Enniv Zarf's Concert Recap - Nov. 29, 2008

Written by Enniv Zarf
Metaverse Music
Second Life Live Music
Enniv Zarf's Home

Alright, I finally have some time to write up a post about my own playing today, it was definitely a crazy concert.

Now since I am writing this myself, I can't really be reviewing my own music. It just wouldn't be fair now would it. I am sure some people like it and some will have their own thoughts and opinions about it. Nevertheless it's still my own music so I won't review it. But if you were at the concert and want to drop your own review, please feel free to make a comment here. Just please keep in mind that if you do so anonymously, I may remove some if they are extremely inappropriate since there's no one to trace it back to...lol. Ok I really won't unless if there are foul language used!

Well today, I literally played for an entire hour non-stop, ok, it was 50 mins, I checked, cause I have the recording, which I am planning to release.

Well it was definitely different and I didn't know what to expect if anyone even stayed till the end. I was like thinking will I finish and turn to the audience and they'd be completely gone cause they didn't get what I was doing. I mean I'm here playing a 50 minute epic improv!!!! Who in the world does that!!!!

Apparently I do, and I did.

The concert was amazing and Gwen's sculpture is just as amazing as ever - Fire Heart was the end result.

We started with 1 prim, I asked her to rez out a single prim and then I'll start improving to just 1 prim...and I did. I told her I could play to anything, and play to anything I did!

I did try to bring some coherency to the entire performance by bringing in recurring themes and ideas so that it doesn't sound like a 50 minutes stream of consciousness. And much of that is derived from that single prim concept of the sphere and the circular motion that is created from the idea of the sphere.

Throughout the concert I did explore the different parts of the sculpture, the new ideas being introduced, along with techniques Gwen used, and colors and sizing and everything else.

The concert was just fantastic fun to play, cause rarely do I get a chance to play 50 minutes straight. The time did pass right by too, and I didn't even realize it. Just watching Gwen create and just feeding off of that really was tremendously helpful in trying to get the music to continue to go and move.

Now I'm just trying to figure out the best way to release this recording which I am pretty certain I want to be doing, but I still need to figure out the best way. I'm pretty sure though it would be a Second Life only release, since I'm not sure if it's viable to release in RL at all.

Well I look forward to my next concert, which I have to post soon about it, and start pushing that concert. It's just one after another here!!! Dec. 3, 2008, 8pmSLT everyone!!! See you at my gallery!!!
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Review: Joaquin Gustav @ CATs Club

Written by Enniv Zarf
Second Life Indie Music Review
Joaquin's Website
CATs Club SLURL

Joaquin Gustav have got to be one of my favorite if not the favorite guitarist in all of Second Life, and I'm very glad to have caught the IM about his music today!

Origianlly from Argentina, I believe Joaquin is actually still there and streaming from there, which is a definitely change of pace from most musicians in SL who's from the US or Europe that I know.

Joaquin plays classical guitar, but performs a lot of pop tunes along with various latin mixes of music.

It's always different to listen in on a live stream of a non-native English speaker, though his English is very good. He does have his Latin American accent which is also a nice different sound and works very well with his music of course.

Listening to his performance almost feels like I'm standing in the middle of some South American plaza and is a very fun feel. I did arrive about 35 minutes after the hour to his concert so I didn't hear the beginning and I think he was kind of at his bottom of the hour slow down so not a whole lot was really happening when I first got there.

Later in the hour he also sang a Bassa Nova tune that was pretty fun to listen to. Now although I would not put Joaquin among the greatest singers alive, but he is fun to listen to and fitting to what he's playing. And he didn't have any pitch problems that I hear in even some of the actual performers who are known as singers. Joaquin's singing did however really transported me off to a different world, making me feel like I am in a different land, experiencing a different culture. And I think this is actually the first time I heard him sing, or maybe I just didn't remember the other times since usually he only plays guitar.

His guitar playing techniques is flawless and just exceptional. The tones that comes of his guitar is just pretty and beautiful all the way. It's like little bursts of heaven in little bubbles popping, releasing those little tasty tidbits of wonderfulness through the computer monitor.

So if you ever want to hear a great guitar player on Second Life, Joaquin is definitely on my must listen to list of guitarists to listen to in the Metaverse!

Alright I get to enjoy another 10 more minutes of Joaquin's music before I head off to yet another online concert on this Black Friday. I guess no photography for me today!
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Handel's Messiah

Written by Michael Schaf

Never heard of Messiah? Well, I bet you've heard of the "Hallelujah Chorus". Maybe the Windsor bells of Big Ben? These are part of or based on materials from Messiah, an epic work for chorus and orchestra about the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

"It is well known that Handel composed Messiah in a very short period of time—24 days. The swiftness of the project, or the sacred nature of the text, may have contributed to Handel’s somewhat simple treatment of the orchestra. Four-part strings and continuo (bass instruments plus harpsichord harmony) was Handel’s foundation. Two oboes were added only in the overture and choruses, always doubling the violins or sopranos (sometimes altos), with no independent parts, and a pair of trumpets strengthened three D-major choruses, two of which included timpani. But even given this rather basic orchestral pretext—indeed, perhaps because of it—Handel’s talent for pulling the dramatic nuances of the text to the surface using instrument and voice conventions has made Messiah perhaps the most popular single musical work of all time.

Messiah is an unusual oratorio in that, unlike the examples we were treated to in the first concert of the season, “Celebrate Handel,” it is not a narrative, a story. Rather, it is a three-part outline of the Biblical concept of “Messiah” (note the title is not “The Messiah,” simply “Messiah”), beginning with Old Testament Messianic prophecy, going through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, and concluding with an exegesis on the state of the Christian faith as a result of this Messiah having been among us.

At first glance this seems to fit neatly into a typical three-act format of Prophecy/Christ/Church. However the first part, sometime referred to as the “Christmas” section, takes us through a series of prophecies, raising our expectations as in an opera, until finally these prophesies receive their dramatic culmination in Christ’s birth at the conclusion of part one. A most interesting decision in terms of the dramatic shape of Messiah was to make this birth portion at the end of part one the only remotely narrative segment of the entire oratorio. In a most ingenious maneuver, Handel sets the prophecy and birth narrative portions apart not by a change of acts, an intermission, but by the only instrumental movement in the oratorio other than its overture.

The Christ child, then, has his own “arrival” sinfonia (No. 13 Pifa), as had the Queen of Sheba in Solomon and Iphis in Jephtha (coming to greet her father). Naturally, rather than a noisy march, it is a simple, sweet lullaby for strings alone based on the sicilienne or pifa, a flowing compound meter type of melody, featuring dotted rhythms on one or two beats of the measure. To 18th century audiences, the sicilienne (pifa) was associated with shepherds in the areas surrounding Sicily, and not uncommonly was used in instrumental works composed for Christmas (e.g. Corelli’s famous “Christmas Concerto”). With its whispering violin and viola melodies, and rustic, droning bass, we are invited into the fields on that quiet first Christmas night, among the shepherds humming softly or playing the “piffaro” (shepherd’s pipe). The dramatic effect generated by this music parallels the famous moment in A Charlie Brown Christmas when Linus steps onto the stage, requests “Lights, please,” and begins “And there were shepherds abiding in the fields . . .”; the very text from Luke’s gospel which follows Handel’s pifa in a series of recitatives for soprano (Nos. 14-16; perhaps a shepherd boy’s voice?). These are the first soprano solos in the oratorio, thus their words and consequently the birth narrative itself receive a musical halo.

As recitative was the traditional style for describing action in opera, the use of successive recitatives here underscores the narrative dramatic device. Handel also drew upon the pastoral sicilienne and solo soprano voice, representing simplicity, innocence and the Good Shepherd, in the arias “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd” (No. 20) and “How beautiful are the feet of him” (No. 38), and taken at the proper tempo, the rhythmic flow and sweetness of the soprano solo in “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (No. 45) also suggest the sicilienne, and so remind us of the humble birth of our Redeemer."

Source: Michael E. Ruhling and the Handel and Haydn Society.

We hope that you will seek out a performance of Messiah in your region this Christmas season and celebrate with us this time honored tribute to the holidays.

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High Art Contemporary Music - Avant-Garde Improv Concert

Want to experience a night of experimental and avant-garde piano improvs in Second Life, then be sure to attend the Dec. 6, 2008 concert at 7pmSLT at PK Works Gallery and Concert Stage. Enniv Zarf will veer from his usual improvs of pretty and beautiful to the avant-garde, experimental music that can range from serialesque to aleatorical to extended techniques and before.

This is a concert not for the faint of heart and for those who love music for being music and for being able to explore and go to the beyonds!

The evening will still all be improvised by Enniv Zarf live. Music will range from more atonal, bitonal to pseudo-serial to aleatorical to extended techniques such as playing inside the piano and using other objects to prepared piano sounds and other highly experimental sounds.

If you are interested in the real exploration of sounds, this is a concert that you just cannot be miss!!!! Let Enniv Zarf take you on a real journey of sonic exploration of the piano and you'll be taken to places you never thought existed!
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Next Concert - Nov. 29, 2008

Nov. 29, 2008
12pmSLT
Music Island
Special Enniv Zarf improv concert w/ Gwen Carillon improv building sculptures
http://ezm.paulkwo.com


This one's going to be loads of fun with Gwen Carillon. So far I've performed with her for her sculptures showings. But now I finally get a chance to perform with her building live in front of an audience. It's definitely going to be an interesting concert for sure! We'll see where it goes and see you all there
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PK Works Winter 2008 - Colors in a Black and White World

Presenting the finalized schedule of this winter season at PK Works:

Art Exhibit Opens December 1, 2008
Music Concerts: November 26, 29 December 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20 2008
Check http://ennivzarf.blogspot.com for additional concert announcements.

Official Concert Web Home:
http://ezm.paulkwo.com

Theme: Colors in a Black and White World

Musician in Resident: Enniv Zarf
Guest Musician: Eliz Wantanabe, Eithne McBride, FrankLee Anatra, Hime Sak
Guest Artists: Gracie Kendal, Kritz Etzel, Texanna Schumann, TommyLee Nightfire, Verde Otaared

The idea of "Colors in a Black and White World" is to reflect the colorful diversity in the world in which we reside in that often times are consumed within our obsessive notion of what is clear and black and white. Thus our Black and White building which was inspired by the black and white piano will host a variety of artists works of colorful nature from a diverse background. Henceforth the theme "Colors in a Black and White World."











>> DRESS CODE:
We ask that you all come here in colorful clothings to our concerts as we celebrate this winter season the wonderful diversity Second Life brings to our world.

100% of the proceeds of art works by the artists sold at PK Works go directly to the artists. PK Works does not charge artists any commission.

This winter, we have many wonderful veteran artists back here at PK Works! Some of SL's biggest named artists such as Gracie Kendal, Texanna Schumann and Kritz Etzel along with up and coming photographer Verde Otaared have their works presented here. We are also extremely honors to debut the new and amazing SL photographer TommyLee Nightfire on Dec. 7 at 3pmSLT here at our wonderful PK Works Gallery!

Our musician ranges from freestyle piano improv of Enniv Zarf to contemporary female vocal styles of Eliz Wantanabe, rock tunes of FrankLee Anatra, Chinese yangqin of Hime Sak and debuting in Second Life Eithne McBride on Classical Flute!

Also featuring poetry by various artists on Dec. 12. Enniv will read the poetry and then improvise music to it. He will also read some peotry by attending audience members so BYOP - bring your own poetry!

Also available - Green Symphony - set of 24 RL photographs by Enniv Zarf - Free version with logo and paid version without for L$5k.


>> Be a PK Works - Enniv Zarf Me sponsor - Check with Enniv Zarf how you can do that!


http://www.paulkwo.com
http://www.krystalepic.com
http://www.myspace.com/paulkwo
http://CMinSL.blogspot.com
http://ennivzarf.blogspot.com
http://blog.paulkwo.com

==========
All Enniv Zarf's concerts are 1 hour long unless otherwise indicated.

>> Nov. 26, 2008 - Colorful Thanksgiving
A freestyle thanksgiving improv extravaganza by Enniv Zarf
> 8pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> Nov. 29, 2008 - Colorful Media
A build & play multi-media concert by Enniv Zarf
With Sculpture Artist Gwen Carillon
> 12pm SLT
Music Island SLURL
Contact: Kate Miranda

>> Dec. 3, 2008 - Colorful Art
A celebration of the diversity in art works by various artists in SL with Enniv's freestyle piano improv music
> 8pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> Dec. 6, 2008 - An Avant-Garde Holiday
An extreme experimental concert of experimental techniques on the piano with talking points by Enniv Zarf on the Piano. This is a very different contemporary music concert all improvised!!!
> 7pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> Dec. 7, 2008 - TommyLee Nightfire SL Debut
Enniv and PK Works are so excited to have discovered a brand new talent in the world of Second Life art that we could not resist holding a special concert for this artist before he becomes too big and too hot to showcase here! TommyLee Nightfire specialized in SL Photography. Come check out his very first exhibit and mingle with the artist here on this Sunday Afternoon. FrankLee Anatra will be performing live classic rock, origianal and contemporary hits!
> 3pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> Dec. 10, 2008 - Colorful Art II
A continuing celebration of diversity in art and music by Enniv Zarf
> 8pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> Dec. 12, 2008 - Poetic Noise
A poetry recital of the Laputa Set of Poems by Enniv Zarf along with guest poems and poetry of the audience. Bring your poem by PK Works and hear them read by Enniv Zarf and perform original piano improv to them! A rare opportunity!
> 7pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> Dec. 13, 2008 - Romantic Love
1/2 hour showcase at the famous Freestar Musician Showcase with Enniv Zarf
> 930pmSLT-10pmSLT
Freestar Bay
Contact: Freestar Tammas

>> Dec. 14, 2008 - Human Rights
A support for human rights around the world with Enniv's music at the Cetus gallery. All proceeds go to charity.
> 7pmSLT
Cetus
Contact: Jonah Zenovka or Alexxa Laval

>> Dec. 17, 2008 - PK Works Holiday Bash
Join us at this special holiday party concert of Enniv Zarf this year!!!!! This is a NOT TO BE MISSED party! Holiday music along with improv and all sorts of good stuff. Special gifts for all attendees!!! Guest musicians includes Hime Sak, Eliz Wantanbe and Eithne McBride
> 7pmSLT - 9pmSLT
- 7pmSLT - Eliz Wantanbe - Singer
- 730pmSLT - Eithne McBride - Flutest
- 8pmSLT - Hime Sak - Chinese Yangqin Player
- 830pmSLT - Enniv Zarf - Pianist/Singer
PK Works SLURL

>> Dec. 20, 2008 - PK Works 2008 Finale
Join us at the official final 2008 concert of Enniv Zarf this year! Enniv will be performing his beloved freestyle piano improv in all its freedom and flash! Join us on this Saturday night and celebrate a wonderful and successful year!
> 7pmSLT
PK Works SLURL

>> COMING SOON TO PK WORKS!!!
LOOK OUT FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS OF OUR NEW YEARS EXIBIT AND CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Theme: New Years Around the Globe!
Read more!

Enniv Zarf Me

Nov. 26, 2008
8pmSLT
PK Works

ezm.paulkwo.com

So I have settled on this black and white simple poster as my official marketing campaign for this winter season. I am definitely learning about marketing and branding and I think I'm getting better and better at it. I wanted to create something that is simple and easy to remember but still very impactful. Especially during this holiday season when there's just so much going on, and everyone's trying to bombard everyone with everything. I'm just going to keep it simple and then keep throwing it out there with my huge amount of concerts and stuff. Let's see how it goes.

I am now trying to get one of those things that will allow me to automatically update a texture board that I could give to people to rez out to support me and stuff. It'll update from my central place with a new Notecard and a new texture whenever I update it myself. Trying to see if my friend can build me one. Maybe even a new recording too. That would be neat!!!!

Alright, I'll blog more later, got loads of stuff to work on and an audition to go to in RL in a bit.
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FREE MUSIC - Album: Festi - Track: Unfulfilled Desire

It's been a little while since I released a new recording here. I think this will be the final recording from the Festi album I'll be releasing. The next set I think may actually be my Laputa set. But I'm not sure. I am considering releasing that on an actual CD. That one has poetry to go along with it. Well you can listen to that on my Krystal Epic Media Site. Which also reminds me, I think it's about time that I go and release a couple more albums for that site only. I have so much music but just not enough time to do it all.

I'm also waiting on my friend Media Hax who will actually get a really amazing website up and running for music. It has the ability to by pass land parcel, so the stream is protected. On the site, you can also change and manage the streams and other things. You can buy music and other things for yourself to use and such similar to itunes but all inworld. Coolest thing of all is he actually figured out how to do a touch screen inside second life. It actually works as a play that can be both a hud form or in world. Yes, literally a touch screen where you can click directly on to a single prim screen inworld and then navigate through a site like thing and access music and movies etc. It's really amazing! I absolutely cannot wait till he's finished. But he's also been extremely busy and haven't been able to really finish the php side of things.

Well here's the track Unfulfilled Desire from Festi, available after the jump:

Artist: Paul Kwo / Enniv Zarf in Second Life
Album: Festi
Track: Unfulfilled Desires <<--- FREE! (Click on the link to download the track FREE for your private use and enjoyment! By downloading, you agree to not forward the track to any other party. Please share this track only by referring others to this website. Your support is greatly appreciated!)

PK MUSIC PLAYER: (Requires Quicktime)


AFTERTHOUGHT:
We all have some sort of unfulfilled desires and I think at this celebration I was into that mode by that time of the concert, thinking about what I do not have.

But I try to also remember of everything that we do have at this Thanksgiving holiday time. There is much to be thankful about and so it's absolutely fantastic to be able to perform online and reach hundreds and thousands of people with my music. My desire is to eventually reach millions of people with my music here and on SL.

Check out my album Rebirth and support my music on itunes and on CDbaby.

Article by Paul Kwo/Enniv Zarf
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The Complete PK Works Winter 2008 Schedule!!!!!

PK Works Winter 2008
Colors in a Black and White World
==========
Art Exhibit Opens December 1, 2008
Music Concerts: November 26, 29 December 3, 6, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20 2008
Check http://ennivzarf.blogspot.com for additional concert announcements

Theme: Colors in a Black and White World

Musician in Resident: Enniv Zarf
Guest Musician: Eliz Wantanabe, Eithne McBride, Hime Sak
Guest Artists: Gracie Kendal, Kritz Etzel, Texanna Schumann, TommyLee Nightfire, Verde Otaared
Managing Director: Caivan Hancroft

The idea of "Colors in a Black and White World" is to reflect the colorful diversity in the world in which we reside in that often times are consumed within our obsessive notion of what is clear and black and white. Thus our Black and White building which was inspired by the black and white piano will host a variety of artists works of colorful nature from a diverse background. Henceforth the theme "Colors in a Black and White World."

We ask that you all come here in colorful clothings to our concerts as we celebrate this winter season the wonderful diversity Second Life brings to our world.

100% of the proceeds of art works by the artists sold at PK Works go directly to the artists. PK Works does not charge artists any commission.

http://www.paulkwo.com
http://www.krystalepic.com
http://www.myspace.com/paulkwo
http://CMinSL.blogspot.com
http://ennivzarf.blogspot.com
http://blog.paulkwo.com

==========
All Enniv Zarf's concerts are 1 hour long unless otherwise indicated.

>> Nov. 26, 2008 - Colorful Thanksgiving
A freestyle thanksgiving improv extravaganza
> 8pmSLT
PK Works

>> Nov. 29, 2008 - Colorful Media
A build & play multi-media concert
With Sculpture Artist Gwen Carillon
> 12pm SLT
Music Island
Contact: Kate Miranda

>> Dec. 3, 2008 - Colorful Art
A celebration of the diversity in art works by various artists in SL with Enniv's freestyle piano improv music
> 8pmSLT
PK Works

>> Dec. 6, 2008 - An Avant-Garde Holiday
An extreme experimental concert of experimental techniques on the piano with talking points by Enniv Zarf on the Piano. This is a very different contemporary music concert all improvised!!!
> 7pmSLT
PK Works

>> Dec. 10, 2008 - Colorful Art II
A continuing celebration of diversity in art and music
> 8pmSLT
PK Works

>> Dec. 13, 2008 - Romantic Love
1/2 hour showcase at the famous Freestar Musician Showcase
> 930pmSLT-10pmSLT
Freestar Bay
Contact: Freestar Tammas

>> Dec. 14, 2008 - Human Rights
A support for human rights around the world with Enniv's music at the Cetus gallery. All proceeds go to charity.
> 7pmSLT
Cetus
Contact: Jonah Zenovka or Alexxa Laval

>> Dec. 17, 2008 - PK Works Holiday Bash
Join us at this special holiday party concert of Enniv Zarf this year!!!!! This is a NOT TO BE MISSED party! Holiday music along with improv and all sorts of good stuff. Special gifts for all attendees!!! Guest musicians includes Hime Sak, Eliz Wantanbe and Eithne McBride
> 7pmSLT - 9pmSLT
- 7pmSLT - Eliz Wantanbe - Singer
- 730pmSLT - Eithne McBride - Flutest
- 8pmSLT - Hime Sak - Chinese Yangqin Player
- 830pmSLT - Enniv Zarf - Pianist/Singer
PK Works

>> Dec. 20, 2008 - PK Works 2008 Finale
Join us at the official final 2008 concert of Enniv Zarf this year! Enniv will be performing his beloved freestyle piano improv in all its freedom and flash! Join us on this Saturday night and celebrate a wonderful and successful year!
> 7pmSLT
PK Works
Read more!

Review: VIRTUAL ROBODOCK FESTIVAL 2008 IN SECONDLIFE - Sunday 11/23/08

Written by Enniv Zarf

Alright, so where can I possibly go within minutes of hearing a new music concert by a music composition student who's currently studying abroad in Russia???

Answer: VIRTUAL ROBODOCK FESTIVAL 2008 IN SECONDLIFE

I got a group IM in my contemporary music group, which I did start btw to promote contemporary music and experimental music of all kinds! Well Ze Moo invited everyone to this what turns out to be a huge festival that ran from Nov. 19, 2008 all the way to Nov. 29, 2008.

Today is day four of the performance and a few people are actually scheduled to perform. The show already started at noon and will last probably past my staying there. I have other things to do too ya know! Well it is six hours long total today.

Well I was there at Nutski Newman's performance. It is absolutely fascinating!

Personally I don't know all that much about experimental soundscapes and how to make them. I haven't really dealt with electronic sounds though I have the equipment and sorta now really wanna be playing with it.

Well Nutski specializes in environmental sounds, soundscapes and long mixes as well as extraordinary music. HE has his own radio stream at: live.nu/altena.m3u.

His music is supported by graphics that are projected on the projector in the back along with a whole environment with smoke and other effects.




There are really no limits as to what contemporary music can be. I consider this all to be a part of the world of art music which is the same as Classical Music. It is always about Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. Of course this is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. In fact they do cross over to the world of Popular music as well.

But the soundscapes and environmental music poses questions about what music is and should be and can be. If music is simply organized sounds, then of course all sounds made by human beings in any conceivable way could be thought of as music! What is the limit and where do we draw the line? Maybe we should draw, and let each listener determine for themselves what the world of music should be and could be.

The Virtual Robodock Festival's music reminds me of that. Even sometimes I lose track of what I want to do and what music is. I get caught up with the freestyle piano improv that are audience friendly and pretty and forget that there are other types of music I want to explore as well. This festival inspired me back to pushing the envelope and going to the fringes of sounds and soundscapes and create new paintings of musical languages and thoughts and ideas.

Well thanks Ze Moo for taking me there, even if it is for a short time that I could stay.

Be sure to drop by the festival between now and Nov. 29. Whether you are a die hard Classical nut who won't touch anything composed after 1950 or you are a Pop music encyclopedia, this festival whether you like it or not will at the very least give you a new perspective of what music can be to some people. And it is in the end whether we approve of certain music or not, important that we are at least educated and have experienced it at least once, or even half a time.

Contact Jce Emoto - festival manager/curator for information about this festival.
Complete info at: http://dfm.nu/robodock

Until next time...
...Play on...
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Review: Vlad Dyszel New Classical Music at Phantom Rose

Written by Enniv Zarf

Vlad has been long time friend of mine here in Second Life. Recently he hasn't been on much in Second Life because he has been in Russia continuing his studies in Music Composition.

Finally though after a long awaited time, he's finally back with two new piano works and one new string work fresh off the press.

And of course being a student, Vlad is unable to hire a full orchestra to perform his string works or his piano works, so we are left to listen to a MIDI rendition of his music. I hope one day he will be able to get some fellow musician friends to help him record some of his music and maybe even perform live in Second Life.
The music of Vlad Dyszel
Phantom Rose Composer in Residence
Sunday, November 23, 2008

PROGRAM
* Piano Sonata in f minor
* "Dans Mon Ame" for piano
* Serenade for Strings in Bb Major
- Movement I - Allegro Moderato
- Movement II - Lento Cantabile - Andantino
- Movement III -Scherzo. Molto Allegro
- Movement IV - Finale. Allegro Fuoco con Molto Passione

Note from the composer: I'd like to dedicate this concert to J.L.O, the person who means more to me than they'll ever know, and has been a light and inspiration to me and my music, especially that of the final piece, someone I will never forget, and when you come back...I will greet you with open arms as though you never left.

There were three pieces performed but each one was a hearty and very substantial piece of work that was quite the work out for the ears. I am just found of new music and being able to enjoy the works of up and coming new composers especially here in Second Life.


The first work was a Piano Sonata. Vlad has always been a believer in writing accessible music for the audience to understand, but at the same time to continue explore the boundaries of such styles. By most definitions Vlad is a neo-classical composer with added contrasting and often times dissonance chords to enhance the emotional impact of the works. Many of such chords also added to the quirkiness of the piece.

There were also some influences of Russian music, especially that of the classic late romantic music of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov or whoever he may be thinking. I originally thought it was his semester in Russia that caused it, but then I was informed that they were composed before this semester. So I guess he's just got a head start

The work did flow from top to bottom well and worked fluidly. Though it was a MIDI performance, but it is obvious that Vlad have spent a great deal of time making certain that such MIDI renditions sound the best it possibly could.

The Sonata was a substantial work that lasted about 15 minutes or so long. I lost track of the precise timing of the piece but it was a multi-movement work and the different movements did offer contrasting elements that were diverse enough but still in line with each other to keep the coherency of the work.

However I would have to say there were a few moments in the works where the harmonies were a bit too odd and sudden that just didn't feel it truly belonged in the piece. But those were rare moments and passed by quickly enough to not be overtly distracting.

The second work was that of a shorter but much more dramatic piano work. I thought this was the best of the three works offered in today's concert. It was dynamic and explosive, but yet kept a very strong aura of drama and seriousness. But it was short and fleeting, making me almost yearning for a bit more. It was as if it was a tease for the audience of something much bigger to come. I hope I will be able to hear more of this aspect of Vlad's music in the future.


Finally he played his string Serenade which is a multi-movement works. He was having technical issues with crashing during the concert which caused him to restart.

According to Vlad at the concert, this piece was started in April this year and finished in August, though the precise date has now alluded him. The final movement was completely composed in a period of three days.

The whole work is neo-romantic in nature. It was very reminisque of Samuel Barber String Adagio. But of course it still has a long way to go to be on that same level. But it has great moments in the works. There were some fantastic pizzacato passages that I thought were wonderful and just imagining what a real string orchestra would sound.

The unfortunate part of the performance is that we had to listen to MIDI strings. So the entire time I am just imagining what a real orchestra could do with the nuances of this work. It is a beautiful piece of work and given the right group of musicians, could be a very lovely piece of work.

And as always Vlad is very structured as a composer and his form is very clear. He presented very clearly defined sections of his work. His work is definitely accessible and easy to follow along. But I do wish that in his serenade that he would explore more exotic and far out harmonic languages. But this was composed before his studies abroad, and comparatively speaking his two piano works were definitely riskier but still rewarding then his Serenade.


All in all Vlad is a wonderful contribution to the diverse world of Classical Music in Second Life. I hope to really hear more of his works, and perhaps hear some of the other classical pianist in Second Life pick up some of his piano works and perform them live! Heck, I may even consider doing that myself too!!!

The audience did love the performance and it was definitely an experience that was enjoyable. I hope everyone will have the opportunity in the future to explore new music. I personally believe that in order for Classical Music to flourish, we have to put new music at the forefront of the fight. We have to keep it alive by growing and nurturing new talents. Vlad is certainly worthy of our support!

Until next time...
...PLAY ON...
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Review: Aura Petrov at Music Island

Article by Enniv Zarf

Music Island is always one of my favorite Classical Venues in Second Life. Kate Miranda, a great friend of mine runs the venue on the island and have brought to SL some of the most amazing performers from all backgrounds and levels.

Today's concert featured the violinist Aura Petrov.

It is great to see that in Second Life, we embrace musicians of all levels and backgrounds who just love to share their music. It is always exciting to hear new voices and new people come in and show us what they love and share with us music in their own accord. In the end, we are all growing and that's what counts!

Program:
Air On a G String - J.S. Bach
Minuet In G - L.V. Beethoven
Traumerei - R. Schumann
Seranade - R. Schubert
Cavatine OP.85, No 3 - J. Raff
Minauet Divertimento, Kv. 334 - W. A. Mozart
Berceuse - B. Godard
Humoreske - A. Dvorak
Hungarian Dance No 5. - J.S. Brahms

I believe in honesty and there's no reason to hide anything or mask what we thought. It doesn't help anyone and it certainly doesn't help music. Well Aura Petrov is not a virtuoso. Her program today included many works that I have learned myself as a teenager studying the violin. They were performed well as I would expect on the level of a descent intermediate/advance student of the instrument.

But there is nothing wrong with this. Everyone is at a different level and we should all be supportive of the arts and in Second Life, this is a great platform for those who are joining in the world of music and performance to get a chance to do so and get the experience necessary to keep growing.

I can hear her love for the music as she performed the works. And she definitely did show us a set of repertoire that many other established artists may not ever touch. But she did have definitely intonation problems aside from her technical issue of the balance between her and her CD player accompaniment. There were also some steadiness of rhythm that could be bettered but then that could also just be the stream messing with the performance. Finally I would say that the tone quality of the instrument can use a little bit more ironing out to get that beautiful singing tone on some of the slower pieces especially.

In the end, it is a sweet set of music that I do love. I have a fond admiration for the Schumann, Dvorak and Brahms of this set. They do stir up a lot of my childhood memories and love. The biggest problem with today's performance was the lag in the stream. I am not sure where the problem actually came from, but it made it extremely difficult to enjoy much of the music since parts of it were literally missing and skipped over. I hope Aura Petrov will get a chance to resolve this problem for her future performances.

Finally, the concert ended 40 minutes after the hour which is shorter then the usual hour long concerts at Music Island. I hope Aura continues to work on her craft and presents us with her next program down the road.



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EZM - Nov. 22, 2008

Nov. 22, 2008
7pmSLT
PK Works

Come to PK Works and enjoy a sneak preview of what is to come!

PK Works: SLURL

Enjoy freestyle piano improv music and a chance to win L$1000 in the EZ Giveaway!
KEYWORD: Atlantis

Enjoy the beginning of what will be a huge holiday season bash!!!!!!!

ezm.paulkwo.com
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CONCERT THIS SATURDAY!!! - NOVEMBER 22, 2008 - 7PMSLT

Enniv Zarf will be playing a concert of his famous Freestyle Piano Improv this Saturday Nov. 22, 2008 at 7pmSLT at his gallery PK Works. SLURL to come!

Spread the word around and let everyone know!!!!!!

He will also be doing the EZ Giveaway for L$500 that night too!!! Keyword will be posted that day at his blog! Which is in 2 days!!!

Enniv Zarf is well know for his beautiful Improv Piano music that is rooted in Classical and freeform music along with influences from genres across the world!
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FREE MUSIC - Album: Festi - Track: Tommy's Night

Here's another track from my Festi Album. I really do like these tracks and they are very fun to listen to. I do have to say listening back I definitely can sense my growth since the summer and what I can do and how I do it. But it's still very neat to look back and listen to what I have done and where I have gone.

Now listening to this, I'm actually quite pleased with how it sounds. I'm pleasantly surprised listening to it now. It's simpler then the stuff I do now, but it's still definitely good. I am just glad I have recorded so many of my recordings in the past. I definitely have learned a lot with them.

So Tommy's Night was really thinking about my friend Tommy who's supportive of my music. He's actually a friend of mine from Second Life and his name in there is TommyLee Nightfire. Only fitting since the track reminded me of him going out and about playing and having a ball. So it is more upbeat and more quirky!

Track after the jump!

Artist: Paul Kwo / Enniv Zarf in Second Life
Album: Festi
Track: Tommy's Night <<--- FREE! (Click on the link to download the track FREE for your private use and enjoyment! By downloading, you agree to not forward the track to any other party. Please share this track only by referring others to this website. Your support is greatly appreciated!)

PK MUSIC PLAYER: (Requires Quicktime)


AFTERTHOUGHT:
I still have a few more tracks from my Festi album to bring here. I'll definitely continue to do that for a while but who knows for how long. I can only give away so much music before I go broke! Read more!

Recap of my concerts yesterday

Having performed for 3 hours total yesterday where 2 hours were back to back was really tiring and really worked my fingers out. It was definitely over worked by the end and I couldn't even really type anything and so that's why I didn't blog about it right after. I just couldn't pull myself together to type a full blog (except a short one for Enniv Zarf Me Blog).

The concerts were definitely successes. I had a great crowd at every concert, even the 7pmSLT one that I didn't get to specifically really promote it all that much in time. I did though squeezed in 2 mins to send like a ton of group IM's to a bunch of groups then. So it did work out. Which now reminds me I need to drop one other group and then join another one to better utilize my group spots.

• Torino Italia - SLURL - IM
  
• Gwen Carillon - SLURL - IM Gwen Carillon for LM/TP
• Em Larsson - Exposure Art Gallery - SLURL - IM PJ Trenton for LM/TP

I certainly recommend everyone to visit these great galleries and sims as they do have wonderful stuff there.

2pmSLT Concert at Torino Vera - Italia Vera

I've performed a lot during the summer at the Italia Vera sims. They always have a huge crowd there, but then they don't always stay for my music since it's not your usual pop rock music. But I have discovered over a few different concerts what works with people and how to keep them there.

The presentation was definitely a lot more active in my voice and how I am much more energized and charged to get their attention no matter what I'm playing. Also I usually do start every concert with something flashy, something that moves very fast and just flies all over the keyboard to impress people to stick around and listen to the other stuff. I'm definitely playing to the audience. I tend to then have to do that for at least the first 15 minutes or so to make sure the late comers are intrigued as well and stick around.

Now once there is enough people around, I can take it back down a notch and then play some more mellow things to give my fingers a little break. Then to the end of my concert I have a little more liberty to go a little more edgy and play more daring things in harmonic choices and rhythmic choices since by then if people leave, it would be alright since it's nearing the end anyways.

Of course the type of venue I'm performing at also makes a big difference in how far I can go. The Italia sims are definitely not a place where I'd experiment too much with my music. But on the other hand, at art galleries and especially at Cedar, I could definitely try for much more daring improvs.

6pmSLT Concert at Elements in Design by Gwen Carillon. Gwen got a nice audience there and I also got a good many people attending the concert. I performed some improvs to Gwen's works along with some freestyle stuff. I did spend a good time at both of these concerts and the 7pmSLT one talking also about my websites especially this blog, and it did drive up my traffic.

I had the giveaway too and got some responses from that. I'll definitely have to work on the organization of those promo stuff better next time. But for what I have done it's still was great.

I did also get a chance to improvise to Gwen's Go Fish sculpture. It is an amazing piece of work (Picture here). I think I did a great job with it too so I'm happy with it. I'll see what I'll do to that work. I may release on a CD later. I really think it was great.

Now the 7pmSLT concert was at Em's open. It was fantastic. I had a great time there even though we started a few minutes late. We still got a great crowd there about 15 minutes after the hour. I very quickly sent out like 10 group IM's to get more people there. That was a little nutty but I did it, so it was great.

Em's flowers and nature photography were great to improvise to. I had a great time playing to them. I did even a quirky bright and cheery one on Red Daisy...took a little risk there, wasn't something I typically do. It was definitely a risk.

But my favorite one at the concert was on the winter landscape that she had. I really loved that...but unfortunately my phone rang in the middle of it so I can't actually release it in a recording...but maybe I can make it work, edit it our somehow, maybe. I really did absolutely love that improv. I thought it was my best all day even though I really also liked the go fish improv too. But the winter one was just so wintery that I really just wanted a great copy of it...oh well, I can't have it all.

All in all it was a great day and I really did perform a lot. I did feel my mind was a bit off throughout the day in terms of just not focused in everything else. But with the improv it was all good. So I was definitely very pleased.

Well until next concert...
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FREE MUSIC - Album: Festi - Track: Gwen's Song

The next track I want to give out is in connection with one of tomorrow's concert. This one is named after my friend Gwen Carillon, who is a wonderful sculpture artist in Second Life.

While I listened back to this piece after the concert in the summer, I thought about the colors and the transparency of her works. There is something in her builds that dives deep into the soul with a sort of crystal clarity. I feel the colors like tingling tip bits falling onto my heart as little sounds of notes touches my soul. That's why I named this work after Gwen.

Track available after the jump!

Artist: Paul Kwo / Enniv Zarf in Second Life
Album: Festi
Track: Gwen's Song <<--- FREE! (Click on the link to download the track FREE for your private use and enjoyment! By downloading, you agree to not forward the track to any other party. Please share this track only by referring others to this website. Your support is greatly appreciated!)

EZ MUSIC PLAYER: (Requires Quicktime)


AFTERTHOUGHT:
I hope you will all enjoy this work of mine! Again feel free to leave me a comment and be sure to attend tomorrow's concert.

Remember you can win my Rebirth Album along with L$1,000 - Info here!
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Thom Dowd Music in SL Shakespeare Company's Twelfth Night Productions

This weekend there is the SL Shakespeare company's Twelfth night production. I don't have a picture of the actors playing the musician cause it went by before I thought up to blog about it here too.

In Act 1 of Twelfth night at the Duke Orsino's home, he has musicians playing music. The show of course starts of with the famous Shakespeare line "If music be the food of love, play on."

Well SLSC chose Thom Dowd's wonderful music that is in the style of Neo-renaissance/early music that he specializes in. He has a great many recordings available for purchase too online and on itunes.

SLSC had a group of musicians with period instruments in hand performing Thom Dowd's recordings. It was very fitting and a great way to showcase Dowd's works.

If you have the chance, do stop by the remaining two showings this weekend. Check the SLSC blog for complete information.


Article by Enniv Zarf
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3 Freestyle Piano Music Concerts Saturday November 15, 2008

Announcements:

Enniv Zarf (RL: Paul Kwo) will be having 3 freestyle piano music concert this Saturday Nov. 15, 2008!

• 2pmSLT - Torino Italia - SLURL - IM
  
• 6pmSLT - Gwen Carillon - SLURL - IM Gwen Carillon for LM/TP
• 7pmSLT - Em Larsson - Exposure Art Gallery - SLURL - IM PJ Trenton for LM/TP
  

Learn how to win Enniv Zarf's Rebirth Album's MP3's and L$1,000 at PK Blog and Enniv Zarf Me Blog

Details after the jump!

The 2pmSLT concert will be a totally free improv experience. The sim can sometimes reach up to 100 people so please be patient if you can't reach it in time.

The 6pmSLT concert will be an art improv to the art works of Gwen Carillon! Gwen is presenting a new exhibit, a series of sculpture and poetry. I'll improvise to all that!

The 7pmSLT concert will also be an art improv to the art works of Em Larsson! Em is also presenting an exhibit at Exposure Gallery! I'll be having a blast with her works.

If you would like to know more about me, please visit:
PK Blog
paulkwo.com

I'll see you all there!!!

Article by Enniv Zarf - RL:Paul Kwo
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FREE MUSIC - Album: Festi - Track: Jaho! Jaho!

Continuing my gradual release of new music named after my friends and fans. This one here is named after my friend Jaho Yalin in Second Life who have been very supportive of all my works in the virtual world.

This was also performed live at the Second Life Fifth Birthday celebration earlier this year where Jaho was also there. So it's only fitting to name one of the tracks after him. I usually do name my tracks after the performance unless if the track is improvised to an existing art work. In those cases I just simply name them after the art.

This track features one of my favorite techniques to improvise with. It also sounds a lot more impressive then it is difficult. But most important of all it's just plain fun to play. I just love having my fingers just fly around the piano. I have been getting faster and faster with my fingers too.

Track available after the jump!

Artist: Paul Kwo / Enniv Zarf in Second Life
Album: Festi
Track: Jaho! Jaho! <<--- FREE! (Click on the link to download the track FREE for your private use and enjoyment! By downloading, you agree to not forward the track to any other party. Please share this track only by referring others to this website. Your support is greatly appreciated!)

PK MUSIC PLAYER: (Requires Quicktime)


AFTERTHOUGHT:
I hope you all enjoy this track. Feel free to drop me off a comment about what you think about my music. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Enjoy this!

Article by Paul Kwo from PK Blog Read more!

Virtual Concerts in the Park: Classical Music in Second Life - Part 5 Appendix

~ A multi-parts series ~
By Linda Rogers/Kate Miranda

Access Part 1 here
Access Part 2 here
Access Part 3 here
Access Part 4 here

PART 5:

Appendix A: Technical Instructions for PC streaming:

In order to stream "live" audio into SL, first you need to capture your music through microphone (s) and “broadcast” your sound from your computer. It is recommended that if you are going to broadcast more than one track (several instruments, instrument plus voice, or instrument plus recorded accompaniment) that you use an external mixer to enable you to broadcast one mixed signal. There are 3 broadcast programs available to download: Winamp {with a dsp plugin called Shoutcast}, SimpleCast, or SAM. Simplecast and SAM, can be found at http://www.spacialaudio.com/ If you have the Newest Version of Winamp, you can also find the SHOUTcast plugin at this site. Edward Lowell, a leading provider of streaming services in Second Life, finds Simplecast to be his broadcaster of choice noting is as simple and reliable, and by far the easiest to set up. Download the broadcaster to your PC according to the instructions provided at their site.

The Spacial audio site is a great place to invest some time in reading, now only about their products but about what Internet streaming really is. There is an ongoing wiki built by users for users and discussion forums It is a great place to get knowledge and a basic understanding on how this works.

Setup Encoder for SHOUTcast Server

The next step is to create an encoder that can supply the streaming server with a source stream. (The following instructions are for SimpleCast but can be easily adopted to other broadcasters.)

• Click on Encoders button in SimpleCast
• In the Encoders window click on the add encoder button
• Select MP3 and mp3PRO and Click OK
(Note: You may use the legacy ACM MP3 encoder, but it is not recommended.)

Configurations below for MP3 and mp3PRO encoder apply.

MP3 (PRO) Encoder & Streamer Configuration
• On the Converter tab, set Quality to Medium
• Under Format, select the format that matches the URL of your stream host provider, such as http://www.audiorealm.com/streamX
• Check Auto Start encoder after 5 seconds
• Uncheck “Allow scripts in stream.” Note: If left checked, you will have problems with stream.

Server Details tab
• Server type is SHOUTcast
• Enter Host in Server IP field
• Enter Port in Server Port field
• Enter password in password field

APPENDIX B: Selected Second Life Performer Links

Akito Kuramoto, violin (France) http://www.myspace.com/akitokuramoto

Alessandro Marangoni, piano (Italy) performs as Benito Flores in Second Life. http://www.alessandromarangoni.com and a SL interview and performance at: http://www.slcn.tv/music-academy-alessandro-marangoni

David Weiss and Alpha Hockett Walker, oboe, piano and musical saw. The Schumann Duo in Second Life (USA) http://www.davidweissgallery.com/welcome.html http://www.slcn.tv/music-academy-schumanns

Thom Dowd, Renaissance Flute (Switzerland) http://www.myspace.com/thomascoardthomdowd

Delia Auer, lute (Italy) http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=831441
Winters Kanto, jazz/classical piano (Uruguay) http://www.myspace.com/slwinterskanto

Paul Kwo/ Enniv Zarf, composer, piano, multimedia (USA) http://www.myspace.com/paulkwo & http://www.paulkwo.com

ABOUT LINDA ROGERS/KATE MIRANDA
Linda Rogers is an art administrator in real life and is active in promoting Classical Music in the virtual world of Second Life. Check out her blog to learn more about her.

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FREE MUSIC - Album: Festi - Track: Morning Dew Trickles Down the Fading Pedal

This was performed a while ago at the Second Life Fifth Birthday Celebration. I originally wanted to load the whole album to my Krystal Epic website, but things just kept coming up and I never gotten to doing that. So I guess I'll take this as an opportunity to release some of the tracks from this album here free for everyone to enjoy. Of course I won't be giving out the entire thing for free, just a few tracks here overtime. We'll just have to see.

Well remembering this concert, it was rather fun. A lot of my friends were there. So I actually named a few tracks after those friends. I'll have to post them up here too individually and then get them to bring all their friends here to listen to the piece of music composed just for them! Isn't that special! Woot!

The concert was also one of the few concerts where I've ever been grieved. It's actually a rare event for me to encounter grievers. It was probably, cross that, definitely because it was the Second Life Fifth Birthday celebration why there were grievers. I just perform freestyle piano improv. Only people who love my stuff even pay attention to what I do. But I am very happy that I do have a good following and people who do love my music.

Artist: Paul Kwo / Enniv Zarf in Second Life
Album: Festi
Track: Morning Drew Trickles Down the Fading Pedal <<--- FREE! (Click on the link to download the track FREE for your private use and enjoyment! By downloading, you agree to not forward the track to any other party. Please share this track only by referring others to this website. Your support is greatly appreciated!)



AFTERTHOUGHT:
I love music and I love to play my freestyle improv. I consider it new music, contemporary music and classical music, call it what you want. I seem to have a never ending arsenal of these music in my inventory. I have over four hundred minutes of these music recorded so I am sure I will have plenty of music here overtime as I gradually post more and more here. But of course I would love it if everyone who loves this will also go and buy some of my released records like Rebirth [live]. This kind of support is greatly appreciated since it's what I rely on to really get more and more new works up both for sale and for free. Hey, I gotta pay the bills somehow!
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Contemporary Music and Virtual Reality

I am an absolute believer that contemporary music needs to be at our forefront of our promotion of high art music to new audience. I am often shocked at how unwilling to embrace and oftentimes in total unacceptance some proponents of Classical music.

Fortunately in Second Life, I feel a great embrace of contemporary music as a part of the world of Classical music. It is quite exhilarating to see new music being performed and shared all around.

I personally perform a lot of my original freestyle piano improv. It took me a long time to be even comfortable towards accepting this aspect of my musical output as a legitimate form of music. I felt that the traditional institutions of music at which I have studied at oftentimes neglect such different genre of Classical and Art music. For me these original freestyle piano improv can take on any form it wants. I let out whatever it is that comes to my mind, but when I perform for the general audience in Second Life, I tend to gear myself more towards a musical language that is much more accessible then some of my other works. In this sense I do feel that I am starting to develop two different sides to my musical language. But I am starting to push the boundaries so that I can bridge the two worlds closer and closer.

Of course there is always a limit to what a general audience may be willing to embrace at any time. Early on in my performance of piano improv in Second Life, I gave a concert using all extended techniques on the piano. It was definitely a much more mixed acceptance in the reception of the concert. A few people enjoyed it and stayed till the end while many left. It was experimental on my part, and I have learned a bit about audience tolerance towards music that they are completely unknown.

Aside from my works, it is wonderful to see other musicians and composers enter Second Life and promoting contemporary music alongside Classical Music. I am extremely grateful to Kate Miranda who is an avid promoter of Classical Music in Second Life that she is willing to promote Contemporary New Music artists alongside great artists of standard repetoire.

I believe in order to reach out to more audience and grow the art of Classical Music, it is important that we fully promote the newest contemporary music has to offer. Often times we can bring people who are interested in popular music that pushes the limits of audience tolerance gradually towards contemporary classical music. As a result they will be more willing to explore the traditional heritage such new music stemmed from and thus grow the audience to classical music.

Classical Music has often been called a dying art. But if we allow it to be reborn in new worlds, we can bring back the entire realm of Classical Music to a much greater audience size.

Article by Enniv Zarf RL Paul Kwo - homepage, blog, myspace, music
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Virtual Concerts in the Park: Classical Music in Second Life - Part 4

~ A multi-parts series ~
By Linda Rogers/Kate Miranda

Access Part 1 here
Access Part 2 here
Access Part 3 here

PART 4:

WHO IS PERFORMING IN SECOND LIFE AND WHAT IS THEIR MOTIVATION?

Classical performers in Second Life range from emerging and mid-career professional musicians, retired and semi-retired musicians, competent amateurs, music students, music educators, plus occasional cameo appearances by leading artists and ensembles.

Some performers find it is a good way to work up new material and play it before a live audience before facing an audience in the concert hall. For students it is a way to get more live concert experience. For educators, a way to keep performance skills sharp.

Performers are warmed by the appreciation of the audience and by reaching new audiences. (some links to sites for performers in Second Life at the end of the article.)

While some hope to promote real life careers and boost earnings, this last goal is more difficult. The requirement to have a pseudonym in Second Life hobbles name recognition. As Second Life evolves into a serious platform for art, corporations, and learning, this role-play with fictional names seem more and more out-dated.

On Music Island we have been getting around the name recognition issue with posters, T-shirts and even virtual CD stands with links to performers' real world websites.

Anyone interested in learning more about classical music in Second Life should get a free Second Life account. Once you are on the grid, join the Classical Music Group in world. Please contact me—Kate Miranda—if I can help you or answer your questions.

ABOUT LINDA ROGERS/KATE MIRANDA
Linda Rogers is an art administrator in real life and is active in promoting Classical Music in the virtual world of Second Life. Check out her blog to learn more about her.


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Virtual Concerts in the Park: Classical Music in Second Life - Part 3

~ A multi-parts series ~
By Linda Rogers/Kate Miranda

Access Part 1 here
Access Part 2 here

PART 3:

WHY PRESENT CLASSICAL MUSIC IN SECOND LIFE?

Audience Development
The aspect unique to classical music in Second Life is the quality of the audience experience. A podcast or webcast can deliver the same sound quality and serve promotional purposes, but all of these are solitary experiences. By contrast, concerts in Second Life are joyfully social; audience members are celebratory in their anticipation and appreciation of the music in a way rarely matched in real life concerts. Unique to the medium, listeners silently text appreciative comments, hurrahs, and questions that they hope someone more informed will be able to answer. Sometimes Second Life avatars even decide to dance to the music in the manner of small children at a summer concert at the park.

Conversations quickly reveal that many of those attending classical concerts in Second Life have little or no experience of live classical music. While classical music series in the mainstream arts are having trouble attracting new audiences to conventional concert stages, it is demonstrated that the Internet virtual audience is open to the experience of art music. It seems worth it to step into the virtual world to reach out to this new audience.

Education and Outreach
The other unique element to the SL live concert experience is the accessibility of artists. Performers can view text messages and questions. Artists customarily engage the audience before and after concerts and sometimes at breaks in the program. This accessibility is as rewarding to the performer as to the audience.

The use of virtual reality for musical education is relatively new but music educators are already discovering that the ability to have students view text while they listen to music helps deepen understanding. In one recent music appreciation class, students were able to read text information about what they were hearing during the performance.

Professional Development
Faculties of music and individual music teachers are beginning to use virtual reality as one vehicle to train young artists, by providing fun performance opportunities that are no cost or low cost.

Networking
Second Life is an international community that is small enough to facilitate networking among people of shared interests. Second Life performers and creative artists are finding virtual reality a great place to learn about new projects and make connections that will help them with organizing concerts, shows and tours in other countries.

Promotion/Dissemination
Because virtual reality is so new, artists and organizations have managed to create a great deal of buzz with concerts in Second Life. Last year when the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic streamed a video of a concert into virtual reality it created headlines in the New York Times, the Liverpool Telegraph, and many other newspapers due to the novelty of the activity. When major artists such as pianist Lang Lang have appeared in Second Life, they have been rewarded with both coverage in the mainstream press and also amateur YouTube videos and spin in the blogosphere.

For emerging artists, Second Life becomes one of a number of online strategies for promotion and dissemination. The Second Life community has been described as an international cyber tribe. If so, it is a large and growing tribe and savvy artists and arts organizations are finding that virtual reality is a great way to reach beyond regional and national borders. Second Life has its own media, and the popular news, radio and television stations covering events in virtual reality have proven to be a great way to communicate with this select group of high tech audience members. One interesting place to visit is the Second Life Cable Network.

Communication within SL is done primarily through groups that individuals can elect to join. Because avatars are limited to membership in a maximum of 25 groups, getting avatars to join your group is highly competitive. You are reaching a very select group of “opted in” classical audience members when you broadcast a classical concert on one or more of the main classical music groups.

Fun:
Not to be minimized is the fun factor. Even audience members and performers who are regulars in the real world concert hall are amused, engaged and refreshed by the experience of classical music in the context of virtual reality. Love of the music and interest in virtual reality is common to everyone performing in second life.

to be continued...

ABOUT LINDA ROGERS/KATE MIRANDA
Linda Rogers is an art administrator in real life and is active in promoting Classical Music in the virtual world of Second Life. Check out her blog to learn more about her.

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