Ben is looking forward to sharing with the Dayspring Community as they hold their Holy Week Twilight Retreat, as he presents some reflections on J.S. Bach’s St Matthew Passion. Johann Sebastian Bach is not only one of the giants of the musical world, but also of the Christian church. Sometimes referred to as the fifth… Continue reading Holy Week Twilight Retreat: Bach’s St Matthew Passion
Category: Music
Ding Dong! Merrily on High
An exciting arrangement of “Ding Dong Merrily on High” that will challenge the choir whilst still providing interest and variety for all parts. Arranged for SATB Choir (without accompaniment) by Ben Clapton, each part takes the melody at some stage. As such all parts are actively challenging and highlighted throughout the performance. Initially arranged in… Continue reading Ding Dong! Merrily on High
What’s in my violin case?
You might think that a violin case is relatively simple. It’s got a violin, and a bow, and not much else. There are multiple things in the case of a violinist that help you get set up and be prepared for any contingency. Here’s a list of what I have in my case.
Kuchler Concertino in G, Op. 11
German composer Ferdinand Küchler wrote this piece in 1934 and it became a staple in the beginner violin repertoire. Küchler was a renowned violin pedagogue, and his writings on teaching went on to shape violin pedagogy into the 1960s. Today we’re looking at the Kuchler Concertino in G, Op. 11. The Kuchler Concertino is written… Continue reading Kuchler Concertino in G, Op. 11
Rieding Concerto in B Minor
Composed by German Composer Oskar Rieding (1840-1918) and first published in 1909, this concertino which stays completely in first position has become a staple of the beginner violin repertoire. While it isn’t performed regularly, it is often the first concerto a student will learn. The Rieding Concerto in B Minor is an ideal piece for… Continue reading Rieding Concerto in B Minor
Concerto in D Maj, Op. 36 – Rieding
A concerto which remains entirely in first position, this concerto contains catchy melodies yet still provides some technical challenges to stretch the player. First published in 1911, some 7 years before the composer’s death (1840-1911)
Top 5 Violin Showpieces
Violin showpieces are the pieces which are at the limit of violin technique. They are difficult, flashy, and impressive. Here’s my list of the top five violin showpieces. Paganini – Caprice 24 Paganini‘s 24 Caprices are some of the most difficult for the violin, and being able to play any of them is a great… Continue reading Top 5 Violin Showpieces
Czardas – Monti
Composed by Italian composor Vittorio Monti (1868-1922) in 1904, Csárdás was originally written for violin, mandolin or piano, and runs for about four and a half minutes. Written in seven different sections, it alternates tempo and occasionally key to add interest and excitement. Get your copy of Monti’s Czardas from Amazon:
Learning the Joachim Cadenza
I’m teaching myself Joachim’s Cadenza to Mozart’s Violin Concerto Number 4 in D Major, by practicing it every day and uploading my progress to TikTok. This is my weekly log so I can see the improvement over time.
Alternative Symphony plays Perth
Ben has been a member of Alternative Symphony performances in Melbourne, and is excited to be joining them again as they perform in Perth for the first time. Alternative Symphony Presents An Orchestral Rendition of Daft Punk: Greatest Hits Saturday April 16, from 7 pmMagnet House, Perth.Find Tickets – Facebook Event Thats right, for one… Continue reading Alternative Symphony plays Perth
