Download - Regina Spektor
Biography
Born February 18, 1980 in MoscowFather played the violinMother instructed music at Russian universityAge 6, inherits piano from grandfatherBegins Classical piano training
Biography
Chopin, biggest influence in Classical Piano Regina’s father exposed her to Rock ‘n Roll Came to love Rock, Punk & Jazz genres Other influences:
– The Beatles– Bob Dylan– Billie Holiday
By Maria Wodzinska
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By Columbia Records
Biography
New political movement in RussiaDownfall of CommunismSpektor’s Jewish family faced discriminationEmigrated from Moscow to New York CityRegina, age 9, left her home & piano behind
Magellan Geographix
Magellan Geographix
Biography Spektor family settles in the BronxProf. Sonia Varga, Manhattan School of MusicStudy-Abroad group to IsraelStory-telling through songs on hikesEncouragement from friends sparks desire
Photo by ddtravel
Biography
Photo by Tim Agne
Conservatory of Music , Purchase CollegeGraduated early in 2001, with honorsGains following as street performer Lands gigs at local cafes & clubsAnti-Folk Genre
Biography
Produces 2 independent CDs
Sire Records signs Spektor
3rd album released in 2002
Regina Spektor, Facebook
Biography Unique Musical Style
Full Vocal Range
Sound effects, rhythms, buzzing lips, clapping hands
Not usually autobiographical
Photos by Rex Features
Composition History
Photo by Beny Schlepick
“Fidelity”, 3:46
First airing VH1, early 2006Begin to Hope album -David Kahne, producerUnique Styles:
~Drum machines~Guttural sounds & glottal stops~Speak-singing
Listening Guide
Photo by Beny Schlepick
“Fidelity”, 3:46
Intro – “Shake it Up”Duple-meterVerse I – chorus – Verse II – alternate chorus – bridgeVerse III – chorusRepeat chorus - Ending
Rhapsody Player: Regina Spektor "Fidelity"
Composition History
Photo by Sarah Luvie
“Better”, 3:23
Begin to Hope album, Sire release 2006Regina does all vocal harmoniesRock influence apparent, electric guitarProvocative vocal style
~Whispers, tones, moans
Listening Guide
Photo by Sarah Luvie
“Better”, 3:23
Multi-metered, rubato to a tempoBreathy Timbre Chorus – Verse IChorus – Bridge – ChorusRepeat - Ending
Rhapsody Player: Regina Spektor "Better"
Composition History
“On the Radio”, 3:21
Begin to Hope albumPunk lyrics to Pop music
Speak-singing, hand-clappingSpektor records all harmony parts
Various pronunciations Russian/Bronx
Regina Spektor, Facebook
Listening Guide
“On the Radio”, 3:21
Intro – Speaking, hand-clappingVerse I – Russian AccentsChorus – nonsense wordsVerse II – throaty, “gutteral” soundChorus – sings all harmoniesEnding, varied syllables, hand-clapping
Regina Spektor, Facebook Rhapsody Player: Regina Spektor "On the Radio"
Composition History
“Samson”, 3:10
Self-published album, Songs 2002Re-released 2006, Begin to HopeReflection of Classical upbringingVaried version of Biblical TaleDemonstrates full vocal range
Peter Sluszka
Listening Guide
“Samson”, 3:10
Ballad, piano & voice onlySimple MeterBreathy timber, vocal range throughoutVerse I - Chorus – Verse II – Chorus Interlude - Chorus - Ending
Peter Sluszka
Rhapsody Player: Regina Spektor "Samson"
Composition History
“Laughing With”, 3:14
Produced by Jackknife LeeSneak Peek release on MySpaceWarner Bros, 2009Satirical themeFrom Classical to RockAnti-folk, indie-pop genre
Photo by Adria Petty
Listening Guide
“Laughing With”, 3:14
Classical piano & Rock influenceLower voice – “gutteral”Verse I to Verse II Chorus – InterludeVerse III – Chorus –Bridge - End Strings and speaking
Photo by Adria Petty
Rhapsody Player: Regina Spektor "Laughing With"
ConclusionContinues to make a name for herselfWritingConcerts“Extra” work & Cameo spots on TV
What’s next? Expect the unexpected!
Works CitedContributors, IMDB. "Regina Spektor." IMDB.com. Los Angeles, CA: Amazon.com, 1990-2010. Web. <http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1258550/>. Contributors, Last.FM, Ltd. "Regina Spektor." last.FM. London, UK: CBS Interactive Music Group, 23 Jul 2010. Web. <http://www.last.fm/music/Regina+Spektor>. Contributors, Warner Bros. ReginaSpektor.com. Warner Bros. Records, Inc., Dec 2008. Web. 14 Sep 2010. <http://www.reginaspektor.com/>. "Regina Spektor." Rhapsody. All Music Guide, 2010. Web. 14 Sep 2010. <http://www.rhapsody.com/regina-spektor>.
Khane, David, Prod. Begin to Hope. Perf. Spektor, Regina. Sire Records: 2006, iTunes. Lee, Jackknife, Prod. Far. Perf. Spektor, Regina. Warner Bros.: 2009, iTunes.