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Not Exactly, a rag.

By
Industry Observer with ARFCO Media

Not Exactly, a rag...

I went through an old box of music yesterday and came across a notebook of piano miniatures I wrote. There's 16 pieces written between 1977 and 1978. At the time I was splitting my time between Renton and Spokane.

Gonzaga University Music Department.

I loved my time in Spokane at Gonzaga University. I discovered the music department one day and it was like one of those "destiny" stories. The music department was so gracious and welcoming. I worked at a restaurant during the day and spent many evenings until the wee hours writing music and playing the several beautiful grand pianos this old mansion had to offer. I left playing the club circuit to concentrate on composing.

There must be a few piano players here on Active Rain who read music? I know many of you are or were into music. If so, I hope you enjoy.

Page 1, Not Exactly, a rag. For piano, by Rene Fabre

Page 2, Not Exactly, a rag. For piano, by René Fabre

A Steinway Grand piano at Gonzaga University Music Department.

My favorite Steinway Grand piano at Gonzaga University.

Page 3, Not Exactly, a rag. For piano, by René Fabre

Page 4, Not Exactly, a rag. For piano, by René Fabre

That favorite Steinway was up on the 2nd floor then, on the left. That's where I spent most of my time. I'm grateful to this day for those 4 wonderful summers that Gonzaga University allotted me to explore my creative endeavors.

Gonzaga Music Department, Spokane, Washington.

Thank you Gonzaga Music Department for many wonderful hours, and "it's not exactly, a rag."

Posted by

René Fabre

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

Please Note - The views expressed herein reflect only the individual’s personal views and are not the views of the author’s employer.

The Blackberry Chronicles, a blog by Rene Fabre and his travels around the Greater Pacific Northwest and beyond. Connect w/ Rene Fabre on Google+. Rene Fabre on Twitter. Rene Fabre writes reviews on Yelp. Rene Fabre on Linkedin.com The Audiorium YouTube Channel by Rene Fabre. Facebook.com/renefabre Rene Fabre loves digital photography and here are his shares on Flickr. Rene Fabre is a musician and composer and shares some of his orginal music and recordings on Soundcloud. Rene Fabre shares his interests on Pinterest.

Comments (13)

Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

what a turn, wow:)

I hope, you'll write music again( or you still compose?)

You are so talented!

Oct 21, 2012 07:34 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi René - I wish I had more time today - I don't play piano and don't sight-read very well, but there is music-scanning software out there that will let me hear your music. When I get some time, I'll download a demo copy and see if I can get it to work on your score. And that is a lovely old mansion - great place to develop a talent.

 

Oct 21, 2012 07:36 AM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

A man of many talents you are my friend.  I have never attempted the piano but I do enjoy strumming on of my guitars.  It's my relaxation and reconnecting time.

Oct 21, 2012 07:39 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Rene, I am so impressed. A musical talent as well as a great writer and photographer.

Oct 21, 2012 07:43 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Inna: I do still write music. Time is everything and the most precious commodity! I'm working on a piece for string orchestra at the moment. I hope I'll have it finished over the next few months, probably early spring. Thanks.

Dick: It was a wonderful refuge to hang for a short fleeting chapter in my life. 

John: Me too! I love strumming my guitar(s)... I have a vintage Johnny Smith Gibson, my favorite. Bought it when I was 19 and still play it as often as I can. Ditto, connection to the universe!

Oct 21, 2012 07:46 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Debbie: So kind you are. I grew up in an artist's household. I wander through life, know no other way. Yet, I so know when I am right with the world as long as I create, express, love, and cherish! Thank you!

Oct 21, 2012 07:49 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks so much for sharing your music.

Enjoy the colors of autumn with your camera in hand.

Chihuly at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Oct 22, 2012 01:47 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Roy... Love those Chihuly glass photos you're taking lately!

Oct 22, 2012 02:02 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Rene~how multi-faceted you are! I can't read music (maybe could have at the ages of 9 or so), but I simply love looking at it knowing that it's yours and adding yet another talent to your repertoire. It's truly wonderful to love your university, too and give it accolades. I used to sit in a huge living room at West Virginia University, where you could go and request certain classical music be played, while you lounged in the gorgeous antique chairs, study and listen to the incredible acoustics that bounced around the high high ceilings of the old building. Ahhh...bringing back clear memories of my favorite composer, Vivaldi!

Thank you!!!

Oct 22, 2012 02:14 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Rene,

That was delightful story of your time in Gonzaga.  I don't read music, but I recently was introduced to the story of how written musical notes came about.  Ron and I both love music and it ability to transport you and bring joy to one's heart.  Have a great week. a

Oct 22, 2012 02:15 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Gayle... I'm a big fan of Vivaldi also. One of my favorite books, I've had for years, is a collection of famous composers with samples from handwritten scores. I love to look at them. Music on paper is an artform all to itself.

Alexandra... Thanks. The story of music notation is a very interesting subject. I'm a avid student!

Oct 22, 2012 02:37 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

I wish someone in my family could, first of all, read music and, secondly, play.  That was very kind of you to put it out there for those who can. 

Oct 22, 2012 06:27 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Thanks Don... I was raised in a musical household so that's what we did, read & play music. More or less, it was mandatory :O)

Oct 23, 2012 05:04 AM