How's that for a provocative statement?!
What I mean by it is this: you should not listen to a MIDI file with the same expectations you have when listening to a performance on a CD by actual musicians. Recordings of live performances contain all the nuances of dynamics, tempo changes and embellishments the performers chose at the time they performed. When people hear a typical MIDI file played, it is not an uncommon reaction to say that it is not 'musical'. To be sure, some artists do create MIDI files that are very much intended to be musical. The files I offer here, however, are intended to be used as rehearsal aids, to accompany you while practicing. I do not add trills, dynamics and very little in the way of tempo changes. Those are for you to add according to your sensibilities when you perform. The first order of business is to master the notes and place them in time properly! MIDI files are mercilessly accurate in pitch and placement in time, which is exactly what you want from your practice partners. Once you have achieved the ability to play with metronomic precision you will have earned the ability and right to make artistic choices.
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Today I posted five of the six Telemann Concertos for two instruments that feature the alto recorder. I am quite excited about this because few recorder players ever get the opportunity to play these pieces with the full ensemble. This is your opportunity to become acquainted with some of the finest literature every written for recorder!
These are really exquisite pieces with wonderful recorder parts. My personal favorite is the one in e minor for alto recorder and transverse flute (TWV52:e1), although the two in a minor are also favorites. Such dramatic music and so fun to play! If you try one out and enjoy it I would love to hear about it. I have broadly categorized the music here as being either Recorder music or Viola da Gamba music. My intention is to offer only music written specifically for recorder under the recorder heading. However, there are many editions of 'music for recorder' on the market that are transcriptions of viola da gamba music transposed up, usually by an octave. If you are a recorder player looking for a MIDI file to match sheet music that you have, do not neglect the music listed here as Viola da Gamba music. Since these are MIDI files, your player will most likely allow you to transpose it to fit the music you have!
If you have any questions please let me know and I will try to help! I've no idea what a blog is, but figured it is high time I figure it out!
I suppose this is where I can say all the things that I'd like you to know about MIDI files and about this site that do not belong on any other page. If you are reading this, then please leave me a comment to help me on this journey. What would you like to see here? Do you have any suggestions for organizing the MIDI files so it is easier for you to find out if what you are looking for is here? Also let me know how you use MIDI files. That may help me in creating new ones that address your uses better. |
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Formerly a successful software engineer and then Mathematics instructor, I am now retired and keep busy as an amateur musician of early music. Archives
August 2021
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