History & context
With
Annabel ThwaiteThe story behind Danny Boy (the Londonderry Air) and why this poignant Irish folk tune invites you to play with plenty of rubato.
What's in the course
21 lessons (1h 0m) · 1 free
Lesson transcript
#ion of "Danny Boy" - A Musical Exploration
This beautiful, jazzy arrangement is actually a transcription of Danny Boy, or London Derriere, which is an Irish folk tune.
Context and Emotion
Apparently, this song serves as a message from a parent to a boy who was going off to war or to an uprising.
- I think it's incredibly poignant, melancholic, and reflective.
- You're allowed to use as much rubato as you want.
Understanding Rubato
- Rubato refers to the freedom of tempo, allowing for an ebb and flow.
- You can stretch the phrase out and then close the phrase to suit what you want to convey.
Analyzing the Lyrics
If you look at the words of the second verse:
"If I am dead, and dead I well may be..."
- Imagine you were a Shakespearean actor saying those words.
- You want to hold the audience's attention.
Engaging the Audience
This piece is particularly fantastic for allowing you to have some fun with audience engagement:
- You can captivate them, having them in the palm of your hand.
- Take them through a journey of color, harmony, real innate musicality, and rubato.
21 lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Recognised as one of Britain's most versatile and charismatic pianists, Annabel Thwaite enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, educator and examiner, and has won all the major accompanying prizes, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier, Gold Medal, and Richard Tauber Piano Prizes. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Roberto Alagna, Bryn Terfel, David Kempster and "Only Men Aloud!"
Annabel has recorded for Universal records with the "Scottish Tenor", whose album was nominated for a Classical Brit Award and is regularly played on Classic FM. Twice the accompanist for the Festival of Welsh Male choirs, her performances at the Royal Albert Hall were recorded by Sain and have been aired on S4C. She is also a film session pianist, having recorded at Abbey Road the music for the film "Awake", the BBC Jane Austen series "Emma", "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister" and, most recently, she has appeared on both Blue Peter and "The Rob Brydon Show".
"...no doubt helped by the obviously brilliant piano accompaniments from Annabel Thwaite...highly enjoyable."
In her MusicGurus courses - Learn Christmas Classics on Piano, Learn Classical Favourites on Piano, and Growing Chamber Groups and Small Ensembles - Annabel shares the musicianship behind that versatile career. You will learn how to bring well-loved Christmas and classical pieces to life at the piano, develop your touch and phrasing, and, drawing on her award-winning experience as an accompanist, discover how to listen, lead and play together when making music with other musicians in chamber groups and small ensembles.
