This being the 5th of November, it seemed opportune to share with you, dear readers, music inspired by fireworks and bonfires. So lets begin with the earliest piece that was written specifically with fireworks in mind. The Music for the Royal Fireworks is a suite in D major for wind instruments composed by Handel in 1749 under contract of George II for the fireworks in London’s Green Park on 27 April 1749. The music celebrates the end of the War of the AUstrian Succession and the signing of the Treat of Aix-la-Chapelle (Aachen) in 1748. The work was very popular when first performed and following Handel’s death. Mozart called the work a “spectacle of English pride and joy.” Here is an excerpt played on contemporary instruments.
Clarity is the third studio album by American band Jimmy Eat World. It was released in February, 1999, through Capitol Records. The recording sessions were began at Sound City in Van Nuys, California, before moving to Clear Lake Audio in North Hollywood, California. Described as an emo, pop punk, release, Clarity marked the beginning of vocalist/guitarist Jim Adkins being the band’s main vocalist, taking over from guitarist Tom Linton. “Just Watch the Fireworks” began as a slower, ballad-esque type song, until Trombino suggested changing it to mid-tempo. The final version is drawn out by Katayama’s and Joel Derouin’s string parts.
“Firework” is a song co-written and recorded by Katy Perry from her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). Perry co-wrote the song with Ester Dean and its producers Stargate and Sandy Vee. It is a self-empowerment anthem with inspirational lyrics, and Perry felt it was an important song for her on the record. It was released as the album’s third single in October 2010. The song was commercially successful, reaching number 1 on the Billbaord and the top five on 20 charts around the world. “Firework” has sold over 1 million copies in the United Kingdom, and was certified Diamond by the RIAA for shipments of over 10 million copies in the United States.
Gemini Club are a Chicago based indie-dance four piece who continue to push the envelope of blending genres with their high energy brand of indie electronica. The quartet has recently stepped into the limelight after teaming up with Red Bull to make a video for their song “Sparklers.” Gemini Club performed the upbeat synth rock tune live at JBTV Studios in their hometown. Now the band has claimed spots at major music festivals all across the country including Lollapalooza in Chicago.
Chloe Adams is 21 year old British Singer & Songwriter, who has taken the online world by storm with songs written & recorded in her bedroom studio. Inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift, MIKA, Avril Lavigne & ABBA, Chloe’s music is undeniably catchy & infectious, while bringing attention to real life topics such as gun control & mental health. “I love pop music, but my roots were grown in my love for well written songs, whatever the genre. One day I hope to have the means to use all the technology studio’s have to offer to make music that no one has heard before”.
