a lot here. Almost like children racing up and down the stairs and up the hallway...or perhaps steps that evoke a dream. Someone anticipated.
Never the less. It is very nice!
Doug [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/22/07 - 11:05:26 AM
Thanks, Uncle D! Reading people's descriptions of where the music takes them is a rare privelege. And fun! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
This is cool... &mdash 06/17/07 - 11:58:45 AM
Thanks &mdash 06/22/07 - 11:07:11 AM
Thanks David. I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for leaving a comment. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
LOVE IT &mdash 06/17/07 - 05:56:11 PM
WOW wish it was a hole CD with this impropiano....ThankYou Composer Clark I wish You the best : ) [ Reply to This ]
thanks &mdash 06/22/07 - 03:45:51 PM
Thanks, Lena! Very nice comment! All the best, Clark --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Back from a 2 week hiatus &mdash 06/20/07 - 07:07:47 AM
and there is a treat waiting for me... I've been away from MJ for a month.... very busy... one of the things that continues to amaze me is "The People"... I don't think I would have access to someone of your caliber in the real world, but here at MJ, I can get to know people that you would think you'd have to wait in line to see... you've always exibited such a mastery in you're compositions.. And when I listen to what you are able to acheive, I'm flumoxed that you've afforded me the kind respect that you have... It one thing when your mom praises you... It's quite another when Mr Ross give a nod.... and when ever you post anything, I love to read you're answers to comments... your intelligence shines through in your sense of humor
even if you never wrote a note, I bet you would be so fun to hang with... your students are lucky... I hope thye know it [ Reply to This ]
someday &mdash 06/20/07 - 08:36:02 AM
No Wurys, Mait! &mdash 06/22/07 - 11:12:04 AM
Hye Scott, dont' wury bowt not prufreeding tihngs; muhc more improtnat to jsut wirte yr thots down quikcly be4 the impluse to comemt leeves u. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/22/07 - 11:24:20 AM
And let me just add that I really appreciated your comment as well! As you know, I am always blown away by your music, so it means a lot to me when you leave a comment.
Regarding your comment on teaching, I can tell you this: Teaching is a mug's game (partly kidding, partly not...). I would guess that about 90% of my students have never heard my music, nor have any interest in hearing it, and very few of those who have heard it have anything positive to say about it. Not complaining, such is life when you teach, and really, that's fine by me. But I guess that's one of the main reasons I joined MJ's, to find out how people respond to my music. Thanks again for letting me know! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Very strong &mdash 06/22/07 - 06:21:38 PM
I listened to this piece with great pleasure. The modest intro lures you to believe it's going to be smooth ride, which is not the case. Madness comes in place, almost neurotic... Very good performance and recording. This is truly a very good find! Thank you for adding yourself as one of my fans or may never have found this. [ Reply to This ]
Thanks &mdash 06/27/07 - 06:11:02 AM
Thanks Mikki. You are one of those MacJammers who have been around for a relatively long time, but I don't think I had actually heard your music 'till recently. You are prolific and talented, and I am glad to have had the chance to hear your music. Cheers! --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
Always &mdash 06/30/07 - 06:59:32 AM
Thanks &mdash 06/30/07 - 11:25:33 AM
Thanks so much, Tagashi! Coming from a poet like yourself, that means a lot. --- ClarkRoss.ca is now welcoming visitors from distant planets -- Apply within [ Reply to This ]
:-) &mdash 07/04/07 - 11:09:38 AM
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