Welcome to ALBUM OF THE WEEK! Each week, we will post a different album that will make your Wednesday way easier!
And the first will be:
ORCHESTRAL WORKS, by Ester Mägi
Her birthday is next Friday, on January 10th. Happy birthday, Ester!
About Ester Mägi:
In her native country Ester Mägi (b. 1922) is known as ‘the First Lady of Estonian music’. A much-loved figure at home, Mägi is now beginning to enjoy a reputation further afield, where her incorporation of elements of Estonian folk-music into classical forms is being recognised as a fresh and original contribution to European art-music.
Layal Watfeh is a Syrian composer, musician and voice actor. She was born in Damascus in 1980 and started her story with music at 9 years old. She launched her carreer as a composer at 21 years old, after working on several music productions studios.
Since 2009, she has her own studio and composes for TV and Film. She lives and works in Dubai, and is a winner of 8 eight international awards for her work in music and sound.
Learn more about her in the Meet the ComposHer of this week!
At an early age, I wasn’t sure of the job title exactly, but all I knew is that I wanted to do something related to movies and film. I loved movies from a very young age, and film score, even more. At the age of 11 it was starting to be quite evident that this is the path I was meant to take, when I stated composing my own pieces. By the time I was in high school, I was sure about being a composer and I followed my dream.
My
mom has always been the first and most present supporter in my life.
She was always excited for that fact that I have so much interest in
music, as she her self has always been very interested in music and used
to sing as well. As for composers, I would say a few of my favorite
composers would have to be Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Philip
Glass.
Being a female composer from the Middle East, and living and working in the Middle East. Being a female composer has been hard enough across the world, imagine how much harder it is to be in the Middle East, surrounded by males and working in a male dominant field. It took many long years of hard work to prove myself and make a name for myself in the entire region. I am certainly thrilled to say that I succeeding in becoming one of the most notable composers for Film and TV in the region.
It’s an interesting process to say the least. I can’t say it’s the same every time, as it all depends on the project itself, and what the director requires. But the process is usually the first stage of knowing more about the project, sitting with the director and understanding more of what he requires and has in mind. I then start watching the footage if its available, and coming up with ideas and moods. It’s not always easy I must say. But it’s fun nonetheless. Every project is different, in what it offers me as a composer, and I give back as ideas and creativity. It’s a dance between the visuals and the music, they go hand in hand, therefor they are very affected by each other.
I chose this piece, because its one of my latest piece, that was a bit of a journey to bring to life. I first planned to record it with a full orchestra in Budapest, but due to some issues that happened on the day of the recording, I kinda had to redo all the string section recording in my hometown Syria, and to be honest, I was much happier with the results the second time around. Its also a special piece for me, since it got me my 12th International award (2nd with Hollywood Music In Media Awards), I hope you enjoy it. Ten Sins Opening by Layal Watfeh
Suad is a good friend of mine, and I support her journey as female composer, and back all her struggles and achievements. We also happened to work on the same project this past year (2019).
Tomorrow by Suad Bushnaq
Have more confidence in yourself and your abilities. You were given a beautiful gift, be proud of it, share it, show it off, don’t be shy. The sky is the limit, believe this phrase, because you can truly get anywhere you wish.
Work hard, try new things, find your special sound, and don’t try to imitate other composers. Each of us is unique and has something different to offer. It will be tough sometimes, but never give up, keep going and keep doing what you were born to do.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share more about my experience and personal journey as a female composer.
Happy Monday everyone! Are you a woman
composer expert or just getting acquainted with their works? Either way,
we are here today to invite you to listen to our MixTapes, which will be
curated by us and some other awesome people every week. Here's something to cheer you up on your travels today.
Every Friday in 2020 we will post the composers from the last 7 days. In these posts, you can also find the link to the composers we presented in 2019.
Check here the composers from this week (January 1st to 5th) and learn more about these amazing women who made/are making history in music!
