Alex_Lubet
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet
3 weeks ago
38 posts

Thanks so much, Robin, again!  

At the risk of hubris, there's not a whole lot in the classical world that's written for mountain dulcimer, beyond what I've written and pieces written for me.  I'm pretty sure composers avoid what they think are limitations, especially the traditional non-chromatic fretboard and three-string configuration.  But these are things I love.  I've never considered getting a chromatic dulcimer (not that I have anything against it), probably in large part because I've played guitar for decades.

It's perfectly possible to play chromatic music on a dulcimer with a traditional fingerboard, if you're interested, and it rmakes you find interesting combinations.  Three basic ways of playing chromatically:

1) non-standard tunings

2) bending notes

3) harmonics

I hope some of you will listen to the album when it starts streaming soon.  My earlier albums are easy to find online on many streaming services.

Have a wonderful week!

Robin Thompson
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
3 weeks ago
1,531 posts

I have this album and like it ever-so-much!  If you are musically curious about mountain dulcimer as a primary instrument in the world of classical music composition, this is a recording you'll not want to miss!  

Strumelia
Strumelia
@strumelia
one month ago
2,373 posts

Alex, I read with interest the description of your album in the link you provided- the combination of dulcimer player, singer, and Victorian era woman writer in your album seems like it would be a very unique and compelling interplay.




--
Site Owner

Those irritated by grain of sand best avoid beach.
-Strumelia proverb c.1990
Alex_Lubet
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet
2 months ago
38 posts

Hi All,

This is the ad for my new album on Neuma Records.  I'm not trying to sell it (although I wouldn't object), I just like the ad a lot.  It should start streaming sometime next month.

https://neumarecords.org/home/ols/products/alex-lubet-amy-levy---songs-of-love-and-loss

It's quite different from anything else I've heard for dulcimer.  As I've said before, I've been a classically trained composer and professor for over fifty years, but have also always played folk and popular music instruments and taught the history of rock music.  The album consists of songs with texts by Victoria era, Anglo-Jewish poet Amy Levy, beautifully sung by my colleague, operatic mezzo soprano Victoria Vargas.  It's an unusual combination, borne first out of our friendship and then our musical instruments.  I could have written for a more conventional accompanying instrument, but Victoria really liked the dulcimer and the idea of performing together.

Thanks and have a great day.