Tag Archives: The Hamlet Symphony

Video – Hamlet Symphony IV

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Since today is a special day, I had to post another movement of my Hamlet Symphony.  This is the Fourth Movement – Remembering Ophelia.

(Click here if you don’t see the video)

This movement is in some ways the most beautiful, the most sad, the most delicate, the most simple, the most complicated the… well, you get the idea, there are a lot of contradictions.  It is by far my favorite.  It doesn’t end here, but goes right into the fifth movement, so the ending is abrupt.  Anyway, here is what I wrote about it as I was actually composing the music (I worte most of the below before i wrote the music and then corrected i to fit the music after I was done) ::

– Continue reading →

Video – Hamlet Symphony, 3rd Movemenet

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Hamlet Symphony, Movement 3, Scherzo – Mad North by Northwest.  Here is the video:

(Click here if you don’t see the video)

If you want a really indepth look at my thought process, which goes a long way into my interpretation of the play, continue reading… Continue reading →

An Intermission of Questionable Cunning

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The Hamlet Symphny - Alt Image

To see a ghost on the ramparts he tread
His father said “avenge the crown from my head!”
But while he thought for a while
Claudius practiced great guile
And in the end they all wound up dead

A limerick? On Hamlet? Really? This is most likely the worst thing I ever wrote about Hamlet!  Hamlet is perhaps my favorite piece of writing of all time.  In my opinion the best thing I ever wrote about Hamlet was written in my music, that is, my Hamlet Symphony Continue reading →

The Hamlet Symphony

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(Click here if you don’t see the video)

In my life I’ve done a few things I’m proud of.  For example, I’ve written two books.  The first of these books has undergone extensive revision.  And yet, in my mind these two books combined pale in comparison to the accomplishment of the Hamlet Symphony.  From the first note to the last, every part of this hour long symphony, from notes to phrases to themes to sections to entire movements, interrelate and work together to form a cohesive whole.  A note in the third movement is impossible with one from the second.

As many of you know, I decided to release the symphony back in February.  All I’ll say is that although The Hamlet Symphony may be the culmination of my musical life, it is definitely not my most successful achievement!  The Hamlet Symphony is available on iTunes and Amazon.  It’s also available on CD Baby. Try here for Amazon UK.

The Hamlet Symphony is a companion to the famous play and portrays a little of its complexity in music. There are a few scenes set to music, but this isn’t a straight forward soundtrack, being meant more as a reflection on the characters and the action. In some ways The Hamlet Symphony is the emotional reaction one might have while reading or seeing the play. Continue reading →

The Hamlet Symphony –

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Hamlet - Alt Photo

I try to use my blog as a creative outlet, not as a promotion tool.  That being said, it’s been quite a while since I brought up The Hamlet Symphony.  If you’ve already picked it up, thanks!  But please consider reviewing the music even if your opinion isn’t stellar. (Thanks for the review on Amazon UK, Ali!)  Here is more info about The Hamlet Symphony:

The Hamlet Symphony is a companion to the famous play and portrays a little of its complexity in music. There are a few scenes set to music, but this isn’t a strait forward soundtrack, being meant more as a reflection on the characters and the action. In some ways The Hamlet Symphony is the emotional reaction one might have while reading or seeing the play. Continue reading →