Category Archives: Videos – Others

Other internet videos I find interesting.

Happy Birthday John Philip Sousa!

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This morning I was alerted to the fact that it was not only Election Day (Vote!), but also John Philip Sousa’s birthday! How apropos.

So in honor of the occasion, here are some of the works of the American March King, in some very informative videos by the Marine Band. God bless our troops.

Digital high five if you can’t listen to “The Washington Post” without hearing lyrics by Sondheim.

A funny story about marches and birthdays: A beloved professor of mine’s birthday occurred on the same day we were learning about Sousa and his marches in Music History. We asked our instructor why the trio section was so named. He jokingly replied that it was in 3. Well, we believed him, and the Trio section of the March I wrote for the other professor’s birthday, was, and is, in 3!

The Wonderly Fanfare, by Nathan Hathaway Adams, performed by Dr. Anthony Moore

A Romantic Era composer, while famous for his military band marches, he also wrote operettas and was a fan of the work of Gilbert & Sullivan. He wrote an orchestration of the team’s H.M.S. Pinafore, and composed a march using the themes of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, which is particularly interesting to me as I just auditioned for a local production of said operetta.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! I plan to keep reading about and listening to this uniquely American composer. Are you a fan of Sousa? Interested, like me, in learning more? Then drop me a line and let’s talk sometime.

Marching,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

“This Is Not Over Yet”

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[After I wrote this post, I wrote a follow up post here.]

Yesterday, North Carolina passed Amendment One. I am deeply saddened by this. Do I see this Amendment as prejudiced? Yes. Do I see everyone who voted for it as a bigot? No. I hope that everyone can find a way to have helpful and respectful dialog in their own little worlds over the coming months. But perhaps most important of all, is this journey over? No. Do I have a song that is perfect for this particular moment? DUH.

*Small word choice edits made for clarity after skimming Justin Lee’s Blog. 

Contemplating,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

May the Fourth Be With You! (Cut Songs from STAR WARS)

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May the Fourth be with you! To celebrate, let me present to you two songs that were cut from the current versions of the STAR WARS films, both of which I rather like!

The first is “Lapti Nek,” the original Jabba’s palace song. This was actually written by Joseph Williams, John Williams son. I’ve heard this was changed because they wanted something less dated (and “Jedi Rocks” CERTAINLY fixes that), but I really prefer this song.

The second is Yub Nub, the Ewok Celebration Song from the original ending of “Return of the Jedi.” This was replaced in the special editions by shots of the entire Star Wars universe celebrating the downfall of the Emperor. Because as all of us in the modern west know, the moment you eliminate a nefarious leader, their ENTIRE nefarious network falls instantly. (And even if it did, why would Tatooine care? I thought they were controlled by the Hutts?)

The force will be with you . . .

always,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

SIWIW: Under the Willow Tree

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“SIWIW” stands for “Songs I Wish I Wrote” and I hope make it a regular feature on my blog. I was first introduced to idea when the Library of Congress asked Stephen Sondheim to make such a list, which was subtitled “At Least In Part” (the same applies here).

This song is an aria from Samuel Barber’s opera “Vanessa,” here sung in a choral arrangement by the BYU singers. One of my dear friends performed this on his Senior Recital, and as he practiced it, I grew to love it.

Make sure you watch the video as well as listen, the singers make some gorgeously delightful facial expressions.

Crying,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

Maury Yeston’s “Titanic”

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Today is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Many people will probably be marking today by interacting with some sort of media based on one of the most tragic stories of the century. It tugs at our heart strings, it fills us with dread, and challenges our intellect as we attempt to understand why it happened. It seems so natural we should turn to the arts to help us process this, for as librettist Peter Stone said, “It’s one of those rare moments in history which has a beginning, middle and end.” And while many of you may be familiar with the James Cameron movie (which I must admit I’ve never seen all the way through, but seen lots of bits on the telly), I want to introduce you to a musical version of the tale that debuted in the same year as that colossal film, music & lyrics by Maury Yeston, book by Peter Stone.

Happy Birthday P.D.Q. Bach!

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Okay, I promise I will stop writing about composers birthdays soon. March just happens to be ripe with such events. Which makes sense. Parents get snuggly in the early autumn, don’t use protection, have a little accident, mistreat the kid, and a composer is born!

http://www.schickele.com

Speaking of mistakes! Yesterday was the birthday of P.D.Q. Bach!  Here’s one of my favorite choral pieces by that world rejected composer, “My Bonny Lass She Smelleth”!

Dosing you with perfume,
Nathan Hathaway Adams

A Little Birthday Music of the Night

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Wow! This is big week for composer birthdays! Yesterday Bach, and now Sondheim & Lloyd Webber! Both theatrical composers, I unfortunately cannot take you out to see the shows I want to discuss, so let’s go to YouTube!

Sondheim: A Little Night Music

The week or so ago, my voice teacher asked me my favorite song from “A Little Night Music,” and after I compared it to picking a favorite child, we settled on “Every Day A Little Death.” Maureen Moore makes me want to melt.

And then last night, a friend of mine asked if it was worth it to watch the film version of the show. In eventually concluded it was, if only to see the standout performances, such as Diana Rigg as Charlotte. (Unfortunately,  YouTube only has a recording, but you can still hear the heartache.)

Lloyd Webber: The Phantom of the Opera

When I was a young whippersnapper of a male soprano, I was always attracted to the soprano “arias” of Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom.” I started to explore musical theatre just as the film version came out, so I would often be caught with this tune lilting through my brain and attempting to lilt out of my mouth.

But, I must be honest. I didn’t like Phantom. The movie hadn’t sold me, and I had never had an opportunity to see the stage show. But then this Spring Break, I found the Royal Albert Hall 25th Anniversary taping. (Four Redboxes, Two States, it was a very popular DVD.) I really enjoyed it, I was finally able to see the stage show, and now I like “The Phantom of the Opera.” If you are not a fan of the show, but have only seen the movie, I would highly recommend this taping. He’s a brief clip of the same song.

Yay! Birthdays!

Okay, now I have to get back to homework.
Nathan Hatha-

Are you kidding me? I missed Mussorgsky’s birthday yesterday? Oh fine. I love this piece, it fascinates me how music can actually sound creepy.

And the disco version . . .

And we’re done.
Nathan Hathaway Adams

FIGHT GIRL BATTLE WORLD

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On Friday, I had the distinct privilege of seeing FIGHT GIRL BATTLE WORLD at North Carolina Stage Company. A co-production with Clusterf**k Productions, this play is a wonderful example that genres like Sci-Fi can & should be done on stage.  It was a delight to watch, and I would highly recommend it. 

P.S. You can buy one ticket & get the 2nd for half off with code DURK-HOLE. (For Wednesday shows ONLY!)

You’re welcome!
Nathan Hathaway Adams

Retrospective Deux

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This is the second in a series of blogs based around returning to themes and ideas I discussed in my earlier blogs.

In a very early post of mine, I ranted and railed at the fact that Jerry Herman had not yet received a Kennedy Center Honor. I was besot with frustration. At the time, I was rather obsessed with his music, and to this day I hold his work in high regard.

Well, it came to attention recently that he has finally achieved that honor, and this has completely mollified my inner hormonal teenage nerd. I sought out the Jerry Herman section of the celebration. I was absolutely blown away by  how exciting the videos were. Jerry Herman is a legend, and an inspiration, and it was wonderful to see him so honored.

Pleased to be enjoying,
Nathan Hathaway