Archive for the 'Music Videos' Category

In today’s edition of Gnorbmusik, Gil Shaham plays the Carmen Fantasy by Pablo de Sarasate. As an experienced violinist, I can honestly tell you that no, this piece is by no means easy. It is, however, fun to play. Then again, Gil Shaham… well here, read. He’s good. Real good.

Advice to any would-be violinists reading this: if you want to learn how to play the violin right, learn from a Jew. Gil Shaham, Itzak Perlman and Jascha Heifetz are three reasons why. (Andrew Galos is another reason why, but he’s no longer available to teach. Well, neither is Heifetz, but you get my point.) I’m not saying there aren’t good violin teachers from other religions or ethnic groups, far from it! But — hell, I’ll come right out and say it: I’m biased. All my best teachers were Jews. Hungarian Jews, Russian Jews, New York Jews… you get my point. Don’t take my opinion as… err… gospel?

Oh, and happy 6th night of Hanukkah!

Avant garde? New Classical? Whatever you want to call it, this type of music explores areas way outside of what you’re used to listening to. From one of my favorite composers, Karlheinz Stiockhausen, here is Klavierstueck IX.

Remember: there’s a huge difference between good ugly and bad ugly. Besides, 4/4 is sooo overrated (and overused).

If you like what you hear, you’ll probably also enjoy Stockhausen’s Gesang der Junglinge, which has always been one of my favorites. You can find some of Stockhausen’s works over at Amazon.