All audio files can be found on our catalog page: https://librivox.org/the-rubinstein-staccato-etude-by-r-nathaniel-dett/
Each fortnight a poem is chosen to be recorded by as many LibriVox volunteers as possible!This poem, read by 16 Librivox Volunteers, describes the ups and downs and emotional frenzy of The Rubinstein Staccato Etude. The author, R. Nathaniel Dett, was a composer, organist, pianist and music professor. While born in Canada, he spent most of his professional career in the United States. During his lifetime he was a leading Black composer, known for his use of African-American folk songs and spirituals as the basis for choral and piano compositions in the 19th century Romantic style of Classical music. Right click this link (opens a new tab) to listen to the piece played on piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2AdJ2JVpw8
(~ Summary by Michele Fry and Wikipedia)
This fortnight's poem can be found here.
[*] Project Code: bLshP7QP
Set your recording software to:
Channels: 1 (Mono)
Bit Rate: 128 kbps
Sample Rate: 44100 kHz
Have questions on "how"?
Check LV's Recording Notes thread before recording. If this is your first recording, you'll also find this Newbie Guide to Recording useful.
Begin your reading with the abbreviated LibriVox disclaimer:
No more than 0.5 to 1 second of silence at the beginning of the recording!
Then read the poem:The Rubinstein Staccato Etude by R. Nathaniel Dett, read for LibriVox.org by [your name].
[Add, if you wish, date, your location, and/or your personal url.]
Staccato! Staccato!
Leggier agitato!
In and out does the melody twist—
Unique proposition
Is this composition.
(Alas! for the player who hasn't the wrist!)
Now in the dominant
Theme ringing prominent,
Bass still repeating its one monotone,
Double notes crying,
Up keyboard go flying,
The change to the minor comes in like a groan.
Without a cessation
A chaste modulation
Hastens adown to subdominant key,
Where melody mellow-like
Singing so 'cello-like
Rises and falls in a wild ecstasy.
Scarce is this finished
When chords all diminished
Break loose in a patter that comes down like rain,
A pedal-point wonder
Rivaling thunder.
Now all is mad agitation again.
Like laughter jolly
Begins the finale;
Again does the 'cello its tones seem to lend
Diminuendo ad molto crescendo.
Ah! Rubinstein only could make such an end!
At the end of your reading, leave a space and then say:
End of poem. This recording is in the public domain.
Please leave 5 seconds of silence at the end of your recording.
Save your recording as an mp3 file using the following filename and ID3 tag format:
File name - all in lowercase: etude_dett_your initials in lowercase_128kb.mp3
ID3 tags (Version 2):
Artist Name: R. Nathaniel Dett
Track Title: The Rubinstein Staccato Etude - Read by YOUR INITIALS (e.g. The Rubinstein Staccato Etude - Read by KLH)
Album Title: LibriVox Fortnightly Poetry
Comments: (optional) Recorded by [your name]
Transfer of files (completed recordings) Please always post in this forum thread when you've sent a file. Also, post the length of the recording (file duration: mm:ss) together with the link.
- Upload your file with the LibriVox Uploader: https://librivox.org/login/uploader
(If you have trouble reading the image above, please message an admin) - You'll need to select the MC, which for this project is: aradlaw
- When your upload is complete, you will receive a link - please post it in this thread.
- If this doesn't work, or you have questions, please check our How To Send Your Recording wiki page.
(If you wish to contribute, please have your readings submitted by 0600 GMT Sunday, October 20 (12:00AM CDT)
Please don't download files belonging to projects in process (unless you are the BC or PL). Our servers are not set up to handle the greater volume of traffic. Please wait until the project has been completed. Thanks!<p>
Magic Window:
BC Admin
(And remember, anyone can suggest a poem for a certain week and/or coordinate an upcoming fortnightly poem! If you'd like to suggest a poem or coordinate a future Fortnightly Poetry project, please visit this thread.)