Javier - Blog

ALLOW ME

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:40:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Music and Life Notebook

Key: D major

Measures: 35

Parts: Piano

Duration: 3:07 min

Pages: 4

Javier, Anaya
Allow Me (Music and Life Notebook)
PDF + MP3
Piano solo

Contemporary / 2020 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
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"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." — C.S. Lewis (A Grief Observed)

FROM HELL AND BACK

According to Wikipedia, "Grief" is simply the direct response to pain or loss, whether the response is physical, emotional or both; it is directly connected to how we behaved during the calamity.

I have been experiencing grief, and for me, what can I say?, it's been a year from hell and back. I read in a unfamiliar article that, there are five stages of grief, in another similar article they added two more, and that is not all, some other article dare to identified twelve. I am not an expert, however, I can tell, with no doubt in my heart, that there are at least one hundred and forty five indescribable stages of the devastating event that I am experiencing.

ASTONISHING CONVICTION

Since the very moment we are born, we are place in death row, we all know this, and yet, when the moment comes, we cannot make ourselves ready, because is not in our system to be ready for such dark predicament, on the contrary, we feel with astonishing conviction to the very last moment, that we are going to live forever. That thought itself, should suffice, in a way, to feel perpetually in some kind of emotional grief.

This contradiction of knowing and the refusal to accept the inevitable is what makes me deranged. The unsatisfactory answers and the unbelievable freedom some people take to explain comparable nonsense is excruciating to my core.

Denial
Bargaining
Anger
Guilt
Depression

USELESS SHELTER

This piece of music for piano that I composed, is the result of grieving the death of my companion of twenty two years. The melody allows me to be strong and explore all the phases of grief, although, at the same time, it feels similar to a useless shelter that intends to protect me from a storm; because, the horrible state I am, will not disappear just by playing the piece.

The color of the melody gives me the opportunity to express different ideas and because of the rubato tempo, it provides the anticipation of something good about to happen but it never does; instead, I feel denial, I discern guilt and, I detect depression and I perceive bargaining inside me, but above all, I sense anger taking place and gaining territory. Pain cannot be fixed. and as I play the inexcusable measures I know that is going to be a long way, before I began to feel like myself again.

I do not think my composition is a depressing piece of music, some might hear melancholy instead, others might hear romance, yet, others will hear joy; but in my present condition, what I hear when I play the piece is vastly unpredictable.

INTENSE FRUSTRATION

Of the above phases, anger is what I experience with more intensity. I would like to think of it more as a profound frustration and disappointment. It takes time for grief to diminish, there's no time set for my poison emotions to heal. But with all honesty, sometimes I think I would be sad for the rest of my life. I read the following in a 2018 The New York Times article title: Understanding Grief by Jane E. Brody: “You never get over it, you get on with it, and you never move on, but you move forward.’” Indeed, it is deeply surprising how the world keeps functioning with so many wounded people roaming around.

ALLOW ME

Thus, allow me to feel pain. Give me space, I am not the first nor will be the last to experience the death of a love one, therefor, I do not need your pity, I am not a victim, keep your religious believes bury deep inside your mind, I don't care for them. They are not pleasant. Above all, keep silence and don't, I am going to be very clear on this, DON'T pretend nothing took place and that I should, instead, be happy on your own terms, because you cannot handle my misery.

Every time I play this piece, there are moments of realization where I can let go of my frustration and play Fortississimo without being afraid I might be, in all consent, out of line.

Written by Javier Anaya

CONTROL

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 19:07:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Music and Life Notebook
Key: B minor
Measures: 48
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 2:45 min
Pages: 4

Javier, Anaya
Control (Music and Life Notebook)
PDF + MP3
Cello, Piano

Contemporary / 2021 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
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Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.— Herodotus (The Histories)

AN ESSENTIAL PART

To have control, or to feel in control, is an essential part of our existence, if we do not have it, even in small quantities, we perceive it as a sign that something terribly is wrong. It does not matter where we live, or how profound our background is, our life experience does not give us a wise inside of what being in control means; we poses the desire to control ourselves, to control our surroundings and what is worse, to control others.

The channels we exploit to gain control are remarkable. Some of us rely heavily in deception to obtain what we want, we become over time professional manipulators, and do not have any problem lying or modifying the reality or changing the facts to our benefit. Some others apply cheap tricks, unrefined ways to acquire personal gain.

When lies and tricks do not work, some depend, as a last resource, in extortion, intimidating and threatening everybody around them, causing fear. This very particular unhealthy way that people utilize to gain control over others, is as old as human civilization, if one can call the act of tormenting others a civilized act.

CONTROL TACTICS

Why is control so important in human lives?, How much of our time and efforts we are willing to invest to secure some kind of control? As it turns out, we apply control tactics ALL the time; even when we are not aware of the situation.

There are very subtle ways available to humans to exercise restraint that when they are apply, hardly anybody notices them, but again, we do it all the time.

The silent treatment to your mate
Never being understood by your colleagues
Expecting everybody around you to read your mind
Not willing to agree to anything

NO MATTER THE COST

More often than not, we underestimate just how much chaos surrounds order, and how inseparable they are, and we tend to focus our attention to one or the other. But when our attention is on chaos, we panic and two things can happen: we could freeze and stay inactive hopping it would go away or do everything that is in our power to take control, no matter the cost!

PERFECT IN B Minor

This piece of music, written in B Minor, it's in the perfect key to remind me that at any given day, our lives could be heaven or could be hell, we could then, throw a tantrum when we don't get our way. I for my part, know that there is frustration when things get out of control, however, in measure 21, there is an invitation to reflect on these specific situations that cause self pity, forcing us to sob unconsolably and feel like a wounded animal.

At the end of the day, we hope to build enough courage and have patience to wait for the thick clouds to dissipate. Completely heal, we then, plan to go back to our normal life before is to late, before we get swallow by a storm so big, that we would rather want to disappear forever. BUT the question remains, why do we fight perpetually for control?, because, if we do not have it, even in small quantities, somebody else will!

Written by Javier Anaya

ESCAPE

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:06:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Music and Life Notebook
Key: D Major
Measures: 36
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 2:27 min
Pages: 3

Javier, Anaya
Escape (Music and Life Notebook)
PDF + MP3
Cello, Piano

Contemporary / 2020 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
Make a donation to Anaya Javier

Forget about what you are escaping from. Reserve your anxiety for what you are escaping to.— Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay)

LOOK AROUND YOU

Take a look around you, it seems, everybody is perpetually looking for a way out, a way out of the right now, a way out, out of the present. What is taking effect in the present that we want to escape? it is called: Reality. We'd like to live in a fantasy world where, everything is perfect. The problem with that is, the world is far from being exquisite, it is in fact, a dangerous place.

I cannot speak for everyone, but, there are a lot of things that cause anxiety inside me; sometimes, things as simply as a being late to a place creates an uncomfortable situation. Other times I think, the world we live, was design to create infinite distractions, specifically to amplified inner turmoil among us. It is during those anxious moments when it's difficult not to see life as a nasty carnage. Yes, I want to escape.

ESCAPE FROM REALITY

This composition reminds me of the past, the people, all the things and the situations that will never be again. The memories of my past are a safe zone, the future is so uncertain. This piece, no doubt, represents an escape from reality. I perceive it, as an escape route from pain, from lost and sorrow, from anger, from unknown feelings that I was not aware exist as a result of grief.

Devastating events are supposed to happen to others, we foolishly reason, therefore, We are unprepared for the task upon us and, it all happens so fast when is our turn. The mixture of uncontrollable feelings is, needless to say, unexpected as a result of dealing with grief, having the potential of making us an emotional human waste.

THE NEXT BLOW

Nostalgia is that subtle ache in the heart, longing for the past, yearning for a place or a person that no longer exists. How I wish time would had stopped and froze in time. Yes, some of us look back into the nostalgia of the past for comfort. This piece I've named Escape; opens the door to vulnerability, thus offering an idea of what is like to be present in the world, thinking about the past, but hoping for a better future. The piece reminds me that's perfectly ok to be vulnerable, however, warns me to be ready for the next blow.

I do not have the energy to be ready for the next blow, I want someone else to take charge and assist me escape reality. Mylene Farmer wrote a song, in it, She shares with us how disappointing the world can be, the words speak directly to the heart, and the meaning of the song makes much more sense when someone has been confused by the ramifications of life and the work it takes to deal with the unexpected.

These are the lyrcs:

Nager dans les eaux troubles
Des lendemains
Attendre ici la fin
Flotter dans l'air trop lourd
Du presque rien
A qui tendre la main

Si je dois tomber de haut
Que ma chute soit lente
Je n'ai trouvé de repos
Que dans l'indifférence
Pourtant, je voudrais retrouver l'innocence
Mais rien n'a de sens, et rien ne va

Tout est chaos
A côté
Tous mes idéaux des mots
Abimé
Je cherche une âme, qui
Pourra m'aider
Je suis
D'une génération désenchantée
Désenchantée

Qui pourrait m'empêcher
De tout entendre
Quand la raison s'effondre
A quel saint se vouer
Qui peut prétendre
Nous bercer dans son ventre

Si la mort est un mystère
La vie n'a rien de tendre
Si le ciel a un enfer
Le ciel peut bien m'attendre
Dis moi,
Dans ces vents contraires comment s'y prendre
Plus rien n'a de sens, plus rien ne va

GRACEFULLY ACCEPTING DEFEAT

I've surrendered to the imminent, it is an act of courage, I would like to think so anyway, and a wise thing to do when I also, realize, there is no solution to the unpleasantness in life. I've always use music to carry on, the melody in "Escape" provides the necessary mechanism, in a temporary way, to handle life and gracefully accept defeat.

Indeed, there's danger and there are countless disappointments out there that one must escape from. We need to run away from it, to stay lucid, until the very end. Life can change in a blink of an eye, leaving us disoriented in an effort to understand what just happened. Through out life, we are expose to a vicious drift, so unpredictable that makes my whole body shivers.

In memory of my best friend:
November 18th 1945
December 10th, 2019
Timothy J. Sigurdson

Written By Javier Anaya

LOUD AND CLEAR

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:10:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Approved Measures Notebook
Key: C Major
Measures: 36
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 3:19 min
Pages: 3 Pages

Javier, Anaya
Loud and Clear (Approved Measures)
PDF + MP3
Cello, Piano

Contemporary / 2019 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
Make a donation to Anaya Javier

Delivering an uncomfortable truth, I am convinced, it is far more effective when is done loud and clear through music.

IN CONSTANT CHANGE

Music is, as everything in the world, in constant change, gradually moving forward; these changes in music are directly proportional to the way we live. That's why, we perceived music in a very different way than, for instance, people did in the 18th or 19th centuries.

Music from previous centuries, this “old” music_ as one of my student refers to _ surprisingly, it’s been played in movies and TV commercials many times. To give you an example, the very first time I hear Burgmuller’s music was in the movie: Beauty Shop, starring Queen Latifah. Etude No2 Arabesque, in A minor, was played in one of the scenes from this movie, it caught my attention immediately.

I did some research, and I found out that his work of 25 Progressive Etudes had been considered to be a central component of elementary exercises for many generations. Because of their mature sound, I was baffled by the fact that they were written to introduce children to piano music, thus, giving us a general idea of the different perception people had concerning music, and the seriousness of the piano education available before the 20th century.

FROM FAR AND WIDE

Music can tell us, loud and clear, about the composer, but also music has a way to be the mirror image of society and entire cultures around the world, and when it manages to make a difference in peoples lives, it does screams even louder. There is no other form of art that has a tighter grasp on people and the great power to unified them from far and wide.

In todays world, thanks to the technology available at our finger tips, we can enjoy full concerts of new and old music. Suddenly, the accessibility to the music being publish is almost instantaneous and the world has become a smaller place because of it.

Music has the power to criticize, contradict, insult, change, confront and yet, we are more willing to forgive and accept the message, thus, music can do sometimes, what words cannot. Music, at the same time has the power to inspire, heal, soothe, provide comfort, and surprisingly, we respond equally passionate to the message.

MUSIC THAT SPEAKS LOUDER THAN PLAIN WORDS

I have made a small list of music that I can think of the top of my head that had changed the way I see the world, they'd made me think and question what it's been established, they had stimulated my curiosity. These songs and works of music had spoken to me, louder than plain words about the lament of death, government lies, love, lost, religion control, and even history.

1- Act of contrition by Madonna

2.- Heroes de la Antartida by Mecano

3.- The four seasons by Vivaldi

4.- Unravel by Bjork

5.-Famine by Sinead O'Connor

Yes, through music, composers have made bold statements to reflect social and political upheaval, sexual revolution, injustices, statements made about personal ideas etc. Music open our eyes to the world in a way words and actions cannot. The use of new technology modifies the way music is made, forcing us to die or adapt. In short, music can, and will change opinions on any subject to the very core, affecting the center of our deepest emotions.

LISTEN AND DISCOVER

Whichever the case, and going back to Burgmuller's music Etudes, they are beautiful, comfortable to play, full of great ideas. Today, with this post, I am presenting a piano/cello piece with a snippet of Etude number 1, Opus 100. I'd borrowed the opening measure and included in the piano part.

Whenever you have the opportunity, I'd encourage you to listen to the music of Burgmuller's. specifically Opus 100. Each of the exercises there, delivers a specific message, even though, they are only an educational tool. Go ahead, listen and discover if you have not done so already, maybe one of the Etudes will speak to you in a way that plain words cannot.

Written by Javier Anaya

KISSES

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 19:51:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Music and Life Book Notebook
Key: Bb Major
Measures: 49
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 2:50 min
Pages: 4

Javier, Anaya
Kisses (Music and Life Notebook)
PDF + MP3
Cello, Piano

Contemporary / 2020 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
Make a donation to Anaya Javier

I didn't want to kiss you goodbye — that was the trouble — I wanted to kiss you good night — and there's a lot of difference. — Ernest Hemingway

Hello,

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION

The need to connect to another human being is of vital importance for our own well being. Kissing allow us to get close to one another, but the activity of kissing is such an ordinary venture that we do not always perceived the real meaning of it, unless of course, we pay close attention.

But kissing has different meanings depending on the situation. The activity of kissing, grant us license to say many things. Kisses, for example, can say: I am delighted to be here with you, or thank you for everything you've done for me, some kisses would seal a long lasting friendship between two lonely souls. The use of a kiss, substitutes the need for words to communicate our intentions or our emotions.

Love
Passion
Affection
Respect
Greetings
Friendship
Peace

THE RECORD SHOWS

Kissing is one of the most versatile activities, depicting, not only positive qualities of our intentions, sometimes negative aspects just as well; acts of hypocrisy and betrayal are common, that is the case of the most infamous kiss recorded in the Bible, which is a good example of duplicity.

Record shows, that kissing can be political and/or controversial, according to the era or the method use to document it. Nevertheless, nobody knows exactly how humans starting to utilize kisses as a form of communication. There'd been studies on the topic, but there is nothing conclusive.

GIVE AND TAKE

It doesn't matter if kissing is a learned behavior, something we do naturally or both; the mystery is completely irrelevant to our senses, in fact, a kiss can be extended to the animal kingdom and our pets can, for sure, benefit from a warm, delicate or effusive kiss that shows we love them very much.

I wrote this piece while I was living in Springville, CA. My life had just gone to a major changed and I was feeling vulnerable. The pandemic was in its prime and I was inspired by the way humans showed courage. Many times over, I saw people: young and old, blowing a kiss in the air to a loved one, and this sufficed to boost the confidence to keep going.

After the piece was done, I realized, no without a surprise, I was exclusively thinking of the kisses I'd received, but never once I thought of the kisses I'd offered. Shame on me, I thought. Life works better when you give and take in equal proportions, it keeps the flow, in this case, of the mysterious brew of chemicals at the time of kissing.

ACCEPTING THE FACTS

After pondering on the matter, my surprise was bigger when I realized that _ In the curse of my life _ I've had the opportunity of extending my intentions with the use of all kind of kisses: Affectionally, effusively, romantically. I have blowing kisses in the air, and sadly; I have, also, given the kiss of death. For this, I am not delighted, in fact; I'm mortified to let the world know; but I have to accept the fact that sometimes I cannot handle gracefully my humanity.

I wanted to create a gentle sound, a tender sound telling a story, perhaps of two people caring and reassuring each others feelings with a kind but long kiss. It is a possibility the music will tell the story of a mother kissing tenderly her baby. For all I know, it could be two friends kissing after a long time of absences, I dare say; it could also be a last kiss. Perfect in the key of B flat Major.

Written by Javier Anaya

SILVER LINING

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 02:00:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Music and Life Book
Key: C major
Measures: 48
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 3:01 min
Pages: 4

Javier, Anaya
Silver Lining (Music and Life Notebook)
PDF + MP3
Cello, Piano

Contemporary / 2020 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
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DISOBEDIENCE, n. The silver lining to the cloud of servitude.― Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary and Other Works

CONQUERING RHYMTH

Syncopation is the technique composers use to write an unexpected, or an irregular rhythm pattern, the inconsistency of the rhythm affects the attribute of the music, thus, challenging the listener with exciting new outlines along with bold suggestions.

This constricted technique had been in used since the beginning, and it is found virtually in all styles of music; wherever there is rhythm, there is also the potential for syncopation. The technique is a necessary course of action, syncopation encourages the composer to construct a solid, and meaningful relationship between rhythm and melody.

The irregularities when the natural rhythm is restricted, feels as if there has been a mistake in the music, however, once it's been understood, turns into a major part of music, and becomes a necessary aspect of composing. As a musician, I could tell the great satisfaction I experience, when complicated and uneven rhythms are conquer.

TOO MANY RULES

Last night, while I was playing this piece, the syncopation in the measures felt as if I was, deliberately, challenging an establish oppressed rule. Indeed, it appeared I was perpetrating an act of civil disobedience. Albeit, I did not write this piece as a protest against an obtuse ruler, it is instead, the evident analogy between the discrepancies of syncopation in music, and a gentle demonstration of my disapproval of the unpredictability of life.

But life being life, how do I stop the injustice of its ways?, Copping with it, is as closed I can get to do anything about it. Other than that, there's not much to do. Except perhaps, writing satire about it, the same way the Goliards in the middle ages did, while living in Monasteries across Europe.

I'd like to share a poem from the 13th Century, written in Latin, no doubt as a disobedience to the authorities. I can't imagine these written poems having another purpose, other than to challenge the dangerous ideas and the tight rules of the Clergy. The composer Carl Orff set this poem to music. It talks about the definite power of fate.

THE POEM

O Fortuna
Velut luna
Statu variabilis
Semper crescis
Aut decrescis;
Vita detestabilis
Nunc obdurat
Et tunc curat
Ludo mentis aciem,
Egestatem,
Potestatem
Dissolvit ut glaciem.

Sors immanis
Et inanis,
Rota tu volubilis
Status malus,
Vana salus
Semper dissolubilis,
Obumbrata
Et velata
Michi quoque niteris;
Nunc per ludum
Dorsum nudum
Fero tui sceleris.

Sors salutis
Et virtutis
Michi nunc contraria,
est affectus
et defectus
semper in angaria.
Hac in hora
Sine mora
Corde pulsum tangite;
Quod per sortem
Sternit fortem,
Mecum omnes plangite!

RELIEF AND CLOSURE

In this way, there are times, when situations in life become rigid, especially if authority is involved, and, being quietly disobedient, it's the only tactic I can count on. Surely, the above poem proves, that I am not the only one, with a natural inclination, for wanting to apply a forced, if I really have to, to stop the injustices of someone else's way.

And so, here we are. Life is full of temporary displacements, the same way as in music, with abrupt events happening all the time. Certainly they make life, and music, in many ways, more difficult. All these changes come and go as quickly as they appeared, but once they are gone, they provide along the way, relief in life, and closure in music just the same.

TRUE DISOBEDIENCE

The reality is, life is packed with syncopation. But the rapid changes, I have to admit, could make life exciting in a very peculiar way. Thus, giving me the option to enjoy or complain about it. Likewise, music syncopation allows me to enjoy or to suffer, or do a little bit of both. This way, in life and in music I get to experience feelings and have ideas on my own, without the need to apologize for any to anybody. That's what I call a true disobedience.

Written by Javier Anaya

MARCH

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 22:11:00 +0000

Information:

Source: All Year Round Music Notebook
Key: D Minor
Measures: 48
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 3:00 min
Pages: 4

Javier, Anaya
March (All Year Round Music Notebook)
PDF + MP3
Cello, Piano

Pop / 2018 / Copyright © Anaya Javier
Make a donation to Anaya Javier

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ― Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

FROM COVER TO COVER

Teaching Little Fingers to Play by John Thompson was my first piano book, I remember the lessons on each page, and how much excitement I felt when it was time to turn the page and learn a new tune. I remember the lyrics and the music. Even to this day, once in awhile, I grab John Thompson's books and play the music.

Beyer's piano method was another book that I played from cover to cover, it surprises me how much joy I experienced playing all the exercises that most people would regard as monotonous or meaningless. The truth is, practicing has never been an issue for me. I can always play my piece one more time.

TECHA

I also remember the out-of-tune piano where I played my first do-re-mi. The school, and the classroom seemed bigger than I though they really are. I did not know much about my first piano teacher, but I could tell she was hugely kind and passionate about music; If my memory hasn't failed me, she went by the name Techa, there were rumors she was originally from Puebla City.

The laughter and joy she expressed after we'd, successfully, played a duet, had stayed in my memory. I will esteem those moments for the rest of my life. It is because of her, that I love playing duets. Making music with a group, takes away the isolation and mystery that, musicians, now and then, experience.

ILIANA

There was a second teacher I had in the beginning of my adventure, things were getting more serious, after a while, music was more challenging and it required more effort to learned. The secrets of music were unraveling little by little in front of my own very eyes.

I remember the clean house, and the upright piano in the living room, and I also remember traveling 45 min to my piano lesson, there, in that well kept house, my teacher, (a middle age, tiny woman) waited for me to arrived, and every Saturday morning we had a piano lesson for a whole hour, I knew she had other students but I never met anybody else.

My teacher's name was Iliana and she was unstoppable, always very kind, but when it came to music she was very serious, and demanding. I have to admit, I was a little bit intimidated by her demeanor.

BE AFRAID

Baroque and Classical music were her favorite styles to teach: Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, they all were ever present, however, when she played Bach, it came with a warning: “Be afraid”_ she’d said_ “Bach requires patience and diligence, both hands are of equal importance”. Playing music by Bach feels much the same as the month of March, as I get to experience Summer in the light and Winter in the shade.

Inarguably, I learned that playing Bach, one must develop military discipline and yes, I am very afraid of Bach's music, but it is equally satisfying to play, nonetheless. And just to be fair, all baroque music requires careful attention and it has my most sincere respect.

THANK YOU

The elegance, the gentleness, the rapid rhythm of this composition, reminds me of my teacher's driven disposition. It brings to mind, all at once, the fast pace of the lessons and the leisure we took to pay attention to the details. The strict precision of the beat, depicts my teacher Iliana's musical genius, and the seriousness but warm melody, outlines the disposition of my teacher Techa.

It's of no surprise, the feelings of freedom and determination the music duet provokes in my frame of mind makes me yearn for more, it resembles a light but vicious circle, where I find myself confine, but I do not want to escape.

I am dedicating March to my piano teachers, for taking the time and making all the effort to teach me, but more importantly, for inculcating in me, the love for piano music. I would not had accomplished what I did in all these years if it was't for their patience and skills. Thank you Techa, thank you Iliana, wherever you may be.

Written by Javier Anaya

STARTING POINT

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 18:08:00 +0000

Information:

Source: Approved Measures Notebook
Key: C Major
Measures: 48
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 2:40 min
Pages: 4 Pages

"Baroque music could be very well the starting point that, even after all this time; has not stop."

THE BAROQUE

Baroque music is the closest to my heart than any other style of music, both, the ingenuity and the complexity of it, made the baroque music one of the most interesting and beautiful to listen to. From simple keyboard works to big Opera productions, the Baroque period extends its influence to this day, it lasted from around 1600 to 1750. One of the longest periods of music so far in history.

A whole century and a half full of music, much of it, understandably, remains unexplored. I compare the baroque period to the oceans. They say scientist know more about the planets and the stars than they know about the vast concentration of salt water in our planet. With this perspective, I would say, it is a fair comparison.

GRAUPNER

Christoph Graupner lived in this exciting time, born in January 13th 1683. He was a very prolific composer, celebrated for his passion and love for music; why not then, take advantage of his wonderful compositions and be inspire. Without over analyzing the music, one can learn a lot about the character of the composer by listening to original works.

The piano part of this duet, was indeed, inspired by "Intrada", a piano piece by Graupner, taken from the book: Easy Classics to Moderns Vol 17, a book that brings so many good memories. The baroque section of the book has trigger the impulse of wanting to go back 300 years to the starting point_ and touch the genius, in this case, of C. Graupner.

COPIED, USED OR BORROWED

When I composed this duet, I wanted to create an honest sound, vivid and real, with an infuse of contemporary pop sounding chords and patterns, the result is a delicate and truly emotional piece that has become a favorite. The melody of Intrada made it fairly easy for me to decided the direction of my own composition.

Baroque composers, certainly, copied the melodies of other musicians, a common practice that did not have any legal repercussions, in fact, it is my understanding that composers felt a great honor if someone copied, used or borrowed melodies to be included in new works. Handle for his part, was well known for recycled his own works, to be included and be transformed into new music.

Pop contemporary artist had borrowed complete classical melody lines in their recordings, sometimes partially, sometimes just discreetly modified. Although, classical music is in the Public Domain, anyone can use the work without obtaining permission, but no one can ever own it.

AN INVITATION

Going back to Graupner, according to his biography, He lived without much concern for posterity, he was a man of such humility that he requested all his music be destroyed after his death. He died in the year 1760, and all his work has been kept, unfortunately, most of it is not among the most well known baroque music.

I invite you to listen to the music of this great Baroque composer, a vast number of his compositions are available; go ahead, be adventurous and listen to something_ that perhaps for you_ it is completely unknown, step out of your comfort zone; I assure you, the big smile in your face would be impossible to avoid.

Written by Javier Anaya

BEEN THERE DONE THAT

Mon, 27 May 2024 04:24:00 +0000

Information:

Source: The Wonders of Music Notebook
Key: C Major
Measures: 48
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 3:37 min
Pages: 4 Pages

A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading. ― William Styron, Conversations with William Styron

HOW MANY IS TO MANY?

Speaking about books is a far-reaching and complex topic, time and energy is required if one wants to define and understand them. One sure thing we probably agreed is, that most books are conserved, stored and ultimately shared. Whether the information of a book is to inform, educate, or merely entertain, depends on the individual reading the book and the content of the book itself.

How many books had been published in the world?, It is a curious question that has been in my mind for a time now. But of course, knowing the exact number is an impossibility considering that there are books being published all the time, and I know for a fact that so many had been lost or they had simply been destroyed.

What is a book?, there are many things to consider to define in a satisfactory way the word "book", but if I have to define it in just a few words, I would say that is a method used for recording information in writing. However, in a more personal tone, I can say a book, is a secret weapon that protects me. A book is similar to a friend that comforts me in difficult times.

UNFAIR LIST

Today, with this letter, I'd like to make a list of fictional works that I have read through out the years, these books had entertained me to no end, and all of them have a special place in my life. They keep inspiring me and pulling me into imaginary worlds a little bit too real. They had allowed me to travel in time and space. And I know it would be an unfair list_ but life is everything but fair, is it not?

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson
The House At Riverton by Kate Morton
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Love In The Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
La Ley Del Amor by Laura Esquivel
Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz

A PERSONAL INVITATION

This authors, have made me love in their books what I have overlooked in life. Through their writings they do, strangely, reminded me of all the places that I have been, without ever having been there. Admonished me gently, for all the poor things I have said, without having spoken a word. Vindicated me, promptly, for the terrible things I've done, without having done anything wrong.

With the turning of each page, authors have a personal invitation into their most inner thoughts, whenever I have accepted the invitation, I have put myself at risk of being vulnerable to pain and despair. But also, they have allowed me to avoid reality while my pursuit lasted. Laughter and happiness are also up for grasp. Reading books for the sake of reading, just happens to be an activity that keeps changing my life for good.

FORBIDDEN IDEAS

Of course, we live in a world where the message of a book could be found offensive for someone or for a certain group of people. Authorities all over the globe had, at one point or another, banned books. Countries with democracies very well establish will continue doing so in spite of the numerous attempts to convince the population of freedom of speech. Yet, where to draw the line?, for we all know that written words are powerful.

Consequently, I went on a search for books that had been banned, it was quiet an eye opener, the reasons given for the prohibition is a rainbow of excuses; which of course, some are legit, and others, not so much, depending on the country and epoch the banned had been issued.

The theses of Martin Luther in the 16th Century is, even to this days, a well known controversial writing: Once the hypocrisy, the corruption, along with all the lies were exposed, the Church needed to banned Luther's analysis. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie (A fictional novel) had also, been banned, since represents _ the same way Luther's Theses to the Catholic Church_ an offensive message of blasphemy and apostasy, to the Muslim world, and so they say.

The list goes on and on and on, however, opposition to books in a public institution is slightly different to actual book bans, but we all know that written words are powerful and, therefor, can be dangerous weapons of destruction. Luther's and Rushdie's works, and every SINGLE book banned _ whether deals with religion or not_ are a direct attack ONLY on the legitimacy of whomever is in power. Oscar Wilde said: “The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”

BOOKS VS MUSIC

I apologize if I went off track a little bit, but there are things that needed to be said, such is the extend of the topic on books. All the literature available in the whole world, could easily match that of all the music we have access today. Perhaps is the other way around, who can tell?. Books (reading information) as well as music are an inseparable part of humanity, both are present in all corners of the earth.

I wrote this piece of music to celebrate Authors and their books. I wanted to address the effort they made to help us get to know the world, for allowing us to say: "Been there and done that" through books. Thanks to all the authors, for sharing humor, ideas and ideologies, experiences and imaginary tales with people around the world.

Written by Javier Anaya

LOS ANGELES

Tue, 21 May 2024 14:33:00 +0000

Information:

Source: California Sessions Notebook
Key: F Major / D minor
Measures: 48
Parts: Cello and Piano
Duration: 2:49 min
Pages: 4

There are two modes of transport in Los Angeles: car and ambulance. Visitors who wish to remain inconspicuous are advised to choose the latter. – Fran Lebowitz

THE CITY

I love L. A., is the most Mexican city in the world. A town full of revelations, addictions and contradictions; everybody is nice, and they have excellent weather, so they allow themselves to make movies about bad weather and horrible people.

My grandparents lived in L.A., specifically in the popular area that is known as East Los Angeles. What a surprise?, well, not to me, it is only logical to think that they decided to live in an area where they felt at home, because, 95% of the population in that area are Hispanics. _ What is surprising is the other 5% that want to live among Latinos_ Oh light up!, that was a joke. But, because of this fact, East Los Angeles is consider to be, one of the least divers places in United States.

WALKING AROUND

The history of Los Angeles reveals a great deal of interesting facts, I would recommend to do a walking tour to experience first hand the reality of what the town is all about, and while you are at it, get all the juicy details of what, where, how and whom?.

Last year, as a special visit, I did a couple of tours on Downtown title: The Beginnings; which featured some of the older buildings and streets in the area, and it is packed with history; the other one was Haunting Tales; it highlighted the most horrific crimes and unsolved mysteries since the 19th century till the present in Los Angeles.

FROM BIG TO SMALL

It is a strange, but very reassuring feeling when I am in the city, it feels like some type of anonymity merge with excitement, as if I am watching a movie in the comfort of my living room, and at the same time, I'm the protagonist of the show.

Los Angeles is consider to be among one of the Entertainment Capitals of the World, and it truly lives up to its name, Hollywood movies make this possible, it is rightly an amusing town. L.A. is a town that stirs so many emotions for so many reasons. It is the second biggest city in United States, and from my perspective, the bigger the city has become, the shorter its name appeared.

WHAT A NAME

Its name had been shortened through the years, overall, the city has been known in many variations, officially and by popular stipulation, more or less, by the same name or nicknames since its founding year 1781 to the present year 2023. However, according to some articles from the 1800's, the area was already refer to simply as L.A.

El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles del Rio Porciúncula.
El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles
El Pueblo de La Reina de Los Angeles
Los Angeles City
City of Angels
Los Angeles
La-La Land
L.A.

THE MUSIC

I wrote this piece as I often do, thinking of it as a light dessert, with no sugar added, a nice treat for any giving day that I know I can play over and over and not being mentally indispose. Originally, I wanted the music to flow at a fast tempo, but I had to remind myself that not everything fast in life is better. Thus, I decided to marked the tempo as Moderato, at the end of the day, musicians decide on their own interpretation, making changes as they pleased.

This piece taken out from my California Sessions Notebook, represents my love for L.A. a city that has a long love-hate relationship with the world, a city where everything seems plastic, and all people appeared fake. I wanted to write a piece that will show fake people still humans, and the plastic, we cannot live without it. Go ahead, detach from harsh realities, have a bit of fun, and if you have the opportunity visit L.A.

Written by Javier Anaya

Javier - Blog

ALLOW ME

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FROM HELL AND BACK

ASTONISHING CONVICTION

USELESS SHELTER

INTENSE FRUSTRATION

ALLOW ME

CONTROL

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AN ESSENTIAL PART

CONTROL TACTICS

NO MATTER THE COST

PERFECT IN B Minor

ESCAPE

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LOOK AROUND YOU

ESCAPE FROM REALITY

THE NEXT BLOW

GRACEFULLY ACCEPTING DEFEAT

In memory of my best friend: November 18th 1945December 10th, 2019Timothy J. Sigurdson

LOUD AND CLEAR

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IN CONSTANT CHANGE

FROM FAR AND WIDE

MUSIC THAT SPEAKS LOUDER THAN PLAIN WORDS

LISTEN AND DISCOVER

KISSES

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PAY CLOSE ATTENTION

THE RECORD SHOWS

GIVE AND TAKE

ACCEPTING THE FACTS

SILVER LINING

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CONQUERING RHYMTH

TOO MANY RULES

THE POEM

RELIEF AND CLOSURE

TRUE DISOBEDIENCE

MARCH

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FROM COVER TO COVER

TECHA

ILIANA

BE AFRAID

THANK YOU

STARTING POINT

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THE BAROQUE

GRAUPNER

COPIED, USED OR BORROWED

AN INVITATION

BEEN THERE DONE THAT

Information:

HOW MANY IS TO MANY?

UNFAIR LIST

A PERSONAL INVITATION

FORBIDDEN IDEAS

BOOKS VS MUSIC

LOS ANGELES

Information:

THE CITY

WALKING AROUND

FROM BIG TO SMALL

WHAT A NAME

THE MUSIC

In memory of my best friend:
November 18th 1945
December 10th, 2019
Timothy J. Sigurdson