The Write Stuff – The Write Stuff: Recent Episodes
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Today marks the start of the “Summer of George.” And when I say “George” I mean George Harrison, who played guitar on both of these songs, and most likely did some background harmonies.
Here There and EverywhereAnd I Love Her
This is perfect background music for any social gathering. You can download this song and many others here.
But it’s never too early for the Beach Boys. Here is another classic written by Brian Wilson, one of the greatest songwriters ever.
Surf’s UpAnd here is the sheet music for all of you musicians out there:
Surfs Up – Full ScoreDownload
A Little Black Cat With a Big Voice Sings the Blues
Here are three songs done as a tribute to the great songwriter Brian Wilson.
God Only KnowsGood VibrationsIn My RoomAnd just in case you have forgotten that there is still love in the world:
I was watching Bono’s new show on Apple TV and got inspired to do a song by U2.
I Will FollowCheck this guy out:
Friday is always a good day for new music, so here are three more songs. And don’t forget to share with all your friends that these songs are all posted here.
Good Day SunshineSomethingBlackbird
Get that download folder ready, because here are some more songs to be added. And as always, the other songs can be found here.
Lucy in The Sky (with reverb)In My LifeLucy In the Sky with Diamonds
I have been asked many times “Why do you do so many Beatles songs?” and my answer is always the same: “Because they are the Greatest!” Here is a wrap up of this week’s music. As you no doubt know by now, the others are found here. Unless of course this is your first time here. If that is the case, welcome.
With a Little Help from My FriendsA Day in the LifeYesterdayFixing a HoleStrawberry FIelds
The reverb really makes this song come alive, don’t you think? The other Beatles songs are here.
Do you notice how similar they sound in the beginning? That is because they both start out with an F chord. Fixing a Hole is F-Minor, Strawberry Fields is F-Major.
Fixing a HoleStrawberry Fields Forever
The music program I use has added some new instruments including no less than three different types of Rhodes keyboards. You know what this means, right? I need to remake every song using this instrument. It shouldn’t take more than 2,000 hours or so. The others are found here.
Here Comes the SunStrawberry Fields Forever
Here is my take on another song by Electric Light Orchestra. I’m sure you have heard this one before. It can be found with the other songs here. And here is a slightly more elaborate version:
Here are two versions of Electric Light Orchestra’s Strange Magic. If ever there was music that could be called magical, this is it. Trust me, I know these things. And here is a song you may know. Can you name it?
I came across some playlists that have the Billboard Top 100 songs from the 1950’s through today. From the 1964 list, this is my version of The Girl from Ipanema. Here is another song from that same year. This is from a genre of music called “Happy Tunes.”
This is the only instrumental song to ever win a Grammy award for best song and best soundtrack album. Here are all of the best song winners over the years. Can you name this tune?
When this album came out, I couldn’t believe how good it was. And when I learned it was just one person making all of this music it was even more mind-blowing. Here is my version of the first section of Foreplay/Long Time by Boston. Here is the sheet music:
Here is my version of a well-known Burt Bacharach song. If you were around in the 20th century you know its title. And here is a light show you are sure to remember:
Here is something you probably didn’t know. I can use either hand to put sugar in my tea. I’m ambidextrose. Do you recognize this song? It is called “Love is Blue” and was written way back in 1967. For more on that click here. (I must warn you that once you listen to it you […]
From Steely Dan’s Gaucho album, this is my version of Babylon Sisters. The drum sheet music is posted below, along with a video done by the drummer on the original track, Bernard Purdie. And here is Kid Charlemagne with different instruments.
Did you know that the Steely Dan song Kid Charlemagne was written about someone who was very influential in the 1960’s – Owsley Stanley? Well now you do. With that, here is another Steely Dan remake from the album The Royal Scam, released in 1976. It is titled Kid Charlemagne.
Here is the title song from Steely Dan’s Gaucho album. It sounds much better with the drum music added. And the complete bass line. (It’s a long story). Do you know what a Gaucho is? A Gaucho is a “skilled horseman, reputed to be brave and unruly.” And here is Josie, from the Aja album. […]
Here is another remake of a Steely Dan song. From the Aja album, it is titled Peg. It can be found with other Steely Dan songs here. Peg is also the chemical name for polyethylene glycol, a fact of which I was unaware before today. And here is another song from the same album, titled […]
From Pretzel Logic, here is my version of Ricki Don’t Lose That Number. Having the actual drum music makes a big difference. It can be found with the other remakes here. Do you know what pretzel logic is? From what I have read, it means twisted logic, like a pretzel. This song was originally released […]
Here is more Steely Dan music. From the Can’t Buy a Thrill album, it is titled Midnite Cruiser. It can be found with other songs here. Take it away, Donald….
But that’s not what I am writing about today. I want to share with you a Steely Dan song fresh off the press. (I know, it isn’t the Beatles. But they will be back soon.) From Can’t Buy a Thrill, this is my version of Dirty Work. It makes a world of difference to have […]
Just who are Desmond and Molly Jones? And what the heck is all this Ob-La-Di business all about? I have no idea. But I do know I like the way it sounds. From The Beatles White Album, here is my version of Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da, the spelling of which I wasn’t really certain before today. And […]
A carrot. Here are two new songs. One is titled Norwegian Wood, from the album Rubber Soul. The other song is titled I’ve Just Seen a Face from the album Help. That means there are now 76 Beatles remakes.
Here is my version of Yellow Submarine from the Beatles album Revolver, and Yesterday, from the album Help. It can be found with the others here.
Here are two relaxing Beatles songs for a Sunday. From the White Album, this is my version of Blackbird: And this is Eight Days a Week, from the album Beatles VI. Like the song Something, it ends exactly the way it begins. They both can be found with the other 70 songs here.
A Little Hoarse. Here is another Beatles song for all you Beatles fans out there. This is the title cut from the Beatles album A Hard Day’s Night. All of the other songs can be found here.
Here is another song – Michelle by The Beatles. It is from their album Rubber Soul. It can be found with the other 68 songs here.
Here are songs 67 and 68 in the ongoing list of Beatles remakes. The title song from the Beatles Help album, along with And Your Bird Can Sing, which was on the album Yesterday and Today in the U.S. but on Revolver in the U.K. Here is some Beatles history that everyone should see at […]
I recently bought a belt for $500. It was a huge waist. But seriously….. The latest Beatles remake is from the Abbey Road album, titled Something. It is one of the few songs that ends exactly as it starts. It can be found with the other 64 songs here.
Question: Why don’t ants need to be vaccinated? Answer: They already have the correct anti-bodies. Speaking of insects, here are the latest Beatles remakes: Happiness is a Warm Gun from the White Album and All My Loving from their second album With The Beatles. But in the U.S. it was called Meet The Beatles.
Here is today’s song: Please Please Me by the Beatles. They were listening to this song in Great Britain before most people in the U.S. had even heard of the Beatles. And the rest, as you know, is history. It can be found with the other 61 songs here.
From the Beatles album titled Revolver, here is my version of She Said She Said. It is song number 61 from the list.
Here are two more for you, She Loves You from way back in 1963, and Lovely Rita from just four years later. They can be found with the other songs here. Some of the lyrics that weren’t used because they were too controversial at the time: I knew a meter maid named Lovely RitaShe liked […]
Song Number 58 in the Summer of Beatles remakes continues with Good Day Sunshine, from the Revolver album. This song marks the point in their songwriting where their music started using multiple time signatures. It is the exact opposite as their other song titled “Rain.”
It’s only common courtesy, if you are going to drive my car. Here is Drive My Car and In My Life from the Beatles. They are song numbers 58 and 59. They were both on the Rubber Soul album in England, but in the U.S. Drive My Car was the opening song on the album […]
And apparently it never knows anything, either. Song Number 56 of Beatles remakes is from the Revolver album. It is titled Tomorrow Never Knows. It is hard to believe this song came out just 3 years after they became famous in the U.S. And here is number 57, In My Life from the Rubber Soul […]
You know the rest! Everyone, sing along…. And here is Joe Cocker’s version, which I think I like better than the original. (But don’t tell Paul.) The growing list is here.
You know the rest, right? From the Beatles White Album, here is While My Guitar Gently Weeps. I usually have a few wrong notes here and there when I transcribe these songs, but for some reason this one came out right the first time. It was just meant to be, I guess. This is the […]
According to my online sources (Wikipedia) “Ticket to Ride” is a song by the Beatles, written primarily by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. Issued as a single in April 1965, it became the Beatles’ seventh consecutive number 1 hit in the United Kingdom and their third consecutive number 1 hit (and eighth in total) […]
My thoughts exactly! See if you recognize these songs: They can be found with the other ones here.
But hopefully I would be inside a dry enclosure with lots of air. And drinking water. And food. Here is my version of Octopus’s Garden, from the Beatles Abbey Road album: And here is I Feel Fine. Do you remember the first time you heard this song? The rest of them can be found here.
I have just the solution for you. Listen to this song, and some other ones too. According to the experts, this song was a “good-natured jab at the British blues scene.” A good-natured jab? There are no such things! A jab is always bad-natured.
I wonder where Eleanor is today? Perhaps still picking up rice from the church? Here are two songs from the album Revolver. And coincidentally they play in this exact order on side one of the album. That wasn’t planned. I guess it was just meant to be. They are songs 54 and 55 in the […]
This latest masterpiece can be found with the others here. I couldn’t decide which lead guitar sounded better so I posted both versions.
And so is music. Here is another song from the list for you. It is titled Here, There, and Everywhere, from the album Revolver.
Adding to the growing collection are two songs involving two of my favorite things: Waking up, and eating chocolate. From the White Album, this is Savoy Truffle: And from Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this is Good Morning:
Dragged a comb across my head. You know the rest. From Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, this is A Day in the Life. It can be found with other 43 Beatles remakes here.
Here are two more Steely Dan songs. Everyone’s Gone to the Movies from the Katy Lied album, and The Fez from The Royal Scam. They can be found with the others here.
Here are some more songs for you. Did you know that the Beatles song Because actually came from Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata? Now you do. The others can be found here. Because by The Beatles Because the world is roundIt turns me onBecause the world is round Because the wind is highIt blows my mindBecause the […]
Here is another song hot off the press. I don’t usually do two posts in one day, but today I am. From the Beatles White Album, here are two versions of Helter Skelter. Share this post with someone who likes the Beatles, I bet they will like it.
Here is another masterpiece for you. And the drums are from the actual sheet music, it makes all the difference. And here is another one from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, titled Fixing a Hole.. That means there are now 38 Beatles songs posted here. Everyone, sing along…. Here Comes the Sun Song by […]
Here is the final song from the Beatles album Magical Mystery Tour, titled Baby You’re a Rich Man, along with Fixing a Hole. Both songs have a repeating “G” note that is used a lot in Beatles music. Many appliances like microwaves and coffeemakers use that same note. You can hear it at the 1:05 […]
Everyone, sing along. The other 36 songs are here. Penny Lane Song by The Beatles Penny Lane, there is a barber showing photographsOf every head he’s had the pleasure to knowAnd all the people that come and goStop and say, “Hello” On the corner is a banker with a motorcarAnd little children laugh at him […]
Today’s song is from the Beatles album Let it Be. It is titled Across the Universe. This is the first song I have done from this album. I think it came out rather nice. I also posted Day Tripper, which was a single. It has some added features. The rest of the Beatles remakes can […]
Song Number 9 in the Summer of Beatles series is from the album Magical Mystery Tour. It is titled All You Need is Love. (Ain’t it the truth.) The other songs are found here. Did you know that the Beatles have many of their videos online? Just click here.
I don’t know why you say goodbye, I say hello. This brings the total number of Beatles remakes to 33. Only 180 to go.
This song completes side one of the Beatles album Magical Mystery Tour, for all you keeping score at home. The rest of them can be found here. And here is a video of great cultural significance. I added some instruments to this one:
This is the sixth song posted here from the Beatles album Magical Mystery Tour. The rest of them can be found here. There is an actual street called Blue Jay Way. You can read all about it here.
I remember when I first heard this song. It knocked my socks off. I still haven’t found them. Here is my version of Back in the USSR, from the Beatles White Album. The other remakes can be found here.
Here is a song you’re sure to have heard, especially if you were around back in 1980. They played this song non-stop on FM radio for that entire year. It is from Pink Floyd’s album The Wall, titled Comfortably Numb. And here is the sheet music. The rest of these songs can be found here.
Do you remember where you were the first time you heard the album Dark Side of The Moon? Apparently you can play it along with the movie “The Wizard of Oz” and the Scarecrow plays an amazing air guitar solo during the song Money. You just have to start it when the third flying monkey […]
As long as I can remember, except for a few years before it was written, this has been perfect summer music. Maybe that’s because it came out in June. It needs no introduction. It resides with the rest of the songs here. Here is a Steely Dan song like you have never heard before:
Actually, I have no clues. But I do have new music. These two songs can also be found with the other ones here.
Here is a song you might recognize. This is the 20th song that can be found here. And here is number 21:
One of the instruments on this song is appropriately called “84 Retro Synth.” As you no doubt know by now, the other songs can be found here. I am amazed at the difference in sound quality after it went through the compression process. What do you think?
This is the first song I have done with a drum track that isn’t a loop made by someone else. It was actually transcribed from the songbook. I think it came out rather nice. This song needs no introduction. It can be found with the others here.
Here is some more music to brighten your day or night, depending on when you are reading this. The other songs can be found here. What is it about the melody for Nowhere Man? It is the most incredible and inspiring song.
I can’t think of any better way to start a day then listening to new music. Check this one out. The others can be found here. One of the instruments on the track is appropriately named “Digital Glitter.“ Here are some more from way back when…
I am taking a break from Steely Dan so that I can remake some of these Beatles classics. By the way, my final grade in my music class was an A-Flat.
Here is a song that never gets oldIt warms my heart when it feels coldIt’s light and happy and oh so funAnd its title is Here Comes The Sun And here is You Never Give Me Your Money: This is Fool on The Hill: I will be posting Beatles remakes here. And here is the […]
Last time I went to the gym I hopped on the treadmill. but people were looking at me funny so I decided to run instead. But seriously folks. This song is from the Katy Lied album, and is titled Rose Darling. And this one is called Black Friday, from the same album. And no, he […]
Did you know that Steely Dan has more than one song with the words Gold Teeth in the title? Well, they do. They are from different albums, however. The first song was titled Your Gold Teeth, and it was on the Countdown to Ecstasy album. The second song was titled, interestingly enough, Your Gold Teeth […]
Just exactly what is a spangled leather poncho? And why is the Gaucho wearing it? And what is a Custerdome? I have no idea. But I like this title song from the Steely Dan album Gaucho. It can be found, along with the other remakes, here. Here are the lyrics if you would like to […]
That’s why it’s usually best to just keep quiet. This song is from Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy a Thrill album, titled Only a Fool Would Say That. According to Donald Fagen, the Can’t Buy a Thrill album cover is hideous! And here is another one from the same album, titled Change of the Guard. And […]
This is the final song from the Steely Dan album Pretzel Logic, titled Monkey in Your Soul. It is quite different from the original version. The rest of the songs can be found here. And here is the opening song from the album The Royal Scam, titled Kid Charlemagne. At the 38 second mark you […]
Today’s song is from Pretzel Logic and is called Barrytown. As always, the other songs can be found here.
What could be better than new music on a Monday? I can’t think of anything. Here are two more songs from the Pretzel Logic album. That album was released on February 20th, 1974, and I have been listening to it ever since. The rest of the songs can be found here. That is all.
Today’s entry is the title song from Steely Dan’s Pretzel Logic, followed by With a Gun from the same album. The other versions can be found here.
The last time a year was a perfect square was in 1936, which happens to be 44 x 44. Next year we will again be in a year that is a perfect square, because 45 x 45 = 2025. After that, it won’t happen again for another 91 years. Here are song numbers 32 and […]
So furthermore, without discussion Here are two songs, one without percussion. You may have heard this on the radio once or twice if you are over forty. It is song number 31 of 61 and can be found with the rest of them here. I also updated these three songs for all of you following […]
Here is Josie, from the album Aja, coming in at number 30 in the Summer of Steely Dan series. As you know by now, all of the other remakes can be found here:
A wife comes downstairs before a dinner date with her husband. “Do I look fat in this dress?” the wife asks.“Do I look dumb in this shirt?” the husband replies. Here is my version of “Black Cow” from Steely Dan’s Aja album. It can be found, along with the other 28 Steely Dan songs, here:
Tiny! And I admit it, I got that online. Here is Hey Nineteen from Steely Dan’s album titled Gaucho. It is number 28 on the list of 61 Steely Dan remakes.
Song number 26 of the “Summer of Dan” continues with My Old School from the Countdown to Ecstasy album. It can be found along with all of the other Steely Dan remakes here. This song was written after an incident at Bard College in New York in 1969, while Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were […]
I have a pair of bad sneakers from 1995. They are old soles. Check out these Bad Sneakers: https://youtu.be/MiBfhFvJdvc?si=9NJQrRqsCVTZJI7g This brings the total number of Steely Dan songs to 25.
I bring you new music from “Under The Heat Dome.” That means there are now 24 songs on the Steely Dan page: There is nothing like a live Steely Dan concert: Steely Dan Live | 1993 | Full Concert (youtube.com)
Don’t you hate it when you hear that phrase? I have no idea what you are thinking. But I know you are going to like these songs. This brings the total number of Steely Dan remakes to 22. That means there are 39 left to do. I should be busy until early October. Here is […]
All of the Steely Dan songs have now been updated using the newly re-discovered software. Long-time readers can no doubt hear the difference. And don’t forget – food that is gelatinous tends to fatten us. All of the new songs can be found here: Here is an oldie that sounds much improved:
I was thinking earlier today, what would you call a Shrink who has retired? A Shrunk? Check these out:
To help you celebrate this important day, here is another song from the “Summer of Bach.” It starts on page 46 of the sheet music posted below, in the event you want to sing along. I imagine he had trouble getting to sleep at night with all of this music in his head.
Here is song number 12, which starts on page 11 in the Bach sheet music posted below. Unlike the previous songs, this one only has two lines of music There are many trills throughout. It’s very trilling. And here are some remakes of some songs I posted here way back in 2021. They are much […]
This song was transcribed from the sheet music below.It starts on page one and is titled “Contrapunctus XI” which means Counterpoint Eleven. This was a very popular song in many of the taverns in the 1700’s. Here is a “pro” version:
Here are song numbers 18 and 19 in the ever-growing list of Steely Dan remakes. This song is close to my heart. I spent 3 weeks in a tent in the middle of Alaska when I was just 18 years old, with 2 cassette tapes for entertainment, one of which was Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy […]
Take a break from reading the newsI think it will help if you have the bluesIt’s very long from start to endAnd is more uplifting than CNN The opening phrase sounds a lot like “I Am The Walrus.” It is 188 bars long. Just like a big city. Here is the sheet music. It is […]
Do you know how I get through those days where I am so tired my eyes are actually burning, like today? I make music and eat chocolate. With that, here is the fruit of today’s labor: Counterpoint Number Seven, which starts on page 33 on the sheet music shown below. If you have listened to […]
Here is another original songIf you listen to it you can’t go wrongIt’s another masterpiece for all to seeEven if it wasn’t written by me Like I said, it’s another original. Just not mine. But I did transcribe every note. It is titled “Contrapunctus VI” which translates to Counterpoint Six, and it starts on page […]
Here is the fifth Bach Fugue from the sheet music below. This one starts on page 21 and is titled “Contrapuntus V.” And this is just one of over a thousand known songs he wrote. That is incredible.
Hello out there guys and galsTo all my acquaintances and all my palsAnother masterpiece is here for youIt’s sure to help if you’re feeling blue It’s the fourth song from the sheet music posted below. I find it very relaxing, I hope you do also. Here is some info on how Bach wrote this music:
Did you know that there are over one thousand known compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach? Here is the fourth one transcribed from the sheet music below. For more on Bach’s compositions click here. By the way, do you know what the difference is between a cat and a comma? A cat has claws at the […]
Here is something few people know. I was kicked out of the Marines because I have dyslexia. When everyone was yelling “Hoo-Ra” I kept saying “Ra-Hoo.” I just couldn’t get it right. Apparently that was the last straw. Here is some more music for you. It is the ninth song in the attached sheet music […]
Check out these songs. See if you can get them both to play at the same time. That is all.
As you probably already know, Curb Your Enthusiasm had its final episode last Sunday Night. It was pretty, pretty good. While watching reruns of the show, I remade the theme song.
In honor of the last solar eclipse visible in the continental U.S. until 2044, here is a song for you. You know who you are. And check out this video. I guess that’s what you would call a “Pooch Pirate.”
Here are some new songs for youThey’re pretty short, this much is trueThey are quite simple at the startBut get more complex with each part They didn’t take me long to writeI started writing late last nightI used all of my keyboard toolsJust to tell you “April Fools!” Here are a few bars (52 and […]
Only fifteen cents for a pretzel. Those were the days. See if you can name this song from this album:
This is my take on the old Steely Dan Classic “Deacon Blues.”
Here is some info about the cover photo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sayoko_Yamaguchi
Another song from Steely Dan’s Gaucho album is finished. The funny thing about Steely Dan songs is this: Once someone starts working on one they cannot stop until they are done. It’s a rule. Here is “Time Out of Mind” with a piano, and without one. And now we are out of time.
Were you alive in November 1981? Steely Dan released an album at that time titled “Gaucho.” Here is one of the songs from said album. It is titled “My Rival.” Although Donald Fagen used different keyboards in the song, I think a piano works really well.
In celebration of the weekend, here are two more songs. Artwork by Paul Klee And here is the most downloaded song from this site this year, and it has only been online since May. Go figure. It is Bach’s Chorale #91, “The Old Year Hath Now Passed Away.” The second highest is “Music is God’s … Continue reading "Happy Friday"
Here is a remake of the Orlando Di Lasso song “Enlighten My Eyes So That I Might See.” Or something to that effect.
Fresh off the press, more songs by Bach. Everyone, grab your songbooks and sing along to chorale numbers 50, 51, and 52. Just find a seat in the back because everyone is looking.
These two songs are numbers 78 and 79 from the book of 101 Chorales harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach. Rock on.
I have had many readers ask me how I keep all of my songs organized. The answer is simple: I use the Dewey Decibel System. Here are four more Chorales from the songbook “101 Chorales Harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach.”
This is something original. It is called “Lift Off.” It is a perfect song to play along to, for all you musicians out there.
Another song at last is doneIt was released way back in ’71Do you know the title or will you guess?I’ll give you a hint – it was done by Yes
The accent on the word “Before” is after, and the accent on the word “After” is before. Think about it. And while you do that, listen to this masterpiece:
From the songbook Urban Blues for Guitar, here is my take on All Your Love by Otis Rush.
This song was written way back whenAnd now it’s time to hear it againIt was written in the key of CIt’s another song to you from me
Here is something original. What do you see when you close your eyes and listen to it? Artwork by Paul Klee:
Here is a song you’re sure to rememberI’ve been working on it since last SeptemberI think it came out rather niceSo give it a listen, once or twice
Here is a Bach Minuet, that lasts around 2 minutes. It is perfect holiday background music.
This is an original song. It is titled Friday Nocturne.” Like most things, it is a work in progress.
And the rest is history..
Thursday’s Song without piano:
http://www.art-vangogh.com/Here is the sheet music:
friday-song-full-score-1Download
Earlier today I was checking the stats on this site. There have been over a thousand downloads of songs here this month alone. That’s a new monthly record. FYI. I encourage everyone to download these songs and share them.
My hope is that one or more of them will be played on one of those raves you see in a Nordic Noir TV show. I better start adding more thumps to the music now.
Some of these songs are my own, some are not. But I did use the very same notes as those used by Bach and Beethoven.
Artwork by Paul Klee.
All of these chorales can be played at the bottom of the page, or one by one at https://johnsthewritestuff.com/101-bach-chorales/
Mood music (not sure what mood though!)
Also, exercise and a proper diet is good for keeping away the blues.
Can you name this song? It is song number 1,547 in my media library. Hint: It has something to do with the picture below.
Here is something you don’t hear every day:
A new version of “On Green Dolphin Street”:
And here is Miles Davis playing the same song:
Everyone sing along:
Here is something nobody knows: I have a photogenic memory, which means I always look good in my own mind. And here are some new songs you might remember, with a new twist:
Does this sound familiar?
It used to sound like this:
Here is the bass line from chorale number 92, in .wav format.
This song is a bit wilder than most.
And here are a couple of songs from this week that needed new instruments.
Another batch of songs are ready to go out into the world (if you can call two songs “a batch.”) The first song was written by Peter Frampton. It is called “Penny for Your Thoughts.”
The second song was written by Orlando Di Lasso in the 1500’s and is titled “Music is God’s Gift.” And all this time I thought I was.
“I Like It!”
This song was finished in Vienna on August 10, 1787, around the time Mozart was working on the second act of his opera Don Giovanni.
I wonder what he would think of these versions?
Check out this cool cat:
I was looking at the download stats for this site, and noticed a song I apparently made during the 2021 “World Music” period. And it was interesting enough to share with you all. I don’t remember this one, do you?
But it is a perfect day to bring you another song. Long time readers will recognize this one.
(Artwork by Paul Klee)
Here is a remake of an excerpt of Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor. I think I like the organ version better than the piano version.
And here is a preview of a very interesting PBS show all about him.
https://www.pbs.org/video/now-hear-schumann-genius-and-madness-preview-fwjpzu/
That is all.
Because it is time for Meditation, written by the French Composer Jules Massenet. This was one of the first songs posted here during that long year of 2021. But like yesterday’s song, this one is much improved over the last. Also, it is played at the right speed.
The very first mp3 I ever made was a version of this song, way back in January 2020. I think it sounds much improved.
If it takes a while to load up, it is probably because it is 153 megabytes. The older version was only 37 megs. That must be why it sounded like someone playing a comb on tinfoil.
Every song doesn’t need 6 drum tracks.
Do you know the name of this song?
Here is a hint:
And here is a remake of Lowell Fulson’s “It’s a Good Day.”
And some remakes of the most downloaded songs from this site. I am amazed at how much fuller a .wav file sounds as opposed to an mp3.
Since Debussy is by far my favorite composer, I give you “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair” by Claude Debussy.
Long time readers will no doubt recognize this hit from the early 1600’s. I may have to re-do a lot of these songs in a .wav format, because the sound is fuller. Don’t you think?
I know I asked this once before
and now I ask you all once more
To make a guess and not be wrong
Can anybody name this song?
Here is a song called “It’s a Good Day” written by Lowell Fulson.
It is from the songbook titled “Urban Blues for Guitar.”
I hope it helps you to have a good day.
The last few notes sound just like the last few notes on this song:
However, it is not MY original song. I did transcribe it and chose which instruments to use.
If you were around in 1983 you definitely know the artist.
Many readers have asked “In music, what is a chromatic scale?”
I answered them by sharing my recent compositions. Just listen to the first four notes and you get the idea.
Here is the Bass Line from Bach’s Chorale Number 92 “Sink Not Yet My Soul to Slumber.” As you can hear, you don’t actually need a bass instrument to play a bass line.
And here is the original song that was posted last year:
(And it is already February)
Here is a new song called Walking.
And here it is arranged another way….
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “US Army Band?” Probably not what you are about to see (if you click the play button).
The Doggy Bus!
They’re going out for a pack walk.
Skagway, Alaska
TT: mo_mountains_mutts pic.twitter.com/rBMlHOg6XL— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) January 2, 2023
I woke up early this morning
With a cat sitting on my chest
I didn’t know what had happened
And why he interrupted my rest
The room was dark and quiet
As if we had blown a fuse
And that is when it hit me
I woke up with the kitty-cat blues
Meow!!
From the songbook “Urban Blues for Guitar” this is my version of Bright Lights, Big City, written by Jimmy Reed. Can’t you just see Times Square?
And here are two updated versions of Doxy, by Sonny Rollins. It sounds much better now with all of the notes in the right places.
(not to be confused with the singer Jerry Reed.)
Walter Theodore “Sonny” Rollins (born September 7, 1930) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist who is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians. In a seven-decade career, he has recorded over sixty albums as a leader. A number of his compositions, including “St. Thomas”, “Oleo”, “Doxy”, “Pent-Up House”, and “Airegin”, have become jazz standards. Rollins has been called “the greatest living improviser” and the “Saxophone Colossus.”
From the songook titled Maiden Voyage – Fourteen Easy-to-Play Jazz Tunes, here is my version of Doxy by Sonny Rollins (without the 20 minute improv).
Wild Version:
Tame Version:
Artwork by Paul Klee.
Right? Am I right?
This song was written way back in 1903 by Hans Engelman. It is titled “Melody of Love.” We don’t hear much about Hans these days, but during his time he was quite popular. And he had great piano hands.
So sit down with that someone special, and listen closely……..
(Artwork by Paul Klee.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Klee
The eighth and final song from the book “Original Piano Duets by American Composers” is finished. It is titled “En Route March” and was written by Hans Engelmann.
Hans Engelmann (June 16, 1872 – May 5, 1914) was a composer of popular music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although little is remembered of him today, his work was greatly appreciated in his time. Largely writing for teaching material, by the end of his short life he had created nearly three thousand works. His most popular work, Melody of Love has been recorded by many popular musicians in the mid 20th century.
This concludes our study of early 20th Century American Composers.
This morning there was a story online that talked about millions of dollars missing from a crypto fund. Perhaps someone accidently clicked on the “Clear Cash” button. If so, they are going to need some quality meditation time. With that in mind, here is today’s song which is titled Meditation, written by Louis Victor Saar. His birthday is this Saturday. And once again, I did not know that fact until after I transcribed his music just this morning.
Continuing on our study of Twentieth Century American Composers, here is “Tarantella“, written by Frank Lynes. It is another song from the songbook Original Piano Duets for American Composers. It is amazing what one can find when one opens a book. According to dictionary.com, the word Tarantella means 1) a rapid whirling dance originating in … Continue reading "It Has Nothing to Do with Spiders"
I have always heard that campfire stories should always be accompanied by music. To that end, here is a song from the songbook “Original Piano Duets for American Composers.” It is titled Around the Campfire. You may have heard another version if you were here yesterday. And here is another song from the same book, … Continue reading "Campfire Stories"
See if you can name that tune. I will give you a hint: The composer was named Ethelbert Nevin. His birthday was on Friday, the same day I posted the first versions of this song. But I didn’t know it at the time. Spooky! (For extra fun, play it at 1.25 speed. Just click the … Continue reading "The Finished Product is Here"
Here it is, folks. The final chorale in the book “101 Chorales Harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach.” Most of the melodies were written by other composers, but Bach put all of the notes underneath the melody to make these songs. Here is chorale number 97 – Be Not Dismayed Thou Little Flock. Here is a … Continue reading "Number 97, Down From Heaven"
I present to you song number 95 from the “101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach” songbook. And here is number 96. I can almost see Johann tapping his feet….
You’ve been waiting for it, just like me. Hot off the presses, here is Chorale Number 94 from the songbook “101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach.”
Here is another one of those Bach Chorales everyone has been talking about. I am currently taking an online songwriting class. The latest assignment was to write a song in AABA format, using all of the chords in any one key, without modulating to another key. As you can see (or hear), when a song … Continue reading "Number 93"
Here are two more Bach Chorales for you. These are numbers 91 and 92 from the songbook 101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach. I hope they bring you some peace. We could use a whole lot of that right about now. Number 91 – The Old Year Now Hath Passed Away: Number 92 – Sink … Continue reading "Only Five Songs Left"
Take a listen to these three new Bach Chorales. They are numbers 88, 89, and 90 from the book 101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach (what else?): Number 88: Number 89: Number 90:
Here are two more Bach Chorales – Numbers 86 and 87. Number 86 is in 4/4 time and starts in the key of C Major, which has no flats or sharps. Number 87 is in 3/4 time and starts in the key of B-Flat, which has two flats. (I won’t say it.) Chorale Number 86: […]
Here is Chorale Number 85 from the book 101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach. That means there are just a few songs left. And I have a feeling every one of them is going to have a harpsichord. While you are listening to these songs, see if you can see the hidden images in these […]
Continuing along in the songbook 101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach, here is number 84. It was really quite a task getting all of these musicians in the same room at the same time. Here is number 56, a “rockin’ chorale.” I have had this one stuck in my head for days now!
Here is song number 82 from the book of 101 Chorales by Bach. If you are using a smartphone be sure to be in Desktop Mode so that you can use the music player on the right side of the page. And here is Chorale Number 83:
Here are three more Bach Chorales. They are numbers 79, 80, and 81 from the book “101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach.” The entire list can be found here: Number 79 – “Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke” Number 80 – “The Star Proclaims the King is Here” Number 81 – “Now That the Day […]
Here are four chorales by BachIn the music world, he is “The Rock”The songs sound similar, this is trueBut they’re sure to lift you if you’re blue Number 73 – Oh, How Blessed are Ye Whose Toils Are Ended: Number 74 – O God, Thou Faithful God: Number 76 – All Praise to Jesus’ Hallowed […]
Here are three more Chorales by Bach. I hope you enjoy them. They are chorale numbers 70, 71, and 72 from the songbook “101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach.” Number 72 – Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire: Number 71 – Blessed Jesus at Thy Word: Number 70 – Beside Thy Manger Here I Stand
Here are three more Bach Chorales from the book “101 Bach Chorales.” The rest of them can be found here: Number 67: Number 68: Number 69: Here are two songs you are sure to remember. They were both written by Edvard Grieg. (Not Edward):
Here is a Renaissance song titled “See Man.” I will let you guess the name of the composer. Here is a hint: If he were still alive he would be either 490 or 492 years old, depending on your source. The beginning of the song sounds a little like the theme from the original Star … Continue reading A Song For You
This was one of the first songs I learned in the music program at school. It is titled “Gymnopedie No. 1” by Eric Satie. Most versions are slower than this, but since we all have busy schedules I gave it a quicker tempo. Eric Alfred Leslie Satie (May 17, 1866 – July 1, 1925), who … Continue reading So That’s What Gymnopedie Means
Here is a song by Orlando Di Lasso titled “Resonet in Laudibus.” That translates to “Let the Voice of Praise Resound.” Amen. By the way, do you know what the word “Amen” means? It means “So be it.”This song was called “one of the chief Christmas songs of joy” in 1550. That accolade was taken … Continue reading Renaissance Fair
I have finished transcribing all 18 songs from the music book Piano Literature, Volume One. All of the songs were written in the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary eras. The eight composers are as follows: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Fritz Spindler (1817-1905) Bela Bartok … Continue reading It is Finished
Here are some more songs from the book “Piano Literature Volume One.“ Also, did you know that I lettered in three different sports in high school? They were all in lower case, however….. Beethoven Sonatina in G: Schumann Soldiers’ March: Schumann The Wild Horseman: Kabalevsky Dance: Kabalevksy Quick March:
Here are some songs from a piano music book titled Piano Literature Volume One. Its $5.50 price has to be one of the best deals around. That’s around 30 cents per song. I posted some of the songs yesterday using an organ, but I think they sound better on a piano. Hence the title. There … Continue reading Piano Music
These songs were all written by Johann Sebastian Bach. Minuet in G (BWV 116): Minuet in G (BWV 114): Minuet in G Minor (BWV 115): March in D (BWV 122): Sonatina by Spindler: One of the readers asked what the letters “BWV” represented. The answer is as follows: The Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV) Bach works catalogue is … Continue reading Bach is Back
This song is called Pour Mettre Comme Un Homme Habile. In English it means “To Put Like a Skillful Man.” (I think it might be missing something in translation). It was written way back in the 1500’s by Orlando Di Lasso. On another note, have you ever wondered why the word “tummy” is used for … Continue reading Another Song is a Wrap
Here is another Renaissance classic, called “Munchkins vive nobis,” written by my new favorite artist.
This song was written by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, and is titled “Hodie Christus.”
I have been thinking about starting a cover band. But first I need to buy some covers. I’m sure I can find a sale somewhere… Continuing with our study of Renaissance Music, here is a song titled “To The Sweet Sound of The Murmuring of the Waves.” (I’m not making this up). Its actual title … Continue reading A New Song for A New Month
Tuesday’s song is fresh off the press. It is called Videntes stellam mag which translates to When They Saw The Star (at least according to my online translator). It was written in the 1500’s by Orlando Di Lasso, also known as “The King of Renaissance Music.” It has five lines of music.
Today’s song is titled “Tristis est anima mea” which translates to “Sad is my soul.” It just doesn’t seem like the kind of song that needed sound effects or percussion. 🕊️ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tristis_est_anima_mea_(responsory)
Today’s song is called In me Transierunt Irae Tuae, written by “The King of Renaissance Music.” What it means I have no idea. But I think the new “image compare” feature below is worth the price of admission. Bonus Song:
Here are two versions of a song called Ricercar del prima tuono, which means Search for the First Thunder. It was written almost 500 years ago by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525 – February 2, 1594) … Continue reading →
Here is another song written by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, titled Missa Papae Marcelli, or Pope Marcellus Mass. It is a “mass sine nomine” or mass without a name. It is his best-known mass, and is regarded as an archetypal … Continue reading →
What could be better than a 400 year old song? This one is called Prophetiae Sibyllarum, which translates to Sibylline Prophecies. It is one of a series of twelve motets by Orlando di Lasso (sometimes spelled De Lassus). The works are known for their extremely chromatic idiom. For those of you who don’t know what…
Allow me to give you another song. It’s not too short and it’s not too long. It is called “Cor Meum” which translates to “My Heart.” There are five parts (lines of music).
This is a song by “you know who” is titled Il Magnanimo Pietro, which means The Magnanimous Peter. Many of these songs I have been posting have just 4 parts. This song has seven lines of music that harmonize perfectly. And here, for some reason, is the number one downloaded song from this site. It…
Today’s song is called Adoramus Te Christe, and was written by my favorite “Renaissance Man” Orlando Di Lasso. Adoramus te (Latin, “We adore Thee”) is a stanza that is recited or sung mostly during the ritual of the Stations of the Cross. Primarily a Catholic tradition, it is retained in some confessional Anglican and Lutheran…
And he is here on this page. Orlando Di Lasso, that is. This song, like all of his songs, was written in the 1500’s. I don’t know which version I like better: organ or piano.It is titled Susanne un jour which means Susan one day. In Spanish it would be Susanna un dia. But it…
And he brought two more of his chorales with him. Do you notice how similar they sound? Of course you don’t! You haven’t listened to them yet. But when you do, you will notice that they each start in the same key: F Minor. Here are two versions of Chorale Number 75: And two versions…
Try as I may to find new music, I keep being drawn towards compositions done by Orlando Di Lasso. This one is called Miserere Mei Domine.
Sicut Cervus Is the name of a song written by another Renaissance composer named Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Sicut cervus is a motet for four voices by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. It sets the beginning of Psalm 42, Psalmus XLII in the Latin version of the Psalterium Romanum rather than the Vulgate Bible. The incipitContinue reading "Sicut Cervus"
Here is a video clip from today. I helped transport 8 Pelicans to the seashore from an animal rehab center. It was an amazing experience.
Here is the 14th song I have posted by Orlando Di Lasso. You may see his name spelled differently online, or in a book (they do still exist, I am told). Sometimes it is spelled De Lassus. But I am going with Di Lasso. This song is called Tre Volte Haveva. The online translator tellsContinue reading "Number 14"
Today’s song by Orlando Di Lasso is titled Surrexit Pastor Bonus, which means The Pastor Has Risen. This version has a speed of 100 beats per minute. And here is the exact same song, but it is 140 beats per minute and there are different instruments. (You know, like always.) If you have a spareContinue reading "Slow and Steady Wins the Race"
Song #64 in the “101 Chorales by Bach” book is hot off the press. Find a quiet place, practice your breathing exercises (in through the nose, out through the mouth) and hit Play.
That is the question. Or is it? Here are some versions of a new Orlando Di Lasso song titled “Mon Coeur se recommande a vous.” That means “My Heart Recommends You.” Also, do you know what lies are? They are Flies that are missing their F’s. And rain is nothing more than a train thatContinue reading "To Bee or Not to Bee"
Here are two versions of a song by Orlando Di Lasso, titled “Jubilate Deo.” The online translator tells me that is Latin for “Shout to God.” I think I will also shout “Bring us Some Rain Soon!”
Here it is, fresh off the press. Which one is Bach, and which ones are Orlando Di Lasso? (You should be an expert by now if you are a faithful reader.) It’s the perfect music for parties and seances! Answers: The first, second, and fourth songs are Orlando Di Lasso. It is titled “The EchoContinue reading "Your Daily Dose"
Make that two more. They were written in the 1500’s by my new favorite composer Orlando Di Lasso. I just added a little flavor to them. Each version has the same instruments, just arranged differently. The first is titled “A Voi Guglielmo Invitto.” According to the online translator, that means “To You William Unconquered.” AndContinue reading "One More Just For You"
Here are three more songs, in no particular order. One of them is by Johann Sebastian Bach, and the other two are by Orlando Di Lasso. Can you tell which one is which? While you are trying to figure out who wrote which song, check this out: https://www.hockney.com/home (Answers to the above questions can beContinue reading "Name That Tune"
My new life mission is to bring as much Orlando Di Lasso music to life. At least this week. https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Lib/Lasso-Orlando.htm Here are the five songs I have transcribed so far. It is hard to believe they were written over 400 years ago. The music player at the bottom of every page has most of theContinue reading "My Mission in Life"
Here is the final cut of Orlando Di Lasso’s “Bonjour et Puis Quelles Nouvelles,” which as you know, means “Hello and Then What News!” This song was written over 400 years ago. That’s almost as old as my laptop. For more on the composer: https://genius.com/artists/Orlando-di-lasso Sheet music: https://musescore.com/user/17829001/scores/7016064
This isn’t done yet, but I am (at least for today). It is another song by Orlando Di Lasso, titled “Bonjour et puis quelles nouvelles.” That translates to “Hello and then what news!” (I added the exclamation point for effect.) And here are two more Bach Chorales:
Here are three more songsThey aren’t very longCorrect me if I’m wrongBut the last one needs a gong They were added on to the previous post, if they sound familiar. This song has been downloaded more times than any other from this site:
Here are more of those chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach. We are a little over half way through the songbook “101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach.” I hope you enjoy listening to these songs as much as I like making them. And who knows, maybe one day I will be a star. I’m off toContinue reading "Fresh off The Press"
These Bach Chorales are being downloaded at an ever-increasing rate. Listeners from all over the world are clamoring for more! Well, listeners, here are three more for you. And I have to tell you, I think number 56 is the best one yet. I hope they bring as much happiness to you as they haveContinue reading "Bach is Back"
These three songs bring us up to number forty-one in the countdown of 101 Bach Chorales, for those of you keeping score at home. And by the way, if you haven’t seen the show “Halo” on Paramount Plus, I highly recommend it. But be prepared to have your mind blown. https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/halo/
Here are three more of those Bach Chorales everyone is talking about. Chorale Number 37 and 39 were written in 3/4 time, but the percussion is 4/4. It produces an interesting effect. Do you ever experience writer’s block? If that happens to you, just remember to put one font in front of the other.
We are slowly making our way through the book of 101 Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach. Here are chorale numbers 33 through 38. Download for free! (Now where else can you get such a great deal?)
This song is from an Academy Award winning film. I’m pretty sure. In any event, I have been working on it all day and it’s time to get it out into the world. It was written over 100 years ago by Scott Joplin. He was born on November 24, 1868 and he passed away onContinue reading "Name That Film"
The Countdown of Bach Chorales continues. You probably have noticed that the final chord is major, instead of minor, in most of these songs. When that happens it is called a “Picardy Third” because the third note on the final chord is raised a half step. For more on that: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picardy_third
As promised, more of those Bach Chorales everyone has been talking about, along with a work of art that is just as old as these songs.
Here is another song by Orlando Di Lasso, titled “Matona Mia Cara.” I have seen different spellings of his last name; I am going with this one. And here are Bach Chorale Numbers 22 and 23: If you would like to see the sheet music: https://musescore.com/user/28092/scores/85314 Name That Tune:
150 years before Bach was even born, music known as Counterpoint was being written by a man named Orlando di Lasso. This song is called Illumina Oculos Meos, which translates to “Enlighten my eyes lest I sleep in Death.” It has just four lines of music, the only flat is B-Flat, and the only sharpsContinue reading "Renaissance Man"
And here are some thoughts I thought worth sharing:– Did you know that before I became a vegetarian I was in “Burgers and Acquisitions?” – Do you like ambience? Take an ambien.– I am a guitar player, which means I often fret.– Even thugs sometimes need hugs. – Nipples always come in pairs. You can’tContinue reading "The Hits Are Back"
Here is something to brighten your dayJust sit back and then press playIt’s not too long so you can bear itAnd when you’re done be sure to share it
Here is another song for you
To make you happy if you’re blue
It’s quite laid back and very mellow
And the opposite of blue is yellow
It is an original 12-bar blues that I am sure you have never heard before.
WITHOUT LEAD GUITAR WITH LEAD GUITAR And here are two more Bach Chorales. Only 88 more to go….
Today seems like a good day for a song about the ocean. It reminds me of the people I knew in the Navy, before we all drifted apart.
How about a 300 year old Bach Chorale to start us off?
I took this melody:
And added some chords:
Moon River….. Bonus Tracks:
And don’t forget, all 100 Classical Songs can be played in the music player at the bottom of every page on this site, along with some other “creations.”
Here are some chorales by Bach
They aren’t quiet, they almost rock
Each song has horns, and trumpets too
It will cheer you up if you are blue
I made some changes to it yesterday
Instead of going out to play
It’s too hot out there anyway
I wish that it would rain today
WITH DRUMS NO DRUMS
Continuing along with our study of early 70’s music, here is one I’m sure you’ve heard before. This took a long time for me to transcribe into mp3 format because the sheet music was wrong in a few sections. It turned out to be a great learning experience because I was able to figure out what the wrong notes were, and changed them accordingly.
If you were around in the 1970’s you might remember that this song was played non-stop on the radio. Back in those days we had four ways to listen to music: A Turntable, an AM/FM Radio, an 8-track player, or a cassette player.
This song got lots of airplay back then. Like so many songs by Chicago, this one always uplifts me. Turn it up, real loud!
I’ve been making music all day long
My back feels like I’m sitting wrong
The song is mellow, it doesn’t rock
And that’s because it was written by Bach
It’s actually several Chorales put together. How many, you ask? You will have to listen and find out.
A chorale is metrical hymn tune associated in common English usage with the Lutheran church in Germany. From early in the Reformation, chorales were to be sung by the congregation during the Protestant liturgy. Unison singing (everyone singing the same note) was the rule of the reformed churches, both in Germany and in other countries. Early polyphonic (multivoiced) versions may have been intended for a choir singing only the melody while the full version was played on the organ.
My Dog Sparky
You thought I was done with the music lessons, didn’t you? You were so wrong….
Johann Pachelbel (1653 – 1706) was a German composer, organist, and teacher who brought the south German organ schools to their peak. He composed a large body of sacred and secular music, and his contributions to the development of the chorale prelude and fugue have earned him a place among the most important composers of the middle Baroque era.
Pachelbel’s music enjoyed enormous popularity during his lifetime; he had many pupils and his music became a model for the composers of south and central Germany. Today, Pachelbel is best known for the Canon in D; other well known works include the Chaconne in F minor, the Toccata in E minor for organ, and the Hexachordum Apollinis, a set of keyboard variations.
And here is my take on it:
And the list of Bach Chorales is growing. Here are nine chorales, harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach. Whether or not he wrote all of the music is a question I guess only he can answer. I find it very comforting to listen to.
Paul Klee Art And now for something completely different. This little musical experiment has all dominant chords, ascending and descending by minor thirds. The melody contains the notes of the chords, called arpeggios. For example, the first four chords are G, B-Flat, D-Flat, and E. The root moves up a minor third each time. Do you understand?
I knew you would.
To move a chord up by three half-steps (a minor-third): Lower the root by one whole step, and lower the third by a half-step. The fifth doesn’t move and it becomes the third of the new chord. For example G B D, or G Major, becomes F B-flat D, or B Flat Major.
If you want to move a chord down by a minor third, you raise the root a half step and raise the fifth by a whole step. The third stays the same and becomes the fifth of the new chord.
For example G B D Becomes G# B E.
And that concludes today’s music lesson.
The following examples use the above mentioned technique and go through all 12 keys. The beautiful thing about music, at least for me, is the fact that there are no rules.
Here is a very well-known song
It’s not too short and it’s not too long
If you have two sticks then you can drum
But if you don’t you still can hum
Drums Gone Wild Beethoven’s Favorite Painting
Of Bach, that is.
Here are four chorales from the “101 Chorales by Bach” songbook, along with a new version of Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
I changed the last note on one of the chorales. Actually, I made a mistake transcribing it, but I liked the way it sounded and left it in. I hope I don’t get haunted by the ghost of Johann Sebastian telling me to fix it.
Bach Chorales Canon in D
A long long time ago, even before “The Masked Singer” was on TV, I bought a book called “101 Chorales Harmonized by Johann Sebastian Bach.” It was required reading for a music class, and I have since discovered many treasures within its pages. The song I have posted here was written in the Baroque era, before the Classical period, which began in 1750.
Here is Chorale Number One, “O God Look Down From Heaven and View.” Just 100 Chorales to go…..
ORGAN PIANO
I have been working on this song all day long
And for some reason it kept coming out wrong
But I didn’t give up, and now it’s done
I can’t tell you when I’ve had so much fun
It’s a simple tune, this is true
And it makes me the opposite of blue
It’s written in the key of C
Just another song, to you from me
Green Version Red Version Blue Version Name That Tune
Here is a song written in 4/4 time
Some might say it sounds sublime
It’s really quite a work of art
And it was written by our friend Mozart
This version is different from the first
It’s not the best, but not the worst
It has percussion, this is true
It’s the latest gift, from me to you
Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in C Major “View of a Port in the Morning”, 1774, painting by Claude-Joseph Vernet (Museum: National Museum in Warsaw):
This Painting Was Done the Same Year as Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 1 – 1774 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756. That means that when he wrote this well-known sonata in 1774 he was just 18 years old. Wow!
See if you can name these Classical Masterpieces. Or not. It is entirely up to you. No pressure. I will give you a hint: The composers (in alphabetical order) are Bach, Beethoven, Grieg, Mahler, and Mozart.
And remember all of the songs I have posted in the past 2 years can be played in the music player at the bottom of every page on this site. With no cost to you!
Also, if you didn’t already know this, you can adjust the speed of each song while it is playing. Click on the three dots, and choose to either slow it down or speed it up. I like the first song here on 1.5 speed.
And way back in 2020, I re-harmonized the previous song during my “music teacher” phase. Here it is again with lots of loud instruments:
“The Bills are Favored Over the Chiefs this Weekend”
Months ago I started transcribing sheet music from The Big Book of Classical Music. There were forty different composers, and 352 pages of music. Today’s songs are song numbers 99 and 100.
Song #99 was written by Johannes Brahms (1830-1897) and is an excerpt from the fourth movement of his First Symphony in C Minor.
And the 100th and final song was written by Richard Wagner (1813-1883) and is titled Pilgrim’s Chorus, from the opera Tannhauser:
Do you notice how they sound similar? That is because they were both written in C-Minor, a favorite key of Beethoven also.
I hope you have all enjoyed listening to this music. I learned many things about classical music, and the history of our world, while doing this project. A video that will test your knowledge will be posted here next week, so be sure to study.
IT’S TIME TO FEED THE DUCKS!