Maurice Ravel - Piano Concerto for the Left Hand

By Michelle Edward

One of the most astonishing stories in pianist history came from World War I veteran Paul Wittgenstein. A man with utter determination to make his dreams come true was surfacing in the pianist world.

The Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major, by French composer Maurice Ravel, is a testament not only to Ravel's brilliance, but also to the indomitable will of the man who commissioned it.

Back before World War I, a concert pianist by the name of Paul Wittgenstein was trying to make his mark in the world. After being drafted, he sadly lost his right arm throughout the fighting. However, Wittgenstein didn't believe his concert piano career was over as a result.

Determined to succeed, he began practicing with his remaining hand to improve his left-handed technique. He tried to arrange two-handed works to accommodate his one-handed state. In the late'20's Wittgenstein decided to approach leading piano composers of his day and commission works written intentionally for the left hand alone.

While many refrained from the idea, Sergei Prokofiev, Richard Wagner, Benjamin Britten, and Maurice Ravel gave him the help he needed.

Ravel himself had never written a concerto before, but several piano solos. During this time he had been working on the Concerto in G, which of course was intended to be played with two-hands. After hitting a wall, he decided Wittgenstein's challenge may be what he needed to push forward. His research was uncanny, and as he studied the left-handed Etudes of Camille Saint-Saens, he believed his left-handed Concerto would be a noteworthy addition to piano repertoire.

The meaning behind his eventual completion was about the struggles of a one-armed pianist trying to overcome a tragic injury and reinvent himself. The craftsmanship was brilliant, and the construction left it impossible for listeners to realize it was only being played with one hand.

Many experts agree that this piece allowed for 3 sections that were unlike other concerti. The Piano Concerto for the Left Hand was set up with a Slow-Fast-Slow movement, as opposed to Fast-Slow-Fast.

Truth be told, Wittgenstein was famously known for being hard to please. Richard Wagner offered work as well, but Wittgenstein complained about the orchestration being too powerful for a single-handed pianist. Then of course when Prokofiev offered his work, Wittgenstein wouldn't even play it.

Even with the Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, Wittgenstein complained about the long solo cadenza right after the opening. During one instance he even told Ravel; "If I had wanted a solo piece, I wouldn't have commissioned a concerto." However, Ravel stood his ground, and over time, Wittgenstein began to like it.

The Concerto for the Left Hand by Ravel is not just a work of immense musical merit, but also a testament to the indomitable human spirit. - 18762

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Looking For A Great Movie? Check Out These Fantastic Movie Critiques

By Darell Powers

Drive-in movies were enjoyable because of the camaraderie and the concession stand. The movie quality was usually very poor, with the sound full of static and the flies buzzing around the screen.

Number One with a Bullet - Carradine and Williams do well in this somewhat standard action motion picture where we have aggressive investigators out to dethrone a drug kingpin. Cast includes Robert Carradine, Billy Dee Williams, Valerie Bertinelli, Peter Graves, Doris Roberts, and Bobby DiCicco. (101 minutes,'87)

Dracula - Depressing retelling of the Bram Stoker classic, with Langella's esteemed Broadway characterization lost among trendy terror gimmicks and ill-imagined changes in the original tale. The movie was filmed in England. Cast includes Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier, Donald Pleasence, Kate Nelligan, Trevor Eve, Janine Duvitski, and Tony Haygarth. (109 minutes,'79)

The Horse Whisperer - After her daughter is dangerously injured in a horse riding accident, her well-heeled mother takes the horse to a legendary horse whisperer in Montana. A romance between the two follows.

The All-American Boy - Muddled drama in reference to Olympic hopeful Voight's endeavor to be a triumphant boxer; beautiful locations of northern California, but that's all. Cast includes Jon Voight, Ned Glass, Anne Archer, and Carol Androsky. (104 minutes,'89)

Barnyard - Energized madness set on a farm where, after sundown, the animals turn the barn into a noisy nightclub. James is Otis, a youthful cow who is very mature, much to the disappointment of his dad, Ben Elliott, who keeps watch for predatory coyotes when the others party. Dom Irrera stands out as Duke the Dog. Cast includes Courtney Cox, Sam Elliott, Danny Glover, Wanda Sykes, Andie MacDowell, David Koechner, and Laraine Newman. (90 minutes, 2006)

At present you can discover all of the greatest films online right on the Internet. Not to long ago, watching a movie at home did not yet exist but now with the Internet, you can locate virtually every movie that was ever shot. You can check on availability, check when the latest ones may hit the marketplace as well as checking out any deals that you may be able to get online. - 18762

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Folks are taking advantage of limitless music download sites shouldn't you be one of them? Learn more about music download programs. Get wise on the best game sites to download off the internet in minutes and also find information about download full games.

Enlightening Synopses Of A Cross Section Of Silver Screen Movies

By Margarita Pennington

We have reviews of some movies listed below. Here are some ways to find movie download sites. There are a lot of different phrases you can use, try "Movies Online", "Unlimited Movie Downloads", or "Best Movie Download".

The Delicate Delinquent: Jerry's first solo attempt after separating with Dean Martin has him as a janitor mistaken for a juvenile delinquent who becomes a cop with McGavin's help. Cast Jerry Lewis, Martha Hyer, Darren McGavin, Horace McMahon, and Milton Frome. (100 minutes,'57)

Buck Privates: An out dated but engaging Army opus with Bud and Lou inadvertently registering for the army. Brassy melodies (containing the Andrews Sisters "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy") and subplots get in the way; however A&C's regimens are some of their best in their first feature film. Cast includes Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lee Bowman, Alan Curtis, The Andrews Siblings, Jane Frazee, Nat Pendleton, and Shemp Howard. (84 minutes,'41)

Black Windmill the Dracula: This is a classic terror film of the Transylvanian vampire performing his malevolent spell on puzzled group of Londoners. Lugosi's most renowned role with his definitive explanation of the Tally, ditto Frye as loony Renfield and Van Sloan as unflappable Professor Van Helsing. Cast includes Bela Lugosi, David Behaviors, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, Herbert Bunston, and Frances Dade. (75 minutes,'31)

Rich in Love: The individuals behind Driving Miss Daisy have taken Josephine Humphreys' novel and tried to knit another evocative Southern story but they don't really triumph, although there are numerous fine scenes. The film is based on a child trying to keep her family together. Amid the members are her idle dad (another awesome Finney depiction), missing mom, and nutty sibling. Cast includes Albert Finney, Jill Clayburgh, Kathryn Erbe, Kyle MacLachlan, Piper Laurie, Ethan Hawke, Suzy Amis, and Alfie Woodard. (105 minutes,'93)

Sugar Cane Alley: A beautifully made, heartfelt drama in regards to an 11-year-old boy and his all sacrificing nana, getting by in a Martinique shantytown throughout the'30s. The film is a humanist drama of the highest request. Cast includes Precious Legitimus, Garry Cadenat, Routa Seck, Joby Bernabe, and Francisco Charles. (107 minutes,'84)

The Pawnbroker: This is a vital, preoccupying film. Steiger is phenomenal as Saul Nazerman, a Jewish pawnbroker in Harlem who lives in a protected environment with haunting memories of Nazi jail camps. Cast includes Rod Steiger, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Brock Peters, Jaime Sanchez, Thelma Oliver, Juano Hernandez, and Raymond St. Jacques. (116 minutes,'65)

Lightning the White Stallion: An incredibly weak family fare with Rooney a prosperous guy whose racehorse is stolen. Cast includes Mickey Rooney, Isabel Lorea, Susan George, and Billy Wesley. (95 minutes,'86)

Primal Fear: Hotshot Chicago lawyer defends an altar boy implicated of brutally killing a much loved archbishop even though all proof appears to point to the youthful gentleman's guilt. Gere gives a powerful performance in one of his best roles, as an arrogant attorney who, for once, doesn?t have all the facts straight. Newcomer Norton is additionally very impressive. The film loses some of its impact by going on too long and by following unconnected tale facets. Richard Gere, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfie Woodard, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Terry O'Quinn, Andre Braugher, Steven Bauer, Joe Spanq, Tony Plana, Stanley Anderson, Maura Tierney, and Jon Seda. (129 minutes,'96)

Black Windmill the Dracula: This is a classic terror film of the Transylvanian vampire performing his malevolent spell on puzzled group of Londoners. Lugosi's most renowned role with his definitive explanation of the Tally, ditto Frye as loony Renfield and Van Sloan as unflappable Professor Van Helsing. Cast includes Bela Lugosi, David Behaviors, Helen Chandler, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, Herbert Bunston, and Frances Dade. (75 minutes,'31)

Maybe you found a new movie to watch from this list? As we said before, search with "Download Movies Online", or "Downloadable DVDs" to find good information on downloading. Add "Movie Downloading" to the list if the other searches don't work for you. - 18762

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And, until relatively recently, legal movie downloads have not existed on the Internet in any bigger way. Download Movie A simple process which can be done at anytime of the day, waiting in line will be a thing of the past. Before you make a subscription no, it is a good idea to check what is available so the you aren't going to be disappointed.

A Small Collection Of Helpful Motion Picture Summaries To View

By Deidre Manning

For a long time we have used the video store as one of our main ways to access movies. You can now save a trip to the video store and download movies right off the internet. Just about any movie every made can be attained through a movie download site now. Check out these samples.

Black Fury: Hard hitting melodrama in reference to exploitation of coal miners, with Muni as a strong "hunk" who gets in over his head. Practical, and remarkably filmed, but it's a tad choppy. Muni's accent makes it hard to comprehend him at times. Cast includes Paul Muni, Karen Morley, William Gargan, Barton MacLaue, John Qualen, J. Carrol Naish, and Vince Barnett. (92 minutes,'35)

Saw Two: Sadistic continuation finds fiendish mastermind "Jigsaw" keeping a group of 'outsiders' prisoner in a spooky, booby trapped home. Lots of gore for the fans, as the sufferers race time as a fatal gas fills their lungs. Wahlberg is the lead cop on the case. Can he match brains with this twisted madman? Cast includes Darren Lynn Bousman, Donnie Wahlberg, Shawnee Smith, Tobin Bell, Frank G. Glenn Plummer, Dina Meyer, Emmanuel Vaugier, Beverley Mitchel, Erik Knudsen, and Tim Burd. (102 minutes, 2006)

The Abyss: A nuclear sub has gone down. The government seeks assistance, from nearby oil workers, in their investigation. When they go down to investigate, they make a shocking discovery. There are mysterious things in the depths of the oceans.

A Good Woman: Strange rendition of Oscar Wilde's Woman Windermere's Fan, which has been filmed a few times over the years, set in Italy instead of England and updated from the'90s to the'30s. A number of Wilde's British characters now are Americans. Cast includes Helen Seek, Scarlett Johansson, Milena Vukotic, Stephen Campbell Moore, Mark Umbers, Tom Wilkinson, and Diana Hardcastle. (93 minutes, 2005)

Hoffa: A biography of legendary Teamster supervisor Jimmy Hoffa modified into a must see film by the galvanizing acting of Nicholson as Jimmy Hoffa. Cast includes Jack Nicholson, Danny DeVito, Armand Assante, J. T. Walsh, John C. Reilly, Blunt Whaley, Robert Prosky, Karen Youthful, and Cliff Gorman.(140 minutes,'92)

Good Guys Wear Black: Norris hops feet first through a windshield and proceeds to rearrange the face of bellman Backus, all in the name of nationwide security. Stupid political paranoia thriller passes time effortlessly enough. Cast includes Chuck Norris, Anne Archer, James Franciscus, Lloyd Haynes, Dana Andrews, and Jim Backus.(100 minutes,'79)

Great Guy: A below par Cagney in a low-budget production in regards to an inspector crusading against corruption in the beef business. Cast includes James Cagney, Mae Clarke, James Burke, Edward Brophy, Henry Kolker, Bernadene Hayes, and Edward McNamara. (75 minutes,'36)

Life With Father: Powerful adaptation of a long running Broadway play by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crusoe based on Clarence Night's tale of growing up in turn-of-the-century NYC with his admiring although offbeat dad. This is utterly admirable, and a handsome production also. The Screen-play is by Donald Ogden Stewart. Cast includes William Powell, Irene Dunne, Elizabeth Taylor, Edmund Gwenn, ZaSu Pitts, Jimmy Lydon, and Matlin Milner. (118 minutes,'47)

King and 4 Queens: Static misfire with Gable on the run he stole from the men of 4 females he confronts. Cast includes Clark Gable, Eleanor Parker, Jo Van Fleet, Jean Wiles, Barbara Nichols, Sara Shane, and Jay C. Flip. (86 minutes,'56)

Those of you looking for file downloads could try a search with "Watch Movie Online". Try a new phrase if that one did not work. Try "Legal Music Downloads" next. - 18762

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Find out what each site expects and entitles you to. Download Songs In addition, the legal proceedings you could face from the registered owners of the movies themselves could be devastating. You'll pay a little more per movie, so this method is best suited for the occasional users.

Easy Way to Learn Guitar

By Dameon Battle

Music has traditionally been viewed as a way to cure the spirit. Ever since the 1st tune was found, folk from each corner of the Earth enjoy listening to varied kinds of music and playing all sorts of instruments. Music is located in each culture on Earth and it is something absolutely incredible. Learning the best way to play any music instrument needs an incredible quantity of dedication and endurance. The right age to start to learn is when you're young but there are always chances for older folk. The Net has come up with numerous music guides, for folks inquisitive about varied musical instruments. When we think about music, we somehow light up. Everybody has a favourite song, frontman or composer. We are all connected by the power of musical tunes and we particularly appreciate folks who understand how to play music instruments. Of all of the tools out there, the guitar is one of the most tasty and there are plenty of folks who need to find all about its strategies.

It's important to be taught how to play the guitar step-by-step. This is the reason why there are lots of web sites offering one the chance to discover the simplest way to play guitar. If you're interested by internet sites that let you to learn how to play the guitar, then you need to know that there are tons of selections on the internet. Still, you should make a careful research to choose which one is the best for you. The site that presents all of the info in an explicit style and that's all the fundamentals for you to start is ideal. It's critical to understand the way to play the guitar the correct way and with lots of exercise. Going online to learn how to play guitar is a smart call. The web is at the top when it comes to various subjects, including help texts for music instruments ,eg guitars. You get to discover all types of info and after a substantial time of practice, you'll become what is commonly known as a seasoned player. There are lots of people that wish to study how to play the guitar.

They consider the Net a helpful resource when it comes to such matters, as it can teach them all about guitar positions ( sitting down or standing ), hand guitar positions, the correct way to play and the interior systems of chord charts.

Of all of the tools out there, the guitar is one of the most enticing and there are plenty of folks who need to find all about its strategies. It's important to learn how to play the guitar step by step. The facility to understand the guitar is something that's phenomenal and there aren't a lot of folks in the world who master such abilities. If you have an interest in internet sites that let you learn how to play guitar, then you need to know that there are tons of selections on the web.

The abilities needed are special and the quantity of work is out of the ordinary. When the guitar was made, there wasn't any understanding how much it'll develop. Today, it is one of the most used instruments in the world and each day more folk learn the way to use it. Is this superb or what? - 18762

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