Debuting in 1940, Walt Disney’s Fantasia was groundbreaking in a number of ways. The ambition of its animation, which included meticulous studies of animals, humans and other objects, the use of stop-motion animation and even the unrealised plan to film one section in 3D, was unprecedented. Its sound, which occupied a fifth of the whole budget, was also realised in a new ‘Fantasound’ format, the precursor of modern day surround sound.
Disney had used classical music in previous animations, but this was was a more ambitious in concept. Working with renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski, Disney and his team developed a sequence of animated segments, each with programatic elements closely linked to the accompanying classical music. The aim was to entertain whilst introducing audiences to great works of the classical canon.
By any measure, it seems to have worked, with Fantasia now considered one of the greatest works of animation of the twentieth century. And Disney’s use of, albeit already popular, classical works, has certainly helped to bring these pieces to wider audiences.
Here is our guide to this great work of animation, with links to all the sheet music, so you can play Fantasia on your own instrument (and if you can’t find what you need, remember that members can request new versions of pieces!).
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...
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...
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...
Bella Ciao (literally ‘Goodbye Beautiful’) is an Italian folk song symbolic of resistance, freedom and rebellion. In its present form it is often associated with partisan Italian anti-fascist fighters during World War 2, even though its origins are much older, probably stemming from protest songs sung by women working in the rice fields of northern Italy in the late 19th century. Its later use in wider culture, especially in the 2017-18 Spanish series 'Money Heist' made it phenomenally popular, making our 25+ versions of it here on 8notes amongst our most sought-after sheet music. Continue reading...
Csárdás is by some margin the most popular work by Italian composer Vittorio Monti (1868–1922). Originally written for violin, it has nevertheless been widely adapted for other solo instruments and combinations, (over 20 versions of Csárdás can be found here). The story of its composition is a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist of the time, where composers became fascinated by folk music from their own and other countries.
Continue reading...
Mozart’s last composition, his Requiem Mass K.626, is not just celebrated for being a work of profound genius, it is also forms the centre-piece of one of music’s greatest mysteries. Commissioned by the dark emissary of an anonymous figure, Mozart died before he could complete it. Miraculously, after his death the finished work, apparently entirely by Mozart, was presented to the public. Involving an eccentric count, a suspected murder and a deceitful wife, the story of how this was achieved is very strange indeed... Continue reading...
One of the best-known works purportedly from the baroque period, Albinoni’s Adagio in G minor has been phenomenally popular since its ‘rediscovery’ at the end of World War Two. As well as appearing frequently as a soundtrack on the big and small screen, it has been adapted for many instrumental combinations, 40 of which can be enjoyed here on 8notes.
Whilst the title of this work would seem to make it’s authorship clear, its history is a controversial one, since the piece may, in fact, be the greatest hoax in musical history.
Continue reading...
In 1958, U.S. singer, songwriter and guitarist Ritchie Valens released a new single, ‘Donna.’ Written as a tribute to a highshcool sweetheart, it reached number two in the U.S. charts. When looking for a song to go on the B-side of the record, Valens had recorded a cover for a song he had known from his youth. That piece was ‘La Bamba.’ This B-side recording would become the most influential of his career, turning a little-known folksong into a cultural phenomenon. Continue reading...
The idea that certain keys can be associated with certain moods or feelings has long been debated in music. Some composers, such as Scriabin, have even come to hear keys in terms of colour, a phenomenon known as ‘synaesthesia.’ Others have been skeptical, pointing out that since the advent of modern tuning (i.e. 'equal temperament') all keys have effectively been the same. Whether we experience this phenomena ourselves or not, however, knowing how composers thought about keys can helps us better understand the works that they wrote. Continue reading...
