This is an interesting article which might have some bearing on the obsessive compulsive behaviour some guitarists have and the question of addiction in general.
I generally find that when I am engaged in practice, my cravings drop away (not that I drink, smoke or overeat…)
For years, those who battle addictions to alcohol, smoking, and overeating have been forced to rely on uncertain methods for curbing their cravings, such as counseling, hypnosis, or heroin. But a recent study by psychology researchers at Plymouth University suggests that playing Tetris for just three minutes can reduce those cravings in both strength and frequency.
End of an era with the death at age 66 of this genius and giant of the guitar, an inspiration to so many. Rest in peace, Maestro!
El País reports
“The city of Algeciras has decreed three days of mourning and will assist the family in bringing the body home.
De Lucía was a globally admired artist who won the 2004 Prince of Asturias Award for his tireless exploration of the possibilities of flamenco. He will also be remembered for his association with the late flamenco singer Camarón de la Isla during the 1960s and 70s.
The musician had been living in Palma de Mallorca for several years, although he also spent periods in Cuba and the Yucatán peninsula in Mexico. Those who knew him back in Mallorca say he had been less keen about playing the guitar of late. De Lucía preferred to spend time with regular people rather than join intellectual and artistic circles. He also devoted a lot of his time to his two young children.”
For purveyors of audio transfers of dubious quality from wax cylinders (and photos of wonderful moustaches) here is Joaquím Malats playing “Serenata Española”, beloved of guitarists. It’s really only interesting for its tempo and energy and is from the aforementioned CD “The Catalan Piano Tradition”.
Besides, it is always instructive to hear composers playing their own music. Large crackle warning ahead!
Put together a world class guitarist, a renowned composer and a famous luthier, mix together with a pinch of local colour and you will probably get something like this short film by Henry Astor.
It pools the talents of Xuefei Yang, Bill Lovelady and Paul Fisher.
Centred on the Cotswolds where both Paul and Bill live and work, the film charts the creation of a guitar (made from rare and beautiful lacewood) and the writing of a solo guitar piece (Aubade).
Fei is the common factor as she discovers Paul’s instrument and explores Bill’s piece as he writes it.
Appropriately the film gets its premiere in Paul Fisher’s home town of Chipping Norton, in the glorious theatre on February 12th, followed by a live recital by Fei. It is all a very local affair, but with international stars.
Here is the blurb:
Aubade is a documentary film following three contemporary talents in the classical guitar world as they unite on a creative journey. From legendary luthier Paul Fischer, who lives in Chipping Norton, to prolific and accomplished composer William Lovelady and guitar virtuoso Xuefei Yang, the film captures the art and dedication required to build a classical guitar and to compose and perform at the highest levels. As part of the evening, Xuefei Yang will perform music from the film as well as from her new album.
The first half of the evening will be the film screening. The second will be Xuefei Yang playing.
Here is the trailer
For those of you who missed this, it will probably be aired on Sky Arts later this year. There will also be a DVD available.
Oh, and the recorded music is by John Taylor, so quite a gifted production then!
Years ago I had an LP of Granados playing his own music, which I seem to have “mislaid” so I was overjoyed when I found a CD with recordings of Albeniz, Malats and Granados amongst others, and, unlike the supposed recording of Tarrega in the last post, these are pretty well verified. If you play any of the music of these composers at all, it is well worth picking up. It is called “The Catalan Piano Tradition” and reissued on VAI 1001.
On this CD are several recordings of Granados playing his own music transferred from 78s which he made around 1912. The playing is fresh and virtuosic in a restrained kind of way, giving a good insight into Granados’ style.
Lately, I came across this, which was actually recorded on a piano roll and transferred to a Steinway using Welter Vorsetze in 1962-63.
I found the phrasing and interpretation, despite some suspect notes, a bit of a revelation, and I hope you will too.
Interestingly enough, there is also a video of Evangelos Assimakopoulos (of the duo Evangelos and Liza)playing the same piece on the guitar, with a similar phrasing.
But first, a Christmas message from the man himself: he’s 91, the same age as my Mum, who is visiting me from Hong Kong this very moment…
Thanks to Open Culture for the following-
“It’s a cliche for an aging actor to release an album of seasonal chestnuts, but the 91-year-old Lee’s A Heavy Metal Christmas is a thing apart. His take on The Little Drummer Boy is the sonic equivalent of Rosemary’s Baby.”
Heavy Metal Christmas – Jingle Hell – thank you, Sir Christopher!
El Sistema has taken root in Scotland, and there is new funding for a project In Aberdeen. Scotland looks set to get its third El Sistema-style children’s orchestra project, thanks to backing from Aberdeen City Council. Big Noise Torry, based in the Torry area of the city, will be a partnership between the local authority and charity Sistema Scotland, and according to the council could be up and running as early as 2015.See link in Classical Music Magazine.
Invictus– the poem that inspired Nelson Mandela by William Ernest Henly
The following poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henly, a Victorian poet, was published in 1875 and was a deep inspiration to the great Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013)
For purveyors of audio transfers of dubious quality from wax cylinders (and photos of wonderful moustaches) here is 
