Not just a bunch of rumbling low notes

I had a revelation the other day. As i was going through and studied some scores this week, (including the brandenburg concerto), I realized something I feel like I always knew, but needed countless of reaffirmations to hit me in the head as a knowledge. Pieces of music that are considered as great compositions, or music that are fun to play, all seem to have, unique, interesting, and melodic bass lines. I'm thinking especially (but not exclusively) of music by the three B's: Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms (of course one can add the fourth B, Bartok too if one likes). And it is definitely not surprising that Bach and other B(s) that came before them was one/some of the major influences on the later Bs. (However, all of their sir names starting on the same alphabet is purely coincidental.... Or is it????)

Their basslines are derived of a process we call "counterpoint", meaning these baselines are treated not just as support and the foundation of the harmony, but also act as independent melody lines, operating under, or with, or oftentimes against the main melody and other melodic lines.

Even if only the baselines of the pieces by those composers were rewritten in such a way that the only thing they did we're supporting the harmony, I guarantee you that you would not have heard of any of these composers, ever. I don't mean that their baselines were the only great things they ever wrote, but it is the intricacy of the involvement of their baselines within each particular contexts, that is truly remarkable.

If you've never paid attention to baselines, next time you listen to a piece of classical music (esp. pieces by one of these composers), I strongly suggest that you do. It could change your whole experience, and give you a whole new or way deeper appreciation to the art!

I also received a great news from Bruce of Rockit! that two of their kids will be joining us on the concert at the Middletown Library on May 4th! I'm very excited about that! We probably won't be rehearsing those two songs on our own, but please keep those songs in mind, and pick them up on your own, individually, outside of the rehearsals.

And here's a link to a funny video that Annabel found :) enjoy!

http://youtu.be/BKezUd_xw20