For many the recorder is an instrument they remember from their childhoods, either learning to play it in primary school, or seeing it unloved in a box of classroom instruments.
Despite this, the recorder is one of history's truly great musical instruments. Ancient in its origins, it was of central significance in the Renaissance and Baroque eras and was the forerunner of modern woodwind instruments. Though it declined in popularity as the flute was invented, composers never entirely stopped writing for it. It also continued to be a useful as a first musical instrument, especially for those aiming to instruments such as the flute or the clarinet. And in the twentieth century it experienced a massive revival as the period performance moment took off, leading in turn to renewed interest from composers.
Continue reading...
There always been an aura of magic to the Ave Maria. Recited three times a day by committed Catholics, the text addresses itself to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is devotional and highly personal, giving the worshipper a very real sense of connection with the divine. It’s small wonder then that it has been a huge source of inspiration to composers down the centuries, resulting in some fine works of classical music. Many of these are hugely popular with our members on 8notes, but there are also a few you might not have heard of that deserve your attention. Here are our favourites.
Continue reading...
Consistently one of our most played and downloaded Christmas pieces here on 8notes, Joy to the World is an essential part of Christmas, whether that be in candlelight services, grand concert arrangements or as a backing soundtrack in shops, bars and malls. It is particularly popular in North America, featuring in around 1400 hymnals in the region. Despite its Yuletide popularity, however, ‘Joy to the World’ is not not really a carol at all.
Continue reading...
Polish composer Frédéric Chopin (1810- 1849) wrote more than his fair share of great piano music. Amongst his incredible catalogue of compositions, one stands out: his Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2 in Eb. This nocturne, ranked among the top ten most popular classical pieces on 8notes, owes its appeal to its exquisite melodic craftsmanship, innovative application of ornamentation, refined structural balance, and its accessibility—both emotionally for listeners and technically for pianists.
Continue reading...
Some of the greatest trumpet repertoire was written during the baroque era, from roughly 1600–1750. This was despite the instrument of the time being relatively crude—in essence a pipe with a flared bell at one end and a mouthpiece at the other. Valves, which allow the instrument to play melodies across the instrument’s whole range, were not invented until the nineteenth century.
You probably already know that 8notes.com has a huge range of pieces and we've tried to arrange everything in a way that makes things easy to find. One thing we realised has been lacking is a progressive series of pieces for beginners.
What does 'progressive' mean? Simply that the pieces add concepts gradually as the series goes on. So the first pieces have just one note (often middle C), extra notes are gradually added, as are concepts like rests, articulation and dynamics. It's a great way to learn an instrument, much like the famous 'method' books many people use when they're first starting out.
Our first few books are now live, we have Progresive Method for Trumpet, Progresive Method for Trombone, Progresive Method for French Horn, and Progresive Method for Flute.
Stay tuned for more coming for other instruments very soon.
Continue reading...
Despite there being some great music written for double bass over the last century, including concertos by Sofia Gubaidulina, John Harbison and Einojuhani Rautavaara and others, the double bass, especially compared to the violin and cello, has had comparably few solo works written for it before the twentieth century.
Fortunately, a handful of pioneering composers recognised the expressive depth and unique beauty of this instrument, creating works that remain essential in any bassist’s repertoire. Along with these, many pieces originally written for other instruments adapt beautifully for the double bass. Here, then, we’ve gathered some of the most indispensable pieces every bassist should know—complete with links to sheet music so you can get practising right away!
Continue reading...
Classical music has long been the secret sauce of filmmaking, adding the extra level of punch, drama or humour that can take an indifferent scene to the next level. It has also been a fountain of inspiration for those composers writing original music for the movies (read more about John William’s use of Holst's 'The Planets’ here, for example).
Whether is be a serious symphony accompanying a battle scene or a light waltz in a romantic comedy, classical music provides context and amplifies the drama. Here then are some of the best cinema moments where classical music has made us laugh, cry or just say, "Hang on, I've heard that before!"
Continue reading...
‘Night on the Bare Mountain’ by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky (1839–1881) is a musical depiction of a witches sabbath on an exposed mountain. It is renowned for its orgiastic and supernatural atmosphere as a group of witches, demons and spirits gather for a night of chaos and revelry. Its pictorial nature has made our many versions a popular choice amongst 8notes members looking for something spooky to play, especially around Halloween.
And if the piece is wild, so too is the story of its composition…
Continue reading...
It is the dance the scandalised the 19th century, a high-kicking, skirt-flipping whirlwind of legs, laughter and naughtiness. Nowadays considered a joyous staple of French culture, in its heyday the dance caused quite the social stir, even leading to attempts to suppress it. Here then is its flamboyant history and that of the music that made it so popular.
Continue reading...
