BS: My money's on Amazing Grace

Subject: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 15 Mar 00 - 09:39 PM

Tomorrow I'll be heared by the Director an admission comitee of the Wagnerian Association, probably the best known private musical society in Argentina, (this year they will bring to us the Berlin Philarmonic with Claudio Abbado and many others), for a place in the choir. One of the requisites is an aria or song at the applicant's choice. I've prepared AMAZING GRACE, accompanied with piano, and following suggestions from Mudcatters. My vocal teacher was so well impressed that he recommended me to forget all his previous suggestions on antique Italian arias, and sing Amazing Grace. Oh, it was funny to hear him with all his Italy-Spanish flooding river of voice, trying to imitate ME !
Thanks to you all for the true ENRICHMENT of my musical taste and knowledge since I'm here at the Mudcat. The result of the audition may be positive or not, it's not THAT important, what's important is how we all learn and enjoy through this communication.
Un abrazo - Andrés (..how sweet the sound !)

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Áine
Date: 15 Mar 00 - 09:51 PM

Best wishes, Andrés, for a wonderful performance and great good luck for a place in the choir. Just sing with your heart, and you will do just fine!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: DonMeixner
Date: 15 Mar 00 - 09:58 PM

Andres,

Good luck Amigo.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Mar 00 - 10:09 PM

The absolute BEST of Luck my friend......you won't need it. Your hard work and talent will land you a place in the choir and your warm heart and enthusiasm will make you an invaluable member.

All My Best.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:45 AM

And PLEASE let us know the outcome!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: jeffp
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 12:01 PM

My money's on you, Andrés. Your love for the music will shine through. Best of luck, although luck will be unnecessary.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Amos
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 01:18 PM

Knock 'em dead, Andre!!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: MMario
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 01:38 PM

and then send a recording to the MudCAT!!!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: TerriM
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 02:05 PM

Lots of kuck, but I'm sure you won't need it!

Terri

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: TerriM
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 02:05 PM

sorry, I meant luck, slip of the key!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 02:12 PM

I don't think Andres has any worry about kucking up, but its nice you caught the typo Terri.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Cara
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 04:53 PM

Buena suerte, Andres...pero estoy seguro que tu tienes bastante talento que no necessitas mucha suerte! Seramos aclamando por ti!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 05:16 PM

Break a leg old sport!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 05:30 PM

Good luck Escamillo, che!

I've got cousins out there in Argentina, so when you're famous I'll tell them to go and see you!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 05:38 PM

Let us know how it went!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Barky
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 05:43 PM

Rompa una pierna, mi amigo. (yo no gusta "buena suerte", es mala suerte). =)

~Barky

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Osmium
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 07:25 PM

Good luck Escamillo and celebrate in the Tapas bar for me when your through; either way.

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: sophocleese
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 07:29 PM

I may be a little late for this but still best of luck and skill to you Escamillo. Tell us how it turns out.

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 07:50 PM

Tear 'em up, Escamillo; we're counting on you! Bill

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 09:15 PM

SSSSSSSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII SEEEEñOOOOORRRRRR !!!

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS SSSIIIIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !!!!

I'm a happy new member of the Wagnerian choir, with all your warm, warm support and with that beautiful traditional song !
The choir is not only an opportunity to sing marvelous masterworks (this year Elgar and Wagner) at the Colón Theatre, but also an open door to the Colón staff, many first-level concerts (perhaps the Berliner?), and solo performance possibilities.
The director looked very satisfied and did not insist on first-sight musical reading, which scared me most of all. I was expecting a Schoemberg's score but he brought only a very simple line with some little cheats. He and the comitee looked delighted by Amazing Grace, despite the music sheet I gave him, that was terrible (taken from a MIDI sampling of a real performance). He also requested the ubiquitous Italian song, then I passed him Scarlatti's Sento Nel Core, which he felt more comfortable at his fingers (his name is Balzanelli, you can imagine).
I followed Áine's sugestion too, to sing from heart, and that was good ! - I could dominate the tendence to show up lung capacity, and concentrated in what's emotional. The Grace was done. Lots of thanks for your musical recommendations, and for so many encouraging words! I'll do my best for the difussion of traditional and folk songs in Buenos Aires. And will try to get a studio to record it and send it to Mudcat. THANKS AGAIN!
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: MMario
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 09:21 PM

HUZZAH!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 09:22 PM

Now let's go to that famous Mudcat Tavern. There are four pints waiting for me. I pay for you all.

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 09:30 PM

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!! They are blessed to have you!!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 09:59 PM

Oh, Andres, congratulations! That is wonderful!!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: sophocleese
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:03 PM

Marvelous Escamillo! I'm very happy for you. You'll have a great time singing with others. What Elgar pieces are you doing?

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: JenEllen
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:15 PM

Congratulations Escamillo! They should count themselves lucky to have you. Elle

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:20 PM

Thank you so much, Sophocleese, this year they ( we!) will make Elgar's THE KINGDOM, an oratorium of about 2 hours, Latin American debut, with Lynne Dawson soprano, Sarah Connolly mezzo, Anthony Rolfe-Johnson tenor, Gerald Finley bariton, Buenos Aires Philarmonic, conducted by Marc Deller.
Later we'll have some other shorter performances.
As we say: I am like a monkey with a watch :))
Un abrazo - Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:26 PM

Congratulations, Sir! WOW! I am very happy for you and grateful that you have shared your anxiety and your joy with us. YEA, Escamillo!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Áine
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:35 PM

Maith thú, a stóor!

Congratulations, Andrés! And the choir is very lucky to have a wonderful man like yourself in their number! We await a recording for the Mudcat Radio with extreme anticipation. Well done, my friend! How sweet the sound!!

All the best, Áine

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Alice
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 10:41 PM

Andrés, I came running over here from the tavern when I heard the news. This is so exciting for you! As my teacher says, luck is just preparation meeting opportunity. This is a grand opportunity for you to spread the wings of your talent and soar high!

I have not spent much time at the Mudcat lately, reading only a few threads. I did not see the one about Amazing Grace, but I am very glad that you are moving in this direction with your repertoire. You will not regret the added dimension that international folk music will bring to your voice. What a happy experience for you to walk in and set yourself apart from the rest! They will not forget your audition with Amazing Grace.

Congratulations.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 11:03 PM

Tonight I can't stop saying THANK YOU, To all, Alice, Pete,Ell, Áine, Sopho, Kat, Mmario, Spaw, Bill, Osmium, Barkey, Anima, McGrath, Ickle, Cara, Terri, Amos, Dave, Jeff, Don !.. wheww.. a smile for a happy moment has been multiplied by dozens. My heart's with you.
Un abrazo and a pint of Guinnes - Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 11:04 PM

Congratulations, Escamillo! I hurried home from a reading at the university to see if you had let us know. Those folks in the choir are the lucky ones! Have a great time at the tavern.

Bill Foster

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: alison
Date: 16 Mar 00 - 11:37 PM

Congratulations Andre.... great news

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: jeffp
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 10:38 AM

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The choir is indeed fortunate to have you. When my wife and I go to the pub tonight (our usual Friday activity), my first drink will be in your honor.

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 11:31 AM

Encore Andres,, Good on yer mate.. I wish I could hear you do it.. Yours,Aye.Dave

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 11:47 AM

Well done. Mind you ,if you'd done "Puttin'on the Style" it would have been a cert! *BG*
RtS

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: GUEST,Neil Lowe
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 01:06 PM

Felicitaciones...pero que significa el dicho, "Soy como un mono con un reloj?" ("...like a monkey with a watch"....That's a new one on me)

Neil

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 03:19 PM

San Patricio does it again!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Peter T.
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 03:47 PM

Dear Andres, I have been away, and have not read any of this. If I had known beforehand, I would have -- well, I don't know, but I would have!!! I am totally thrilled for you. What a great moment. Really, what a great thing. Drink one for me -- I owe you one. God, I hope to hear you next time I come. un abrazo, Peter. P.S. Yippee!!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 11:30 PM

Big hug for you all, my friends, and welcome back EL Pedro !
Neil - could you imagine any animal more happy and enthusiastic than a monkey that has got a watch ? Ha ha, that's the meaning of the phrase. :)
I'm really amazed at the amount and quality of all the posts from you, for an event that after all, is only a personal satisfaction for one member of this community (that's how I feel). Perhaps I unconsciously had seeked that affectionate support, and God knows I really GOT much more than what was expected. That's even more important than the place in the choir. I wish many people in the Mudcat receive that same response, as I have witnessesed many times. - One more pint, please...
Un abrazo GRAAAANDE - Andrés

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 17 Mar 00 - 11:59 PM

Congratulations, mi Amigo! What a great gamble to sing Amazing Grace, and to win!

LEJ

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Mar 00 - 01:25 AM

Esta' el abrazo el mas grande de todos-- y tambien un abrazo lo mismo a usted.

?????

Hahahaaa: I am 3/4 asleep, eyes crossed, and the thread name read:

My MONKEY'S on Amazing Grace!!!! (Bet she's amazed too!)

My MONKEY'S on Amazing Grace!!!! Get new, IMPROVED Amazing Grace for YOUR monkey, today!

My MONKEY'S on Amazing Grace!!!! And I have to get him to the Bedtime for Bonzo Sleep Disorder Lab right away!!!

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 18 Mar 00 - 01:38 AM

Congratulations, Andrés, my friend. You are one of the bright spirits of this place, and I'm sure the choir will be greatly enhanced by your presence, as well.

--seed

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 18 Mar 00 - 02:14 AM

Thank you LEJ, Praise, Seed, my friends !
I owe to the arranger of the version I used for study, a word of gratefulness - I'll write to him tonight, and also ask for a music sheet of his superb, enriched piano version. The MIDI I got, was sampled from a real performance, and since MIDI systems are basically deaf and blind, they record the notes, pressure levels and velocities, as they arrive, with total disrespect for measures, beats and tempo, and the result is a mix of sixteens tied to half notes to wholes, in any place. The director who was at the piano was able only to play some chords and improvise. I tried "quantization" with very poor results. However the version is really beautiful, stripped off from jazzistic and pop additions and highly enriched by arpeges and impressive modulations.
The arranger is:
Christopher Plasch - [e-mail] (or aguila.com)
The MIDI file can be heard and downloaded from:
Singing the Living Tradition
A story of the author of the lyrics is here (the author of the music remains unknown, but is considered USA traditional):
AmazingGrace2000.com
Un abrazo - Andrés (Hope the clicky things work)

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 18 Mar 00 - 02:22 AM

No, the correct clicky for the MIDI is:
Singing The Living Tradition
The other one works ok.

Subject: RE: BS: My money's on Amazing Grace
From: Escamillo
Date: 18 Mar 00 - 02:29 AM

Nop. Sorry, it seems that a long URL gets broken down and looks incorrect for HTML. It is:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/1100/singing.htm