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Posted by: John Hanson
We have several times mentioned on this blog that the Music Section has a substantial collection of “large print” scores and books. They provide a collection of readable music for young and old alike, whether a middle or high school student beginning on the trumpet or those of a certain age wanting to remember and …
Posted in: Bold Note Scores, Large Print Music
Posted by: Katie Rodda
When you think of braille, what first comes into your mind? A series of raised dots, representing printed words? Someone reading a book using only the sense of touch? How about a libretto for Philip Glass’s opera Satyagraha in Sanskrit? No? Well I’m here to tell you that it exists and that the NLS Music …
Posted in: Audio, Braille, Braille libretto, Libretto, Music History and Appreciation
Posted by: Mary Dell Jenkins
That’s right, it’s December, and no doubt you’re all busy with your holiday shopping and making a list of naughty and nice. As with many libraries, the NLS Music Section is no different than others when it comes to receiving gifts. Frequently, braille music patrons, and sometimes other institutions will contact us and ask if …
Posted in: Braille, Braille Music, New Acquisitions, NLS Music Section
Posted by: Amanda Smith
This year, Thanksgiving Day falls on November 27th, which also happens to be the birthday of legendary guitar player, James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix. Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942, and influenced the world with his lengthy solos and stylistic touch to the electric guitar during the late 60’s. In the spring of 2006, Hendrix’s album, Are …
Posted in: Audio, Blind Musicians, Blues, Braille Music, Music History and Appreciation
Posted by: John Hanson
The Music Section often touts the large number of braille music scores in its collection (20,000+). Without braille music transcribers, there would be no such scores. Some of you may know or know about music transcribers and may even have made use of their skills. You should also know that these transcribers transcribe for everyone …
Posted in: Braille Music, Braille Music Transcribers
Posted by: Katie Rodda
Last week on November 4th, Americans performed their civic duty and voted in the 2014 mid-term elections. Last week on November 6th, one of America’s most famous composers, native Washingtonian John Philip Sousa, celebrated his 160th birthday. It is fitting, then, to celebrate a composer’s music that is inextricably tied to American patriotism, both at …
Posted in: Band, Braille Music, Instrumental Music, March
Posted by: Mary Dell Jenkins
As each liturgical season in the Christian year approaches, the NLS Music Section receives an increase in requests for choral masterworks, as well as many requests for some of the more famous requiems. If you asked anyone to name a famous oratorio, Messiah with its Hallelujah Chorus would most likely be at the top of …
Posted in: Braille Music, Choral, Uncategorized
Posted by: Amanda Smith
Braille music hymnals are a big request in the Music Section — big as in the amount of requests we receive, and literally big in size, often expanding over numerous volumes. Part of my job is to digitize them, and I can say without hesitation that braille hymnals take the cake as some of the largest …
Posted in: Braille Music, Choral
Posted by: John Hanson
The following is a guest blog by Benjamin Bass who was the recorded sound technician in the Music Section of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. If you’ve ever had a conversation asking someone about what kind of music they are into, I’m sure you’ve heard something along the lines of …
Posted in: Country Music