Aspect of Enlightenment ideals

Jesus Ramos                                                                                                              

            The Enlightenment in the 18th century was a time of logical thinking and reasoning. Things started changing because people started thinking of the lives they were living, and questioning on many things such as the type ruling they could have. Education and reading started becoming more important. People were practicing new types of governments, and even started arranging convenient marriages for both rich parties.

            I can honestly say that the Enlightenment had a great impact to people, and had an influence to culture, politics and socialism. Some things that really fascinate me that we spoke in class were the gardens of the wealthy. I honestly did not believe that the huge gardens that were so beautifully arranged were to symbolize organization and peace. Well for the peace part, I totally understand because my goodness, how beautifully the gardens are is just amazing. I would just fall asleep right there on the spot if it was in the middle of the day looking at the sunset in the garden. However, the arts are also an important role to the Enlightenment. As I can see, the picture describes and explains the situation being presented. I was fascinated with the interpretations we were giving in class with the rich family and the two couples in arranging a wedding of other convenience. Money and power would have been great for them, but is it still satisfying if you’re unhappy with a husband/wife that you don’t want? I just believe that’s ridiculous. Even though it seems much more difficult for a lower class couple wanting to get married, yet there may be some disapproval because of same backgrounds.

            As for the opera, I just found it really entertaining as they perform a story with music. I never really took the time to appreciate an opera. However, a clip of the opera of “Don Giovanni” that we were watching on Friday was really wonderful. In the story, I amazed how Don Giovanni orders everyone out in the wedding party of Zerlina Masetto to flirt with Zerlina. My reaction to what Zerlina is trying to pull off is that she loves Masetto, to an extent where she would actually leave him for Don Giovanni, if she feels secure and confident that Don Giovanni will provide her with all of his richness and not betray her. However, as we know, that is not true. Thus, she is just leading into a trap, and leaping in because Don Giovanni is such a good liar. This is a little bit of what I think about the 18^th century and my reactions to this time period.

Jesus         

Interpreting the definition of folk music

Jesus

            As a folk performer, my interpretation to what folk music is can come in many different ways. However, I would really want to share what really sticks out to me, to try and define what folk music really is, since there is no official definition of folk music. Folk music is for the people and their hearts, from people who express themselves of happiness, sufferings, love and story telling. If I may, I want to share what I have on my personal statement essay. “It is my pride being born in the most humble, away from the hustle and false company. I'm one of the people that have no falsification. My destiny is very even; I want it as it comes. Supporting a sadness or behind an illusion. I walk through life very happy with my poverty because I have no money, but I have much heart. Unlucky in love, I'm a troubadour, but few millionaires want to live my life to sing to poverty feeling no pain. That's why it is my pride to be from a humble neighborhood”.  Like I said, there are many different interpretations in trying to define what folk music is. However, myself as a performer, this is what really sticks out to me. Thus, Bela Bartok states that folk music is simply peasant music. I disagree with that in an extent. Yes folk music mainly comes from the lower class back in the days, but anyone can listen to folk music and have the same feelings as a rich wealthy person and a low class person. It’s about understanding the message of the song. Music does not have a preference to people. Its people who judge music simply because of what instruments are being played or the style they sing it on. For example, if you click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8UDNIyg3sw you will hear Mexico’s most known mariachi in the world playing folk music with an orchestra. I sincerely hope you enjoy it.  This applies to simple vs. complex music, including changing through communal re-creation vs. unchanging over time music. Jose Pepe Martinez (director of Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan) has composed simple and complex pieces in mariachi music, and still considered folk songs. At times, Pepe Martinez recreates the songs and ties them as a potpourri of different artist. Therefore, my interpretation to folk music is similar to Nettle’s categories. Thus, what would it be if folk players tried to play classical music? Would they be discriminated just because they are not of that class? Listen to this, and then rethink how people of a high class would take this in as classical music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5oqpPiqB4I .I know this is not a full orchestra, but it satisfies the people who appreciate all types of music. However, things that I do not really agree with and could be improved, is that it does not matter if you are a professional or not for your music to be considered folk or not. Like I mentioned before, a common person and a wealthy person can play folk music. It’s if one understands the music and lyrics of the song. Many people can interpret different things as you know, but one thing Nettle probably forgot to mention is the definition of folk in general. Yes folk is traditional and mostly pleasantly simple, but folk music was never intended to be performed on stage. People just respected these deep meaning of songs, that the message just has to get heard.  This is my interpretation to define folk music. I will repeat myself, there are many interpretations, but the one that I shared comes from my heart. I am a troubadour.

Concert Report

Jesus Ramos

            


I was able to attend the faculty recital of Nicholas Walker, double bass player, educator and composer. I had a front row seat.  This was at Hockett Family Recital Hall September 16^th, at 7:00pm. There was also an accompanist playing piano, her name is Siu Yan Luk. The type of music that was played was classical music, and some pieces were by Johann S. Bach and himself. I can honestly say that when he was playing the double bass, it felt a bit plain since there was not a lot going on. Of course there was a melody going on, but it was not repeating much, it did not really get my attention. Do not get me wrong; I appreciate classical music by Bach, Mozart and other composers. However, as a musician I still paid close attention to the performer, and admire his work that he played for us. As he transitioned from a soloist to being accompanied by Siu Yan Luk, the pianist player, I felt that I really liked it better listening to them both, harmonizing and communicating musically. Being in the audience and noticing so many things going on in the stage just surprises me as a listener. I heard some great music that was composed by Nicholas. It did not really drive my attention, but that would not prevent me from watching another concert. As matter of fact, now that I know how the acoustics sound. I can only imagine how an orchestra may sound, or even an opera. I am truly exited now to attend a new concert on school. Also mentioning, the part that really got to me was when he came back for second time to play the last song. The song that was played was a song by Coldplay, my favorite band! No he did not play one of my favorite songs, but he played a popular song from them that just came out. I cant remember which one exactly he played, but I believe it was “ Every tear is a waterfall”. When I heard this tune, at first it was a mystery because I recognized the song, but couldn’t figure out whom it was from. Actually, I figured it out when I left the concert and spoke to one of my seminar buddies about it. In terms of comparing to what I heard in the concert and other works I studied in class, we haven’t really touched base on classical music. We have gone through it a maybe a little bit briefly, but overall, its been about folk music and a little bit of pop. The only thing different is that there is a book in front of a pianist that Siu Yan Luk must follow strictly to accompany Nicholas, when in folk music, they can add any sort of spice (musically speaking) like improvising or anything else to accompany the group of players or individual. I enjoy all kinds of genres of music, which is why I know I want to continue my path as a musician and listener. I can’t wait to go to other concerts throughout the year.    

Describe a tune you heard and the effect it had on you. Be sure to talk about music specifics, including texture, rhythm, melody, harmony, and/or form.

Hello

           Today I went to the porch fest, and it was really fascinating, it was more than I expected. As I passed through with my bicycle,  I saw a crowd of people standing in front of these performers. I really admired how people of all ages were performing. 

           A tune that most stood out to be was a song that was sung by 4 people, all having a specific part to make this strong and fierce. There was a cello, a violin, a drummer and a lead singer. Now keep in mind that they all sang. All four harmonized really well, on the same beat. I believe the beat was on a 4/4, with a big and intense pounding on the drum. Now, this really called out to me, not because of the lyrics, honestly I was a little far away that I couldn't listen to the lyrics, but because of the pace of the song and how interesting the chorus was. I love how the cello, violin drums and vocals just matched together, especially on how the lead women singer just sang so passionately. At first, I thought it was nice and strong enough, however, there was a surprise when the instruments were just building up louder and even stronger (crescendo). I wish this exact song was put into itunes, so I could continue visualizing a nice picture in my head and daydream a setting, purpose, and theme music in the background on the Hudson river at NYC. I do not know why, but it just makes me feel as if I were home, when I think about the Hudson river.


          Unfortunately, I was unable to provide the video or audio of the song here. Although I do have it recorded on my IPhone, but I couldn't post up the video    

Cucurrucucu Paloma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHW-q8oD3gE

Hello guys,


              I decided to share with you, one of my favorite songs, sung by one of Mexico's most acclaimed ranchera singers back in 1964. She was often nicknamed Lola la Grande ("Lola the Great"). This song is in composed with Mexico's most known mariachi group named " Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan". The style of the song is "Huapango" written by Thomas Mendez, but sung by Lola Beltran. If I am correct, I believe this song in 3 beats and has the structure of a IAC-PAC cadence. 

               Keep in mind there are 4 phrases in the beginning  When she begins to sing, she ends on the first phrase on the dominant note which is B Major ( 5th degree) on the key of E major (1st degree) which is a PAC. On the second phrase she lands on a a C# (6th degree) which is one note up of B, so this is a IAC. Then on the third phrase, things start to get a little interesting. There are a couple of notes added to there which makes sound really good, but eventually it goes back to the dominant key of B major ( 5th degree). On the fourth phrase, she stays on the dominant side, only this time she switches from the B major (5th degree) to G# (3rd degree).  Transitions to the chorus. Cucurrucucu! 

                Myself being a mariachi player, I just have this incredible passion when I play this song, and when I hear the song, I get goosebumps and that frozen yet hot feeling inside of me because of how beautiful this sounds. Now that I am in college, I feel that I miss playing with my family every Saturday on these events, almost feeling completely home sick. However, I then think how I really like this place, and how I am really becoming more independent and responsible. I really start to appreciate where I come from and my culture as a Mexican American. I hope you enjoy the song, and thank you for reading this.

                  Jesus

              

Hello, so I decided to post this video up since its one of my favorite songs to listen, since its an up beat and really fun.  I believe its a 4 beat measure song. I really like this song because it keeps it intense, and that beat that lifts your toes up keeps you there for a good amount of time. Then near  the end, it surprises you with the same beat only interpreted on another way. Besides that, I love the bass lines! I enjoy playing the bass lines myself. I would even love play with a group of people here in Ithaca to this song! I assume that many of you have heard this song( isn't awesome!?!). For those of you who haven't, well enjoy this song!  



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-fA-gBCkj0