Arachnophonia: Don Quixote

Posted on March 14, 2022 by marmstr3

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Xipeng (class of 2024) and features a DVD performance of the ballet Don Quixote. Thanks, Xipeng!

Don Quixote

Don Quixote ballet DVD case

Don Quixote, a dramatic love story on tiptoe

Don Quixote de la Mancha is a Spanish novel written by Miguel de Cervantes. The main character of this novel is named Alonso Quixano, who read many chivalric romances and lost in his dream of becoming as a knight. He recruited Sancho Panza, a farmer, as his squire and started his journey.

The theme of the ballet is adapted from the original novel but only focuses on two chapters. Taking place in Spain, the dancing language expresses enthusiastic, strong and powerful cultural characteristics with various dance types, including Romani dance and Flamenco. The dancing techniques require high standard with daring balance, twisting leaps and 32 fouettés, which is one of the most classic whipping turns.

The music composed by Ludwig Minkus also contributes to this spectacular showcase. One thing to note is that the choreography was first created by Marius Petipa, and even thought his creation has been through several revivals, it still serves as the most important foundation for Don Quixote ballet productions. The video available in the Music Library was choreographed by Mikhail Baryshnikov, and is located in the DVDs section.

A quote from Royal Opera House said that “It is one of the few Petipa ballets to be named for the hero rather than the heroine. It is a comic ballet in a sea of danced melodramas, and contains more character dancing than any other Petipa work on view today.” I am sure you will definitely enjoy the showcase even with only one act!

Parsons Playlists: Spring Break 2022

Posted on March 4, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features a selection of music for your Spring Break enjoyment curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024).

SPRING BREAK 2022

After a semester of long nights, impossible exams, and a few too many tears, it’s finally time to decompress on the beach of your choice. Here’s the playlist to sing your heart out to while you forget you’re failing orgo.

Wes Walker & Dyl – “Jordan Belfort”

Rascal Flatts – “Life Is A Highway”

RL Grime ft. 24hrs – “UCLA”

Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo – “Time Of Our Lives”

Pitbull – “Hotel Room Service”

Kid Cudi ft. MGMT & Ratatat – “Pursuit of Happiness”

Social House ft. Lil Yachty – “Magic In The Hamptons”

A$AP Ferg – “Plain Jane”

Roddy Ricch – “The Box”

Grouplove – “Tongue Tied”

BØRNS – “Electric Love”

Mac Miller – “The Spins”

Bryce Vine – “Sour Patch Kids”

Drake – “Nice For What”

Lil Tecca – “Ransom”

Kid Cudi – “Day N Nite”

Miley Cyrus – “We Can’t Stop”

blackbear – “hot girl bummer”

Nelly Furtado ft. Timbaland – “Promiscuous”

Gwen Stefani ft. Akon – “The Sweet Escape”

Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow – “INDUSTRY BABY”

ABBA – “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”

T.I. ft. Rihanna – “Live Your Life”

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

DJ Khaled ft. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T Pain & Snoop Dogg – “All I Do Is Win”

The Black Eyed Peas – “Imma Be”

Nicki Minaj – “Starships”

Pitbull ft. John Ryan – “Fireball”

ABBA – “Take A Chance On Me”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexCk3FuauVJE0ZUlQww8CIL

And here it is on Spotify:

Arachnophonia: Carmen

Posted on March 2, 2022 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Brianna (class of 2023) and features Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen. Thanks, Brianna!

Carmen

Carmen is a French opera composed by George Bizet that premiered in 1875. Since then, there have been numerous productions of Carmen, a few of which the Parsons Music Library has on DVD available to check out!

French opera is one of my favorite styles of opera, as it generally involves lots of dance numbers. This is due to the fact that when French opera began, ballet was a major component as the French thought Italian opera was lacking. Carmen was written in the French genre opéra-comique, which translates to “comedic/comical opera”. The story follows a naive soldier named Don Jose, who is seduced by Carmen and is ultimately led to his downfall.

The music is all but legendary, with the most famous pieces likely being “Los Toreadors” and “Habanera.” George Bizet will have you humming his tunes for days after you watch this opera! It is a fun, wild ride from start to finish and definitely worth checking out.

Parsons Playlists: My Chemical Reaction

Posted on February 24, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features music to accompany an organic chemistry lab as curated by Music Library student assistant Kiran (class of 2024).

My Chemical Reaction

Chemistry and Music

Part 1: The Beginning of the Lab

Florence + The Machine – “Hunger”
Usually I get to lab and I’m hungry so I try to distract myself with some hype music.

The Strokes – “The Adults Are Talking”
Usually my professor gives a small lecture before we get started if needed.

Twenty-One Pilots – “Shy Away”
I start to work with tunnel vision and tune out the other groups in lab.

Part 2: Focus Mode

Conan Gray – “Overdrive”

Salt-N-Pepa – “Push It”

MARINA – “Oh No!”
This is usually where something goes wrong in the reaction or I spill a chemical.

Gorillaz feat. Daley – “Doncamatic”

Majestic + Boney M. – “Rasputin”

Various Artists – “Punjabi Mashup”
Adding some culture to the mix, helps me feel energized if lab is going really slowly.

Mac Miller – “The Spins”

MGMT – “Electric Feel”

Part 3: Did it work?

Gorillaz – “Revolving Doors”
This is the part where the reaction usually needs time to sit and we have other work to do.

Lil Peep & ILoveMakonnen feat. Fall Out Boy – “I’ve Been Waiting”

Crystal Castles – “Vanished”
Our reaction worked! Now we have to analyze it with spectroscopy.

Tame Impala – “Is It True”
Now we have to see how pure the product is using our data.

Drake – “Over”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zey5UNqlVtbkpRx5n_g01OsT

Arachnophonia: A New Dawn Fades “I See The Nightbirds”

Posted on February 22, 2022 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Esther (class of 2025) and features a locally produced album by A New Dawn Fades. Thanks, Esther!

A New Dawn Fades

I See The Nightbirds

A New Dawn Fades - "I See The Nightbirds" album cover

I See the Nightbirds by A New Dawn Fades is a new album released by Cherub Records. The title song’s polyrhythmic beat, complimentary guitar and bass lines, and attractive transitions converge to create a distinctive musical picture. The gradual accumulation of tension yet unrushed nature of the piece is what results in the captivating arch shape drawn throughout the song.

Cherub Records, founded by PJ Sykes in 2001, is an outlet through which Sykes and his friends communicate their music to the rest of the world. Though originally located in Lynchburg, VA, Cherub Records has now moved to the city of Richmond where they document and release music of numerous bands. Their curious exploration of music conveyed through improvised pieces has been one of the defining traits of this band. Furthermore, they are known for blurring the line drawn between the audience and performers by interacting with the crowd during their live performances.

Because Richmond is known for its unique sense of community, supporting our local musicians is significant in allowing the local music scene to grow and thrive. It gives us the opportunity to experience new music specific to our area and builds mutual support between the musicians and ourselves. I assure you, I See the Nightbirds will make you reflect on the vast range of what music encompasses and what makes it truly special.

Parsons Playlists: Studying in the Parsons Music Library

Posted on February 18, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features a selection of music for a Music Library study session curated by Music Library student assistant Amy (class of 2025).

Studying in the Parsons Music Library

Study music

Frederic Chopin – Waltz No. 19 in A Minor, Op. Posth.

Camille Saint-Saens – The Carnival of the Animals The Swan

Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor Op. 18 – II Adagio sostenuto

Bach – Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010: 1 Prelude

Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker Op. 71, Act 2: No. 13, “Waltz of the Flowers”

Dvorak – Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22, B.52 – II Tempo di valse

Dvorak – Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22 – I Moderato

Ravel – Ma Mere L’Oye, M. 60 – I Pavan de la Belle au bois dormant

Piero Piccioni – Amore Mio Aiutami (Main Theme)

Dvorak – “Song to the Moon” Rusalka, Op. 114, Act 1

Respighi – Pini di Roma, P. 141: III I pini del Gianicolo

Borodin – Nocturne

Beethoven – Lenore, Op. 72, Act I “Mir ist so wunderbar”

Debussy – La Mer, L. 109, II Jeux de vagues

Lavinia Meijer – Dances for Harp and Orchestra, L. 103, II Danse profane

Shostakovich – Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major, Op. 102

Faure – Pavane, Op. 50

Gershwin – The Man I Love

Debussy – Deux Arabesques, CD 74: I. Andantino con moto

Liszt – Liebestraum

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwjK99x65ClwlqXWXG6vyGRP

And here it is on Spotify:

Arachnophonia: Queen Greatest Hits

Posted on February 16, 2022 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Deisy (class of 2024) and features insert title info here. Thanks, Deisy!

Queen – Greatest Hits

Queen Greatest Hits

I am ashamed to say that I did not know of Queen until after the movie Bohemian Rhapsody came out in 2018. But it was one of the best decisions I ever made when I decided to do my research and listen to their songs.

My favorite Queen song has to be “Love of My Life” which was released in 1975, beginning with the soft piano music, adding Mercury’s vocals, and finishing off with some electric guitar allowing the listeners to feel the emotions of the singer. The Parsons Music Library has access to all of the band’s greatest hits in a CD form which contains hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody“, “Somebody to Love“, “Another One Bites the Dust“, and much more.

Queen is the type of band that gets you in the mood to take over the world. Listening to these songs first thing in the morning will allow you to finish the day with a sense of accomplishment. Perfect to get you pumped up for the day or before an exam, it is the type of music you must give a try!

Queen Greatest Hits + logo

Parsons Playlists: Apricity

Posted on February 11, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features a selection of wintry songs curated by Music Library student assistant Esther (class of 2025).

Apricity

The term “apricity” is defined as the warmth of the sun during winter. We may feel lethargic and burned out during the cold months, but I hope this playlist can provide some warmth and positivity to cheer us on!

Apricity - Winter landscape

David Hugo – “Die Right Here”

Bren Joy – “Henny in the Hamptons”

Nicky Youre & dazy – “Sunroof”

Surfaces – “Come With Me”

Besphrenz – “Tired Eyes”

Lui Joseph – “Strawberry”

Kuwada feat. Paul Russell – “Facetime (4g LTE)”

Camilo and Evaluna – “Índigo”

Cannon – “Water Glass”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexFA7_D14ItQzo5YRIluQak

Arachnophonia: Live Aid

Posted on February 9, 2022 by marmstr3

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Eliana (class of 2024) and features the Live Aid concert film. Thanks, Eliana!

Live Aid on DVD

Live Aid concert film still

Deemed by many “the greatest show on earth,” Live Aid was, and is still to this day, the largest benefit concert of all time. On July 13th, 1985, the biggest names in Pop and Rock music joined together at both Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia to raise money for the famine that left ⅕ of Ethiopia’s total population without food.

Huge stars including, but not limited to, Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, and Sting were all present across the two locations. In total, they raised more than $127 million towards famine relief – almost $330 million by today’s standards.

The four-disc DVD set of the event is available at Parsons Music library. In its case, you’ll see photographs from the concert, as well as a pamphlet that contains the first draft of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” two pages from the original Live Aid program, and various facts about the significance of the event.

Don’t have a DVD player? Have no fear! At Parsons Music Library, you can check out portable disc drives or visit study spaces with DVD players inside. If you have any questions, someone behind the front desk will always be available to help.

Live Aid dvd set

Parsons Playlists: Remembering the 2010s

Posted on February 4, 2022 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist features music from the 2010s curated by Music Library student manager Deisy (class of 2024).

Remembering the 2010’s

As you drive down the road listening to the radio, all of a sudden that one song comes on! As it plays, memories of the past flood into you as you smile from the past nostalgia. Well this playlist will transport you back to the decade of the 2010’s, what are some good memories that will come up for you?

Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”

Lorde – “Royals”

Rihanna – “We Found Love”

Carly Rae Jepsen – “Call Me Maybe”

Beyoncé – “Formation”

Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road”

Billie Eilish – “bad guy”

The 1975 – “Love It If We Made It”

Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”

2010s playlist