How To Write Better Instrumental Music

Музыка

Composer Christian Henson steps out of his comfort zone and takes a beginner's lesson on his favourite instrument, the Cello. Veteran cellist Alice Allen reveals the fascinating secrets the Cello holds while taking her new student through the basic techniques and positioning, which, needless to say, is harder than it looks!
The Crow Hill Company Website: thecrowhillcompany.com
Instagram: / thecrowhillcompany
#cello #cellolesson #celloist #composer #music #musiclesson #celloplayer #composing #musical

Пікірлер: 84

  • @NiclasTamas
    @NiclasTamas3 ай бұрын

    Fabulous!!!! More videos like this. This so fun, interesting and educational. Plato would be proud.

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    We do it all for Plato! 😂thank you we’ll keep more of this kind of stuff coming!

  • @mathumphreys
    @mathumphreys3 ай бұрын

    Alice is a great teacher, loves her instrument, has a deep knowledge of it and can convey the concepts! Awesome.

  • @mikemcveigh1688
    @mikemcveigh16883 ай бұрын

    I recently inherited my grandfather’s cello. It’s been passed around a couple of family members since he died in 1976, and it is in need of some care, strings, etc. I’m getting it fixed just to hear it again, to play it once more holding the same bow as he held in all his concerts as far back as WWII and a little beyond. Thanks to your post, I know now where to begin learning. It was serendipitous. I knew I’d have to search the Internet eventually. I have been trained on the piano, so that may help as far as theory goes. I don’t think I’ll ever qualify as a cellist, but who knows. Thank you. By the way, I’m studying orchestration and have the Spitfire BBCSO to work with. Always a fan.

  • @FLH3official
    @FLH3official3 ай бұрын

    In French the sound post is called "l'âme". The soul.

  • @GuildOfTheBlackCrow
    @GuildOfTheBlackCrow3 ай бұрын

    5: Guitar. 4: Harp. 3: Bass. 2: Piano. 1: A 16 piece mixed choir.

  • @envrie9423
    @envrie94233 ай бұрын

    As a composer who is not a cellist but owns a cello, I can say that it is my most beautiful sound design tool & textural color to add to my productions. I can play slow simple melodies and it levels up the entire piece! The cello is probably my favorite instrument! Lovely video!

  • @MarkBowenPiano
    @MarkBowenPiano2 ай бұрын

    You stole the words from my head. As soon as you said Cello I thought of Fame. Some absolutely fantastic musicians playing amazing songs in that film and the series too.

  • @bobfrode
    @bobfrode3 ай бұрын

    somehow the chello always hit me right in the soul. Its such a beautiful instrument :)

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    I know right! It feels like it resonates at our frequency or something like that

  • @JusticeConstantine
    @JusticeConstantine3 ай бұрын

    Alice, It is so wonderful to see you teaching Christian how to play, and good for you Christian for trying something new. Do you feel a deeper connection writing for strings now?

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    It’s amazing how brave he is! Especially to put it on the eternal internet 😂 he talked about it quite deeply in our last livestream podcast, you should check it out!

  • @MrMechanixmetal
    @MrMechanixmetal3 ай бұрын

    I would love to see a serie of videos like this about different instruments, with different players !

  • @tavaroevanis8744
    @tavaroevanis87443 ай бұрын

    Wow, that cello is more than two centuries old! Profoundly deep and rich sound. I can only imagine the asking price for an instrument of that caliber.

  • @RudalPL
    @RudalPL3 ай бұрын

    I love Cello. There is something in the sound of this instrument that is just mesmerising and enchanting. I do like "sad" music and Cello seems to fit right in the range where I could just sit and listen all day. Great video. Thank you.

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for enjoying it! I think there’s something behind the physical weight of the instrument

  • @davidsinclair699
    @davidsinclair6993 ай бұрын

    Wonderful video Christian. My top 5 must saves is "slightly" biased to instruments I play or would love to play: 5.French Horn (a majestic instrument) 4. Sax (can be incredibly emotional, and emotion is the heart of all music) 3. Piano (can do everything) 2. Flute (the instrument that sings) 1. Clarinet (always emotional and rich in sound).

  • @bemused8216
    @bemused82163 ай бұрын

    Please consider Alice for a CHC release. Her tone and ability is on point. Her Labs was just a taster I feel.

  • @ayisa001
    @ayisa0013 ай бұрын

    Since nov 2023 i have been taking cello lessons as well (as being a composer myself). I owned the cello for 3 years now and never really learned the basics. Learned so much already. My greatest task now is practice, practice, practice... Keep it up Christian!!

  • @ayisa001

    @ayisa001

    3 ай бұрын

    ps. 5: duduk. 4: oboe. 3: classical guitar. 2: piano. 1: cello

  • @framehunter7865
    @framehunter78653 ай бұрын

    I did not touch or even think about the cello until i had my first class at the age of 55. Its a whole universe by itself. The feeling of everynote vibrating in the chest is one of the untransferable experiences worth hours and hours of dedication and patience.Congratulations!!

  • @WinItReigns
    @WinItReigns3 ай бұрын

    Hey, silly American here. Love music, love creating. Love her accent. Everything spoken holds my attention. Absolutely mezmorizing and magical. And Cello atop it all! Can we get an Alice library? She is the Swan to Christians Crow. 😊

  • @desoconnor7445

    @desoconnor7445

    3 ай бұрын

    Swan Cello Murmurations perhaps or Swan Song …a new vaults library.

  • @bricelory9534
    @bricelory95343 ай бұрын

    I picked up the cello because in school, they came and told us next year we had the opportunity to join string orchestra, and they showed us the instruments - I went to the cellos and I got to try it and immediately realized I could do Jaws. I was sold instantly and forever. I absolutely love how you describe how it is to feel the cello against you when you play. When I was studying, I would do what I was taught as aural meditation to helpe really focus my ears (since you play by feel and ear together for the tuning of notes), and when I was in that focused mind-space, the feeling of my cello's different vibrations for each note was a really powerful feeling. It really is indescribable how an open C string feels when you play it beautiful and full. I won't get all transcedental about it - it is just remarkable and unique. I sadly never got a similar feeling with the violin, except that the pressure of the high notes next to my ear made me uncomfortable. Which is a shame - I'd love to play violin even somewhat well. Thank you for sharing this delightful exploration! I really appreciate that you and Crow Hill are diving so much more into what makes music - musicians and composers alike. It is a loving, ongoing conversation of discovery, and I really love it.

  • @gilesmoss5860
    @gilesmoss58603 ай бұрын

    I loved this, Alice is such a great teacher. I was sitting here, totally cello-less but holding a ruler with the "bow grip" to "play along" with you. I also agree the cello is an absolutely mesmerising, beautiful and haunting instrument. Great video, thank you.

  • @keiththeodosiou
    @keiththeodosiou3 ай бұрын

    I have always liked the idea of learning a Cello, as a guitarist, I would be halway there but i've never got round to it. Saying that people in their late 60's learn has given me an idea :)

  • @LeeGee
    @LeeGee3 ай бұрын

    So glad Christian and Alice are working together. Can we get weekly updates on Christian's cello progress?

  • @cornerliston
    @cornerliston3 ай бұрын

    Very fun. Just before watching this I asked myself If I should learn playing the cello as part of learning something new. See you in Edinburgh Alice.

  • @minddesigns01
    @minddesigns013 ай бұрын

    I really enjoyed this Christian. I started making (yes, building) and simultaneously learning violin, viola and cello at about the same age as you are now. I figured that if I was going to make them, I should learn them so I know what a player needs. At this stage, my instruments are excellent, but I sure wished I had started learning earlier. I missed much joy by waiting. And yes, I think it will make you a more sympathetic composer.

  • @joshuamonk
    @joshuamonk3 ай бұрын

    Really enjoyed this Christian, thanks so much. Alice's teaching skills really shine through even in the short lesson, her communication and approach to get those basics skills down shows her experience. Having a great teacher like this can make a world of difference for students. Would love to see even more of her in these videos.

  • @BobGuido
    @BobGuido3 ай бұрын

    I agree with you Mr. Henson (humble student & great composer) that the cello is the most expressive instrument that can produce the greatest range of emotions. Alice is a gem. Looking forward to seeing more of what she does at Crow Hill co.

  • @leighrandle2736
    @leighrandle27363 ай бұрын

    Very interesting and engaging to see this about instruments we usually don’t know anything about. Would be good to see a series of these. Knowing more about the real ins and outs of the instruments that make all the samples could really help how we play the samples in our work and how to shape automate them into something that maybe sounds even more authentic. When you have a big orchestral library it’s hard to know how you should be using all the expressions and dynamics to sound authentic. It was also interesting to hear just how much that cello keeps making noise well after the bow has left the string, I’m not sure that’s always captured in libraries? Could be good to have that option.

  • @ianwaghorn7656
    @ianwaghorn76563 ай бұрын

    Marvelous! I used to play at school until the neck of my cello got snapped off by the closing doors of the 234 bus (epic bundles to get on in those days...). What a lovely teacher Alice is, another great video Christian 👍

  • @bricelory9534

    @bricelory9534

    3 ай бұрын

    That is horrifying! As someone who studied cello through university, that just breaks my heart.

  • @ianwaghorn7656

    @ianwaghorn7656

    3 ай бұрын

    @@bricelory9534 To be honest, it belonged to Croydon Council and I was horrible little comprehensive school kid. Looking back though, I was lucky to get the experience of playing in an orchestra and hearing classical music at the Fairfield Halls. This was the 80's. You don't appreciate it at the time. It's a shame so much money is being cut from arts and music these days... Still, 2p NI cut so I guess we'll all vote Tory now (warning: may contain sarcasm)

  • @jonathanwingmusic
    @jonathanwingmusic3 ай бұрын

    Been playing cello for two years now. It IS indeed soooooo hard 😅Took me about 6 months to not sound like a dying cat, now I just sound like a slightly sick one lol. Worth it though!

  • @Simeon_Harris
    @Simeon_Harris3 ай бұрын

    wow, alice is a terrific teacher! so nice to see you approach this with such humility and openness. i'd love to see you do more of these.

  • @thefrankcoda
    @thefrankcoda3 ай бұрын

    I needed this video! Definitely getting myself a cello this year 😮‍💨

  • @Dan-kb2oz
    @Dan-kb2oz3 ай бұрын

    Thanks to you and Alice for this. Iv'e wanted to play cello as long as I can remember and like you christian, it's up their with piano, even tho bass guitar is my primary instrument. Cheers!

  • @selenaprior
    @selenaprior3 ай бұрын

    Top 5 - 5. Cello (sounds great even with beginners, I have the cello spike scars in my legs to prove it - great cello teacher - loads of cellos in my classroom) 4. French horn - lyrical, powerful 3. Double Bass - resonance, bass vibe... 2. Flute - whistful, difficult embouchure - had a friend that could play one 'circular breathing' totally freaked me out 1. Bass clarinet- what a sound, deep resonant full of character- played one once, and the feel was amazing on your embouchure.

  • @desoconnor7445

    @desoconnor7445

    3 ай бұрын

    I played Trumpet for 16 years and sadly never mastered circular breathing ..a la Miles Davies et al….🙏🏿🙏

  • @desoconnor7445

    @desoconnor7445

    3 ай бұрын

    Top 5. ..1 ) Piano …2) Viola…3) Cello….4) A vintage Stratocaster … and finally ..zero humour intended ..Tubular bells .

  • @ljbarber48
    @ljbarber483 ай бұрын

    I loved this! Thanks so much! Cellos deeply move me.

  • @wyshwood
    @wyshwood3 ай бұрын

    I defy anyone to listen to the cello version of John Williams conducting Schindler's List theme without feeling the emotion. I find it mesmerising and always, always brings moisture to my eyes. Simply one of the most expressive instruments. Excellent video. Thanks to Alice and yourself.

  • @charlesyateschalfant
    @charlesyateschalfant3 ай бұрын

    5) Acoustic Guitar 4)French Horn 3) Flute 2)Piano 1) Cello

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    French horn sure is popular tonight!

  • @vargshagrath
    @vargshagrath3 ай бұрын

    Great! More videos like this!

  • @BarryChabala
    @BarryChabala3 ай бұрын

    I agree, the cello is supreme! What a great video!

  • @ToKillAGhost
    @ToKillAGhost3 ай бұрын

    A beautiful instrument!

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    It is indeed! Especially when Alice plays it!

  • @jimsanger
    @jimsanger3 ай бұрын

    I started on the Cello 2 years ago in my late 40s and I love it. I played violin as a kid and being a guitarist helps, but I get completely lost in playing it.

  • @johnfinnis8373
    @johnfinnis83733 ай бұрын

    Cracking video, and most enlightening to hear how the resonance gut-punches the player - no wonder they play with such passion and emotion. Anyway... 5. Tenor trombone 4. my Korg DW8000 3. 12-string guitar 2. cello 1. Uilleann pipes.

  • @DavidKemp-xn4ln
    @DavidKemp-xn4ln3 ай бұрын

    Beautiful instrument. I used to have lessons when I was young and really enjoyed playing it. Now I play piano mainly. I’ve always loved the cello tho… I think you’ve inspired me to get back to it 🙂

  • @dirtyandnasty9011
    @dirtyandnasty90113 ай бұрын

    The french word for the soundpost is so poetic, it is called "l'âme" (the soul) 🎻

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    It is definitely a more appropriate name!

  • @jsleeio
    @jsleeio3 ай бұрын

    Amazing. I think I'd put cello at #1 also. Julia Kent's utterly wonderful music convinced me.

  • @user-ox4rv3hs5b
    @user-ox4rv3hs5b3 ай бұрын

    I’ll keep it with my Gibson Les Paul 😂 Great video 👍👍👍

  • @user-zz9ic7sl1z
    @user-zz9ic7sl1z3 ай бұрын

    1. Timpani 2. Violin 3. French Horn 4. Cello 5. Double Bass

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    No clarinet in there?! 😫 it’s a solid list though!

  • @issiewizzie
    @issiewizzie3 ай бұрын

    What a site ...Christian playing the violin😀

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    WE NEED RECEIPTS! PHYSICAL EVIDENCE! BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEOS 😂

  • @Zaleskee
    @Zaleskee3 ай бұрын

    Christian, congrats on your Dune Two Work!!. can you tell us what exactly does a Digital Instrument Preparatory do?. Enjoying this channel, keep up the great work!.

  • @womagrid
    @womagrid3 ай бұрын

    The cello is pretty good but the daxophone has a wider timbral range. I also like the fact that it is named after the badger.

  • @IceLocus
    @IceLocus3 ай бұрын

    Fantastic!!! Now I want to try a cello. 😊 How do you know how far the spike needs to stick out?

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    You should definitely try it! It’s all to do with adjusting the height for the player 😊

  • @anatomicallymodernhuman5175
    @anatomicallymodernhuman51753 ай бұрын

    Piano, guitar, oboe, viola, trombone. No particular order.

  • @antsteep
    @antsteep3 ай бұрын

    If the world was ending and I needed to save some instruments. First up would be bass clarinet. Second would be the bagpipes in case I needed some kind of sonic weapon to fend off pirates.

  • @EnrizeStockMusic
    @EnrizeStockMusic3 ай бұрын

    You can play Col Legno Tratto and it will sounds good :D

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the recommendation let’s see if Christian can handle it 😂

  • @SteamvilleQuintet
    @SteamvilleQuintet3 ай бұрын

    1 cello; 2 recorder; 3 electric guitar; 4 electric synth; 5 bass conga or cajon.

  • @arnolddawson5747
    @arnolddawson57473 ай бұрын

    i play keyboards and guitar not brilliantly. Never the less they are the things I play. I related so much about vibration from the cello it made me feel guilty that I haven't been playing guitar for awhile. There is a real connection from your fingers to phrase that I believe develops from it.(I mean vibrations). Perhaps the sound we make speaking is innately related to how we phrase things. Maybe vibration is the microcosmic pulse that our macrocosmic sense reacts to creating the over arching rhythm of phrase. Sorry I've been drinking might have got carried away but I think I believe that. Just hard to put into the right phrase. HAAAAA... Liked the VID very cool. Take care.

  • @arnolddawson5747

    @arnolddawson5747

    3 ай бұрын

    Oh yeah Cello if there was only one member of the violin family I could get hold of it would have to be the cello covers such a wide range and has weight and beauty doing it.

  • @geraldtir
    @geraldtir3 ай бұрын

    Violin viola cello. Body soul spirit. string’ed instruments esoterically are known to be the ones that express the human condition in its entirety. Rudolf Steiner.

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    That’s a solid quote! Am I okay to nab it?

  • @geraldtir

    @geraldtir

    3 ай бұрын

    @@TheCrowHillCo absolutely my friend!

  • @JeanLoupRSmith
    @JeanLoupRSmith3 ай бұрын

    Top 5 instruments... I think 5. Oboe 4. Cello 3. Kantele 2. Taiko drum 1. Guitar Odd choices I know...

  • @babakismusic
    @babakismusic3 ай бұрын

    Looks like you fared better than Chris Nolan 🎉

  • @TheCrowHillCo

    @TheCrowHillCo

    3 ай бұрын

    😂 a natural surviver!

  • @jordanj9069
    @jordanj90693 ай бұрын

    Is 6h/day considered a crazy amount of practice? Don’t get me wrong - it’s a LOT, and enough to make you a BRILLIANT player, but I didn’t think it was noteworthy or novel

  • @reggiep75
    @reggiep753 ай бұрын

    Makes you wonder, how did/why people decide to make such instruments to long ago.

  • @reggiep75

    @reggiep75

    3 ай бұрын

    *so long ago.

  • @seth_piano
    @seth_piano3 ай бұрын

    Hot take: let's just burn all the instruments and start inventing new ones from scratch! Obviously it's just a thought experiment, but imagine rebuilding a new musical culture and history without the blueprint of the last 500 years. What are we coming up with?

Келесі