Today's music is brought to you by the letter D!
1. "Do You Hear The People Sing?" Les Miserables cast
I'm a fan of big Broadway show-stopper tunes and "Do You Hear The People Sing" from Les Miserables easily fits the bill. The clip below is the finale of the entire show, including a mother, a father, a happy couple, a feisty kid, and about 200+ back up singers. The initial number appears at the end of the first act, placing the cast on stage in a marching triangle, complete with huge red flags signaling the revolution. When it's done right, it's down right brilliant.
2. "Done All Wrong" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Say what you will about the books, the movies, the strength (or lack thereof) of the main character, or anything else about Twilight. But don't knock the soundtracks. Tip of the cap to the creative team who put together great soundtracks for the first three movies. When I saw that Bruno Mars was on the latest soundtrack, it kind of jumped the shark for me. I liked my Twilight soundtracks when they had a more alternative flavor. And Thom Yorke. This tune is from the 2nd movie. If you want another good one from the soundtrack, I also recommend The Editors song, "No Sound but the Wind".
3. Gustavo Dudamel and Antonin Dvorak
Classical music gets me through the dog days of NaNoWriMo. I usually listen to the local classical music station while typing but two things can pull me out of the writer's flow: a piece by Dvorak or a piece conducted by Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic. I often wonder if John Williams was influenced by the 4th movement from Dvorak's 9th Symphony, "From the New World" when creating the music for Star Wars, but that's just my opinion. Take a listen and tell me if you hear The Emperor's Theme. As an added treat, I'm linking to the LA Phil's video because I can and because Gustavo Dudamel is a musical genius.
How about you? Do you have a musical crush on Gustavo Dudamel or is this just me?
I don't know if you know this abot me, but i play the violin, though i haven't played in an orchestra in over a decade. BUT! Of my favorite pecies to play in said orchestra, Dvorak's new world symphony is in my top 4 for sure. It's just so awesome on so many levels
ReplyDeleteActually, is it me or is the jaws theme totally ripped off of the opening of that Dvorak piece? I never noticed until just now.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have a musical crush on John Lennon and Freddie Mercury. Does the fact that they're dead make that creepy?
All of the music for Les Miserables is amazing!
ReplyDeleteOhhh, Les Miz! Don't get me started.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love classical music too. Last week the Roommate and I went to an artist talk at the symphony and had our minds blown by two teenage clarinetists. And yes, I can definitely hear a lot of classical influences in famous theme songs. I think the best part about that video (besides Dudamel's awesome hair) is the fact that the Pope is just sitting there in his fancy throne. That definitely doesn't happen every day! :)
I"ll have to be honest. I've never heard of Dudamel...but I will be looking him up now!
ReplyDeleteGustavo Dudamel (aka, "The Dude") is the youngest ever conductor for the LA Philharmonic. What really makes him stand out is that he's so passionate about the music he conducts that he's often jumping around, wildly gesturing while on the podium. Most upper level conductors are much more reserved, but Dudamel conducts with such passion that it's like he brings the players in the LA Phil to another level!
DeleteDudamel is definitely a one-of-a-kind artist. Talk about staying true to your calling. I own all the TWILIGHT soundtracks. They have introduced me to groups and artists that I never would have found otherwise. Waving to you from my place in the 600's on the A to Z. New follower.
ReplyDeleteThanks for following along! I don't have all the soundtracks yet, but I do want to go back and certainly get the first one. They fact they were able to pull together some pretty big names for their soundtrack on the 1st movie is pretty cool.
DeleteI have to admit...I was kind of distracted by Les Mis' awesomeness for the rest of the blog post. :) Love all the music in it!
ReplyDeleteLes Mis is so amazing. It's been a real struggle narrowing my choices down to 1-2 favorites!
DeleteYou threw me a curve with the soundtrack bit. I was all set to throw Dar Williams, Diana Krall, Dusty Springfield into the mix as "D" artists. But Dar is on the soundtrack to the TV show Providence and the movie Smoke Signals. Diana has had songs on 32 soundtracks according to her IMdB page. And Dusty, one of the best voices ever, on 84.
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Le gasp! I don't think I have any Diana Krall! How did this happen? As for Dusty Springfield, "Son of a Preacher Man" is one of my FAVORITE kareoke songs. I mean, yeah, *IF* I were to sing, that's a song I'd consider...
DeleteYou have some picks here that I know nothing about!!! I'll have to explore for sure...
ReplyDeleteMy D list would definitely, most, most definitely, have to include Damien Rice. I love me that Irish man!!! Remember is my absolute fave of his, but I can't go without mentioning 9 crimes (the demo version is my favorite) and Blower's Daughter (the song that began my Damien love affair).
Damien Rice's album "9" will show up soon. Just wait. :)
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