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Kapila Kane
Ha`aha`a
USA
1051 Posts |
 Posted - 07/06/2014 : 06:36:00 AM
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A new find, for me...at Native Intelligence, an interesting artistic store on Maui.
"The Queen's Songbook [Her Majesty Queen Lili'uokalani]"
This is potentially a huge topic, but in the interest of doing some other things today, and knowing opinions on the editing may open an ethnimusicologist's can of worms...need to not make this a research paper!
still I must say, I am thrilled to have it.
It is now bound with a spiral binding that opens nicely on the piano...
and is in easy to read arrangements, but also not "easy piano" versions.
Perfect for my faux "piano-proficiency" skills from Music Major days, circa 1970, or 1990.
It just took me awhile to come back and finish! But at least it wasn't "8 years of college down the drain!"
and generally are arranged/edited (I'm sure there's some strong and varied opinions on editing) in 4-part, easy to read Piano style (think Protestant Hymnal mostly homophonic style Piano), that might be indicative of how they would have appeared if published during her lifetime.
and while I know the editing/arrangement IS the big can of worms question, the book allows me to peruse and explore, discovering and re-discovering her work.
One problem I've had with so many songbooks, is often no music to indicate "how it goes"...so while this is not the end answer to playing, it is a useful cross-reference, starting point, way to explore Lili'uokalani's massive output as a songwriter.
Also, lots of background information...and yet just the tip of the iceberg, if that can apply in Hawaiian waters.
and raises a million more historical and editors choices/nightmares questions!
Like what original Lili'uokalani arrangements are there taken directly from her hand, or (dream on) any early "Edison" like recordings. Probably not...
and curiousity about her musical training...obviously had access to some formal piano lessons mixed with an abundance of language skills.
I guess the Missionaries saw to it that Hawaiian royalty had access to a Victorian, Protestant-style education. Hopefully creating some good old trickle-down, "civilizin'", if you wish to call it that.
The day calls, so away...for now.
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Edited by - Kapila Kane on 07/06/2014 06:44:11 AM |
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The Queen's Songbook...
