Lets begin with the band that started my obsession with violin years ago, Mago de Oz. They're a folk/metal band from Spain. Hold that thought! I know what you're thinking! I know the words "folk" and "metal" typically don't go in the same sentence but these guys definitely know how to do this pretty darn well. Of course, one of the band members plays violin. I thought that the incorporation of the violin into metal music was pretty cool. I also love that their music incorporates many different instruments that wouldn't usually fit well into metal like flute, accordion, violin, etc. It's very refreshing to hear music that's extremely different from anything else I've ever heard. Mago de Oz's music definitely has a character of it's own and it's happy sound always makes me smile (I call it "happy metal"). Check them out in this video where they perform "Molinos de Viento". Another one of my favorite tunes from them is "Fiesta Pagana" (also posted below). They always seem to have an amazing time on stage. Getting to see them live someday would be a treat! I also can't wait until I have enough skill to be able to play the violin melodies from their music (even if it's the butchered version of them).
Mago de Oz "Molinos de Viento"
(It starts out slowly but then the stage explodes! The violin is a little drowned out by all the other instruments since it's a live performance but you can still hear it.)
Mago de Oz "Fiesta Pagana"
Who are my influences in classical music? Here is where it gets a little tricky as I have certain classical pieces that I like from certain people. I can write on and on about which pieces I like from certain violinists but I'll stop myself from doing that and keep it short. Overall, my favorite classical violinists are Ithzak Perlman and Maxim Vengerov. I enjoy all of Itzhak Perlman's interpretations of the famous violin concertos (overall) while with Maxim there are a few pieces where he just blows everyone else out of the water. An example of this is the Sibelius Violin Concerto. It's just perfection. Check out Maxim Vengerov's interpretation of the Sibelius violin concerto here!
Maxim Vengerov "Sibelius Violin Concerto" (The first few minutes are my favorite.)
Finally, there's Patrick Contreras on YouTube. While he's not a world renown artist (yet) I certainly think he has the potential to make it big. His command of the violin and his knowledge of different music genres (and how he incorporates them into his music) is outstanding. The sound of his music is very unique and beautiful. Also, when watching his videos it becomes very evident that he is very passionate about his music. To me, this is very inspiring and powerful. So inspiring, in fact, that it actually made me decide to take the plunge and start taking violin lessons. While I know I will never be as good, his music inspires me to keep trying so I can reach the highest level that I can possibly achieve. Whenever I'm feeling unmotivated to practice I watch his videos and almost instantly I feel revitalized. So Patrick, if you ever read this, I just want to say thank you for inspiring me to start playing violin. Keep doing what you do! Here's a video of him down below. Go check him out on YouTube. You won't regret it!
Patrick Contreras "Rise and Fall"
No comments:
Post a Comment