Winter Waltz

For today's post, I am taking a short break from "Challenge no. 1" and instead going to share a chamber music piece I wrote a few years ago for alto saxophone and piano.  Tomorrow, the piece is going to be performed at a new music festival in Manchester, Indiana so I thought it would be timely to share it with you today.

Winter Waltz has been published by Jeanné Inc.  This recording features saxophonist Jonathan Bergeron and pianist Brian Lockard who performed the piece at the International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWM) Congress 2011 in Flagstaff, Arizona on September 15, 2011.  Enjoy!

"Longing"

So I thought it might be cool to post a love song on Valentine's Day.  As I have mentioned previously, I think it is challenging to write a good love song, but this is one of my favorites I've written.  I feel so-so about this particular recording (whatever)--it's far from perfect--but again I am challenging myself to let go of pretense and perfectionism and all of these related things that have hindered me from sharing my music in the past.  So without further ado . . .

Music and lyrics written by Victoria Malawey © 2013 All Rights Reserved

Title: "Longing"

Written May 2004

Lyrics:

Longing for you

Pining for you

I have to rely on my imagination

But the trouble is my imagination pales compared to reality

I have to rely on my recollection

But the trouble is sometimes my memory fails me

Longing for you

Pining for you

Imagining you’re here with me, singing and laughing

Your eyes, your lips, your smile—it’s all inside of me

Remembering just how you feel when you’re close to me

I just close my eyes and feel your body next to me

The days are so long

While I am patiently waiting here for you

Longing for you

Pining for you

"It's Alright"

This week's song is one I wrote a decade ago.  Anyone who knows me well knows that I am pretty much obsessed with chords and have been for a long time.  I have chosen this particular song because I enjoy singing it and also because I like the harmony in the chorus sections (especially the chords that harmonize "lays herself down" and "she closes her eyes").  The music geeks among you might notice the second of these two chords is a Neapolitan 6th, which is one of my all-time favorites.  (But also note the unusual resolution of the N6.)  I hope you enjoy the tune and thanks for listening!

Music and lyrics written by Victoria Malawey © 2013 All Rights Reserved

Title: "It’s Alright"

Written October 2003

Lyrics:

Peace is all she dreams for at all

Who can bring it to her? I don’t know

It’s all within really

And then she lays herself down

To turn herself in for the last time

And then she closes her eyes

And pretends it’s alright

Still as the night is her heart

Aching to love but there’s no one

Sadly

And then she lays herself down

To turn herself in for the last time

And then she closes her eyes

And pretends it’s alright

Yearning for something more she can feel

But it’s not there

Not to be, unattainable for her

It’s too bad really

And then she lays herself down

To turn herself in for the last time

And then she closes her eyes

And pretends it’s alright

At least there is hope

Like knowing the sun will rise

Maybe then she’ll look toward the sky

And know it’s alright

And know it’s alright

And know it’s alright

"Lost"

I wrote this song last year while Kate was away on an epic road trip to the southwest.  (You can read about her travels here.)  I think the song captures the dissatisfaction I had been experiencing while feeling creatively stifled.  I'm hopeful that 2013, along with this blogging project, will allow me to let go of the negativity (but what will I write about in future songs?!).

I recorded two versions of this song (one in a crazy high key with my capo but lower for my voice and another in the original key sans capo).  I think the original version is better for my voice (though I liked the high guitar accompaniment in the other version).  I'll let you decide which you prefer.

Original version:

Alternate version:

Music and lyrics written by Victoria Malawey © 2013 All Rights Reserved

Title: "Lost"

Written March 2012

Lyrics:

While you find yourself

I find I’m lost

Taking security

But at what cost?

And now it is now

But how?

Facing anxiety

Yet I’m bored

Desire is not my friend

I just want more

And now it is now

But how?

Big questions frighten me

They take their toll

Why can’t I let it be?

I’m in a hole

And now it is now

But how?