The Progress of Liberty

Waltz #7, Op. 63

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CCVI - September 6, 2009

Waltz #7, Op. 63: Listen.

Length: 3:35
This is a waltz in the Classical style, based on two principal alternating melodies, each of which is varied with each repetition through the addition of ornamentation and complexity. If A and B are the principal melodies, the structure of the composition can be represented as ABA’B’A’’.

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G. Stolyarov II is an actuary, science fiction novelist, independent philosophical essayist, poet, amateur mathematician, composer, contributor to Enter Stage Right, Le Quebecois Libre, Rebirth of Reason, and the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Senior Writer for The Liberal Institute, former weekly columnist for GrasstopsUSA.com, and Editor-in-Chief of The Rational Argumentator, a magazine championing the principles of reason, rights, and progress. Mr. Stolyarov’s new blog, The Progress of Liberty, offers a combination of commentary, multimedia presentations, educational materials, and suggestions for effective activism in favor of individual freedom. Mr. Stolyarov also publishes his articles on Helium.com and Associated Content to assist the spread of rational ideas. He holds the highest Clout Level (10) possible on Associated Content. Mr. Stolyarov has also written a science fiction novel, Eden against the Colossus, a non-fiction treatise, A Rational Cosmology, and a play, Implied Consent. You can watch his YouTube Videos. Mr. Stolyarov can be contacted at gennadystolyarovii@yahoo.com.

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Aug 30 2009

Composition for Piano, Flute, and Harpsichord, Op. 62 by G. Stolyarov II - The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

Composition for Piano, Flute, and Harpsichord, Op. 62

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CCV - August 30, 2009

Composition for Piano, Flute, and Harpsichord, Op. 62: Listen.

This composition’s harmonies resemble those found in music of the late 18th-century Classical period, while some of the devices used – including the lengthy trills for the flute and the harpsichord – are more extensive than could be found in that era, as no human flute player could maintain a trill for as long as a MIDI sequencer program can. There are three basic melodies in this piece, and their orchestration is varied over time. The mood of the composition is light, cheerful, and playful – although, it is to be hoped, not frivolous.

___________

G. Stolyarov II is an actuary, science fiction novelist, independent philosophical essayist, poet, amateur mathematician, composer, contributor to Enter Stage Right, Le Quebecois Libre, Rebirth of Reason, and the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Senior Writer for The Liberal Institute, former weekly columnist for GrasstopsUSA.com, and Editor-in-Chief of The Rational Argumentator, a magazine championing the principles of reason, rights, and progress. Mr. Stolyarov’s new blog, The Progress of Liberty, offers a combination of commentary, multimedia presentations, educational materials, and suggestions for effective activism in favor of individual freedom. Mr. Stolyarov also publishes his articles on Helium.com and Associated Content to assist the spread of rational ideas. He holds the highest Clout Level (10) possible on Associated Content. Mr. Stolyarov has also written a science fiction novel, Eden against the Colossus, a non-fiction treatise, A Rational Cosmology, and a play, Implied Consent. You can watch his YouTube Videos. Mr. Stolyarov can be contacted at gennadystolyarovii@yahoo.com.

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This TRA feature has been edited in accordance with TRA’s Statement of Policy.

May 27 2009

Theme and Variations #1, Op. 61 by G. Stolyarov II | The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

Theme and Variations #1, Op. 61

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CXCVI - May 27, 2009

Find out about Mr. Stolyarov and The Progress of Liberty.

Theme and Variations #1, Op. 61: Listen.

Length: 2:50

This composition was written in a theme-and-variations format, with the main theme being presented, then varied five times, then repeated in its original form. The melody is played by a harpsichord with piano accompaniment, and a second harpsichord provides additional accompaniment in the first variation.

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May 23 2009

March #11, Op. 60 by G. Stolyarov II | The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

March #11, Op. 60

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CXCV - May 23, 2009

Find out about Mr. Stolyarov and The Progress of Liberty.

March #11, Op. 60: Listen.

Length: 2:07

This is a triumphal march – a monumental celebration of great victories and accomplishments. It employs three principal related themes, with each theme being accompanied by a variation immediately after it is presented. The majority of the march is composed for two pianos, a flute, and timpani – although the second occurrence of the first theme-variation block is orchestrated differently, with the flute being replaced by a brass section and a second part added for timpani.

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Apr 29 2009

March #10, Op. 59 by G. Stolyarov II | The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

March #10, Op. 59

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CXCIII - April 29, 2009

Find out about Mr. Stolyarov and The Progress of Liberty.

March #10, Op. 59:Listen.

Length: 2:26

This march contains numerous harmonies which have been associated with the Middle East – at least by late 19th-century composers of music that was meant to sound exotic to Western ears. Like all of Mr. Stolyarov’s compositions, however, this one is strictly harmonious in accordance with classical Western standards. It contains two main themes, with the second theme presented in the middle of the work, surrounded by versions of the first theme. The march is composed for a harpsichord, piano, flute, a brass ensemble, and timpani. Throughout the work, the piano keeps up a steady accompaniment of single eighth notes alternating with two repeated sixteenth notes. The harpsichord carries the main melody, which is also at times picked up by the flute and brass parts. The march was created on the basis of the interaction between massive and powerful chords and rapid passages of sixteenth notes transitioning between them.

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Apr 12 2009

Famous Atheist Composers – Who Says One Needs God to Appreciate Beauty?

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Atheism, Music Edit This

One of the most ludicrous allegations made by some theists is that one needs to believe in God in order to appreciate beauty in the world and in art. Such a claim needs only one counterexample of an atheist artist, musician, or admirer of the arts to refute. Several such counterexamples are extremely well-known.

The French composer Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) repeatedly referred to himself as an atheist in his letters. The virtuoso Italian violinist Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) was well-known as an atheist during his day. Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was documented to have said of all religious creeds and writings, “Not a word of it is true.” French composer Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was an atheist, as was Richard Wagner (1813-1883) during the time when he wrote his most monumental music.

An excellent article by Madalyn Murray O’Hair documents atheistic and freethinking tendencies among some of the most famous composers of human history. If these men could compose works of universally recognized beauty, then surely a belief in God is not required for esthetic appreciation!

Sincerely,

Gennady Stolyarov II

Mar 03 2009

“The Watcher on the Shore” by Rodney Rawlings – Updated With Lyrics – The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

The Watcher on the Shore

Rodney Rawlings

Issue CLXXXVII - February 20, 2009; Updated March 3, 2009

The Watcher on the Shore: Listen.

This latest composition by Rodney Rawlings combines a rhythmic, and at times dynamic, melody with intriguing multi-instrumental accompaniment.

This instrumental evokes the ocean in its opposite moods of peacefulness and of fury, from the standpoint of a solitary watcher unfazed by its violence, and for whom it partially speaks. A somewhat extended form of this melody was used for the author’s piano piece, “Reconstruction on Ground Zero.” (Listen.) “The Watcher on the Shore” is in fact the original; it served as the title theme for a musical play written by the composer.

In both the song and the play, the figure of the Watcher signifies anyone who deals with the world first-hand intellectually. Such a person is the de facto guardian physically of all who may choose to do otherwise. The lyrics (mainly represented here by the piano) are as follows:

THE WATCHER ON THE SHORE

Down where the waves crash upon the rocky ledge,

You see the solitary man who watches on the shore.

It may be peaceful or it may be restless seas;

He will be standing even as the daylight flees

All the gathered storm clouds,

He’s

Where the waves fall, and others fear to

Linger—yes, THE WATCHER ON THE SHORE of life

Where breakers roar!

Don’t deny him, though you may be quite at ease.

Only let him stand, and THE WATCHER ON THE SHORE will preserve you

Just as he kept you before.

We live all our lives, while THE WATCHER ON THE SHORE stands alone there—

May he be lonely no more.

***

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Rodney Rawlings is a Toronto writer and composer/songwriter. He recently arrived at the concept of hypercomplex numbers independently, using Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism to guide him.

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Feb 20 2009

“The Watcher on the Shore” by Rodney Rawlings – The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

The Watcher on the Shore

Rodney Rawlings

Issue CLXXXVII - February 20, 2009

The Watcher on the Shore: Listen.

This latest composition by Rodney Rawlings combines a rhythmic, and at times dynamic, melody with intriguing multi-instrumental accompaniment.

This instrumental evokes the ocean in its opposite moods of peacefulness and of fury, from the standpoint of a solitary watcher unfazed by its violence, and for whom it partially speaks. A somewhat extended form of this melody was used for the author’s piano piece, “Reconstruction on Ground Zero.” (Listen.) “The Watcher on the Shore” is in fact the original; it served as the title theme for a musical play written by the composer.

___________

Rodney Rawlings is a Toronto writer and composer/songwriter. He recently arrived at the concept of hypercomplex numbers independently, using Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism to guide him.

Click here to return to TRA’s Issue CLXXXVII Index.

This TRA feature has been edited in accordance with TRA’s Statement of Policy.

Dec 20 2008

Fanfare of Perseverance, Op. 58 by G. Stolyarov II | The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

Fanfare of Perseverance

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CLXXXI - December 20, 2008

Fanfare of Perseverance, Op. 58: Listen.

Length: 2:05

This is a composition for two brass sections and timpani. The first brass section introduces the main melody of the piece, while the second brass section comes in once the melody is repeated; it introduces considerable ornamentation and tension into the work. The timpani provides steady, fast, omnipresent accompaniment throughout the length of the composition. The entirety of the piece is meant to reflect a determined attempt to overcome an obstacle – a push forward despite hardship and resistance. The composition is written in the key of A minor, but transitions to C major in the final two measures to represent the successful triumph over adversity.

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G. Stolyarov II is a science fiction novelist, independent philosophical essayist, poet, amateur mathematician, composer, contributor to Enter Stage Right, Le Quebecois Libre, Rebirth of Reason, and the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Senior Writer for The Liberal Institute, former weekly columnist for GrasstopsUSA.com, and Editor-in-Chief of The Rational Argumentator, a magazine championing the principles of reason, rights, and progress. Mr. Stolyarov’s new blog, The Progress of Liberty, offers a combination of commentary, multimedia presentations, educational materials, and suggestions for effective activism in favor of individual freedom. Mr. Stolyarov also publishes his articles on Helium.com and Associated Content to assist the spread of rational ideas. He holds the highest Clout Level (10) possible on Associated Content. Mr. Stolyarov has also written a science fiction novel, Eden against the Colossus, a non-fiction treatise, A Rational Cosmology, and a play, Implied Consent. He has made YouTube Videos since the beginning of 2008, which have been watched over 23,000 times to date. Mr. Stolyarov can be contacted at gennadystolyarovii@yahoo.com.

Click here to return to TRA’s Issue CLXXXI Index.

This TRA feature has been edited in accordance with TRA’s Statement of Policy.

Dec 12 2008

Man’s Struggle Against Death, Op. 57 by G. Stolyarov II | The Rational Argumentator

Published by G. Stolyarov II under Music Edit This

The Rational Argumentator

A Journal for Western Man

Man’s Struggle Against Death, Op. 57

G. Stolyarov II

Issue CLXXIX - December 12, 2008

Man’s Struggle Against Death, Op. 57: Listen.

Length: 2:18

This composition by Mr. Stolyarov depicts the most important challenge facing humankind during all of its existence – the imperative of freeing individual humans from the ghastly and unconscionable fate of eventually ceasing to exist. Physical immortality in this world is not only possible with sufficient advances in scientific knowledge and medical technology – it is also supremely desirable, and we who are alive now should work to attain it as early as we can.

As Dr. Aubrey de Grey describes in his essay, “The Quest for Indefinite Life II,” there are only seven primary causes of human biological senescence – which leads to death:

1. Cell loss/atrophy

2. Nuclear [epi]mutations

3. Mutant mitochondria

4. Cell senescence

5. Extracellular crosslinks

6. Extracellular junk

7. Intracellular junk

This led Mr. Stolyarov to compose a work where there are seven variations on the same theme – with the theme representing to consistent, unyielding human effort to defeat death and achieve indefinite longevity. Every time that a variation on the theme is played parallels one of the causes of death finally being overcome by human ingenuity. Accordingly, the melody becomes more jubilant and determined as the composition progresses, because there are fewer perils awaiting man and the amount of the task remaining is reduced.

Once the seven variations are complete (which corresponds with the attainment of indefinite life), the coda of the work is meant to evoke the last line of John Donne’s sonnet, “Death, Be Not Proud”: “And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.”

John Donne was not himself a physical immortalist (he was alive too early), but the last line of his poem is an excellent motto for immortalists to adopt as we spread awareness of the need and urgency of defeating this greatest of all perils.

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G. Stolyarov II is a science fiction novelist, independent philosophical essayist, poet, amateur mathematician, composer, contributor to Enter Stage Right, Le Quebecois Libre, Rebirth of Reason, and the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Senior Writer for The Liberal Institute, former weekly columnist for GrasstopsUSA.com, and Editor-in-Chief of The Rational Argumentator, a magazine championing the principles of reason, rights, and progress. Mr. Stolyarov’s new blog, The Progress of Liberty, offers a combination of commentary, multimedia presentations, educational materials, and suggestions for effective activism in favor of individual freedom. Mr. Stolyarov also publishes his articles on Helium.com and Associated Content to assist the spread of rational ideas. He holds the highest Clout Level (10) possible on Associated Content. Mr. Stolyarov has also written a science fiction novel, Eden against the Colossus, a non-fiction treatise, A Rational Cosmology, and a play, Implied Consent. He has made YouTube Videos since the beginning of 2008, which have been watched over 23,000 times to date. Mr. Stolyarov can be contacted at gennadystolyarovii@yahoo.com.