Monday, February 20, 2006
Burt Bacharach CD review
Burt Bacharach is, quite simply, one of the most accomplished composers of the 20th Century. In the '60s and '70s, Bacharach was a dominant figure in popular music, writing a remarkable 52 Top 40 hits. In terms of musical sophistication, Bacharach's compositions differed from much of the pop music of the era. I got to know Bacharach and his music at a rather young age, when I was introduced to his songs like "Close To You" (The Carpenters) and "That's What Friends Are For" (Dionne Warwick and friends). I never failed to get amused at his unique and amazing ability to compose pieces and construct catchy musical hooks.
"Close To You" (The Carpenters) is one of my personal favourites. Starting out nicely with several piano chords, the love ballad develops and brings me into a world where love surrounds and dominates. The choir adds to this effect, giving a touch of magic to the piece.
"That's What Friends Are For" (Dionne Warwick and friends) is a piece that has what I think is just the perfect tune for a song with the theme of friendship. This song was originally written for the movie Night Shift and performed on the soundtrack by Rod Stewart. In 1986, a cover version by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John became an enormous hit, raising millions for AIDS charities. The song also won the Grammy for Song of the Year and was a Grammy nominee for Record of the Year. Every time I listen to this song, I feel thankful for all the friends I have known in my life and how they have helped me get through it.
Burt Bacharach's musically extraordinary pieces continues to intrigue listeners...
1:30 pm *
Monday, February 20, 2006
Burt Bacharach CD review
Burt Bacharach is, quite simply, one of the most accomplished composers of the 20th Century. In the '60s and '70s, Bacharach was a dominant figure in popular music, writing a remarkable 52 Top 40 hits. In terms of musical sophistication, Bacharach's compositions differed from much of the pop music of the era. I got to know Bacharach and his music at a rather young age, when I was introduced to his songs like "Close To You" (The Carpenters) and "That's What Friends Are For" (Dionne Warwick and friends). I never failed to get amused at his unique and amazing ability to compose pieces and construct catchy musical hooks.
"Close To You" (The Carpenters) is one of my personal favourites. Starting out nicely with several piano chords, the love ballad develops and brings me into a world where love surrounds and dominates. The choir adds to this effect, giving a touch of magic to the piece.
"That's What Friends Are For" (Dionne Warwick and friends) is a piece that has what I think is just the perfect tune for a song with the theme of friendship. This song was originally written for the movie Night Shift and performed on the soundtrack by Rod Stewart. In 1986, a cover version by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John became an enormous hit, raising millions for AIDS charities. The song also won the Grammy for Song of the Year and was a Grammy nominee for Record of the Year. Every time I listen to this song, I feel thankful for all the friends I have known in my life and how they have helped me get through it.
Burt Bacharach's musically extraordinary pieces continues to intrigue listeners...
1:30 pm *
- Name: niwdehot
- Location: Singapore
Music has always been an integral part of Edwin’s life since the tender age of 4. The top graduate from the pioneer batch of the Diploma in Music & Audio Technology (Singapore Polytechnic), Edwin achieved the Media Development Authority Gold Medal (Course Medal) & DBS Bank Award.
An avid performer, Edwin plays at corporate and private functions, cafes, weddings, musicals, and community and charity events throughout the year. In Singapore Polytechnic’s “Superstar: The Pop Musical” (2006), he took on multiple roles of Cast Member (Chorus), Rehearsal Pianist and Baritone Section Leader. Edwin was also the second keyboardist in the incidental music band of Young NTUC’s May Day 2007 musical, “A Labour of Love”. He has appeared regularly at music festivals (Singapore Street Festival 2009, MoonFest @ Esplanade 2009) and charity events (Charity Fiesta 2006 @ South West, Music For Hope 2008, Blackout @ Emily 2009).
His artistic passion continues to grow, as does his hope to inspire others through his expressive music.
View my complete profile
My Goals:
-Long Term: To become well-trained in all aspects of music
-Medium Term: To improve my sight-reading and keyboard skills to another level
-Short Term: To brush up on my basic music theory after stopping for 5 years+
Special Skill Set:
Improvisation, Playing-by-ear
Repertoire includes (to be updated):
*Pending (practice in progress)
Electone Organ pieces:
Piano pieces:
Piano/choral arrangements:
(They Long To Be) Close To You - Burt Bacharach
Walk On A Rainbow Trail - Berta & Sonja Poorman
Laudate Dominum - Sherri Porterfield
When You Believe - Stephen Schwartz
*Joyful, Joyful - Beethoven (arr. Mervyn Warren)
*Because He Lives - Sally DeFord
Original compositions:
Vivid Dreams (theme: hope)
And any other tune/piece that I know well (play-by-ear)...
This performance journal was created as part of an ongoing assignment of the DMAT module "Performance".
