Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) was a contemporary of Bach, Vivaldi and Handel and was one of the most prolific of all composers, having penned (at last count) over 3,000 compositions of many different types, sizes and styles.

It is reported that in his lifetime he was just as celebrated and popular as the other three Baroque giants.

Here is one of his simpler works to open the Bar in a gentle, classical manner. This is from "Essential Keyboard Repertoire, Vol. 1" from Alfred.

Minuet in G

JF

John,

Well done. Nice and light with very good control to a smooth finish. An excellent beginning to the February bar.

Andy

Sweet! Delicately rendered John.

JF, it is a joyful piece very well played with subtle touch.

Bar already opened this early morning ?(or is it late night ?) Due to the ABF recital next door, I did not have any new piece for the bar. This one I recorded months ago, but I don't think I have posted it yet.

At Sundown(original)

TB

TB,

That was a very beautiful theme. It has kind of a Spanish flavor which I really like. It could easily be made into a classical guitar piece - that's sort of the image I had while listening. Really nice.

Andy

John Frank - Very Nice! Did you change the settings on your Clavinova? In addition to your excellent playing this recording has a richer, deeper tone quality. Well done.

John,
That was a very nicely executed piece, a fine rendition, indeed!

TB,
Enjoyable composition, good chord changes and a nice melody to accommodate the descending baseline theme.

Glen

TB - This is a nice composition. Your melodies seem to have a wistful, melancholy feel that I like very much.

This will be my one contribution of the month. I know some of you have heard this before, I've tried recording it a couple of times and ended up being so dissatisfied I pulled it off. It's a song about my father, who passed away last year, and for what ever reason I just can't seem to sing it the way I want. This time I really like the piano accompaniment and the video but, once again, don't like the way I sang it. (My wife thinks I get especially tense when I sing it...). Anyway... I give up. This is up on youtube to sink or swim on it's own..

Great job on that piece. I had never heard of Telemann before, but he sounds like an interesting character.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telemann



I enjoyed that!

Both, thanks for sharing!

John, nice job on the Telemann!

Peyton,
Your tune flys right, emotion and dynamics are perfect. The fact you describe why you wrote it provides even deeper meaning to what one hears in your wonderfully written and performed composition.

Thank you for that

Glen

I put this together as an exercise to familiarize myself with common guitar chords on the piano. Chords are Em, G, C, D, & Am (I think!)

Ben,
Very nice to watch your hands work as you create!

Glen

Peyton - I remember this song from the first time you posted it. It was one of my favorites of yours then and still is. Excellent composition and performance.

Ah Peyton - I thought this was wonderful. There are a few places your voice wavers. It's only natural. We all carry emotions in our throats. Thankyou for explaining why you wrote the song.

Me too.

I really liked your video, too; the fading in and out of the different angles was extremely effective!

Thanks Glen, Bill, TLT and Monica... I don't usually get so nervous about a "performance". Hey, we're all just amateurs here but for what ever reason I really wanted to put my best foot forward on this tune and just can't seem to do it. I can't seem to sing it like I normally do. (One lesson learned is to listen off the headphones as well as on.. with headphones on it seemed better.) Monica, I just discovered the "Ken Burns" effect in imovie and love it. It's the next best thing to having a second camera (something I wish I had).

Peyton,

Your song was exceptional on all levels. The accompaniment to the lyric was supportive and not overwhelming. Your singing was as it should be, heartfelt. I thought the words were very powerful expecially the title where "judging distances" can be a metaphor for how we interact in our relationships. As we have all expereienced personal losses they can be devastating until we look back and celebrate the totality of our loved ones. I'm sorry for the loss of your father.

Andy

Ben,

That was a very interesting exercise. There were some hints there of several composers. I thought I heard a little Yann Thiersen in the beginning. This for me is a great way to warm up during a practice session. Choose some chords and just let it loose. You developed some good ideas.

Andy

JohnFrank, nice job on the Telemann piece. I'm not too familiar with his work, but he sounds like a more melodic Bach. (A sentiment that would probably cause great consternation over in the Pianist Corner, but I call them as I see them... )

BenPiano - Sounds like you have these chords down. You seem to be moving around the keyboard with confidence.

TrueBeginner, that was another lovely composition from you. I think the title suits it well.

Ben, the term "exercise" doesn't do justice to your piece. Exercises are boring. Your piece was not. Very pretty; I like the chord progressions. And I had to chuckle at the title screen to your video.

Thanks, Andy. I used to really enjoy just strumming on the guitar and humming a melody along. The chords came naturally and without thought because I had been playing for so long. I'd like to do this on piano, but play a right hand melody instead of humming, and like you say, just let loose. But nothing is near automatic or natural yet. Hope to get there someday.

Now off to google Yann Thiersen.

ETA: Thanks Bill and Monica, glad I could make you laugh.

My February Piano Bar submission is a piano vocal of a song written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. It was first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released as a single in 1968.

Bill and Peyton, your ability to play and sing together is amazing. These powerful songs serve an excellent start for February's Bar.

Ben wrote:

Now off to google Yann Thiersen.



Ben,

I think "Comptine d'un Autre Ete - l'apres midi" is a popular one you'll find on Toutube. I spelled his name wrong, I think it's Tiersen.

Andy

Bill,

I really enjoyed that. A real memory maker. I liked the setting you selected on your piano, it fit very well with the song. Your vocal style is great, nothing forced and very relaxed.

Andy

Here's my submission!
hearts and soul piano solo

mp3: http://www.box.net/shared/u4k2qqbt0c
vid: http://s821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139...artandSouls.flv

Ladypayne,

That was very cool. I've never heard that played as a solo. You gave it a lot of character and took it beyond a kid's duet. Very enjoyable.

Andy

Bill,
That was simply fantastic. You have a wonderfully versatile voice and your accompaniment is outstanding! I could listen to you all day


Ladypayne,
I'd not heard a full arrangement of that piece until now. You did a wonderful job! It is great to watch your hands on the keyboard.


Glen

ladypayne - I have never heard the intro to this piece before. Very nice - the song always reminds me of the movie "Big".

Bill ~ One of my favourite songs, & you did such a great job of it. btw, it was also a big part of the soundtrack of the movie Good Morning Vietnam.

Lady Payne ~ Wow! I never guessed Heart & Soul could sound like real music!

b528 - what a wonderful song! One of my all-time favourites!

you can make any simple even annoying songs sound like 'music' so to speak if you put enough.. How should I say it, heart and soul in it hehe?

John - I love baroque music, so I really enjoyed your submission to this month's Piano bar. Nicely played.

TB - Nice composition. I like the change at 1:07.

Peyton - Bravo. Your song is very nice piece of music, full of emotions.

Ben - I've already posted comment on your video at youtube. Nicely played. I wouldn't mention that, because I wasn't really sure, but now that Manndrew pointed it out, I've heard a little of Tiersen in that as well.

Bill - I like this song and it was a pleasure to hear it played and sung by you.

LadyPayne - that was really fun to hear (and watch). thanks.

JF Very well done. You brought out the feeling of dancing really nicely.

TB I liked it. Reminds me of sitting in a hot tub on a deck in Steamboat Springs as the sun fades over the mountain. (sipping a beer, or course)

Peyton Can emotions be perfect? I don't know, but you brought them out in both your hands and voice. Very well done.

Ben I admire the way your hands are so quiet and relaxed. Wish I could do that.

Bill As soon as I read the description I hoped it would be that song. A good fit for your voice and you played it beautifully.

LadyPayne A few more like that in your repertoire and you will be ready to take on all requests at your local pianobar. Well done.

Last month I've posted the first movement of Beethoven's Sonatina in G major and this month it's the second movement. Hope you'll not get bored as much as our little doggie Wolfie who felt asleep while I was recording this video. He has a little cameo at end of the video.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGofdgCyJA

Terrific, David! You play very, very well.

Your puppy dog has good taste in music, too.

Glen

John Frank, great job on the Minuet in G. Nice controlled rit at the end. Sounds to me like you are making real progress.

TB, very nice piece! I think Andy hit the nail on the head - you must have been influenced by Malaguena or something similar. Well done.

Peyton, profound, and very well done in every way!

Ben, when I read that this was an exercise - I hesitated. But no, it's more than an exercise - a very nice piece of music, and well played too. Neat ending!

Bill, another stellar performance! Great song, well sung and played.

Ladypayne, nice work! That song used to be very popular but I haven't heard it in a long while, and I forgot what a cool bridge it has. Well done.

David, that was a masterful performance. Your expression and dynamics seem perfect to me.

My piece this month is Song For My Father (Peyton - take note, you are not the only one!), by bebop jazz pianist Horace Silver.

http://www.box.net/shared/uaj3zqokkt

I am playing the piano, but all of the other instrument sounds were produced by a backing track.

Ed

John, I really enjoyed that Telmann piece. You played very smoothly and controlled (as others mentioned before me).

David, another sweet classical piece. And perfect playing from you as well, it was measured and kept in perfect time. Cool decoration on the piano as well

I agree with all of this - thanks Andy for writing my review of TB's piece!

JB

Thanks Bill - yes, I changed from the Grand Piano 1 voice to the Grand Piano 2 voice - it's clearer, crisper and more resonant - a very astute observation on your part

JF

Ben, exercise or not, that was a really nice tune. It had a little dreamy quality about it.
TB- You really need to change your online name... you are no longer a true beginner! Your compositions are always so nice and this one is no exception.
Bill- I think maybe that song was written for you. One of your best yet.
ladypayne- great playing.
David, I missed most of the submissions on last months bar so I will have to go back and hear the first movement. If it's as good as the second you have this piece DOWN.
Ed, I used to be really in to Silver and haven't heard this piece in so long. Man you really play it well!!!

Ed ~ I enjoyed your version of "Song for my Father."

David - Very well played. I also like the puppy cameo at the end.

Ed,
That was really great and in the groove. You sound like a pro, man!

Glen

Ed - Very cool! I really like the tricky rhythms on this one.

Nice job, JF! Thanks for starting the Feb. piano bar.

JF: very nice!
TB:Very pretty tb! I haven't heard it before
peyton: I enjoyed it and I think you sang great!
Ben: very nicely done!
Bill: As always, your singing is enjoyable along with your playing! keep it up
David: It was far from boring! Shame on your little doggie! hehe
Riddler: Great job! was entertaining

Ed - Song for my Father was very enjoyable, thankyou!

Peyton - maybe because he passed away just last year - maybe with a little more time...



The accompaniment is as good as ever and the video is very professional and your wife is probably right - again, with time you may come to relax a bit when singing it, and finally come to accept what we already know: it's an emotion-laden but bittersweet song very well sung. Great job!

JF

You are right on John. Thanks!

Hi All!

John Frank, I love it! Very nice!

TrueBeginner, excellent! Thanks for sharing

Peyton, a very touching and emotionally moving song! Your father would have been really proud of you!

BenPiano, That was great playing, Ben!

Bill, an absolutely grand performance!! You motivate me to want to learn more and get better!

LadyPayne, I enjoyed that! Your piano sounds great (and so does your playing!)!

David Ruzicka, wonderful playing! I enjoyed it!

Ed, your performance was excellent! Your father would be proud too!

I’m working on a new, original song that is rather up-beat; it has new lyrics on an older, classic rock-n-roll foundation. Maybe it will be ready by this weekend. My work days are sun up to sun down and then some.

Keep up the good work everyone!

Rick

Ed,

That was very cool. Your timing was spot on and I loved those block chords. Great track as well.

Andy

David,

Very nice touch on the keyboard with this piece. You maintain excellent hand positioning which will serve you well as you progress. Good work.

Andy

Good job BP - interesting exercise (easier and more enjoyable than the ones I do on the treadmill) - now you need to come up with some more exercises, give them numbers and get them published as a "supplemental study book". You could be the next Hanon or Czerney! (sp. )

JF

Bill - nice performance of a really cool song - good gravy, I'm old enough to remember when this first came out and was a big hit for the great "Satchmo" - you two would have been a blast on a duet of this!

JF

I'm really enjoying all the great selections and playing in the bar here this month!

Bill, your "Wonderful World" was exquisite, the singing and playing! What piano setting were you using with this one? Sounded lovely.

Well, here's a fun little song by Fats Waller:

Elssa,

That was wonderful. You have terrific stride technique. I envy your "stretch"....you make it look effortless.

Andy

Elssa - That was outstanding. You just make it look so easy. I love your stride playing and the energy you bring to your performances.

John Frank - how nice to hear some Telemann - lovely.

Cathy

John,
I really enjoy Telemann and you played his music so well - a great opening for February.

Thanks for your music!


Elssa,
Great rendition of a great tune! It is always a pleasure to watch you play.

Glen

Thanks Elssa, I really enjoyed that, particularly the ending. Well done.

ladypayne - good job - lots of heart(s) and soul in there.

JF

Thanks David - of course, as I understand it, many composers of Baroque music sarcastically called it "Broke" music since, without royal patronage, that was their usual financial state

And thanks to all who have kindly commented on my Bar piece so far.

I should disclose, especially for anyone who might be considering playing this simple but elegant piece, that my version of the Telemann Minuet in G is "enhanced" - the lasr 8 measures of the second section were repeated a 3rd time and the last 2 measures a 4th time as a tag ending. While not specified by the composer I would like to think that old Telly is smiling down from that great composition room in the sky in full approval.

JF

Well, only 3rd day of the month but thought id put up another piece!
This is called Amazing Grace and the arrangement is by David Nevue. I did play it faster than he does and maybe made a few mistakes (well,I do that in about every piece I play :P), but I hope you all enjoy it just the same :P

vid: http://s821.photobucket.com/albums/zz139...rrangement2.flv

mp3: http://www.box.net/shared/onf65r348k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzFITH3VyiE

Me and LadyPayne trying to play a pachelbell duet:0 It still needs a bit of practice but this is as far as we have it:P

John Frank. That was a very nice song:P
True Beginner I enjoyed your song a lot also I thought it was very pretty^^
Peyton. I liked listening to your song you wrote, and hearing you sing. You sing good also:P
Bill another good song. ^_^

Elssa awesome!:P
Payne.. another nice song:)

True Beginner - really nice piece.

Peyton - wonderful composition and lyrics.

BenPiano - great exercise. When I first had to learn to chord on the piano, because I'd said I'd play oom-pah for the fiddles the next week, I went to my guitar and played a G chord, figured out what the notes were, played them on the piano, and voila! - I was on my way

Cathy

ladypayne,
That was a very nice, contemplative version of Amazing Grace. I liked it very much.

Augustina,
Excellent start to the Pachelbel. Look forward to more!

Glen

So many great tunes already posted - it's been a joy to listen (and watch) every one of them.

Just recovering from surgery and having to work...moving kind of slow the past couple of weeks.

As a result, here is a piece called, Middle of the Week Blues. There's probably a better name for it, but considering the current times...Send a suggestion if you've a better name for it (be kind).

Middle of the Week Blues

Glen

Augustina and LadyPayne- Good job. Hard enough to keep the beat myself, can't imagine trying to coordinate it with someone else.

Glen Very suggestive of exactly the mood you described. Bravo! (Humpday Blues? )

Bill - what a wonderful world - I always love your stylings, and this was the perfect transition from work to the rest of the evening. Thanks.

ladypayne - an old familiar tune -

Cathy

Glen - really, really liked that That's about as blue as the middle of the week can get. Very listenable and very well done!

JF

This is my first piano bar! and this is my contribution. Beethoven Woo 70, Nel cor piu non mi sento (just the theme).

It's a work in progress. I will change the video eventually as I learn the variations.

Hi everyone,

I have nothing "new" to contribute this month, but just wanted to share one of my "year one" adult beginner pieces with you, the all-too-famous "Für Elise". I posted this before on a separate thread about a month ago, but wanted "in" on this month's piano bar.

PS-Surprisingly enough, it actually broke the thousand view barrier on YouTube after about a month... I wasn't too crazy about my performance after listening to it a few more times, but I still hope you guys enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2jG2R4a6H0

mcasl, very cleanly and securely played! Bravo!

Great performance, David! ..such a relaxing piece.

Loved it! Nice and relaxing jazzy piece. Great job, Glen.

This is a very nice arrangement of this great church hymn. I wish I could sing..lol. I enjoyed this very much.

Cebukid70: Great job on Fur elise! ooh and I wish I could sing too! I'll just stick to the piano though :P
Inlanding:Liked this! Sounds like some tricky fingering!
mcasl: I enjoyed this too! Well done

Ladypayne & Augustina - It's nice to play piano by one's self, but making music with another is really something cool. Great job - I look forward to more!

Inlanding - I really like your blues contributions to the Piano Bar. What's a bar without some blues, eh? It has a jazzy sound to it too, and creates a really cool feeling (cool cat?). That's an awesome niche you're pursuing!

mcasl - excellent first submission to the piano bar! My first piano bar was last month and I couldn't help but add a with the post. You'll find no better place to share your music than here.

cebukid70 - excellent job with a classic!

David - I like your Beethoven. And I'll admit I laughed when I saw your dog

Ed - thank you, once again. I've been stressed out today, and this was a great relaxer. Great piece.

Elssa - I love Fats (oh yeah, another difference between a pianist and a piano player, I think - there aren't any pianists whose nickname is "Fats" ) so I enjoyed this. I know Waller played organ, but - well, since TX-Dennis hasn't checked in yet - I'd rather there weren't strings. Nonetheless - great tune.

Cathy

Thanks all for kind comments. I enjoy playing stride. My grandmother was a great electric organist, so sorry, will never stop playing the strings, as we love that variety of sound.

Hi guys, hard to keep up with the activity in the Bar so I'm doing catch up. Something I just did tonight...

My Romance

http://www.box.net/shared/r04v1uv50h

This was recorded by Microphone of my Yamaha XS Keyboard. I know I use a guitar sound but I had no time to redo the presets.

This was just a practice session so nothing formal here.

Thank you for your comments and your great performances. Watching you is a booster to my motivation.

That was so nice to listen.

I wont dare suggest any other title!

I wish you the best recovering from your surgery.

ladypayne - I was not expecting the radical tempo and mood change in this piece. You started so slow and tentatively but it was all a ruse to set up the spirited finale. Really nice arrangement and performance.

Augustina and LadyPayne - I love the 4-handed performances. Very nice!

Glen - this has a very cool sort of late night smoky bar kind of feel. An excellent composition and performance. You should ask Ed if you can borrow his bass player and drummer for this piece.

mcasl - This is very good! I'm glad you submitted to the bar - I much prefer watching videos where you can see the whole person playing the music. Excellent first contribution. I hope you contribute more.

cebukid70 - Very well played with confidence and spirit! I'm not surprised that you have over 1,000 Youtube views.

jazzwee - I really enjoyed this! The guitar voice works great for this piece. I like just the hint of distortion when you strike the key hard. Is that a live drummer?

John Frank - Very nice John! Very smooth playing. Thanks for an introduction to a new composer.

True Beginner - That was rhythmically interesting! Great job of playing and composing

Peyton - such beautiful playing and singing. Lots of emotion and reminded me that my father's death anniversary just occurred a few days ago.

BenPiano - not only did you play guitar chords but you made it sound like guitar strumming! Nice.

B528nf7 (Bill) - another great submission from a prolific player and singer! I liked that.

LadyPayne - wonderfully done! And interesting intro (your first submission)

David Ruzicka - Very familiar with this one as it is something my kid constantly plays. Nice job.

Riddler - Impressive Ed! You got the melody licked for sure. I remember that took me awhile to get the time right. Did you plan out that solo or that just came out on the fly? It sounded great.

Elssa - You're a stride master! With those long fingers, tenths must be a breeze. Great playing!

Inlanding - Glen, as always you have such a nice touch on that piano. Very honed tone. Love it. And such nice Blues lines and great use of space. You have some real skills there.

You made me laugh Bill No, it's a keyboard drum patch. I wish I could have a drummer play with me... and Thanks!

Glen,

Very creative performance here. You incorporated just about all the key elements of solid blues. You get a very clean sound in your playing. Really nice.

Andy

Jazzwee,

Another great example of doing just enough. You balance your playing so well, not trying to do too much so the integrity of the song is kept. I really admire that. I also like the way you reintroduce the theme at the end. It's so well integrated.

Andy

Very excellent combo piece, jazzwee - great style! Thought I was listening to Joe Pass there for a second...

Glen

Andy, jazzwee, Bill, al-mahed, Ben, cebukid, John, JimF,

Thanks for all your comments and encouragement. I've always struggled with keeping time (making changes at the correct intervals, etc), so 2010 will be the year I focus on that aspect.

Getting one of the play-along CDs to develop that muscle is a good idea - I am on it! I ordered Ray Santisi's book and will stop by the music store next week to find another book/CD with some of the more popular standards to give it a whirl.

Played straight:
Moonlight in Vermont

Glen

er....... no, I'm not gonna do it....

well....almost

...caught me

Glen

Nice job, Peyton! I didn't see a bit of tension at all..I enjoyed your performance, and what a nice tribute to your late father

Nice job, BenPiano! Was this your own arrangement?

Glen - I shudda listened in the middle of the week - really nice and calming.

mcasl - I liked that a lot - very charming

cebukid - this piece never gets old.

jazzwee - perfect for Fri night (altho it's only afternoon here - nonetheless, it's the end of the workweek). I like.

Cathy

Well done David - delightful - 3rd movement next month?

JF

Yep - thanks for the kind words!

Hi All,

I've really enjoyed the wonderful submissions to the February piano bar.

I recorded a new song I wrote today and I used a drum rhythm accompaniment that was part the options on my Casio digital piano. Of course, I played the song on my grand piano. I did have a lot of fun with this song and got a little carried away at the end.

The drum machine took some getting used to and I think my timing may have gotten off a little here and there. I hope you all like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X27vY0Td2RI

Take care!

Rick

Nice little minuet, JohnFrank. We don't hear enough Telemann these days. Great job.

This is a very pretty composition, TrueBeginner. It is relaxing and truly evocative of a quiet evening watching that sunset.

Peyton, I am one of those who've listened to this song before. I still like its bittersweet theme and rather melancholy sound. I think you sang it very well, and your playing is as delightful as always. I wish I could do what you do.

Ben, this sounds like more than an exercise. It's quite an enjoyable listen.

Bill, this is another enjoyable performance. Armstrong's original has always been my favorite version of this piece in spite of the fact that it's been recorded by literally hundreds of performers over the years. Oddly enough, my second favorite version is probably by country singer Ray Price. Great job.

ladypayne, I know this song is laughed at by many, but I have always enjoyed hearing it. Thank you for your performance of this classic song.

David, that's just about perfect. Wonderful performance!

Nice job, Ed. I always enjoy listening to your submissions. This is no exception. I like the accompaniment track as well. Superb!

I suspected this would be [i]Ain't Misbehavin'[/i}, and I was not disappointed. Nice job, Elssa. I have never been able to play this the way I want it to sound. you've come very close to what I would like my version to sound like. Great job!

What's not to like about Amazing Grace? It's one of the most popular songs of all time, and Nevue's arrangement is sublime. You played it very nicely, too.

This is a beautiful and challenging piece. I like the way that sounds as a duet. Very cool!

A really nice, evocative piece, Glen. It puts me in mind of the soundtrack from an old "film noir" movie. It doesn't sound like the surgery has slowed you down any. Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. This is truly wonderful!

Nicely played. Great job!

The notorious (and glorious) Fur Elise. I know you say you;re not happy with it, and I can discern a rough spot or two, but this is a pretty nice preformance. I ususally only play the initial theme as the fast parts are just too much for my old fingers.

I'll second Glen's reference to Joe Pass. This does have a bit of his inimitable style. Wonderful job! This just sounds right with the guitar sound.

Another satisfying performance. Glen, I always enjoy your pieces. I hope you don't mind that I've saved several to listen to over and over.

Rickster, this is a beautiful piece. you have developed your talent tremendously for composing, singing, and playing. I think this may be your best yet.

Great noodling, Jazzwee! Nope, my little hands can't quite reach the 10th - have to roll 'em. Love your "My Romance"! Your guitar setting sounds a little like mine - very authentic.

WAVE

Thanks for all the compliments
Jazzwee: This was very nice! Great job
Rickster: That was pretty bouncy!! Great job singing and playing!! I wish I could compose music like you do!