Where is the Music

In touch with Eternity - Keith Jarrett's "Prism"

Alberto L. Ferro — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#49 In this episode I will finally talk about the artist who has been possibly the most influential figure in my (and i'm sure in many others) piano career. Keith Jarrett is a pianist, composer, Jazz legend, one of the most innovative and inspired artists of our time. I take one of his tunes, 'Prism' and present its most interesting features.

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When Music goes Beyond - Tales of Mystery

Alberto L. Ferro — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#48 In this episode I open the floor to an important ingredient of great Music: the Mysterious. Music is often beautiful for reasons that we don't quite grasp, it is tricky to point at what makes a piece unique and profound. I invite you to stay open when listening to music that lets the element of Mystery take over. In this episode I will discuss and provide examples of three works by modern and classical composers.

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Ideas becoming Music - The Composer's Tools

Alberto L. Ferro — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#47 In today's episode I share with my listeners what happens on a normal day in a composer's life. I explore the creative potential of a simple musical idea, and turn it into a variety of possible trajectories for further development. Join me in this Composition Class 101.

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Intermezzo in A major op.118 - Brahms, Andante Teneramente

Alberto L. Ferro — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#46 - The 2nd piano piece from the collection op. 118 by Johannes Brahms is an Intermezzo that displays the artistic genius of its composer: this short work for piano is a complex and thoroughly conceived architecture while being very gentle on the ear. In today's episode I show how harmony and melody are crafted to perfection.

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Musical Aphorisms - Chopin's Preludes

Alberto L. Ferro — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#45 In his Preludes for piano Chopin has expressed a vast range of emotions and dealt with a remarkable variety of musical ideas. The brevity of these compositions (24 Preludes op. 28) only enhances the depth of artistic achievement. In today's episode I introduce and discuss in details the Preludes from the romantic composer Frederic Chopin, with examples at the piano.

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Music that 'explodes' - Open Forms

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#44 Sometimes music is written in a way that invites us to play with its inner structure, its form. Musical form is the main character of today's episode. We will explore the way open musical forms such the 12-bar Blues work, and draw examples from Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and Chick Corea.

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Piano Transformations - Play it on the Piano!

Alberto L. Ferro — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#43 Your musical instrument can play all the music you enjoy listening to: with a bit of creativity, a sense of adventure and playfulness, musicians use their instruments to bridge genres and styles. Be aware: lots of musical examples!

Podcast Playlist #43 - playlist by albertoferro | Spotify

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Humanity Expressed in Sound - Music Seminar Series

Alberto L. Ferro — Wed, 22 May 2024 09:30:00 +0100

#42 What's IN a Melody? How do melodies carry so much meaning, they travel through history from ear to ear, inspire our imagination? I dive into the topic focusing on what melodies technically are, and showing how they are used in music: the many examples will help understanding how melodies express human significance.

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The Artist's Creative Dilemmas (part 2)

Alberto L. Ferro — Tue, 14 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100

#41 - Part 2 - What stands in the way of becoming an artist?

What are the challenges that every artist faces? What does it mean, in the end, to be an artist? The book 'Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking' by D. Bayles and T. Orland offers many thought-provoking ideas on the topic. In this two-part episode I will comment on the artist's most relevant creative dilemmas.

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The Artist's Creative Dilemmas (part 1)

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 06 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100

#40 - Part 1 - What stands in the way of becoming an artist? What are the challenges that every artist faces? What does it mean, in the end, to be an artist? The book 'Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking' by D. Bayles and T. Orland offers many thought-provoking ideas on the topic. In this two-part episode I will comment on the artist's most relevant creative dilemmas.

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When Music Portrays Time - The Wait

Alberto L. Ferro — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0100

#39 Time is the essence of music. How does music portray time? It seems that music can draws us in its inner time flow, slow of fast, passionate or contemplative. Today's episode we'll listen and comment a number of pieces by some of the great composers of all time. Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Arvo Part.

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The Process of Creation - Art and Craft in Music

Alberto L. Ferro — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0100

#38 Are musicians like artisans? How do artisans work? Starting from an existing composition (a Chopin Prelude) I guide you through the creative process of an entirely new - and unplanned - short musical work. An opportunity to look at the strategies, the choices, the stumbling-retrying, and the motivations that lead the way towards the creation of a final piece.

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Manuscript in the artwork is by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) - en.wiki, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1410225

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A Tale of Rhythm and Love - The Music of Brazil

Alberto L. Ferro — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0100

#37 Rhythm is the spirit of Brazilian music, it has always been. In today's episode we dive into the origins of the most appreciated musical styles in Brazil (Choro, Bossa Nova, Samba) through the lenses of rhythm. The tune 'Carinhoso' by the master Choro composer Pixinguinha opens the floor for a journey into the vibrant, rhythmic spirit of Brazil.

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J.S.Bach WTClavier: Introducing the Prelude

Alberto L. Ferro — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0100

#36 In today's episode (in depth seminar-series) we continue our journey through the Well Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach, looking this time at the Preludes. With particular focus on the 1st Book, I will introduce the main features of the Prelude as a musical form, investigating how Bach used it to generate a wide variety of styles and techniques.

Previous episodes in the same series:

#25 J.S.Bach, WTClavier: Introduction, Relevance, Cosmology

#13 Music and Architecture: the Bach Example

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The Piano Today - Infiltrations

Alberto L. Ferro — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#35 What drives piano music today? What influences are inspiring and what trajectories are followed by the greatest pianists of now? Today’s musical journey involves the music of some of the most influential artists in piano music, including Brad Mehldau, Vijay Iyer, Tigran, Gerald Clayton.

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Wayne Shorter, Wizard and Visionaire – Infant Eyes

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#34 In today’s episode we immerse ourselves in one of the most well-known compositions by the Jazz legend Wayne Shorter, saxophonist and reference artist for many generations of jazz musicians. The song “Infant Eyes”, from the album “Speak No Evil” is filled with sweetness and poetry: how is it written, how has he accomplished such a jewel?

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The Mystery of 5ths - Harmony Starts Here

Alberto L. Ferro — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#33 In this episode we will immerse ourselves in the fabric of sound, to discover how the rules governing music and harmony are emerging from sound itself. I take musical examples from Beethoven, Bach, and contemporary artists like S. Battaglia and G. Grisey to suggest how the inner architecture of sound informs music.

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Gershwin's Stylistic Genius - Do It Again, George!

Alberto L. Ferro — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#32 – The relevance of Gershwin’s music is hard to overstate: drawing from all musical traditions of his recent past (the America of 19th century) and his contemporary world, Gershwin sets the standard for song composing for a century afterwards. Today we look into a song called ‘Do It Again’, from the musical show A French Doll (1922) as an example of Gershwin’s remarkable musical intuition and richness of style.

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How the Magic is Done. "Calling You" – Bagdad Cafe

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#31 – Today we look into a song and uncover what it is that makes it special. Neither its melody nor its harmony or feel, by themselves are enough: only the combination of all its elements into one elegant artwork can raise a tune into a significant and memorable experience. The song ‘Calling You’ (1987) by the soul/gospel singer Jevetta Steele is a perfect example.

"Calling You", piano solo cover (YouTube watch) Alberto L. Ferro

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The Life of a Song. "Black is the Colour"

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#30 In today’s journey I will track the origins of a tune that has crossed continents and centuries, inspiring generations of artists and allowing us to wonder: where does music come from? Some songs, and "Black is the Colour of My True Love's Hair" is one of them, have a history that shows the powerful yet elusive nature of music, perhaps the reasons why we are so attached to it.

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Be like Water. "Au Bord d’une Source", Franz Liszt

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#29 In today’s episode we discover a little piano masterpiece by the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, called “Au Bord d’une Source” (Beside a Spring). It is a great opportunity for talking about water as a source of inspiration for artists and musicians, a multifaceted symbol of life and energy, an archetype of our human existence.

Au Bord d'une Source, F. Liszt, video by Alberto L. Ferro

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Midwestern Nights Dream: A Tale of Contemplation

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#28 Opening the doors to my Piano Studio today, and welcoming the listeners to join me in discovering a piece by the Jazz Guitar legend Pat Metheny, ‘Midwestern Nights Dream’, from the album ‘Bright Size Life’ (1976). We will investigate the main characteristics of Metheny’s composition, highlighting the cultural influences and the symbolic ideas represented in the music, which ultimately offer a pathway for inspired improvisation.

Cover Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash

Alberto plays Midwestern Nights Dream (video)

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Music is Not in the Sound, but in the Listener’s Ears

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#27 In today’s episode I discuss the special place in history occupied by the Musical Offering (Bach 1747) which offers a perfect case study for the idea that music is not entirely dependent on sound, but rather on the cooperation that music establishes with its listeners. The orchestration that Anton Webern created of this composition demonstrates the role that interpretation has in music, which is sometimes more relevant than the composition itself.

With this episode I want to inaugurate a series of Seminars on important music topics, such as the greatest repertoire ever written, the most significant musical moments in history, particular points in aesthetics and music appreciation, and more.

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Music Across the World: Traveling Through Melodies

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0100

#26 In today’s episode I’ll reflect on the role of music as a vehicle to learn about, appreciate, and indeed travel the world. What can a foreign melody communicate to us? Why do certain songs cross their original cultural boundaries and become popular elsewhere? How come a tune stays in the ears and hearts for generations, travelling through time?

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J.S.Bach WTClavier, Introduction, Relevance, Cosmology

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#25 Introduction, historical relevance and cosmology in Bach’s music and the Well-Tempered Clavier.

(Fugue in C# Major BWV 848, WTC Book I)

With today’s Episode I am inaugurating the first of possibly many Series of episodes united by a musical thread. The Well-Tempered Clavier by Bach is a work of art unique in its kind and a remarkable musical achievement. By looking at one of the Fugues from the first Book (the Well-Tempered Clavier is in two books) I will investigate Bach’s creative style and how his music can be heard as a geometric model of the universe.

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Listening as a child – Music and Imagination

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#24 What was music for you when you were a child? What kind of imagination music triggered then, and why is it important? Thinking about this topic might bring some light into the potentials and limits of music education and shape the way we impart it to the new generations. If music is the place for freedom, joy, creativity, emotional empathy and intellectual development, appreciating its effects on children will inform the way we help them participating with it. Today I will explore the topic.

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Bill Evans’ Vision – Poet of the Piano

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#23 American, pianist and composer Bill Evans was a huge influence on modern jazz, especially due to his polyphonic style of playing and his innovative approach to harmony: today I will look at one of his solo interpretations, ‘A Time for Love’ from the album “Alone” (1970) and point at some of his musical choices. What I find most fascinating about Bill Evans’ creative approach is the way he turns a piano into an orchestra, developing ideas through the entire spectrum of the instrument's expressive possibilities.

Bill Evans, 'A Time for Love' on Spotify

Bill Evans, 'A Time for Love' on AppleMusic

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The Music of Number 3 - Mathematics meets Music

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#22 Music in the Number 3 – Mathematics and Creativity

What is the relationship between Mathematics and Music?

For thousands of years numbers and mathematics have influenced the way we look at nature. Music, as a phenomenon in perfect alignment with the harmony of cosmos, has been often described, explained, and created through mathematical principles. Numbers are used to identify musical intervals (ratios), scales, chords, but also -and interestingly for today’s conversation- are the way we express musical time, counting bars, measures, aggregating and subdividing beats. The number 3 seems to have a special importance…

In the episode I play:

Mozart, Clarinet Concerto K.622. II mov. Adagio

Listen on Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube

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Symbolism in Music – The Evocation Path

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#21 How does the evocative power of music work? Why was Impressionism so revolutionary in music? The relationship between visual art and music is never straightforward, and impressionist music was able to bring evocation and symbolism back to the centre stage of musical expression. Today I will explore the topic through the notes of Debussy (and other composers) and a bit of history of music.

Apple

Debussy, Reflet dans l’eau

Debussy, Pagodes

Spotify

Debussy, Reflet dans l’eau

Debussy, Pagodes

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Improvisation vs Composition: a practical matter

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0100

#20 The distinction between composing and improvising might seem obvious, but at closer look it blurs in the creative process of making music. What does a composer like Stravinsky have in common with a jazz performer? When does an improvised idea become a composition, and from a creative perspective, is there anything behind the notes one plays, or write?

Listen to my improvisation: “Rough Edges: Improvisations”, 2023

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Ep. 19 - Vibrations of Genius: Beethoven’s Musical Revolution - Piano Sonata op.22

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Today I’ll explore some fundamental aspects of Beethoven’s music through one of his early-mid works, the Sonata in B-flat op. 22. The revolution operated by the composer is about the power of sound as vehicle for carrying energy and tension: his masterful command over the musical form has transformed the way we enjoy and create music, from his contemporaries to today’s listeners.

L.v.Beethoven Sonata No. 11 in B-Flat op. 22

AppleMusic

Spotify

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Ep. 18 - A Statement – John Coltrane and ‘My Favorite Things’

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

How does a delightful nursery rhyme from the classic movie “The Sound of Music” transform into an historic jazz recording, and why? In the hands of John Coltrane, possibly the most influential saxophonist in jazz history, the famous song ‘My Favorite Things’ becomes the opportunity for a artistic statement that transcends the technical and the musical in order to inspire social change.

The recordings I mention in this episode:

AppleMusic My Favorite Things (studio)

AppleMusic My Favorite Things (live)

Spotify My Favorite Things (studio)

Spotify My Favorite Things (live)

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Ep. 17 - Directions – Thoughts on Musical Creativity

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Sharing some ideas on creativity: thoughts coming from practice and teaching music, quotes from different sources, ideas that have touched my mind and slowly worked their way to the heart.

Today I am freely elaborating on what it means for me to be creative musically.

Michelangelo's Prisoners or Slaves

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Ep. 16 - Making Jazz - An Inside Look

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

I’m opening the door to my practice room, showing and commenting on what happens when I work on Jazz creativity and improvisation.

I take two famous jazz compositions from the standards repertoire, one by Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker, historical figure in be-bop saxophone improvisation, the other by Duke ‘The Duke’ Ellington, quintessential figure in jazz history.

You can listen the two pieces in their original version here:

FIRST TUNE

SECOND TUNE

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Ep. 15 - Pressure - The Challenges of Performance

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0100

An episode designed for music practitioners, players of all levels and age, who have their questions regarding performance anxiety, what it is, why it matters, and how to deal with it. I will elaborate on the different types of pressures we feel with regards to music, and give a few ideas to confront it.

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Ep. 14 - Diving into the Past - Ravel's Minuet

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Maurice Ravel’s attitude towards the past can inspire us to look at the present with very different eyes. In ‘Le Tombeau de Couperin’ the French composer transports our imagination to a forgotten world of beauty and taste, allowing us to wonder: what is the meaning of beauty? And, is beauty just an appearance?

In today’s episode I will focus on the Minuet from the Suite for piano ‘Le Tombeau de Couperin’ trying to connect the dots on why for some of us might be important to look at the past, particularly a classical one.

Minuet, Orchestra version by the composer: https://open.spotify.com/track/0rrr1sLi7PAssbtr99xLTE?si=1c00b24dae624b20

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Ep. 13 – Music and Architecture - The Bach Example

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0100

With the help of Bach I will introduce and discuss aspects of music that are relatable to Architecture, particularly the visual experience of space, colour, and time. A Fugue is an example of how a composer uses the acoustic space and time to effectively broadcast an artistic message (in Bach’s case, a religious one), tapping directly into our own imagination, inspiring contemplation.

Here is the recording mentioned: J.S. Bach, Prelude and Fugue in Eb minor n. 8, BVW 853, from Well Tempered Klavier Book I, performed by Sviatoslav Richter

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Ep. 12 – Everything is Connected – The Power of Music

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode I will pick and comment on some insightful quotes about music by the world class Pianist and Conductor Daniel Barenboim.

The book where I read from is entitled “Everything is Connected; the Power of Music” (link below).

The conversation today moves around the nature of music, its role and importance for human development, the challenges of learning and performing music. I hope you enjoy!

“Everything is Connected: the Power of Music”, by D. Barenboim, 2010: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Everything_Is_Connected/Ev--_diOSdQC?hl=en&gbpv=0

“The Game of Playing”: https://www.albertoferro.com/the-game-of-playing

All musical excerpts are from the Well Tempered Klavier Book I, by J.S.Bach.

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation. It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Support Where is the Music Podcast by donating your preferred amount through Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=94739340

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 11 - The Inner World of a Pianist - ‘The Piano’ 1992 Movie Soundtrack

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0100

This episode opens the floor to movie soundtracks: the compositions that Michael Nyman wrote for ‘The Piano’ in 1992 are today still in the ears and hearts of the public, particularly the pianists. I offer my thoughts on why this music is so powerful and talk about some of the symbolic and technical dimensions emerging from the two most known pieces, ‘The Heart Asks Pleasure First’, and ‘Big My Secret’.

'The Piano' Soundtrack: https://open.spotify.com/album/2QxIR22Sj9xGc4mOTN550A?si=xddufoQ6Sp6mLsQDKyXHKw

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation. It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Support Where is the Music Podcast by donating your preferred amount through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=94739340

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 10 – Human, too human. Music and Poetry in Mozart.

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode I talk about the ways in which music can communicate human emotions through its relationship with language and poetry. Mozart was one of most successful composer when it comes to inform music with poetic devices, from the expressivity of a melody to the inner rhythm of a phrase.

The relationship between music and literary forms goes a long way and there would be too much to say: today I show a few ideas borrowing from Mozart’s piano repertoire.

Mozart, Sonata in G, K283, Mov. II Andante

https://open.spotify.com/track/4PqYpdfFs0d5ut23q5TSyw?si=f86ae6eb39ef4b0e

Support Where is the Music Podcast by donating your

preferred amount through Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=94739340

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical

investigation. It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 9 - Rock is Dead, but Jazz lives on. Thoughts on music Genres.

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode I will discuss different music genres (Rock, Pop, Jazz and Classical), trying to shed some light on what it is exactly that defines each: I will talk about their technical features, style, culture, and aesthetics.

The related blog article is available on the website:

https://www.albertoferro.com/rock-is-dead

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Support Where is the Music Podcast by donating your preferred amount through Patreon: patreon.com/user?u=94739340

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 8 – The Art of Michel Petrucciani

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode I will introduce you to the art of the great Jazz Pianist Michel Petrucciani, by talking about his style and by playing some of his works. What makes Petrucciani’s music so unique, relevant, touching, and at once so approachable?

Suggested listenings:

M. Petrucciani, Solo Live https://open.spotify.com/album/1UIR4gtN8IGdLQpcXPCJCO?si=29ydLqqqRK2wGBnt3i7LXQ

M. Petrucciani, Trio in Tokio https://open.spotify.com/album/6dQjlJvbdJeC5I702zPCo3?si=mNQO7HnESrqfjiguGfA7PA

M. Petrucciani, Conférence de Presse Vol. 1 https://open.spotify.com/album/5i8LJm3BfM4LARYL5zSZkH?si=PJ91UJezRLyb0VCJjQdWMw

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Support Where is the Music Podcast by donating your preferred amount through Patreon:

patreon.com/user?u=94739340

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 7 – Sound is Fundamental, Music is Emergent – ‘Fratres’, by Arvo Pärt

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Musical analysis and investigation on the meaning of a true masterpiece of the 20th century. ‘Fratres’ represents a moment of dialogue between profound intellectualism and genuine emotionality, a rare case of Contemporary Art Music that speaks straightforwardly and without filters to the listener.

Why is this piece so meaningful? How come it connects with us in such a deep, almost metaphysical way?

The key is in the notes. I will offer an interpretation that takes from the score and integrates music with physics and geometry.

Link to Fratres, by Arvo Part, for Piano and Violin, performed by G. Kremer and K. Jarrett

https://open.spotify.com/track/1gRJOkMPSNUddnnfb0g2fF?si=dff7eccab767412a

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 6 - What is a Theme?

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Ep. 6 – What is a Theme?

Themes are very important in music: by pointing at a musical element, the term 'theme' describes the way in which (some) music comes into being and gives meaning to the creative process.

This episode starts by investigating the concept of Theme in music, with special reference to the classical composers (Beethoven in particular) whose work relates with it more significantly. In the second part I will question how the concept of Theme applies to modern music and whether it helps us appreciating it.

Here are the links to the compositions cited in the Podcast.

Beethoven, Sonata op.2 n.3, Allegro con brio (Brendel) https://open.spotify.com/track/2Ekwi8IfYRW9ckANfct6O3?si=7a9e11ad829846fe

Beethoven, Sonata op.10 n.3, Presto (Pollini) https://open.spotify.com/track/7rDHlgq58Dx4okXdKqKZ5d?si=1da2e460f1ea41a3

Beethoven, Sonata op.31 n.3, Allegro (Lortie) https://open.spotify.com/track/6Qh0eS9LyLcf2MEC1lSMgq?si=3ac04b16b68f400f

Bach, Italian Concerto, Andante (Schiff) https://open.spotify.com/track/6cOgvlORhWDipdm72Sc9hj?si=e227ec29a6f84f79

Haydn, Sonata n.46 in Ab, Allegro moderato (Pogorelich) https://open.spotify.com/track/36HoyJ2YWdOZbL0wrmHDLX?si=9d3dcaf2c3ee4a4d

Calling you, Jevetta Steele https://open.spotify.com/track/0TwsjNAtErKrdFImpIg9To?si=3f392d94cc76453a

Mack the Knife, Louis Armstrong https://open.spotify.com/track/0RNxWy0PC3AyH4ThH3aGK6?si=297dfb3c1bea4fb1

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

And Google Podcasts.

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 5 - J.S.Bach, Toccata in C minor – The Evocative Power of Musical Symbolism

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode I will play and talk about this monumental piece for solo keyboard. I will discuss about Bach’s approach to composition and the form of the Toccata, touching on the aesthetic gaps between the language of High Baroque and our modern ears, giving examples of the Bach’s use of evocative symbolism to access a spiritual dimension.

In the end I will perform the Toccata. Hope you enjoy!

Bach, C Minor Toccata performed by M. Argerich: https://open.spotify.com/track/2Gc2SC2dx4Hey553o7fFTb?si=b58bd0d7312b4e15

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN https://tunein.com/podcasts/Music-Podcasts/Where-is-the-Music-p3735203/

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 4 - Chopin, Mazurka in C# minor, ‘Maestoso’ Op. 41 n. 4

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 29 May 2023 12:00:00 +0100

Mazurkas represent the pinnacle of Chopin style and a special opportunity for expressing his personal feelings towards life, time, and his country. In this episode I will investigate a Mazurka and gather insights into Chopin’s whole poetic world, richness of craft and depth of artistry.

After going into details, I will perform the Mazurka.

Here a recording by the great pianist Stanislav Bunin: https://open.spotify.com/track/5V1a46tfY5VsWJfpcFDTbG?si=de729e1bc8c445a3

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 3 – Music in the age of overabundance

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 22 May 2023 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode I discuss the various challenges that technology and its potential pose to our personal musical fulfilment. How to deal with the unlimited creative possibilities of our time and age?

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 2 - The Art of Harmonic Storytelling - Dolphin Dance, by H. Hancock

Alberto L. Ferro — Mon, 15 May 2023 12:00:00 +0100

What is harmony in music, if not a way to playfully interact with the tensions and expectations intrinsic in music?

In this episode I dive deep into the harmony of 'Dolphin Dance', one of the most famous standards of modern Jazz. I show how Herbie Hancock's choice of chords delineates a unique, playful journey, perfect for letting our ideas run free.

The challenge is to talk about chords without mentioning chords, about harmony without mentioning harmonic functions. Yeah.

Here is Hancock performing it live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3WXPd6_IuA

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical investigation.

It is available on all major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

YOUTUBE https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqRrwZuZFOqwXI4pJurmVn8NvXFD_Wr52

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Ep. 1 - Melody, ladies & gentlemen. - Mendelssohn, Op.62 n.1

Alberto L. Ferro — Tue, 09 May 2023 11:45:00 +0100

"Andante Espressivo", from Songs without Words, op.62 n.1, by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy.

A few reflections on the nature of a melody, taking this piece as an example of how to make meaningful music with a simple melody.

You can listen to a beautiful rendition here:

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/track/2GkpHh9kMSsEdsdS110ha9?si=5d5b3063e2d44594

Itunes https://music.apple.com/us/album/lieder-ohne-worte-op-62-no-1-andante-espressivo-in/1550212267?i=1550212659

Where is the Music Podcast is the home of musical

investigation. It is available on all the major platforms:

SPOTIFY https://open.spotify.com/show/1kBBFkibFPLXPG7xPT39Sd

APPLE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-is-the-music/id1686494630

TUNEIN http://tun.in/ptYNh

Links to my work:

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU

Episode 0 - Can we talk about music?

Alberto L. Ferro — Thu, 04 May 2023 16:30:00 +0100

Welcome to the Where is the Music Podcast!

I am your host, Alberto, italian composer, jazz and classical pianist.

Today a new adventure into Music begins: inspired by the infinite depth of musical meanings, and the many conversations I had throughout years with artists, musicians, teachers, and students, I decided to share, out in the open, the ideas I encountered in this life-long journey of being a musician.

I will be talking about music, but also about everything surrounding the world of music: art, culture, creativity, expression, performance, education, musical development, but also repertoire, styles, a bit of philosophy of music and, of course, the deep meanings of music.

But first, we need to address the most relevant question of all: Where is the Music?

Music, concerts and blog: https://www.albertoferro.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSwjhqixWMo4Fs-qwQM9BPA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alberto.l.ferro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alberto.l.ferro

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hBpLXGCZigUh0wForJFiU