I loved the musical theme from “Braveheart” (1995). The first time I heard it I envisioned to eventually play and record it.
I searched for an existing, notated and published version of this piece —but could not find one. So, as I often have, I transcribed this piece from its recording. To transcribe the theme from James Horner’s wonderful score, I listened to and scrutinized each discernible part, and then recorded each part into my computer software, rather than writing the notes onto paper and then playing them.
How strange, that soon after posting my “Braveheart” transcription of award-winning composer, James Horner’s movie-theme (May 20, 2015), he died (June 22nd) at 61, when his small plane crashed in CA. Mr. Horner’s Wikipedia article (included, above) includes a list of his movie scores that is amazing. Rest well, James Horner. You gave us much great music.
I continue to debate with myself concerning which method of transcription is most efficient for me. This instance of listening and recording rather than listening and writing onto paper, has bolstered my belief that transcribing onto paper and then playing may, ultimately, require less work (for me). I will elaborate on this in the future.
I hope that you enjoy my rendition of “Braveheart” that used only my PC3K8 instrument and its effects (reverbs, etc.).
I eventually realized that I had also played “The Easy Winners,” but had never recorded it. Sometime after finally recording “The Easy Winners” in November 2014, I realized that the song at 4:40, is almost too long to maintain most listeners’ interest (these days). Even with an accompanying video, 4:40 would likely be too long for many listeners. To make a shorter version of the piece, I decided that I would record an arrangement without the repeated sections. I made the 1st and 2nd repeats (in the musical form) into two pianos playing at the same time. After the abridgment, the piece is a (hopefully) more listenable 2:22.
The accompanying video is another I made using Fotomagico. The pictures used in the video are scanned from the two volumes of Joplin solos in my music library. I hope you enjoy my rendition of The Easy Winners and its accompanying video.
(From the Forward to “Christmas Creations for Two Pianists”)
“ Christmas Creations is a collection of music for two performers at one piano. The contents present the kind of music that captures both the holiday and the Holy Day spirit of Christmas. Not only is it ‘the season to be jolly’ but, it’s also the season to be reverent. The arrangements consist of rich harmonies and exciting rhythms and are designed for the experienced pianist. The secondo (lower) parts are not merely accompaniments but are an artistic part of the total musical fabric. ”
———
My Mother and I began yearly, playing this set of John Schaum Christmas arrangements, sometime in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, my sister, Cathy and I also played them and continued to more-or-less-yearly try-to-play them since our Mother’s 2012 death.
I recorded a first-cut version of these pieces during the days between November 30 – December 6, 2014. It was only while practicing, before recording, that I realized that I had previously, almost exclusively, played the 2nd (lower) part on each piece. There were several of the pieces on which I had never previously played the 1st (upper) part.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy 2014’s Christmas musical offering. I dedicate this year’s project to the memory of our dear and precious Father, who died on December 16, 2014. He was our inspiration, encourager, and greatly enjoyed hearing us play these arrangements for him.
Merry Christmas & Season’s Greetings from Stan Owen, Jr. & Creative Minds’ Music.
I loved the musical theme from “Braveheart” (1995). The first time I heard it I envisioned to eventually play and record it.
I hope that you enjoy my rendition of “Braveheart” that used only my PC3K8 instrument and its effects (reverbs, etc.).
Over the years I have performed three Scott Joplin ragtime-pieces and previously recorded two: 
Recent Comments