Author Archives: Amy Zeng

Summary of Activity on this Site


Number of Posts: 2
Number of Comments: 3

Preview – Alexander String Quartet performs Mozart and Shostakovich (April 25th)

Pieces
  1. Dmitri Shostakovich, String Quartet No.7 in F sharp major, Op. 108
  2. Wolgang Amadeus Mozart, String Quartet No. 23 in F major, K. 590
Venue
  • Baruch Performing Arts Center – Newman Vertical Campus Baruch College: 25th St. (bet. 3rd and Lexington Aves.), NYC
Performers
  • The Alexander String Quartet
   Dmitri Shostakovich was a soviet russian composer and pianist in the 20th century. At that time when Shostakovich started composing, there was also a war occurring between the Soviet Union and Germany. Shostakovich had composed many string quartet’s including the String Quartet No.7 in F sharp major, Op. 108. This piece was very popular. Shostakovich composed this piece for his wife. (Fay, Laurel 27) This piece that was composed for his wife would be meaningful and interesting to hear.
   Mozart was very undemanding child when he was young. He believed in bringing honor and fortune to his family. Even though his family would struggle fincancially, he was always willing to help out due to his father being passed away. Mozart was always content that his pieces will bring interest to the wide-eyed general populace.(Solomon, Maynard 48)  Mozart who wrote in many standard genres, composed the piece String Quartet No. 23 in F major, K. 590. This piece was very meaningful because it was one of the pieces in which has been acknowledged by the people. (Solomon, Maynard 20) This piece was made for the  Friedrich Wilhem II who was the King of Prussia. It was also one of the last pieces that he has composed. (Solomon, Maynard 34)
Fay, Laurel E. Shostakovich: A Life. New York: Oxford UP, 2000.
Solomon, Maynard. Mozart: A Life. New York, NY: HarperCollinsPublishers, 1995.

We Found Love- Lindsey Stirling- VenTribe

 Rhythm : This song is in duple meter.

Timbre : This song gives a very calm and soothing feeling. It is very different from the original version by Rihanna. In the original version, Rihanna includes a more techno feeling rather than peaceful.

Instruments : This song contains mainly the violin that Lindsey Stirling is playing but there is also drums from time to time. In this cover from Rihanna’s “We Found Love”, it has a less futuristic melody. There is also a maraca that plays along with the singer. Also, the instruments that are in this video plays along with the singer’s voice.  The drum solo part starts on (2:18) and ends at (3:04) when the violin appears.

Texture: The texture of this cover is homophony (homophonic).

Harmony: The violin plays along with the maraca. The drums also plays along with the violin from (1:03-1:49). The harmony of this song is very smooth.



Comments:

"I think this song is very unique. I thought that the beginning of the song sounded like the tone in Rihanna's Umbrella. Even though these two songs are completely different, I like both of the songs . He also used a holy kind of melody in the beginning which I found very out of the box."
posted on Feb 22, 2013, on the post Dan Black ft. Kid Cudi- Symphonies

"I agree with the comment before me. I am very curious about the instruments used in this song. This song is definitely very catchy to begin with. As i listen to this, it gives a very futuristic and techno kind of tone. It also sounds like his voice stays the same until he sings the words "forever" or "ahead" is when he hits a high note."
posted on Feb 22, 2013, on the post Frank Ocean- Thinking About You

"I have always been a fan of Shakira. This song of hers, even though I wasn't sure what she was saying at some parts of the song, the song left a really good feeling to it. I do agree that it has a very upbeat tone to it. It makes you happy and I think this would go great as a song for a dance."
posted on Feb 22, 2013, on the post Shakira- “Waka Waka”