Arthurnedmaxwellcomposer

 

    My new CD  " Deep in the heart of Texas "  is a variety of melodies.  I wanted to be able to create any style of music. A prolific composer, a composer such as Quincey Jones or the great film score composer John Williams, must be able to write anything, from a classical vantagepoint to the latest acid rapping, hip-hopping beat you can come up with.. A composer should be able to write whimsical, to serious music. For example, when the tune for the New Orleans arrangement came to mind, I was at a latino gathering with hispanic friends. There I was at a festival hearing tejano, young people and other upbeats  and this down-south tune popped into my head from nowhere. I said, 'this is Katrina' ! 'Yes!',  I thought to myself,' This is Katrina! I must not forget this tune!'.

Variations on an Asian theme

 I heard a concert by the NY Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Lorin Maazel. The program was aired on a NPR broadcast. This concert had taken place in N. Korea.  

    I remember the beauty but unfortunately not the melody. Nor have I attempted to hear that particular melody again. I do not want to hear any Asian melodies just yet. I just want to focus on what lasting impressions, this lovely melody imparted.

  I have since heard 'Arrirang' played on YouTube and was mildly surprised when it opened with the harp. My music opens with the harp. A long harp cadenza or introduction.

 Katrina