Mel Stallwood

Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the celestial lights, and with him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow. James 1:17
Mel Stallwood Mel Stallwood Mel Stallwood

I love the piano music of Chopin and some of the impressionistic works of composers like Debussy. Some music can help to wash away some of the hurt of life. I think this is what music should really be about and I genuinely hope my personal love for music that simply portrays the love, beauty and joy of life (rather than the more unhealthy and seedy things)  comes through in some of my work. I don't believe I am a particularly gifted person but I do endeavour to use whatever I have to the full and devour every crumb of inspiration that hopefully gets thrown to me.

Many of my piano solos are really songs that I develop into romantic piano works using modulations and improvisational devices. I do not, however always publish the words – either because I don’t rate them very highly or I prefer the listener to visualise their own storyline or imagery – which is often the whole point of instrumental music.

About 12 years ago I wrote a 'raggy' piece originally for accordion (Leprechaun Dance) and later it eventually became a much faster piano solo called 'The Magic Lantern Rag' before finally being called 'The Silent Movie Rag'. This frenetic piece is a joy to play and reminds me of the silent movie days (not that I was there). The speed is really at the discretion of the performer. The strong percussive style highlighted in the middle section features in a number of my ragtime tunes (not sure why though). I have really loved Ragtime ever since I first heard my Uncle Frank rattle off the 'Maple Leaf Rag' before I could hardly reach a piano keyboard. Some of my 'rags' are what I have termed 'Ragatinas'. A Ragatina is simply a Ragtime composition with fewer sections. It is often similar to 'Ternary' form and always returns (finally) to the opening theme after a repeated middle section A-B-B-A. The final section may be transposed and intros, codas and bridges may be included.

Новые ноты
Wikkity Wakkity Doo Doo
Джаз
Going Home Forever
Духовная музыка / Христианская
When I Hear God (I Hear the Voice of Love)
Духовная музыка / Христианская
Sequence Dance
Классика
Première Impression
Классика

Галерея

Блог

27 февраля 2013, Статья
Scales-4-Thummies
If you are a piano/keyboard student struggling with scale fingering and preparing for exams, this system could be your savior. Scales-4-Thummies is designed  for those players who hate scales but need to achieve a certain level for their grades. ...
17 апреля 2012, Статья
Rhapsody for Utøya
Utøya is the island where Anders Behring Breivikt commited those unbelievable atrocities. I watched a T.V. report showing how this murderer is being given 5 star treatment and 'human rights' in his 'prison suite'' prior to the trial. They say he will ...
18 февраля 2012, Статья
Scales & Arpeggios
Scales, arpeggios, studies and technical exercises are not always considered the coolest or most desirable area many students wish to focus upon for too long, but a good command of scales and arpeggios are the bricks and mortar of our musical ...