Great choices... I just discovered a lot of the old TV programs are out on YouTube including the episodes of Peter Gunn. I was watching the old Loretta Young show... even Ramar of the Jungle! Amazing.
Yes to that Kid! And now it's Hans Zimmer. Amazing how the steel string guitar was definitive of music of that time. Monty Norman's famous piece still delights with every Bond movie (sometimes the only part that does these days).
When I think of others - John Barry, Maurice Jarre, Ennio Morricone, Jerry Goldsmith, Bill Conti, Lalo Schifrin, John Williams and Elmer Bernstein (if only for Magnificent 7 and Great Escape) - I agree with Dennis Prager that the great 20th century composers come from this group, not the atonal screechers to whom fingernails on a blackboard would be preferred. (Do any students today know what that sound is?) BAYSIDER
I find there's almost no overlap between the two skills. I find playing by ear to be by far the more musically engaging process, as it forces me to reason about the music's grammar. Reading is useful, but I wouldn't worry about it unless you need it for session work or you want to learn an exact transcription of a performance or whathaveyou.
Jez, I find playing by ear to be by far the more musically engaging process, as it forces me to reason about the music's grammar.
I had so much training in harmony that I could sight read the grammar (musical theory).
I was a church pianist/organist for several years. I had to be able to sight read well because the congregation had in-service input as to which hymns were sung.
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Great choices... I just discovered a lot of the old TV programs are out on YouTube including the episodes of Peter Gunn. I was watching the old Loretta Young show... even Ramar of the Jungle! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteMancini was the Bach of out time.
ReplyDeleteYes to that Kid! And now it's Hans Zimmer. Amazing how the steel string guitar was definitive of music of that time. Monty Norman's famous piece still delights with every Bond movie (sometimes the only part that does these days).
DeleteWhen I think of others - John Barry, Maurice Jarre, Ennio Morricone, Jerry Goldsmith, Bill Conti, Lalo Schifrin, John Williams and Elmer Bernstein (if only for Magnificent 7 and Great Escape) - I agree with Dennis Prager that the great 20th century composers come from this group, not the atonal screechers to whom fingernails on a blackboard would be preferred. (Do any students today know what that sound is?)
BAYSIDER
It's funny how much more palatable atonality is when it is presented as a film score rather than as a standalone piece.
DeleteThere's only one song I ever learned to play on a piano... and it was a Mancini.
ReplyDeleteFJ,
DeleteActually, "Nadia's Theme" was composed by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin Jr. Mancini did the arrangement you linked to.
Ahhh. My bad. Thanks for setting me straight!
Delete-FJ
It was self-taught by ear. I can't read music except for guitar chords.
DeleteFJ,
DeleteA shame that you didn't learn to read music!
I, too, can play by ear, but not very well -- likely because I'm such an excellent sight reader.
I find there's almost no overlap between the two skills. I find playing by ear to be by far the more musically engaging process, as it forces me to reason about the music's grammar. Reading is useful, but I wouldn't worry about it unless you need it for session work or you want to learn an exact transcription of a performance or whathaveyou.
DeleteJez,
DeleteI find playing by ear to be by far the more musically engaging process, as it forces me to reason about the music's grammar.
I had so much training in harmony that I could sight read the grammar (musical theory).
I was a church pianist/organist for several years. I had to be able to sight read well because the congregation had in-service input as to which hymns were sung.
This one goes out to all the Silverfiddle fans here... hang lose, brahs!
ReplyDelete:P
ReplyDeleteHenry Mancini... winner of 20 Grammys.
ReplyDeleteThe Henry Mancini postage stamp.
ReplyDelete