As I am still working on my last story of my stay in Portugal, I thought I’d post something in between.
This was actually written two years ago and performed by the Metropole Orchestra. Can you hear what the conversations are about?
Arraiolos and the Arts
It has been a somewhat lazy three weeks, here in Arraiolos. I have been taking care of Fransisco and Carmen, lovely twins of about 13 months old, almost finished a composition, started some online courses, explored a myth about church bells communicating who died – which sadly was not true – and spend a morning in Evora, the beautiful capital of the region.
Fête des Remparts
Brittany, July 2016
I believe the the Bretons are a proud people. They have a good right too be, as only ‘celtic’ people in France, they are in a unique position with a very specific culture and history. Last week we saw how traditions were revived and kept alive with the Festou-Noz, this week we will see a celebration of Medieval history at the Fête de Remparts in Dinan.
St. Malo & French Dinners
Again, a quick update in between before I will post my bigger story about the Fête des Remparts.
Last Wednesday, Anna and I visited St. Malo, a beautiful medieval city on the coast above Dinan. A few images and sounds:
A Quick Guide to the Breton Fest Noz
Brittany, July 2016
Because I was there during the famous ‘Bastillon-day’, Sandra and I went to a celebration in the nearby village, Bourbriac. There was a fair, fireworks and of course, because we are in Brittany, their traditional Fest Noz.
Quick Update
Brittany, July 2016
A quick update in between , as I am leaving Sandra’s today. So here’s a small collection of images and sounds of the place!
Visiting the Jungle
INTERESTED PERSON: “So, what are your plans after graduation?”
ME “Well, I am planning on making a journey through Europe, looking for different roles music can play at different places and for different people.”
INTERESTED PERSON: “That is such a nice idea! But… (either one of the following:) You should not go hitchhiking/stay with people you don’t know/take risks unnecessarily and please be very very careful.”
After having had this conversation for a few months now, I finally started my journey! Against all advises I left with someone I only saw once before, to “the Jungle” (refugee camp) in Calais, and later traveling to Dunkerque that evening to sleep at a couch of someone I’d only talked to on Couchsurfing. I am not particularly brave and as my very first day ignored all the ‘suggestions’ people had given me to avoid during my journey, I was quite nervous…
That same very first day, however, has also proven to be a very impressive one and absolutely worth the nerves. I had lot’s of interesting conversations during my ride with Hans and had a lovely stay with Mostafa. But most impressive was my visit to the refugee camp near Calais.
Above I have posted the image of a building in Dunkerque and the sounds it was surrounded by. The building, situated only 30 minutes from the camp states the French motto: Liberté, Egalité and Fraternité. Below a reflection of these values in the camp.*
Sometimes I Wonder…
I have been working really hard on some new choir pieces recently. Just thought I would share this older one, once more! Text by Steinar Boomsma, Image by Sofie van Ek, Performed by The Roosevelt College Choir.
The Story of a Musical Piece
Have you ever had a brilliant (musical) idea, but were struggling with how to continue your composition? No worries, you are in good company – Arnold Schönberg had exactly the same problem. Some of his solutions involved following a text or creating a symphonic poem.* Using music as a narrator, either to help you develop your musical ideas or simply because it is perfect for the job, has been done many times throughout history. And so did I…
The Road to the New Forest
It is finished! Two years of work, recording, composing, editing and it is all done! It started as a small project, with my friend Emmy Nellissen, author of the script and fellow editor. Audio dramas had been fascinating me for a while. They might not be seen as ‘musical compositions’, but they are gatherings of sounds, organized in such a way they serve their purpose – absorbing you in the story – perfectly.
With the help from over 20 students, we produced the four episodes of The Road to the New Forest. The series tells the story of Archie, Simon, Mary and a few other guests a the White Horse Inn sharing the local legend of the Black Deer. It is a magical tale, interesting for people of all ages.
Sofie van Ek made some awesome images to accompany the audio, so enjoy!
Episode 1: The black deer
Episode 2: It’s a love story
Episode 3: The timberman and his wife
Episode 4: The voice and the violin
Do you know some awesome audio dramas I should absolutely know about? Let me know!
Mimi Magusin 