Today it's time for an opera! It will be the Italian opera in one act called Cavalleria rusticana (Rustic chivalry) composed by Pietro Mascagni and adapted from a play written by Giovanni Verga. I saw this opera last year in the Grand Theatre in Poznań and I was very impressed with the story and the performance but especially with the famous Intermezzo.
To be honest, I've heard this track before, but then I haven't realize that it cames from an opera. It was couple of years earlier when I was listening Sarah Brightman's album called Symphony (2008). The lyrics for this song was written by an Italian lyricist Chiara Ferrau. I do like the Brightman's song but frankly speaking I prefer the original Intermezzo, without lyrics of course.
If you are interested in her version of this piece, I refer you to the link below.
Now I would like to explain you what the Intermezzo is. Well, opera's composers wrote sometimes the Intermezzi as connecting pieces between acts of operas. In this sense an Intermezzo is similar to the entr'acte (Intermission). And the most popular intermezzo is probably the Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni. Besides, it's very interesting that this opera is often performed in so-called Cav/Pag double-bill with Pagliacci, an opera written by Ruggero Leoncavallo. In fact, last year when I went to the Grand Theatre to see this opera, there was two performances one after antother.
I really recommend you to see both of them, but especially Cavalleria rusticana, even for this one short Intermezzo. In my opinion, this is very sublime and exceptional piece and I'm not surprised that this is one of the most popular Intermezzi (but probably the most).
Today I would like to return to the subject of film music. This time I'm going to focus on the song Siren, written and performed by Tori Amos. She wrote this song in 1998 for Great Expectations, film adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel of the same name. However the film's score was written by Scottish composer Patrick Doyle, a veteran of many literal adaptations. Siren is the first Tori Amos's song that I heard and I felt in love with it at once. What I like the most in this song is an exceptional piano music. In fact, Tori Amos isn't only singer and song-writer, she is also a great pianist. By the way, I think that we have to always appreciate the artists who are classically trained musicians and who create the songs on their own. Besides, I must add that this American singer has a very good voice and a mezzo-soprano vocal range. She can modulate her voice in different ways and you can hear it for exemple in the song Siren.
This is a very powerfull song, lyrically and melodycally, but to be honest the interpretation of this track is quite difficult. Furthermore, I think that everyone can have the own interpretation, but still we cannot be sure what Tori Amos wanted to tell us through this song. However, I think that we have one of the tips in the song's title. Siren makes me think about an accident and about an ambulance which rushes to help the casualties hence the words "You don't need a light on to guide you through the southern land". The light that guides you, makes me think about the light at the end of the tunnel that dying people see. Moreover, "almost brave, almost pregnant, almost in love" part can indicate a broken life or life interrupted by unexpected event (for exemple an accident as mentioned above). This can connect indirectly with the film's plot because Finn's life change unexpectedly thanks to a mysterious benefactor. The siren - which are usually loud and noisy - can also mean that something new, some big change is coming.
For me, Tori Amos is one of the best singers who creates the modern, alternative music. She is a true artist who doesn't need scandals to promote the albums. Her music defends itself.
Today I would like to share with you my reflections about the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 which, almost two weeks ago, drew to a close. First of all I must admit that I am very impressed with the organization of the entire show prepared by Sweden. This country really loves the ESC and you could see it during the two of semi-finals and obviously the Grand final. This fhree live shows was hosted by the great Swedish comedian Petra Mede and the winner of the previous ESC in Vienna, Mans Zelmerlow. Both of them were prepared very well to host this enormous musical event. Especially Petra Mede who has a great experience of being on the stage because for years she used to be a dancer. Furthermore, she not only hosted alone the ESC 2013 in Malmo, but also, last year along with Graham Norton, she hosted the Eurovision's Greatest Hits concert in London. Besides, Mede is known for her several roles in comic shows and as a television presenter. In fact, she feels at her ease on the stage and in my opinion she is very professional. Moreover she speaks fluent Swedish, English, French and Spanish! But, her co-host Mans Zelmerlow is also very familiar with the stage. He took part in different festivals and music competitions non only in Sweden (in 2008 he took part in the Sopot Festival in Poland).
I must also appreciate the Swedish humour, presented especially in the interval acts. One of them, which won my heart, called Peace, peace, love, love is a sketch or sort of pastiche of past entries. This is kind of recipe of how to make a perfect Eurovision song but obviously you have to take it with the pinch of salt :)
This performance, full of strange advances is sort of handbook recommended to everyone who wants to compose the perfect Eurovision smash. According to the experts, in order to win the ESC you have to do the following things:
- have the drams, there have to be drams! Played by georgous topless men were very efficient through out the years, but you can also go in a opposite way and use a ... grandmother :)
- show the viewers your country's ethnic background by using the oldtraditional folklore instruments that no one heard before
- bring a violin (this always works)
- add a DJ who begins to skratch
- costumes - put on something that viewers can notice
- song! - song is essential - write something that everyone can connect to - love works, but peace is also a popular way to go!
They pieced all this elements together and made a perfect Eurovision smash! Enjoy! ;)
Let the song begin with passion let the wind begin to blow you can break the rules on fashion and your chance to win shall grow Look into the tv camera so the audience can see That you're lovable -not desesperate smile and then they will vote for me Fill the stage with lights as dancers will join us the expectations grow it's time for the chorus Love love peace peace old women baking bread love love peace peace and a man in a hamster wheel Love peace peace love make it inforgettable you will be the best and win the Eurovision Song Contest Now we'll go down a notch our hands will touch pretending we're in love it's you and me and when we change the key We'll give the world a show it begins to snow Love love peace peace and the burning fake piano peace peace love love and a Russian man on skates love peace peace love It'll be incredible you will be the best love love peace peace party for everybody peace peace love love More tricks in a hamster wheel love peace peace love and we can garantee that you will be the best and win the Eurovision Song Contest
For the sake of accuracy, everything in this song refers to the previous Eurovision's winners or participants. For exemple a Russian man on skates refers to the song Believe and Dima Bilan from Russia who won this competition in 2008. During his performace, there was a man on skates on the stage but also... a violinist! Indeed, the violins are also the part of many performances. In this show you can also notice Alexander Rybak, a singer and violinist who won ESC in 2009. Except for him, there is a band Lordi (winner in 2006) and a Swedish singer Loreen (winner in 2012). In general, this song underline that sometimes the artists want to do everything in order to win the ESC - they are doing everything to attract the audience's attention, for exemple they put on the stage a huge hamster wheel :)
This very funny song shows that not only Sweden but also all the artists have the distance to themselves.
Of course, the Eurovision Song Contest isn't the Chopin Competition. For me this is a great concert and the opportunity to know some new artists and songs! I am conscious that the level of music isn't always very high but anyway I do like this contest and I hope the next year Ukraine will also organize an amazing and unforgettable show! :)
Today I would like to tell you a few words about a very famous and well-known Susanne Vega's song, called "Luka". This song is also very interesting because many people aren't conscious of the proper subject of this track. You can be a little bit suprised but this song deals with the issue of domestic violence... Don't you trust me? Have a look at the lyrics!
My name is Luka I live on the second floor I live upstairs from you Yes I think you have seen me before If you hear something late at night Some kind of trouble. Some kind of fight Just don't ask me what it was
If you read just these seven first lines you can realize very quickly that this is a song about violence and problems in family. Moreover, Luka, the main character is a boy! Some people think that Luka is a girl but even in the music video you can see a litte boy who was played by Jason Cerbone, chosen after the directors auditioned more than 90 children.
To be honest, music of this song can be a little bit deceptive because it isn't sad or melancholic, that's way I didn't notice this important song's message at once.
This song was released as a single in 1987 and it was nominated at the 1988 Grammy Awards, including Record of the year, Song of the year and Best female po vocal perfomance. You can find "Luka" on the album "Solitude Standing" recorded in 1986 and in my opinion this is also a very significant title isn't it?
Moreover, when a song concern some social problem, then it is called a protest song. As we can suspect Susanne Vega wanted to draw attention of public opinion to the problem of beating the children. Unfortunately nowadays there isn't many songs about the social problems such as the kid's suffering or domestic violence.
Do you know some other song which deal with this kind of problems?
Today I would like to continue the subject of Eurovision Song Contest and express my opinion about the Conchita 's song Rise like a phoenix which won this competition in 2014.
To my mind, this is a very, very good song. Especially, I like the orchestral moments which make me think about the James Bond movies. Anyway, as a big fan of the films about the agent 007 I think that this track would be a great song for the James Bond series.
I also appreciate the message contained in the lyrics of this ballad. All of us are different and we should be tolerant towards each other. The differences are beautiful and we have to be proud of them and respect people who differ from us. Besides, I don't agree with the reproachs concerning the Conchita's appearance. For me it doesn't matter how does somebody looks like, but what he or she can do. In my opinion this song would win this competiton even if this singer didn't disguised as a woman. The ESC is the music competition and not the best stage outfit contest. The Conchita's beard and dress doesn't disturbed me at all. Moreover, Conchita as an artist is more privileged and I treat her outfit as a stage creation.
Eventually, I have to admit I am very glad that two years ago this song won the ESC and I really want people to be more tolerant, not only towards the artists but also towards normal people.
And you? What do you think about her and about this track?
The 61th Eurovision Song Contest is approaching. That's way the national selection for this competition is the subject that today I would like to touch on. To be honest, I have to say that I am a little bit disappointed. As you know, song which will be representing Poland during the contest in May is Michal Szpak's "Color of Your Life". I like him! And moreover, I do like this song! But... in our national selection few months ago, there was another song which won my heart. This song, called "Universal" and performed by Dorota Osinska would really win the Europeans hearts. Exactly... "would", because the Polish audience didn't notice the huge potential of this track.
Dorota Osinska is an actress and a singer. She has been performing on the stage for more that 15 years already and she has released 3 albums. Moreover, last year she performed as an honour guest in duet with Jose Carreras. Now she is working with a world-famous composer and producer Rick Allison.
But, first of all, we have to appreciate her voice which is very nice, strong and let's say "in tune". Please listen to this song and pay attention to the timbre and scale of her voice.
I think that this ballad is very pleasant and it grows on you the more you listen to it. This could be a song taken from a stage musical or even from animated Disney film. Unfortunaltely she wasn't the biggest name in this national selection (she was competing with the Polish stars like Margaret or Edyta Górniak) and that's why she wasn't the favourite. However I hope that the Polish audience won't forget about her performance.
Some people compare Dorota Osinska to the great Belgian singer Lara Fabian and I think they are right because both of them have a beautiful and powerful voice. Furthermore, the author of the song "Universal" Rick Allison is also the author of many Lara Fabian's tracks. When Dorota Osinska was asked what impelled her to take part in the Polish national selection for Eurovision 2016 she responded : It was a spontaneous decision made at last minute. When I heard about Polish selections, Rick Allison with whom I was working, told me that he had a perfect song for that. When I heard it I knew that was IT.
Meanwhile, I keep my fingers crossed for Michał Szpak and his song "Color of Your Life". I hope he will represent with dignity our country during the 61th Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.
Generally speaking I do not listen to the smahs hits such as Queen's or Guns'n'Roses songs. I like them but from time to time during some party or concert, but usually - as you know - I listen to the alternative or classic music. However, it doesn't mean that I do not appreciate good music! Mostly if I consider something to be valuable, it doesn't matter which kind of music it is.
As a exemple I must mention the British band Coldplay. From time to time I would like to listen to something else, something different, but still "in good taste". This band is for me some kind of "diversion", some change from my favourite, classic music. To my mind, Coldplay is a band which doesn't construct the image through the scandals and it's still faithful to its values. Moreover, Coldplay has very wise songs! Just try to listen to the songs like "Yellow" or "Fix you"! Those tracks are very exceptional and I recommend you to listen to them :)
However my favourite Coldplay's song (and also one of the most popular) is "Viva la Vida".
As you certainly know, the
song's Spanish title "Viva la Vida" is taken from the painting,
created by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I think that Live the Life is a accurate
translation. When Chris Martin was asked about this painting and also life of
Frida Kahlo he said :She
went through a lot of pain, of course, and then she started a big painting in
her house that said 'Viva la Vida', I just loved the boldness of it.
It's very interesting that
the lyrics contain a lot of Biblical references for exemple pillars of sand are
a reference of Biblical parable given by Jesus about the fool who built his
house on sand and the wise man who built it on solid rock. Furthermore in this
song we can hear "I know Saint Peter won't call my name" which refers
to the popular belief of St. Peter guarding the gates of Heaven.
Music is also very special
because of the bells, chorus and orchestral sounds that make this song more
sophisticated and even classic. In my opinion, all of those things give this
song some air of intelligence, rare in today's most popular music.
I think that Great Britain
can be proud of this fantastic rock band which gives us this amazing and
exceptional music :)
Few days ago I heard very beautiful Polish song which pushed me into writing a post about songs with a deep message. To be honest I can't stand the empty songs without any sense, without any value... Yes, I know, recently I said that for me the music is more important than lyrics, but if I want to listen to the Polish songs, I want them to be valuable.
To my mind one of the most gifted Polish musicians is Piotr Rubik. He is well known composer of symphonic pop music for orchestra, film and theatre. What's interesting is that he studied film score composition in Siena under maestro Ennio Morricone. Moreover, he plays the piano and the cello as well. His opus magnum is called Tu es Petrus and this is the oratorio dedicated to John Paul II which contains Rubik's most popular song Let's them say it's not love (Niech mówią, że to nie jest miłość).
However almost all the songs are written by one of the Polish poets and screenwriters Zbigniew Książek who is the author of the song that I am going to talk about today.
The song called Strażnik Raju talk about a man who visits the paradise in order to talk with an Angel. He want to make sure that he won't be alone in the moment of death and also after it. He ask about the truth and the sense of life as well, but the Angel says to him that even if he responds to him, nothing won't change. For the Angel, it's a waste of time and people should live and not asking over and over...
Strażnik Raju is a part of the album Opisanie świata premiered on november 8th, 2011.
In my opinion, this a is very good song and I would like you to listen to songs of the duet Rubik & Książek because they are worth it.
I have the impression that as a student of French studies I should show you more French songs. Yes... I think I should. When I was growing up in my house there was a lot of French music (and because of that I fell in love with this language). Anyway, there is many talented French singers and artists who are not famous in Poland. I suppose that the Polish people know only Edith Piaf and Joe Dassin (who was an American by the way). However, the younger audience should know Alysée, Zaz or Stromae. I would like to familiarize you with less known French musicians and today I am going to start with Patrick Bruel and his song Tout s'efface.
Patrick Bruel, born in Algeria in 1959 is a French singer but also an actor who acted in more that 40 film productions however as a musician he made five studio albums. As a curiosity I can you say that in addition to acting and singing he is also a world class poker player.
The song Tout s'efface is very, very, very melancholic and obviously romantic song about unfulfilled love :) Moreover I think that it isn't song only about love but also about hope which helps all people, hopelessly and unlickly loved. Even if a relationship between two people is ended, there is always hope that one day both of them will meet someone else. Yes, I know, this is quite trivial, isn't it? :)
In my opinion, Patrick Bruel as a very gifted artist is great in so-called "storytelling". I love the way he tell the love stories, especially because of the sadness in his voice and... in his eyes that you can check in the video above. Enjoy the song :)
Well, as one of the biggest fans of the film scores I have to mention the ceremony of Oscars 2016 because my favourite musician Ennio Morricone has won the Best Original Score Academy Award for his music for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. To be honest I haven't seen this film yet however I know the soundtrack well enough to express my opinion.
First of all this is a very specific music, characteristic of Ennio Morricone's style. As you probably know, the 87-old composer is noted for the soundtracks of westerns (for exemple : The Good, The Bad and The Ugly or Once Upon of time in the West). You can hear the similar sounds in this score which prouve that he returned to the roots. This soundtrack is moody and tension-building but I think that describing this kind of music is a little bit pointless because there is no words to express the real character of this composition. You have to listen to it! :)
In the beginning Morricone refused to collaborate again with Tarantino but ultimalety he changed his mind and agreed to score the Hateful Eight. Furthermore, he admited that he has a great respect for Tarantino and he is glad that this director chooses his music. It is worth mentioning that this movie is the first Western which Morricone has scored since 1981. Obviously this isn't the first Ennio Morricone's Oscar, he was lauded in 2006 with a career Oscar.
In february he gave also a concert at Hala Stulecia in Wrocław (the European Capital of Culture) but infortunately I couldn't be there... I regret it very much but I hope that he will come back to Poland as soon as possible!
