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Alex Rockwell
United States
Приєднався 21 кві 2021
I'm a guitarist, composer, and teacher based in Nashville, TN. I teach private lessons to students around the world over Zoom, and create weekly videos sharing my ideas and approaches to music theory, practice, and technique.
Alex Rockwell | Arirang — 아리랑
Arirang is a Korean traditional song. It is widely considered to be the unofficial Korean national anthem. It holds deep cultural and historical significance that cannot be overstated.
The song is hundreds of years old. The first known recording was made in 1896. During the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945, it was a criminal offense to sing patriotic songs, and Arirang thus became an unofficial resistance anthem. Today, it is a symbol of unity, expressing hope for a reunited Korean nation fractured by the Korean War. The song is included twice on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, having been registered by both North and South Korea.
There are thousands of versions of Arirang with different lyrics, verses, and melodies. In most any version, the lyrics deal with themes of sorrow, separation, reunion, and love. Most versions open with the refrain “Arirang, arirang, arariyo”, which is a nonsensical phrase that does not have a precise meaning, let alone translation.
My version of Arirang is a theme and variations. It opens with a simple arrangement of the song with no alterations, and is followed by several variations in which different aspects of the music are changed and developed, gradually shifting further away from the original theme. It ends with the melody played unaccompanied as natural harmonics.
While visiting Seoul in the summer of 2023, I visited an acoustic guitar shop hoping to find myself a souvenir to take home. I tried a few handmade classical guitars from Korean luthiers, and when I played my version of Arirang, I was amazed at the way the shop workers lit up when they heard it. Perhaps they were somewhat surprised that a visiting American would be playing their folk music, but I could see it was more than that in the way they were talking to me afterward. The song clearly meant a lot to them.
I composed this variation set in 2016 as a gift for my girlfriend (and now wife), Teresa.
Sheet music & tabs:
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/arirang-for-solo-guitar
Deep Thought Quiet Space CD
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/deep-thought-quiet-space-cd
Deep Thought Quiet Space Digital Album
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/deep-thought-quiet-space-digital-album
Support:
paypal.me/alexrockwellguitar
For one-on-one Zoom lessons:
www.alexrockwellguitar.com/lessons
Exercise books:
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com
Socials:
alexrockwellmusic
alex_rockwell_music
The song is hundreds of years old. The first known recording was made in 1896. During the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945, it was a criminal offense to sing patriotic songs, and Arirang thus became an unofficial resistance anthem. Today, it is a symbol of unity, expressing hope for a reunited Korean nation fractured by the Korean War. The song is included twice on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, having been registered by both North and South Korea.
There are thousands of versions of Arirang with different lyrics, verses, and melodies. In most any version, the lyrics deal with themes of sorrow, separation, reunion, and love. Most versions open with the refrain “Arirang, arirang, arariyo”, which is a nonsensical phrase that does not have a precise meaning, let alone translation.
My version of Arirang is a theme and variations. It opens with a simple arrangement of the song with no alterations, and is followed by several variations in which different aspects of the music are changed and developed, gradually shifting further away from the original theme. It ends with the melody played unaccompanied as natural harmonics.
While visiting Seoul in the summer of 2023, I visited an acoustic guitar shop hoping to find myself a souvenir to take home. I tried a few handmade classical guitars from Korean luthiers, and when I played my version of Arirang, I was amazed at the way the shop workers lit up when they heard it. Perhaps they were somewhat surprised that a visiting American would be playing their folk music, but I could see it was more than that in the way they were talking to me afterward. The song clearly meant a lot to them.
I composed this variation set in 2016 as a gift for my girlfriend (and now wife), Teresa.
Sheet music & tabs:
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/arirang-for-solo-guitar
Deep Thought Quiet Space CD
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/deep-thought-quiet-space-cd
Deep Thought Quiet Space Digital Album
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/deep-thought-quiet-space-digital-album
Support:
paypal.me/alexrockwellguitar
For one-on-one Zoom lessons:
www.alexrockwellguitar.com/lessons
Exercise books:
shop.alexrockwellguitar.com
Socials:
alexrockwellmusic
alex_rockwell_music
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Відео
Alex Rockwell | Loading!?
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Loading!? is the opening track of my debut album Deep Thought Quiet Space. It was the last piece I composed for the record. It is comprised entirely of the main themes of the eight compositions that follow it. It is intended to sound like an improvised prelude. Its unresolved ending is meant to transition attacca into Arirang, the second track. Sheet music & tabs: shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/pr...
My new album - Deep Thought Quiet Space
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My new album, Deep Thought Quiet Space, releases today. This is my biggest creative project yet, and I am thrilled to finally share it with you. Deep Thought Quiet Space CD shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/deep-thought-quiet-space-cd Deep Thought Quiet Space Digital Album shop.alexrockwellguitar.com/products/deep-thought-quiet-space-digital-album Loading!? sheet music shop.alexrockwellguita...
Pachelbel's Office - a song for my sister's wedding
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My sister asked me to write something for her to walk down the aisle to at her wedding. The assignment was "The Office? But it doesn't have to be that. It can be original. You decide." So here it is. I wrote a melody loosely based on The Office in 6/8 time and borrowed some of the cliche parts of the weddingiest piece of music ever, Pachelbel's Canon in D. Congrats, Gillian and Conor! Support: ...
The UnCAGED System, Part 2: Triad Voice Leading in Major Keys
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My new guitar exercise book is now available. The UnCAGED System, Part 2: Triad Voice Leading in Major Keys Part 2 of my fretboard harmony study series, The UnCAGED System. This volume explores voice leading in the context of a major key, or in other words, progressing from one chord to another in musical and intentional ways. The aim is to take the triad voicings we explored in Part 1 and plac...
What are the five positions of the major scale?
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What are the five positions of the major scale?
Holiday Consumerism Week 2023! (50% off all my books)
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Holiday Consumerism Week 2023! (50% off all my books)
Why don't classical guitarists use their little fingers?
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Why don't classical guitarists use their little fingers?
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 11 - Locking Mechanism (Lesson)
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 11 - Locking Mechanism (Lesson)
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 1 - Eugene (Lesson)
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 1 - Eugene (Lesson)
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar Now Available!
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar Now Available!
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 12 - The Grinder
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 12 - The Grinder
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 11 - Locking Mechanism
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 11 - Locking Mechanism
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 10 - Variation on a Theme by Matthew Dunne
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 10 - Variation on a Theme by Matthew Dunne
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 9 - Fire Weather
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 9 - Fire Weather
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 8 - Keene
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 8 - Keene
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 7 - Cribbage
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 7 - Cribbage
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 6 - Kayaderosseras
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 6 - Kayaderosseras
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 5 - Walk & Talk
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 5 - Walk & Talk
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 4 - Elegy to Aunt Mare
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 4 - Elegy to Aunt Mare
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 3 - Dane
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 3 - Dane
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 2 - To Rain Forever
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 2 - To Rain Forever
12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 1 - Eugene
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12 Etudes for Solo Guitar | Etude No. 1 - Eugene
120 Fingerstyle Arpeggio Studies | FAQ
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120 Fingerstyle Arpeggio Studies | FAQ
Breakdown of J.S. Bach's "Little" Fugue in G Minor
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Breakdown of J.S. Bach's "Little" Fugue in G Minor
J.S. Bach: Little Fugue in G Minor, BWV 578 | Arranged for 3 Guitars and Bass Guitar
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J.S. Bach: Little Fugue in G Minor, BWV 578 | Arranged for 3 Guitars and Bass Guitar
3 Pieces of Mundane Advice for Musicians
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3 Pieces of Mundane Advice for Musicians
The UnCAGED System | New Fretboard Harmony Book
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The UnCAGED System | New Fretboard Harmony Book
Wayne Shorter - Footprints | Solo guitar arrangement
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Wayne Shorter - Footprints | Solo guitar arrangement
Awesome review, thank you. I'm curious about what was the song at 10:27 ? Quite similar from somewhere.
I’m relating so much to your story of trying to figure out that piece! After watching so many UA-cam videos about this you are the only one that is speaking my language about this specific struggle. I’ve been so lost this week in theory regarding these pesky half note triplets.
Well I hope this helps!
Generally nice video and playing. But it can't be both a solid body and a chambered body. You were right about the chambered, incorrect about the solid. Chambered bodies aren't solid.
Sometimes I say things
what song is he playing at the start of the vid?
The Freeloader. Original, off my album Deep Thought Quiet Space.
Deep Thought Quiet Space from Alex Rockwell. There is so much great music on this masterpiece! Every song, a hypnotic adventure. Can’t wait to hear more. Cheers!
Thank you Dave!
Beautiful … ❤️
I loved this - a beautiful delight for the ears, eyes, and heart. Excellent description of the backdrop of the piece and altogether heartwarming!
The brain dance by animals as leaders is another great song
Sound awesome man!
That's very beautiful Alex! Well done, and what a great experience.
Beautiful variations on Arirang. Thanks for the ear and eye candy! AND… Happy 30th!
Alex....who is the maker of the guitar? Sounds fantastic 😊
Zebulon Turrentine. This is the guitar: zebulonturrentine.com/no26
Thank you for a good review. I am thinking to get one.
Beautiful - just beautiful. Just downloaded the album too!
Thanks so much!
So glad I saw your video. Thanks for the effort it's brilliant
Thanks a lot!
Hey Alex, do you think that 123 - 123 - 123 - 123 - 12 - 12 would be 4/4? Or is it alternating between 9/8 and 7/8
You would need more context to determine the better label. But it could be heard has 4/4 or 8/8 (8/8 is sometimes applied to uneven divisions of 4/4). It could also alternate between 9/8 and 7/8, or 9/16 and 7/16, depending on whether you're calling each count an eighth note or a sixteenth note. They can be juxtaposed too. Say a guitar and bass are playing the groupings you wrote out, and a drum set is playing a straight-ahead 4/4 groove behind it. You'd have a bit of both at the same time. If I were writing something with that grouping, I would explore each possibility in the music. It would make for interesting rhythmic development.
Very exciting, and a hearty congratulations - can't wait to hear the tracks as well as the subsequent videos! Your playing is so fine and crisp and the Zeb Turrentine guitar sounds smashingly good in your hands - great clarity and sustain. How cool that this prelude gives us hints of what's to come on the rest of the album - an alluring and dynamic introduction to your first record!
Thanks David! Can't wait for you to hear the finished product!
Congrats! Thats a big accomplishment 🎉
Just read the email. Looking forward to the rest of the music videos!
Thanks for checking them out!
Huge!
Nice composition, very enjoyable. I detect some Carlevaro influence...
I love that. I've never studied anything of Carlevaro's. The associations we make in other people's music is so interesting.
Really excited for this!
Congratulations on your achievement (s). Wow factor on the beautiful crisp tonal sound !
Aaron worked his magic! We worked hard to get it sounding the way it does!
If Mozart wrote "Prince Of Persia" (1989) soundtrack under some substances)
Man! Amen. I'm also a classical player that would like an instrument like this for playing with a group. It's like a grand piano for guitar players and having a way to make it heard in a mix without being completely isolated is a game changer.
I'd love to test it out with an orchestra in particular. I think it could be a good concerto guitar.
@@alexrockwellmusic Wow, thanks for responding to my comment. Is yours a 14 fret to the body or 12 fret to the body? Also, I'm a fan of the wide necks on true classical guitars. Is this a 2 inch neck width or is it smaller?
14th fret, which throws me a little, but you get used to it. It uses Cordoba's hybrid neck design, which is a little bit narrower than a true classical, and the fretboard has a slight radius as well. However, they've since released a new model called the Stage Traditional, which is the same guitar with a true classical neck. If I recall, it also doesn't have the flamed maple top. I haven't tried one, but I'd like to.
Great information. Good video. Thanks for the link.
Good video.., Thanks for the comprehensive explanation on this. I enjoyed it and learned.
On September 2, 1791, while he was in London, Kotzwara visited a prostitute named Susannah Hill in Vine Street, Westminster. After dinner with her in her lodgings, Kotzwara paid her two shillings and requested that she cut off his testicles. Hill refused to do so. Kotzwara then tied a ligature around the doorknob, the other end fastened around his neck, and proceeded to have sexual intercourse with Hill. After it was over, Kotzwara was dead. His is one of the first recorded deaths from erotic asphyxiation.
There it is
Just lovely, Alex - and fantastic orchestration and production! Your sis must be so touched. I was!
Beautiful, dude
Useful content, thanks very much.
i almost exclusively listen to stuff like atonal music. saying its shit is like saying the night is shit, or the day...its just the other thing that makes a 24h cycle complete.
I agree. Still, it's an acquired taste. And it's okay and understandable if people don't like it.
❤
great playing, btw. I am struggling to not buy this thing, my wife is very upset about it already :D
Thanks!
@@alexrockwellmusic just got back from gc. I bought it 🫣 cheers my dude! Keep up the good work
I want that shirt
Thank you for this video. Im thinking of writing my French A level independent research project on impressionism in art and its french origins
You rock well 😅❤
THANK YOU
So my thoughts on this piece: I have no idea who this composer is/was. It's possible I've looked him up on a Wiki rabbit hole, but this is all I'm going off of. Idk what other composers wrote about him, reviews, recordings, etc. But without the lead-in of knowing it's bad ahead of time, it just sounds like a piece of Classical Period music. Yes, everything repeats. That's typical period practice. They repeated everything. Idk if this is for orchestra or piano, but a live interpretation could make a difference with dynamic contrast and artistic license, pedaling, tempi.. this doesn't seem like an "objectively bad" piece. It just seems like a B-list piece from a time period that (in 300 years) only the greatest names filtered through. Those great names are the standard for everyone now. But this isn't bad, it's just not great.
The thing that's bad about it is that it's idea-bloated. He doesn't develop any of the themes, so the piece lacks cohesion. I know I complained about repetitions, but I can live with those if the music is held up by good development. This is originally for piano. I've only ever heard one recording of a human playing it and... well, suffice it to say, the MIDI is a more compelling performance.
if that piece had blast beats it would be lit
which death metal or black metal is objectively bad vs objectively good
You're asking the wrong nerd
@@alexrockwellmusic just say "slipknot is objectively bad, and malevolent creation is objectively good"
@@alexrockwellmusic what about jazz? what jazz is objectively good/bad?
I bought a copy. So usually tablature will have fret numbers, in this case it seems your tab includes which finger and which string on the lower notation but no indication of which fret, is this correct?
There is indication, it is presented a bit differently. You will see the music notes, numbers next to the note, what looks like tabs and the fingers you should use for each note. Since the finger indication is notated as tablature the numbers next to the music note tell you which fret. This creates a bridge between the notes, your hands and the strings. It's honestly fire
Almost - the numbers next to the music notes are fingers, not frets. You don't want to be playing a D# on the fourth fret in the second measure; that'll sound nasty. It's a D, played on the third fret with the fourth finger.
Gracias
So technically you also have an “irrational” time signature here. The last bar with the triplets in the intro is technically a 8/9 time signature. Haha, neat stuff.
Spare me, please! I could have done better than that (mind you, not MUCH better than that) on my descant recorder - with all its, er, varied range.... as battles go, this was like a tiff between elderly persons over a plate of cucumber sandwiches. But there we are: at least he tried. Failed, but tried ... In your professional opinion this is not good music? In my amateur opinion, it's ghastly, awful music - because it doesn't even get close to representing that which it aspires to represent (and it's repetitive, dull, unimaginative, plunk-a-plink music: but - waddo I know?).
Right, I don't think it's good. I think there's basically two ways to analyze an artistic work's objective quality. The first is as you've said. Does the work achieve its own apparent artistic aims? Whether it does or doesn't often boils down to the artist's technique and ability to execute their ideas. Technique, after all, is the ability to produce what you want; without that, you end up with accidents (which could be good or bad!) The second measure is longevity. Does the work continue to hold a place in our culture decades, centuries after it was created? If so, there must be some reason for it. But that reason isn't always easy to pin down. Even still, in most cases, works that have longevity achieve their own artistic aims. The Battle of Prague does neither.
5:31 Yooo that melody is amazing Is that a song or some random riff you came up with? I want more
It's from La Clochette, Op. 325 by Ferdinando Carulli. It was first published in the early 1800s - I'm not sure the exact year. That theme is borrowed from the third movement of Violin Concerto No. 2 by Niccolo Paganini.
Keep in mind that this kind of baroque music is only a step away from dance music (no pun intent.) Repetition allow dancers -- all amateurs of course -- to have a chance to get the steps right before moving on to something different.
Yes, that is true. Still, these days no one is dancing to Baroque suites. When they're presented in concerts, I much prefer omitted repeats. I always tell my students - if you're going to take the repeats, you have to do something different with the material (ornamentation, dynamics, tone color, etc).
The piano reduction will never give a complete picture of how a piece should sound . Link to the orchestral version: ua-cam.com/video/b3CJRaj_gvo/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
It's the other way around. The piece is originally for the piano, and the orchestral version you linked is someone's recent orchestration of it. It's certainly more colorful when played by an orchestra, but it's still a poorly executed composition.
im a huge Zappa fan and had no idea this existed. thank you. inspires me to post my 12 tone composition. in gratitude
Neat little thing isn't it?
@alexrockwellmusic yea it's great. And it's curious because of the absence of rhythmic complexity which certainly sounds like his strength. Thanks again!
Anther loser bigging himelf up.
Poor Mario just necked himself!