Gnorb.NET » Music Videos

Gnorbmusik: Featuring Gil Shaham and the Carmen Fantasy

Gnorb — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:00:05 +0000

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!

Gnorbmusik: Featuring Jascha Heifetz

Gnorb — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 23:15:32 +0000

If there’s one violinist who you should know about, this is the one. Jascha Heifetz was quite possibly the 20th century’s greatest violinist. Listen to this to understand why. No other violinist could match his artistry or skill. (Many argue that Itzhak Perlman could be considered better, but I don’t agree. While Perlman is possibly the best violinist alive today, I don’t believe he could have bested Heifetz during his best years.) Here he is performing the Paganini Caprice #24.

Gnorbmusik: Featuring Karlheinz Stockhausen

Gnorb — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:06:16 +0000

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.

Gnorbmusik: Featuring Beethoven

Gnorb — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:03:36 +0000

From the man who could be considered the father of modern music. Let’s face it, it was his ushering in of the Romantic period which gave us license to express ourselves in Western music. (Before then we had to be all uptight while wearing puffy powdered wigs.) This is the second movement, the Allegretto, of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. Hauntingly beautiful.

By the way, turn your volume up.

Gnorbmusik: Featuring Chihiro Onitsuka

Gnorb — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:45:58 +0000

I love this lady’s voice. The song’s name is “Little Beat Rifle” and if you like Country/Pop you’ll probably like this. Also, it’s been stuck in my head for the past few days, which isn’t a bad thing, per se, save for the fact that it’s been stuck there alongside This Is The New Shit by Marilyn Manson (from the Matrix: Reloaded sountrack). Anyway, enjoy the video.

To describe her voice: think of Sarah Mclachlan mixed in with Dido and a sprinkle of LeAnn Rimes, all in Japanese. She’s hands down one of my favorite artists in any language. You can check out some of her other stuff on Amazon. (Makes a great Christmas present for your favorite Japanophile.) By the way, you can find this song along with her hit single Infection.

Gnorbmusik: Halloween Chopin

Gnorb — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 15:14:53 +0000

I tried to find the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique, but couldn’t, so instead here’s the third movement of Frederick Chopin’s Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor (Op. 35), also known as the “Funeral March”, and performed by the guy you’d expect to see working in the local funeral home.

Now, what you can do is load this video and play it any time trick-or-treaters come by, to help set the mood. In any case, have a happy Halloween.

Gnorbmusik: Featuring Bjork

Gnorb — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 13:35:14 +0000

I don’t put anywhere nearly enough music videos here. This one’s by Bjork, with a video titled “Bachelorette.”