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Archive of "Uncategorized" Category
William Blake
I have just completed the first drafts of the entire Songs of Innocence and am working on more of the Songs of Experience. In the meantime this quote from the Marriage of Heaven and Hell from the Second Memorable Fancy came up today:
“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narow chinks of his cavern.” You can read all of it here.
I have come to learn that there is no truth in perception. What seems to be only seems to be and cannot be. Perception is the seeming. But what is IS. Always was always will be. I love Blake and feel a kinship although I have not read all his works (yet). Here’s my latest video:
The Chimney Sweepers
William Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper from Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience recorded in Tucson Arizona. Link above to YouTube. Click on picture for another link to Blake’s work.
Recently been short of breath. So did the best I could for now.
Hope you enjoy them.
Music for Rumors from an Aeolian Harp
Here’s a video of the Henry David Thoreau’s poem “Rumors from an Aeolian Harp”.
“…The tread of high souled men go by
Their thoughts conversing with the sky.”
Keats’ Ode to A Nightingale
The album “Ode on a Grecian Urn” now includes Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale.” Click here to link to lulu.com. It’s also available at amazon.com in the Ode to a Grecian Urn II album.
Thanks for your support.
Ode to a Nightingale, John Keats
First draft of John Keats’ famous poem “Ode to a Nightingale”. Just me with my guitar…. oops, says file is too big! The song turned out to be right at 10 minutes long. O.k. I’ll see what else I can do.So here’s a preview of the first two verses:
Here’s the first two lines again but different:
I’ve been playing with violin, viola, cello and flute which all sound good, but I keep coming back to the bare bones creation. What can I say!
Thank you, John for this beautiful poem. I hope you like what I’m doing with it.
Nearly Ready….or do I speak too soon!
Ode to a Nightingale is finally pulling together. I’m getting very close to beginning the recording process. My first reaction to putting this great work to music was a bit overwhelming. But patient, inching progress has led to something I think will be very nice and fitting of the great sentiments.
My favorite part: “Was it a vision or a waking dream? Fled is that music-do I wake or sleep?” (The very last lines)
Of course I love the whole poem. I hope you will like what I’m doing with it.
Recouping old work
William Blake self-portrait
Just posted a video of William Blake‘s Introduction piece in the collection Songs of Innocence. The audio is taken from an old cassette tape which include several ideas for musical versions of Blake’s famous collection. I’ve managed to score several of these on Finale and would love to perform them someday once I’ve tested them and feel they are ready for prime time!
Thanks for listening!
Ode on a Grecian Urn CD at lulu.com
The new CD “Ode on a Grecian Urn” is up and running at lulu.com. I’ ve ordered my first copies. You can get yours right now by going to lulu.com. It will also be on Amazon.com eventually, but Amazon pays about half of what lulu does. The inside of the CD cover is blank if I remember correctly. But it looks great otherwise!I’m already working on Ode to a Nightingale and some other great poems.
Thanks for checking it out!
Happy Birthday, Michael Head
In celebration of this very fine composer, pianist and singer, Michael Head, I made a little video of his song “A Piper” which was part of a recital that included two more of his ” Songs from the Countryside.”
Music for Waiting by John Burroughs
First version of John Burroughs‘ famous poem
“Waiting”.
There are so many things I’ve tried doing with this song and I finally decided to leave it bare bones simple.One guitar, three voices and some bass at the end.
My hope is that the music fits the poem and that I’ve done well enough for now with this first version. It’s been a long time coming!
[podcast]http://www.michaelemmanuel.com/uploads/WaitingBurroughs.mp3[/podcast]
About Michael
Michael Emmanuel has been making music most of his life. His blend of folk and classical music creates a unique sound that is engaging, intelligent and compelling.
Relying on original lyrics as well as some of the great Romantic poems of the past, his songs evoke a sense of connection to our fellow man, the world and the universe.
Beyond being a singer/songwriter and guitarist. Michael is an accomplished classical tenor and pianist.
Shaman’s Hand: BTR
