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Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I popped to Prague and it was alive with the sound of music
Marion Ainge pops to the stunning city of Prague for a cultural reset Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From an open window, we hear a tinkling piano accompanying the voice of a soprano practising her musical scales. On Prague's famous Charles Bridge, a lively jazz quartet entertains. And at legendary composer Dvorak's former home, in Nelahozeves, we're surrounded by the sounds of his internationally renowned New World Symphony which fills every room. In 1969, Neil Armstrong, commander of the Apollo 11 spaceship and first man on the moon, took a cassette recording of this symphony, composed in the United States, on his epic mission. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The rooftops of Prague | Marion Ainge It's around two hours by EasyJet airline from northern UK airports to Prague, known as the city of 1,000 spires. Situated in the heart of Czechia, the blend of music, history, culture and gastronomy attracts around eight million visitors every year. Aria Hotel garden | Marion Ainge Our base is the luxurious, aptly named-5-star boutique Hotel Aria sited in the Old Town, just minutes from Charles Bridge. Rooms are dedicated to a specific style of music, artist or composer and there are other musical touches - the top of the bar counter is designed to resemble a piano keyboard. The exquisite, Baroque-themed Unesco Heritage garden is a favourite setting for the most romantic of wedding photographs. Breakfast at the Hotel Aria is a symphony of delights! I manage to resist the creamy pastries to choose a bowl of sweet, fresh strawberries and a truffle oil omelet. The building of one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the Medieval, stone-arched Charles Bridge began in 1357 during the reign of King Charles lV and was completed in the early 15th century. At 516 metres long and almost 10 metres wide, it crosses the River Vltava from the Old Town to the castle, features 30 stone statues and is bordered by two towers. Pedestrianised, it's always buzzing with two-way walkers and is full of activity with musicians, street entertainers, stalls, painters and artists. In the city, it's also worth seeing the psychedelic, colour-splashed John Lennon Wall; Devil's Canal also known as Little Prague Venice and the London-themed pub, complete with red telephone box. Beethoven and Mozart are listed among the city's most famous visitors over the years. The Bedrich Smetana Museum, within a neo-Renaissance building on the river banks, explores the life and works of one of the most influential Czech composers. The top of the Old Town Hall Gothic tower affords panoramic views of the city and houses the famous Astronomical Clock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brno main square | Marion Ainge A two-hour journey takes us to Brno in south Moravia, a university city which boasts a vibrant gastronomy scene with trendy coffee shops and bars. In the great composer Janacek's former house, now a memorial, a violinist plays a selection of Janacek's 15 famous folk songs. This Brno is a very different one from the memory I have of a visit with one of my sons many years ago. It was Bastille Day when we came across husband and wife French patriots clad in late 17th century blue, white and red costumes, who carried a large French flag on a pole. They were celebrating the historical turning point of the French Revolution. Our newfound friends spoke no English, but in a moody cavern bar, the language barrier was crossed with mother and son's limited French. Czech liqueur, Becherovka helped us along as we waved the French flag. In the historic town of Jihlava, an exhibition tour in Gustav Mahler's house follows the world-famous composer's life and work in his childhood home. We taste a shot with a kick of Mahlerovka, a Bohemian herbal liqueur, fragrant with linden blossom, which dates back to 1861 when the original recipe was created by Mahler's father Bernard. One of the most authentic dishes is Svickova, (tenderloin) or traditionally beef topside is served with cream-based vegetable sauce and dumplings. However, we enjoy lunch at the renowned 420 restaurant, situated in the oldest Prague square, where Czech cuisine, presented in an creative way with a difference, is designed by Michelin-starred chef, Radek Kasparek. Set within a former palace, the extraordinary interior design combines urban style with grandeur. Dishes are inspired works of art which taste incredible, but don't expect your chosen plate to look like anything you imagine. This is the surprise element. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern | Marion Ainge Our musical treats include a contemporary classical concert by the Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern 1 in the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which is a leading venue for innovative culture and performance. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to classical music, but I'm open-minded about this new, avant garde musical experience. Following the last note, the orchestra and conductor receive rapturous applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience, who cheer and whoop, bringing the conductor back on stage several times for additional adulation. My favourite memory of this incredible musical journey is of the heart-warming, open air Prague Spring Teen annual family festival concert within the flower-filled grounds of the St Agnes, Monastery, a 13th century convent and gallery in Prague, on a balmy evening This event is the culmination of a festival day featuring crazy games and activities aimed at youngsters and families. The professional vocalists' selection of popular songs pleases adults and young ones alike. Everyone joins in the dynamic finale, which features the whole cast. Young children run up to jostle and jiggle about alongside the stage, singing loudly and playing 'instruments' they made in the workshops. I still have the song in my head! Find out more:
Scotsman
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I popped to Prague and it was alive with the sound of music
Marion Ainge pops to the stunning city of Prague for a cultural reset Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... From an open window, we hear a tinkling piano accompanying the voice of a soprano practising her musical scales. On Prague's famous Charles Bridge, a lively jazz quartet entertains. And at legendary composer Dvorak's former home, in Nelahozeves, we're surrounded by the sounds of his internationally renowned New World Symphony which fills every room. In 1969, Neil Armstrong, commander of the Apollo 11 spaceship and first man on the moon, took a cassette recording of this symphony, composed in the United States, on his epic mission. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The rooftops of Prague | Marion Ainge It's around two hours by EasyJet airline from northern UK airports to Prague, known as the city of 1,000 spires. Situated in the heart of Czechia, the blend of music, history, culture and gastronomy attracts around eight million visitors every year. Aria Hotel garden | Marion Ainge Our base is the luxurious, aptly named-5-star boutique Hotel Aria sited in the Old Town, just minutes from Charles Bridge. Rooms are dedicated to a specific style of music, artist or composer and there are other musical touches - the top of the bar counter is designed to resemble a piano keyboard. The exquisite, Baroque-themed Unesco Heritage garden is a favourite setting for the most romantic of wedding photographs. Breakfast at the Hotel Aria is a symphony of delights! I manage to resist the creamy pastries to choose a bowl of sweet, fresh strawberries and a truffle oil omelet. The building of one of the oldest bridges in Europe, the Medieval, stone-arched Charles Bridge began in 1357 during the reign of King Charles lV and was completed in the early 15th century. At 516 metres long and almost 10 metres wide, it crosses the River Vltava from the Old Town to the castle, features 30 stone statues and is bordered by two towers. Pedestrianised, it's always buzzing with two-way walkers and is full of activity with musicians, street entertainers, stalls, painters and artists. In the city, it's also worth seeing the psychedelic, colour-splashed John Lennon Wall; Devil's Canal also known as Little Prague Venice and the London-themed pub, complete with red telephone box. Beethoven and Mozart are listed among the city's most famous visitors over the years. The Bedrich Smetana Museum, within a neo-Renaissance building on the river banks, explores the life and works of one of the most influential Czech composers. The top of the Old Town Hall Gothic tower affords panoramic views of the city and houses the famous Astronomical Clock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Brno main square | Marion Ainge A two-hour journey takes us to Brno in south Moravia, a university city which boasts a vibrant gastronomy scene with trendy coffee shops and bars. In the great composer Janacek's former house, now a memorial, a violinist plays a selection of Janacek's 15 famous folk songs. This Brno is a very different one from the memory I have of a visit with one of my sons many years ago. It was Bastille Day when we came across husband and wife French patriots clad in late 17th century blue, white and red costumes, who carried a large French flag on a pole. They were celebrating the historical turning point of the French Revolution. Our newfound friends spoke no English, but in a moody cavern bar, the language barrier was crossed with mother and son's limited French. Czech liqueur, Becherovka helped us along as we waved the French flag. In the historic town of Jihlava, an exhibition tour in Gustav Mahler's house follows the world-famous composer's life and work in his childhood home. We taste a shot with a kick of Mahlerovka, a Bohemian herbal liqueur, fragrant with linden blossom, which dates back to 1861 when the original recipe was created by Mahler's father Bernard. One of the most authentic dishes is Svickova, (tenderloin) or traditionally beef topside is served with cream-based vegetable sauce and dumplings. However, we enjoy lunch at the renowned 420 restaurant, situated in the oldest Prague square, where Czech cuisine, presented in an creative way with a difference, is designed by Michelin-starred chef, Radek Kasparek. Set within a former palace, the extraordinary interior design combines urban style with grandeur. Dishes are inspired works of art which taste incredible, but don't expect your chosen plate to look like anything you imagine. This is the surprise element. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern | Marion Ainge Our musical treats include a contemporary classical concert by the Prague Offspring Ensemble Modern 1 in the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, which is a leading venue for innovative culture and performance. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to classical music, but I'm open-minded about this new, avant garde musical experience. Following the last note, the orchestra and conductor receive rapturous applause and a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience, who cheer and whoop, bringing the conductor back on stage several times for additional adulation. My favourite memory of this incredible musical journey is of the heart-warming, open air Prague Spring Teen annual family festival concert within the flower-filled grounds of the St Agnes, Monastery, a 13th century convent and gallery in Prague, on a balmy evening This event is the culmination of a festival day featuring crazy games and activities aimed at youngsters and families. The professional vocalists' selection of popular songs pleases adults and young ones alike. Everyone joins in the dynamic finale, which features the whole cast. Young children run up to jostle and jiggle about alongside the stage, singing loudly and playing 'instruments' they made in the workshops. I still have the song in my head!
1News
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 1News
Jaws turns 50: how two musical notes terrified an entire generation
Our experience of the world often involves hearing our environment before seeing it. Whether it's the sound of something moving through nearby water, or the rustling of vegetation, our fear of the unseen is rooted in our survival instincts as a species. Alison Cole, a composer and lecturer at University of Sydney, breaks down what makes the soundtrack so chilling. Cinematic sound and music taps into these somewhat unsettling instincts – and this is exactly what director Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams achieved in the iconic 1975 thriller Jaws. The sound design and musical score work in tandem to confront the audience with a mysterious killer animal. In what is arguably the film's most iconic scene, featuring beach swimmers' legs flailing underwater, the shark remains largely unseen – yet the sound perfectly conveys the threat at large. Creating tension in a soundtrack Film composers aim to create soundscapes that will profoundly move and influence their audience. And they express these intentions through the use of musical elements such as rhythm, harmony, tempo, form, dynamics, melody and texture. ADVERTISEMENT This image released by Peacock shows cinematographer Bill Butler, standing, and director Steven Spielberg during the filming of "Jaws." (Source: Associated Press) In Jaws, the initial encounter with the shark opens innocently with the sound of an offshore buoy and its clanging bell. The scene is established both musically and atmospherically to evoke a sense of isolation for the two characters enjoying a late-night swim on an empty beach. But once we hear the the low strings, followed by the central two-note motif played on a tuba, we know something sinister is afoot. This compositional technique of alternating between two notes at an increasing speed has long been employed by composers, including by Antonín Dvořák in his 1893 work New World Symphony. John Williams reportedly used six basses, eight cellos, four trombones and a tuba to create the blend of low frequencies that would go on to define his entire Jaws score. The bass instruments emphasise the lower end of the musical frequency spectrum, evoking a dark timbre that conveys depth, power and intensity. String players can use various bowing techniques, such as staccato and marcato, to deliver dark and even menacing tones, especially in the lower registers. This image released by Peacock shows Roy Scheider in a scene from Jaws. (Source: Associated Press) ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, there is a marked absence of tonality in the repeating E–F notes, played with increasing speed on the tuba. Coupled with the intensifying dynamics in the instrumental blend, this accelerating two-note motif signals the looming danger before we even see it – tapping into our instinctive fear of the unknown. The use of the two-note motif and lower-end orchestration characterises a composition style that aims to unsettle and disorientate the audience. Another example of this style can be heard in Bernard Herrmann's car crash scene audio in North by Northwest (1959). Similarly, in Sergei Prokofiev's Scythian Suite, the opening of the second movement (Dance of the Pagan Gods) uses an alternating D#–E motif. The elasticity of Williams' motif allows the two notes to be played on different instruments throughout the soundtrack, exploring various timbral possibilities to induce a kaleidoscope of fear, panic and dread. The psychology behind our response What is it that makes the Jaws soundtrack so psychologically confronting, even without the visuals? Music scholars have various theories. Some suggest the two notes imitate the sound of human respiration, while others have proposed the theme evokes the heartbeat of a shark. Williams explained his approach in an interview with the Los Angeles Times: ADVERTISEMENT "I fiddled around with the idea of creating something that was very… brainless. Meaning something could be very repetitious, very visceral, and grab you in your gut, not in your brain. It could be something you could play very softly, which would indicate that the shark is far away when all you see is water. Brainless music that gets louder and gets closer to you, something is gonna swallow you up." Williams plays with the audience's emotions throughout the film's score, culminating in the scene Man Against Beast – a celebration of thematic development and heightened orchestration. The film's iconic soundtrack has created a legacy that extends beyond the visual. And this suggests the score isn't just a soundtrack – but a character in its own right. By using music to reveal what is hidden, Williams creates an intense emotional experience rife with anticipation and tension. The score's two-note motif showcases his genius – and serves as a sonic shorthand that has kept a generation behind the breakers of every beach. Author: Alison Cole is a Composer and Lecturer in Screen Composition, Sydney Conservatorium of Music at the University of Sydney This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jean-Michel Jarre to release Live In Bratislava in September
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. French keyboard wizard Jean-Michel Jarre has announced that he will release a new live album, Live In Bratislava, through Sony Music Enetertainment on September 5. It's a recoding of his historic open-air Bridge From The Future concert, performed on May 12, 2024 in Slovakia, along the banks of the Danube, to over 100,000 people, where he was joined by Queen guitarist Brian May. The full 22-track performance is available across a range of deluxe formats, including an unseen Director's Cut of the concert film, remastered audio, exclusive vinyl, and a 40-page coffee table photo book documenting this once-in-a-lifetime production. 'Since that very special night in Bratislava, we've worked with a brilliant creative team to bring together the most complete, cinematic version of the concert possible," Jarre says. "The sound on this release comes from the live TV broadcast of the concert, capturing the raw, in-the-moment energy of the performance. I'm proud to finally share this with everyone. Not only those who joined us in Slovakia or watched online, but all who want to relive the experience." It was Jarre's first ever collaboration with Brian May, who joined him on stage for a new arrangement of Dvořák's New World Symphony as well as newly adapted works Bratislava Time and Rendez-vous Bratislava. Live In Bratislava will be released as a 2 CD set, a Blu-ray featuring the unseen Director's Cut and the Ultimate Colector's Box, which features the 2 x CD, Blu-ray and a 10" blue vinyl featuring the unreleased track Bridge From The Future, performed as the audience arrived, as well as a deluxe 40-page coffee table photo book with behind-the-scenes and performance images. Jarre recently announced his very first European tour for nine years for June and July 2026. Pre-order Live In Bratislava.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bemidji Symphony hosts educational concert for area students
Mar. 28—BEMIDJI — Hundreds of fourth and fifth graders flooded the Bemidji High School Auditorium on Friday for a special performance by the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. The free, educational concert completed the final stage of a three-part project funded by a Minnesota State Arts Board grant, which also involved the BSO conducting visits at around a dozen area schools along with virtual follow-ups. According to Bemidji Symphony Executive Director Katey Lutz, the first portion of the project included a small ensemble of BSO musicians and Music Director Beverly Everett visiting 12 area schools back in October and November to perform a short concert and educate students on varying instruments and musicians' roles in an orchestra. The participating schools included Gene Dillon Elementary, St. Philip's Catholic School and St. Mark School in Bemidji, along with Blackduck, Kelliher, Northome, Red Lake, Laporte, Heartland Lakes, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Park Rapids Century and St. Mary's. Everett then followed up with interested schools via Zoom in January and February, with each session lasting about 30-40 minutes. "In these virtual follow-up sessions, the students learned from Beverly Everett about the conductor's role, practiced a basic conducting pattern, discussed how math, science and history are used in conducting and allowed time for student questions," Lutz explained. As an exciting conclusion to the project, the schools were then offered a chance to see the orchestra perform live, with a travel stipend through the grant helping to offset their busing expenses. In attendance on Friday were around a thousand fourth and fifth graders from Gene Dillon Elementary, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School, Heartland Lakes, Laporte, Park Rapids, Red Lake, St. Mary's, Blackduck, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Northome, St. Philip's and St. Mark. To kick things off, members of the Bemidji High School orchestra, led by Seth Freundschuh, performed a piece along with several solo acts from students on various instruments to help the children become more familiar with different techniques and styles of music. Members of the Bemidji Symphony then joined the high school musicians onstage to perform alongside them, highlighting a few pieces that will be played during their upcoming concert on Sunday, which will also include the mambo movement from "West Side Story" and Dvořák's "New World Symphony" with the BHS orchestra just as it did on Friday. Lead percussionist Eric Sundeen even showcased some of his talents front-and-center for the youngsters on the marimba, which was followed by a hearty round of applause and cheers from the student-filled audience. Before the grand finale of the morning's concert, Everett thanked the members of the BSO staff and musicians for their help in bringing the project to life and for the area school's participation. "We have board members and our Executive Director Katey Lutz who are here today, along with a lot of volunteers," Everett said. "We also have a very special person playing in the orchestra, and that is Katrina Stewart, playing flute. She was the person who coordinated all this, so we're greatly appreciative of her and everyone who made all of this happen." Everett then thanked Freundschuh and the BHS students for their involvement before eventually introducing the Dvořák piece. "So this final selection we didn't play for you in the fall, but it's what's called the fourth movement of the Dvořák 'New World Symphony,'" she explained to the students. "It's fiery, it's exciting, and it's maybe a little bit longer than some of the other pieces that we've played today. And we're really excited that students from BHS have come in to join us and literally sit side-by-side with our musicians. So thank you again to your teachers and principals who allowed you to be here today." For those interested in attending the symphony's upcoming concert, it is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, in the BHS Auditorium. The cost is $27 for adults, $22 for seniors 62 and older, $10 for college students with ID, and free for K-12 students. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Lueken's Village Foods North and South and Same-day tickets may be purchased at the concert if capacity allows.
