Chord Driven Improvisation: Csardas, Danse Hongroise (from “Coppelia) – Delibes

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Allow the Masters to inspire your own improvisations.

May I suggest something for all you pianists who play chorded classical melodies. Try improvising within the chord sequences chosen by the great composers. Just let your hands go wherever they want to go. Do not have any preconception of a tune or melody. Just play. Of course there will be mistakes. Stick to the chords and more or less follow the sequence. The chords and the sequences will automatically create new melodies. Such is the inspiration of these wonderful composers. Here is a recording of me trying this with part of Csardas, Danse Hongroise (from “Coppelia) – Delibes. The chords include C, Am,G7, E, B7, Ddim, Fm, Bdim, Bb7, Dm improvisation is not perfect! How can it be! But wow it is fun. No two improvisations will be the same. Just try it with any chorded classical music. The great composers’ choice of chords and their sequence will blow your mind and leave you in awe of their genius. We can only thank them. I hope you find this interesting. Please share this post with other pianists.

To see other Chord Driven Improvisations, search for CDI in the top right of this post. Thank you.

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Who decides how you and I change every moment?

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You and I don’t just exist. We are always deciding what our existence will be and what we will become the next moment. Why is this true for me and for you? Why is it true for all people? The reason is because we all have free will. As Victor Frankl wrote: “…every human being has the freedom to change at any instant.” The answer to the question? We each decide. No buck passing!

Based on the writing of Victor Frankl

In Conversation with Kiera – A Poem

/ John Bartels / 2 Comments

I am Kiera. I love the woods. Especially enchanted woods. I have some questions for you. Who am I? What am I? What am I to you? Am I closer to you than you can ever imagine? In the stillness of an enchanted wood I heard you answer me. I have recorded our sacred conversation in a poem. Here it is. Please step softly on my dreams.

IN CONVERSATION WITH KIERA …..

Who or what am I?
A star in the sky?
Or think perhaps I could
Be a nymph in the wood?
A fish that swims maybe?
Delighting in the sea …..
A bird that flies the air?
A pig, cat, horse or bear?
I’m none of these
So help me please ………
“You are LOVE in motion and give devotion
You feed my soul and make me whole
A DOG so wise
In disguise …..
My Brightest Star
That’s who you are!”.

(Kiera lives with her devoted companion Anna in East Sussex, England. Anna also loves and writes poetry.)



East Sussex Snow and Ice – A report by Kiera

/ John Bartels / Leave a comment

I am Kiera from East Sussex in England. What a winter it has been! Plenty of snow and lots of ice. Everyone is talking about the cold weather. Below is a picture of me talking to a donkey friend who told me about a nearby frozen pond on which geese were skating. I could hardly believe it so I went to the pond to see for myself. It was true. Look at the picture I took of the geese on the ice. I am including a gallery of some snow and ice scenes near where I live. Amazing. Keep warm. My dear friend Anna helped me with the pictures. Please scroll down.

Lock Down Pumpkin And Potato Rossties

/ John Bartels / 1 Comment

Here is how to make this delicious lock down meal. Thanks to two great lock down cooks in freezing London, February 2021.

Scroll down. Very short videos and pictures. Just looking at the pictures makes my mouth water!

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Chord Driven Improvisation: Adagio Cantabile – Beethoven

/ John Bartels / Leave a comment

A recording is below

Allow the Masters to inspire your own improvisations.

May I suggest something for all you pianists who play chorded classical melodies. Try improvising within the chord sequences chosen by the great composers. Just let your hands go wherever they want to go. Do not have any preconception of a tune or melody. Just play. Of course there will be mistakes. Stick to the chords and more or less follow the sequence. The chords and the sequences will automatically create new melodies. Such is the inspiration of these wonderful composers. Here is a recording of me trying this with part of Beethoven’s Adagio Cantabile from Pathetique Sonata. The chords includeBb, F7,Gm7.C7,Cm,G, and Dm. My improvisation is not perfect! How can it be! But wow it is fun. No two improvisations will be the same. Just try it with any chorded classical music. The great composers’ choice of chords and their sequence will blow your mind and leave you in awe of their genius. We can only thank them. I hope you find this interesting. Please share this post with other pianists.CDI

Miniature Snow Leopard Seen in London

/ John Bartels / Leave a comment

A Londoner got the fright of her life today,8 February 2021, when she saw a miniature snow leopard playing in the snow in her back garden. Fortunately she got a video of the visitor. The sighting will be referred to David Attenborough for comment. See the video below