RMS Music & Media Composer Series

Choral Arrangement of "Africa"

2009-07-26T09:52:00.001-07:00

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Samuel Barber (1910-1981)

2009-07-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Samuel Barber - "Adagio for Strings"
This performance was given on September 15th, 2001, four days after the 9/11 tragedy. You can see all the different "Strings" in the video: violin, viola, cello, and bass. Note the intensity of the conductor throughout the performance and how he conveys the dynamics through his gestures and expressions.

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The video below features the Mormon Tabernacle Choir SINGING the piece (originally written for a string quartet!).

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The Accentus Chamber Choir performs below. This French choir is comprised of 32 unaccompanied voices (no other instruments, just singing). Very impressive performance of Barber's piece! How is this performance different from the orchestral version on the first video? Do the voices change the emotional quality of the music? Are the dynamics just as effective with the choir performance?

Carl Orff (1895-1982)

2009-07-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Carl Orff - "O fortuna" (from Carmina Burana)
Here are two great videos of Orff's classic. The first video shows the University of California (Davis) orchestra and choir performing the entire Carmina Burana work. "O fortuna" is the opening piece, but feel free to watch more.

The second video is of guitarist Edgar Cruz performing "O fortuna" in Oklahoma City's Kerr Park. What would Carl Orff think of this arrangement? Does the guitar performance have the same emotional impact as the full orchestra? Check it out.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

2009-07-11T06:59:00.001-07:00

Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 (1st Movement)
Watch the symphony orchestra tuning just before the conductor takes his podium. He wastes no time starting the piece. Can you identify all the different instruments?

Ludwig van Beethoven - "Fur Elise"
Here are two videos of musicians performing Beethoven's "Fur Elise" on piano and guitar.

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)

2009-07-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here are two great videos of Louis Armstrong performing live. The first video is "What a Wonderful World" from a British TV appearance Louis made in 1968.
The second video is "Hello, Dolly" from a 1965 performance, featuring Louis playing a hot trumpet solo (and working up a good sweat). Both selections will be included in our listening examples. Enjoy!