My name is Dotan Negrin and this is my space. Read stories from my travels across the World. Listen to my music. Look at photos of my beautiful dog, Brando. Lets have a discussion about the piano and music! Message me!
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It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do for my 50th song of the day but after I saw this video, I knew it was the one.
Song of the Day #50: The Genuine Chopsticks Waltz by Euphemia Allen (Played by Yoel Ahn)
Why did I choose this? Because it is one of the most well known pieces on the piano, however, no one ever knows the name of the composer. So now, I am giving full credit to the British composer, Euphemia Allen (who also wrote under the pseudonym of Arthur de Lulli) so that everyone can know who he was. Apparently he was only 16 when he wrote the piece. The reason why it was called “chopsticks” was because Euphemia Allen wrote that the piece be played striking the keys in a chopping motion.
What is amazing about this piece is that it has such great influence on composers that came after it. There are so many variations and other arrangements that came out of this piece in the late 1800’s.
Yoel Ahn does a very good interpretation of the piece and plays it so fluidly while adding a few little finishing touches of his own. He even plays the entire piece with chopstick in his hand. The best part comes at the end though. I love the reaction of the kids after he plays the last note. They’re so happy.
It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do for my 50th song of the day but after I saw this video, I knew it was the one.
Song of the Day #50: The Genuine Chopsticks Waltz by Euphemia Allen (Played by Yoel Ahn)
Why did I choose this? Because it is one of the most well known pieces on the piano, however, no one ever knows the name of the composer. So now, I am giving full credit to the British composer, Euphemia Allen (who also wrote under the pseudonym of Arthur de Lulli) so that everyone can know who he was. Apparently he was only 16 when he wrote the piece. The reason why it was called “chopsticks” was because Euphemia Allen wrote that the piece be played striking the keys in a chopping motion.
What is amazing about this piece is that it has such great influence on composers that came after it. There are so many variations and other arrangements that came out of this piece in the late 1800’s.
Yoel Ahn does a very good interpretation of the piece and plays it so fluidly while adding a few little finishing touches of his own. He even plays the entire piece with chopstick in his hand. The best part comes at the end though. I love the reaction of the kids after he plays the last note. They’re so happy.
Just made up a really cool Piano lick. Tell me what you think. What does this remind you of?
To me, its something latin. I don’t know why, but when I improvise, i find myself sounding like a latin piano player a lot of the time.
Just made up a really cool Piano lick. Tell me what you think. What does this remind you of?
To me, its something latin. I don’t know why, but when I improvise, i find myself sounding like a latin piano player a lot of the time.
Song of the Day #48: TheKen- Numb (Linkin Park cover)
Back in the day (when I was in high school) I remember when this song came out. It is a very poignant song because it tackles the sensitive issue of suicide and paints a graphic image in my head of the idea. I chose this piano version rather than the other ones floating around on the internet because apparantly, this youtube member is an originator of the instrumental version. Plus it is the best quality. I really like the use of counterpoint and voices in the chorus at 0:49 seconds in the video. It’s a very well done cover song.
This video also shows you that you dont need to have the most expensive gear to create really good music. Great job!
This song, by Linkin Park, was actually a top Billboard hit for 2003 and 2004. Also, I’m sure you can remember when Jay-Z also came out with his song “Encore” which won a Grammy.
Song of the Day #48: TheKen- Numb (Linkin Park cover)
Back in the day (when I was in high school) I remember when this song came out. It is a very poignant song because it tackles the sensitive issue of suicide and paints a graphic image in my head of the idea. I chose this piano version rather than the other ones floating around on the internet because apparantly, this youtube member is an originator of the instrumental version. Plus it is the best quality. I really like the use of counterpoint and voices in the chorus at 0:49 seconds in the video. It’s a very well done cover song.
This video also shows you that you dont need to have the most expensive gear to create really good music. Great job!
This song, by Linkin Park, was actually a top Billboard hit for 2003 and 2004. Also, I’m sure you can remember when Jay-Z also came out with his song “Encore” which won a Grammy.
Day 7 Log: Playing Piano on NYC Streets
Date: September 1, 2010
Hours: 4 1/2 hours 11:30 AM- 4:00 PM
Location: City Hall Park. Near the fountain.
Donations: $62.00
A tall man walked up to me and asked me if I was part of that NY Installation of 60 pianos throughout the 5 boroughs. I told him that this was my piano and I come to play in front of the people here. He told me he plays piano. I asked him if he could play a few songs. He did and it was absolutely amazing!
You can hear the fountain in the background. Sorry about the poor quality.
Date: September 1, 2010
Hours: 4 1/2 hours 11:30 AM- 4:00 PM
Location: City Hall Park. Near the fountain.
Donations: $62.00
Day 7 Log: Playing Piano on NYC Streets
Date: September 1, 2010 Hours: 4 1/2 hours 11:30 AM- 4:00 PM Location: City Hall Park. Near the fountain. Donations: $62.00
A tall man walked up to me and asked me if I was part of that NY Installation of 60 pianos throughout the 5 boroughs. I told him that this was my piano and I come to play in front of the people here. He told me he plays piano. I asked him if he could play a few songs. He did and it was absolutely amazing!
You can hear the fountain in the background. Sorry about the poor quality.
Song of the day #47: Zelda Piano Medley
Here is some exceptional piano playing. I never heard a video game theme sound so good! This brings back memories of playing Zelda when I was younger. What makes this video so good is the fact that he doesnt just play 1 song, its an entire 10 minute medley of Zelda music. Not many people can do that. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do this. I also really liked the intro the he played which is the intro to Dolby Digital surround sound, i think.
He must seriously like Zelda.
Song of the day #47: Zelda Piano Medley
Here is some exceptional piano playing. I never heard a video game theme sound so good! This brings back memories of playing Zelda when I was younger. What makes this video so good is the fact that he doesnt just play 1 song, its an entire 10 minute medley of Zelda music. Not many people can do that. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do this. I also really liked the intro the he played which is the intro to Dolby Digital surround sound, i think.
He must seriously like Zelda.
This is the first video I have ever posted of myself playing piano…It’s a huge deal for me.
Day 6: Playing Piano in NYC streets Log
Date: August 31, 2010
Location: City Hall Park
Hours: 4 hours. 11:30 AM-3:30 PM
Donations: $52.00
It was a slow day today. The one thing that really affected me was when a woman came up to me with a $10.00 bill and said, ” I really appreciate what you do. You deserve this.” It made me really happy to be who I am and to be a musician.
This is the first video I have ever posted of myself playing piano…It’s a huge deal for me.
Day 6: Playing Piano in NYC streets Log
Date: August 31, 2010
Location: City Hall Park
Hours: 4 hours. 11:30 AM-3:30 PM
Donations: $52.00
It was a slow day today. The one thing that really affected me was when a woman came up to me with a $10.00 bill and said, ” I really appreciate what you do. You deserve this.” It made me really happy to be who I am and to be a musician.
Song of the Day #46: Lasse Gjertsen- Amateur
I wouldn’t consider this to be some amazing piano playing, i thought this was very VERY clever and entertaining. The man behind this is actually a very interesting person. His name is, Lasse Gjertsen and he is an animator and a person who claims to have no knowledge of playing the piano or drums. I think he did pretty damn good for his first time playing the piano.
If you read what Lasse Gjertsen has to say on his youtube channel you’ll see that he is very much against selling himself out to businesspeople and marketers who are only out to make money and not help the greater good. I respect that very much! In this world, it is very difficult not to join the crowd and sell yourself out to a huge sum of money. But for now, money makes the world go round….until it all collapses.
Song of the Day #46: Lasse Gjertsen- Amateur
I wouldn’t consider this to be some amazing piano playing, i thought this was very VERY clever and entertaining. The man behind this is actually a very interesting person. His name is, Lasse Gjertsen and he is an animator and a person who claims to have no knowledge of playing the piano or drums. I think he did pretty damn good for his first time playing the piano.
If you read what Lasse Gjertsen has to say on his youtube channel you’ll see that he is very much against selling himself out to businesspeople and marketers who are only out to make money and not help the greater good. I respect that very much! In this world, it is very difficult not to join the crowd and sell yourself out to a huge sum of money. But for now, money makes the world go round….until it all collapses.
Piano in the street.
New York City. Broadway and Franklin. August 26, 2010.
Piano in the street.
New York City. Broadway and Franklin. August 26, 2010.
Day 5: Playing Piano on NYC streets
Day 5 Log
Date: August 27, 2010
Location: City Hall Park. In front of the fountain. Fountain wasnt on today.
Hours: 3 hours. 12:30 PM- 3:30 PM
Donations: $55.00
Today was a shorter day because I came into the city late. I have to take a 1 hour train just to get into the city and its a bit of a hassle. Sometimes living at home is better. I like trees and grass.
Some of the things that i noticed were when I played a few classical pieces consecutively, people really appreciated it because I changed the entire atmosphere of the park. Many people come there to unwind from their jobs and when they hear me play they thank me for changing the busy mood of the city into a relaxing environment. I’m glad I can be apart of that.
There are alot of French people visiting New York City this week. I met 3 people from France, 1 who showed me a few latin licks on the piano. Another was reading a book and enjoying the weather.
Finally, at the end of the day, i met a woman who would not stop talking about her daughter and about how talented she is. “She can play piano, the violin, she’s on the swim team, and I’m trying to get her sponsored for her ice skating tournament.” She was very nice, but I just wanted to play. Haha. Fun times in the New city of York.
Day 4: Playing Piano on New York City streets.
Date: August 26, 2010
Location: City Hall Park. In front of the fountain.
Hours: 5 hours. From 11:30 AM- 4:30 PM.
Donations: $90.00
I met some really interesting people today. I met a girl from Long Island who was a beginner at playing piano. She played a few songs as well as a few of her own pieces. I showed her how to make interesting voicing and chords through the use of inversions. I took her song and made it even more beautiful.
I also met a French documentary director who was very interested in my work and in possibly filming me. I was very happy to meet the man.
I then met a woman who had her adopted daughter with her. She had some plastic surgery on her lips and face and she seemed a bit nervous. I spoke to her a bit and she ended up telling me her life story. By the end of the conversation she was crying and she pulled out a fresh 20 bill and handed it to me saying, “this is for you.”
Lastly, I feel like I was getting hit on by a few people that i met today: Dudes and Girls. It seems as if there is a thin line between talking about music and talking about sex. Strange. I’m going to be a little more weary about who I give my information to from now on.
