Music
Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells) my version and origins of this Yule Song
Watch video below, mp3 available for FREE at my PATREON
The music of this famous Christmas carol as we know it today was first published in 1916 by Ukrainian composer, teacher and choral conductor Leontovych and was heavily inspired in pre-Christian folk chants and much older arrangements. The original song, known as Schchedryk sings about a bird foretelling wealth after Winter. And it had nothing to do with bells ;-) The song was later adapted into English as most know it.
My version is lyricless and just instrumental with choir because as I felt unsure to pronounce the original Ukrainian and most common English translation is not yet in Public Domain. Thus my version has no words. Vocals start on the second half doing choirs. I did all the instrumentation and voices in one afternoon barely a few days before Christmas a few years ago as I have been doing a short Christmas special for the last four years (plotting what I'll do for this one, but will be sharing the ones released so far during December)
Credits in this version: Arrangements by Priscilla Hernandez as well as piano, vocals, chalumeau, flute, chimes, bells, mixing and mastering. Short and sweet it barely lasts one minute.
This is a song I associate with winter, Yuletide (the closing of the year) season and first snow and thus we chose snowflakes to dance along with the music. You can listen to it with an animated video of snowflakes falling and pulsing in synch with the music that @hedac made for me:
Carol of the Bells comes from the Ukranian Shchedryk which is inspired also in older traditional folk songs
The original version"Shchedryk" (means "Bountiful Evening" in Ukranian) released in 1916 and is also known as "The little Swallow". Original song, despite being a Yule (end of the year) song, had nothing to do with the later Christmassy lyrics about Bells. . It was composed by Mykola Leontovych (1877-1921) who was a renown teacer and conductor of A cappella Choral Music and besides his own original interpreations specialized in arranging already existing folk Ukrainian music too (the signature motif of four-note melody over a minor third of the chant is typical in many of his compositions). This early version that was my inspiration tells a story of a swallow flying into a household to sing of wealth and riches the following Spring would provide.
What about the bells?
"Shchedryk" was later adapted as an English Christmas carol "Carol of the Bells" (because he thought the motif sounded like bells) by Peter J. Wilhousky following a performance of the original song by Alexander Koshetz's Ukrainian National Chorus at Carnegie Hall on October 5, 1921 (copyrighted by him in the thirties) and it became since associated with Christmas. My version is instrumental though and inspired by the earlier works original music by Leontovych (1916) that was heavily inspired by already existing folk chants he loved to arrange and adapt.
I do a Christmas special every year and open to recommendations for this one: Recommend your favourite Christimas/Yuletide Music
For the last few years I have been doing Xmas specials, they're always short and sweet, barely over a minute. Sometimes a traditional Christmas song and sometimes original ones or covers from Xmas movies. This was the first one I made, and this year will be the fourth Xmas special. All 3 Xmas specials done so far : Carol of the Bells (Traditional), Winter Night (Original) and "The Closing of the Year" will be shared during December and I will also share remastered mp3 for my patrons at patreon.com/yidneth.
Meanwhile as I have yet to do this year special... open for your recommendations...
Which are your favourite Yuletide/Christmas season songs?
I prefer old traditional / Public domain ones for obvious reasons... but still open to listen to all your recommendations :)
Stay tuned as I will be sharing some Christmas related songs and posts during December (I am a December Child after all)
All pictures of myself taken last winter and wearing a custom-made snowflake pendant courtesy of 
Haunted: New Official Videoclip and Locations / Photoshoot
MP3 of this new version free for patrons at http://patreon.com/yidneth
You know that there are places you’d better not roam alone in. You can feel that weird sensation that alerts you. What if the ghost in a haunted place is the place itself? Cross the fence and enter into the desolate feelings of an abandoned house. Places are not haunted by ghosts but by desolation.
I have not been much around these last few weeks because I was working on this music video. It took a lot of work and I battled with my old computer, but finally it is here, and right for Samhain/Halloween, though It stays as an official video for my original song Haunted remixed with new cello, vocals, and instruments and with a video filmed throughout this year.
Haunted is in fact one of my favourite songs of mine, but with its weird chord progressions and dark tone it was never one of my popular ones... still it's often on my performing set lists because It is one of the poems I'm more proud of and the whole theme works as a metaphor of desolation and abandonment. It's the house itself singing, not a ghost. Yidneth the female character of my story that usually appears in the different CDs sometimes dreams she is a ghost... and she wanders surrounded by moths... She is sometimes afraid to fall sleep and become a ghost.
The vocals have several layers, one is my pure voice untreated, the other two me singing with vocal fry as a creaking door and another layer whispering, so it feels I'm dubbing over the abode's voice.
The House would work itself as a big "Underliving" something living but not alive. This term and concept gave name to my second album theunderliving.com and keeps on being recurrent throughout my entire works.
This is a new videoclip for my song Haunted, the original version was released in Ancient Shadows (2006) but this is a new video and version was recorded this year (2018) and features a longer cello line and many more backing vocals as well as a a new videoclip filmed on an abandoned Palace on top of a Hill, an abandoned village and other locations. I premier it as fitting for Samhain as the veil is thin but remains as an official music video for the song. This new version slightly different than the one that was officially published will be listed free for patrons at patreon.com/yidneth and also here on Dsound in forthcoming for my Steemit followers. Here so far the music video.
Haunted (Lyrics / Poem)
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My crumbling walls groan and complain
the ivory gleam is now turned to grey
no steps on my dusty floors
No one sleeps in the musty bed
I feel alone and desolate
Deprived of the splendour of the elder days
my baleful halls... an ode to decay
the piano still plays itself
that off-key melody
that makes the shadows dance and boil
in that frantic ball
Shelter of the nameless gods and ghostly shades
the wild moan of wind warns I shall not be dwelt in…
…in the starless... dismal nights...
... I am... haunted
The garden grows wild
the ivy crawled and hid all the gates
and pallid blooms of rancid scent
took place when roses withered away
The abyss of nightmare lurks in each hole
and things unseen behind every door
but I cannot help but miss
the laughter of children
oh come again... cross the fence... to play with me
(Hide and seek)
All the yearning sins and secrets I may keep
still invoke and build that hideous fantasy
ah everyone knows... I am... haunted
And centuries run...
this rotten core will never fall down
laid my foundations deep in the ground
Defiant and silent I shall await....
while everyone says...
I am... haunted
Locations: Aizkolegi Palace, Tiermas and Ordesa
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Aizkolegi Palace stands on top of a hill, 842 meters high surrounded by lush and dark woods with gnarled trees. It was built over a century ago by Pedro Ciga, last owner of "El Señorío de Bertiz", the natural Park where it stands now abandoned.
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It was built as a second house uphill with amazing views of the surrounding valleys covered in beechwoods. On a clear day you are able to see the sea afar. Pedro installed a telescope on it to "observe and admire the wonders of Nature" but now it's closed and in ruins.
In his testament it was told it had to be preserved "its way" yet now inhabited, the windows and doors have been closed with planks and only some open windows upstairs offer an uneasy ominous black glimpse of its core. I wonder what's inside but I can only imagine it. There are several signals that warns of the dangers as the abode has been left to the elements and slowly breaking apart for a long time. Yet still stands, decaying and haunted by its own solitude. Thus it was perfect to portray my little story. The song had already been released on my first album Ancient Shadows, but being one of my favourites I couldn't help but film a new video and re-record voices, choirs and more instruments in this brand new updated version. The music video was filmed earlier this year before Spring opened its new leaves.
The house must be indeed HAUNTED because we got lost on our way downhill for several miles, had to go uphill again back to it to find our way through the dark woods... very ominous
Additional sequences were filmed a month ago in Tiermas Village, an abandoned town in Tiermas. The scenes at the waterfalls belong to the the Natural Park of Ordesa, the waterfall "Las Gradas" resembles somehow a construction, and the flow of water somehow represents the flow of time.
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Of course yet again my obsession for moths... I never miss the chance to film one when the visit me...
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And its obsession for a flame... like a ghost to the living... like an empty house for inhabitants
And thus there are moths in this video as there are usually in my drawings and the imagery since Ancient Shadows (my first album) where this song was first included in an older version. Moths and the ghost will reappear again in my third and forthcoming album Fear no More and I took the chance to re-made Haunted to rescue many of the elements that will be recurrent.
Credits
Music and lyrics by Priscilla Hernandez @yidneth
All arrangements, piano, synth, lead and backing vocals by Priscilla Hernandez @yidneth
Cello by Francina Turon and Biel Fiol
Video edit by Priscilla Hernandez
Camera work by @hedac
Special thanks to my friend Naliam who filmed an additional footage of me in Tiermas.
The piano plays itself that off key melody that makes the shadows dance and boil in a franctic ball
Come Little Children (Hocus Pocus OST) Making of + hiking / locations and more...!
The Witch in the Woods
Halloween is drawing near and the veil is getting thin...
Every year I do a Halloween special and this was last year's Hocus Pocus but I am resharing it now along with the photoshoot, making of and locations
so get ready for some eerie entries this October... :). Video was done last Fall, but many of the pictures have been recently edited and are shared now for the first time. Sharing here a special creepy little music video I made for Halloween last year as I am preparing a new seasonal special for this one. In the mood for something slightly eerie? This post also includes photo shoot, filming locations, and lots of pictures!
Are you in Halloween mood quite yet? Do you usually celebrate it?
Are you plotting your costume already?
There will be some "Special Spectral entries" as Autumn is here now in its full glory with its mysterious mists and fallen leaves.
Press play to listen / watch the video featuring several locations in Spain and France.
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Who remembers this movie?
Hocus Pocus is a fantasy seasonal Halloween movie that was released in 1993 by Disney. Featuring a trio of Witches (The Sanderson Sisters) the movie is lighthearted and fun entertainment, but there was an eerie haunting moment, darker than the rest of the film by its tone and meaning, that stayed with me longer, and that was the moment Sarah, the blonde haired witch (how appropiate) uses her power, her sweet voice with which she is able to lure unfortunate children into her lair... just like a Siren.
So as a collector of movie scores, my main and major influence in my own music, I have been picking some "classics" from my childhood and giving them a spin within my own style. And thus here I'm sharing my own version of the soundtrack.
So do you remember this movie?
It was indeed a commercial and critical flop back in the day but slowly it became a cult classic. Apparently there is a sequel about to be released too after so many years. I remember it with fondness though and some scenes like Sarah singing this song are quite vivid in my mind... It is now a seasonal classic of my generation, so well drop also your impressions if you remember or have watched it. If not, this is the perfect month to have a look at it!
I put a spell on you and now you're mine
But this post is more than about the song but also the hikes and behind the scenes of this little creepy video I made as Halloween special. (Preparing another surprise for this one) as we get into the mood for the forthcoming All Hallows Eve. Despite being blonde myself and having a "similar garment" than the character that sings it I did not pretend to cosplay the character but tell a different kind of story (darker in mood) than the original take... I am curious about your own interpretations.
The veil is getting thinner...
Lyrics
"Sarah's Theme" is one of the sung and most iconic tracks in Hocus Pocus Movie score with music by James Horner; lyrics by Brock Walsh inspired by Edgard Allan Poe; performed by Sarah Jessica Parker in the movie. Additional variations were made by who was in charge of most of the instrumental soundtrack of the movie. The theme also known as "Garden of magic" and has become a rather well known seasonal Halloween classic. There are longer versions but the original lyrics (very short) are these:
Come little children, I'll take thee away,
Into a land of enchantment.
Come little children, the time's come to play,
Here in my garden of magic.
Credits
Original version
Credits: Sarah´s theme was composed by James Horner and variations and rest of the movie soundtrack by John Debney http://johndebney.com/. Lyrics by Brock Walsh.
John Debney was kind enough to listen to my version and send back a compliment which I found so encouraging. This is just a tribute cover and it' was not an official release, I always recommend to purchase the ORIGINAL soundtrack but I enjoyed recording this as it was a challenge was a good practise to improve my hammered dulcimer playing :) and thus it deviates quite a lot from the original arrangement.
I loved your rendition, it sounded great John Debney (Hocus Pocus OST composer and conductor)
My version
Cover and arrangements by me, Priscilla Hernandez (http://priscillahernandez.com)
Priscilla Hernandez voice, lead and choir, arrangements, hammered dulcimer, piano, video edition
Armen Vartanyan: violin
Svetlana Tovstukha: cello
Héctor Corcín : mixing, mastering, camera work, video edition
Filming locations
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The abandoned decaying ruins of a former village of miners of Arruitzgain on Basakaitz Mount (Spain) served as main background to film the video... There used to be also a train (Plazaola) to transport the minerals from this area that has been of mining interest since the Romans settlements in the area... And at the beginning of the hike you can choose to go over the now deserted rails and tunnels. Then there is a hike uphill while while enjoying a forest of long and slender beech trees. I filmed this exactly mid October last year but the leaves hadn't fully shifted into autumn colours quite yet (thus we used color correction in the video to make it moodier)
The mining village was abandoned in the fifties and barely a few buildings tumbling down and emerging chimneys and walls over the engulfing and lush vegetation and they look much older while a thick pad of moss, vines and blackberry bushes have covered the walls.
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It felt convenient that there was a fireplace in one of them... oddly enough with signs of recent use, maybe one hiker took the remaining building structure as shelter.
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Don't worry, I don't eat children, I'm vegetarian ;-)
We also collected some wood in order to create that uneasy feeling of "Witch in the Woods" as I was intending to do a video for the song "Come Little Children" anyway. I always try to release a Halloween special, whether a cover of Halloween classic like this, or an original... so already working in this year special Halloween release. The early autumn filtered light was perfect and I found a perfect witchy staff out of a wooden stick.
After filming we stayed in the woods until dark... you had to be careful as light got dim you could easily for into hollows like this
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El Señorío de Bertiz also in Navarra (Spain) served as additional location including the spooky shot at the end wearing a mask I made out of a piece of bark I collected from the floor. It's a place we often visit and hike that I will cover in detail in one of my "hiking adventures" posts. But here a clear still of that "eerie ominous ending". I decided to add a spooky reverse effect to finish. And well , I think I succeeded in my "spectral" makeover.
Additional scenes were added filmed on or hike to the mountaing Midi dOssau (French Pyrenees), some general scenes of autumnal elements and small waterfalls and conveniently filming scenes dressed in black like casting spells in different spots on our ascent. Yes, I hiked with a corset up to the Pyrenees and here is proof!
I even got into thef freezing mountain lake but I did not use that footage in the final edit of the video.
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In conclusion
Little boys and girls don't get lost in the woods after dark
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Priscilla Hernandez
singer-songwriter & illustrator
http://yidneth.com
TBT: Making of the videoclip Ethereal a song about lucid dreaming. Easter eggs, anecdotes and more
Ethereal is inspired in all things clear. Sometimes when you you are in lucid dream I feel that my feet can float, that I'm like air, foam, sparkling dewdrops, ethereal.
Light as a feather
And when I feel I'm drowning in darkness I try to remember the light in myself. And I remember I know a way to rise
we grow wings out of our abyssal fins to take flight and feel ethereal.
Watch and listen the music video while you keep on reading
Do you ever dream you fly? What is Lucid dreaming?
I have quite a lot of sleep disorders, some like sleep paralysis are frightening. False awakenings are confusing... But then there is lucid dreaming those dreams where you are aware you are the *dreamer" and you have control of how the dream unfolds before you. As I had a history with night horrors, nightmares, and sleep paralysis I learned almost naturally how to do this. I even use it to practise music... but of course mostly to travel, fly, and shape a world of my own. So I learned to "dream" without fear. Of course sometimes I still lose control of them and I go back to terrifying nightmares, but for me being able to "shape my dreams" to create stories and living them, being the c
Like transparent waters and clear lucid reams
Sweet wonders unfolding, I'm conscious
I take flight... my soul feels unclouded
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A whole world in my hands... a world I shape, my own enclosed Universe.... my DreamsMaking of the videoclip: Feathers, glitter, fabric
Again it was the result of Héctor and I teamwork... And lots and lots of glitter. A combination of indoors and ourdoors locations and lots of diy and practical effects. It started out selecting the right feathers...
And lots of time floating on freezing ponds, walking barefoot in the forest, and fighting with the wind machines! :)
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Making of the dress and overall look
I made my own dress. I used white coloured fabrics. The skirt was made with a handkerchief patterns, several squares or organza fabric layered. The bodice was a work of patience though, cutting shapes and using a hot glue gun.. at the end it felt more like an "armour" very rigid... and sparkly All is very glittery in this video.
I completed my look using a light gray wig and doing a very sparkly make up with rhinestones and transparent droplets glued to my skin like dew.
I also made a heavy white cloak with the help of my friend Cristina.
For some additional dancing sequece I was gifted a pair of Silk chiffon Isis Wings that seemed to fly around me courtesy of "Dancing Wings" which one one of the elements that was not self-made
Another part of the costume (especially at the end where the videoclip moves to water to air and stars) is the fairy wings. Though I made the design of these fairy wings and drew the pattern it was done custom-made for me by a company called "Enchanted Costumes" who gently endorsed them for my concerts and shows. So those white wings are the ones I usually use on stage and also appeared at the end of the video. This is a promotional shoot wearing the wings and fabrics, it represents the last third of the music video when we have already "taken flight"
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We filmed both indoors and outdoors.
We needed to float on water so we scouted for locations in Nature and found some lovely ponds in Catalonia. I remember my friend Wui (who also helped me with make up that day) and I ended up swimming back through ponds under the light of the full Moon because we wouldn't venture to hike back the edges in darkness. So the atmosphere in the video of floating under the Moon was very real
We also filmed in the forest of Orgi (Navarre) additional scenes wearing the hood
For the indoors we used a green screen and black background. Lots of glitter, crystals, cobweb and a wind machine... And believe me wind machies love to tangle floating fabrics... :) The number of bloopers and funny takes was insane. Luckily enough many takes were ethereal Enough. We used blue lights to provide ambience to the scenes. It also enhanced enhanced the iridescent make ups.
Easter Egg I had not previously shared (In memory)
By the time I released this video two of my rats (aka. "fufunchis") Tuula and Ritva had said their good byes. The final third of the video is very "AIR". In fact there is a transition of elements from water to air. We included nebulae among the stars... and here is the Easter Egg, at some points those nebulae were generated by using pictures of Tuula and Ritva blurred, of course they are part of the "Heavens" now and still and forever part of the Universe I've lived in. You may require to watch several times to spot them... but if you do, let me know in comments.
Lyrics / Poem
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Pure and serene...
Ethereal
Like dew on a cobweb of delicate silk
and sheer threads of silver
are the weft of the fabric of dreams
gauzy and fragile (gauzy and fragile)
like thin ice (thin ice)
oh floating dust (oh floating dust)
in open skies (in open skies)
I feel... hyaline
hyaline...
Ethereal
Like transparent waters
(They tenderly held me...)
and mother of pearl
(with gentle sway...)
those moon like pale opals
(all covered...)
I feel...
(...with moonbeams while drifting)
Hyaline...
while drifting
Our trails of afterglow
pulse like shimmering stardust
and the patterns that they draw
lead the way out of darkness
We grow wings from abyssal fins
to take flight and feel
Ethereal
Like transparent waters
(Sweet wonders unfolding)
and clear lucid dreams
(I'm conscious)
Iridescent and pale
insect wings
(to take flight)
Hyaline
(unclouded)
My soul feels
Unclouded
We get ready now
for life under the light
(Sweet wonder...)
I feel
We get ready now
for life under the light
(I'm conscious...)
I feel...
we get ready now
for life under the light
(to take flight
light as a feather)
hyaline
unclouded
I feel
ethereal
Don't you feel ethereal?
unclouded
Don't you feel ethereal?
Pure and serene
My essence...
Ethereal
This song will be included in my third album Fear no more so feel free to support us by purchasing the song from Bandcamp:
Song Credits:
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Gauzy and Fragile like thin Ice
Music and lyrics and arrangements: Priscilla Hernandez
Priscilla Hernandez: composition, vocals, synth, keyboard, piano, flute, kantele
Héctor Corcín: Percussion, Oscar Tribalthunder, additional electronic arrangements
Armen Vartanyan: violín
Priscilla Hernandez
singer-songwriter & illustrator
http://yidneth.com
FLAME: A song about the contraditions of love
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But my heart longs to surrender not to starve again bitter in my chest
Flame is a very old song mine but it's becoming new as I revisit it. It was included in my first demo "I steal the leaves" back in 2002. Curiously it was born as an acoustic guitar song during College and it later on a pop-rock experiment (a genre that I don't feel very comfortable with). The original version became popular online enough back in those days to still appear in some guitar tab websites (even if I don't play much guitar myself). It was a fancy find though.
Old... but new. It's a song about contradictions after all
I recently recorded Flame again from scratch with a brand new different vibe, sort of oriental sometimes and very folk. More fitting with my "ethereal" fantasy style, I haven't finished production, but it will feature flutes, harp, dulcimer among other instruments. I have recorded some scenes for small video too and I hope to finish it too and share soon.
All the pictures used are "behind the scenes" photos while filming the video for Flame last December. I just realized I just need to sit down and edit.
Flame acoustic piano version
LIVE, ONE TAKE... my performance is very humble just me and my piano, minimal acoustic version but I hope you enjoy it. I am encouraged to share the folk version soon but meanwhile this is just me, one take last week at my studio, just a voice and the keys... There are a few hurried notes here and there but I hope you don't mind :)
The song is full of contradictions... ice and fire... hot and cold...
We yearn for love, sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's raging fire, sometimes it makes us shiver...
Love is everything
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Flame (Lyrics)
It's so cold when North wind blows
Bringing hail and pearls of frost
That's the way that you do chill me to the bone
Fear the dark when the moon hides
All its beams behind the clouds
That's the way I fear when you are not around
This could be hell, this could be heaven
It could be both it could be neither
But my heart longs to surrender
Not to starve again
Bitter in my chest
Could it be?
Could it be that
I am burning in the flames of love?
I am burning in the flames of love
Oh I am burning
Oh I burn
In the flame of love
But that's the way that you do chill me to the bone
But that's the way that you chill me...
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Thank you
Priscilla Hernandez
singer-songwriter & illustrator
http://yidneth.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/yidneth
Twitter: http://twitter.com/yidneth
Facebook: http://facebook.com/yidneth
Donations: http://paypal.me/yidneth
Happy Belated Unicorn Day: The last Unicorn cover, Unicorn pics, movies, books and more!
LISTEN TO THE LAST UNICORN ON SOUNDCLOUD
Happy Belated National Unicorn Day
9th of April was Unicorn day and though I am a little bit late for the Unicorns party, I have taken this celebration as an encouragement to write this article. So I am sharing some Unicorn photography, my own version of "The Last Unicorn" soundtrack main theme (one of my favourite movies ever) as well as my Unicorn books, movies, thoughts and musings.
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A magical and mythological creature
Gentle, pure, magical... the Unicorn is often portrayed as a white a horse or goat-like creature with hooves and a single spiral horn. Thus it has been depicted in countless cultures, tales and legends from different times and places since Antiquity. As mysterious as recurrent, it is probably one of the best known mythical creatures. As Unicorns does not exist (sorry) they are considered a "cryptozoology" creature and there are no fossil records to prove their existence. Still they are mentioned in many medieval field notebooks and Naturalist manuscripts. In fact in the Middle Ages, Unicorn horns allegedly had power to heal any sickness and to clean poisoned water. The Tusk of the cetacean narwhal was sometimes sold as unicorn horn in apothecaries and markets.
Happy Belated National Unicorn Day
9th of April was Unicorn day and though I am a little bit late for the Unicorns party, I have taken this celebration as an encouragement to write this article. So I am sharing some Unicorn photography, my own version of "The Last Unicorn" soundtrack main theme (one of my favourite movies ever) as well as my Unicorn books, movies, thoughts and musings.
A magical and mythological creature
Gentle, pure, magical... the Unicorn is often portrayed as a white a horse or goat-like creature with hooves and a single spiral horn. Thus it has been depicted in countless cultures, tales and legends from different times and places since Antiquity. As mysterious as recurrent, it is probably one of the best known mythical creatures. As Unicorns does not exist (sorry) they are considered a "cryptozoology" creature and there are no fossil records to prove their existence. Still they are mentioned in many medieval field notebooks and Naturalist manuscripts. In fact in the Middle Ages, Unicorn horns allegedly had power to heal any sickness and to clean poisoned water. The Tusk of the cetacean narwhal was sometimes sold as unicorn horn in apothecaries and markets.
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Above: Always on the hunt... the horns of Unicorns hold great power
Unicorns are symbols of purity and magic. I started this year in some sort of purification journey with hopes and dreams renewed. Unicorns are often associated with the Moon and feminine energy.
My cover of The Last Unicorn main theme
The song you are listening to in this article is Fan-tribute cover of one of my favourite animated movies "The Last Unicorn" (1982) based in the book by Peter. S. Beagle. (Not listening? press PLAY at the beginning of the post)
The original was performed by folk rock band "America" (guess where they were from) and composed by Jimmy Webb. The original version is so lush, symphonic and pretty, please be sure to check it out, as well as this rare lovely movie from the early 80s. The entire soundtrack is incredible, includes orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra and several songs performed by America band. Other tracks featured the voice actors of the film as guests, including stars like Alan Arkin, Jeff Bridges, Mia Farrow, Angela Lansbury and Christopher Lee. I love film music and I was an avid collection of soundtracks.
Does the Irish whistle riff reminds you to popular Titanic main theme? Well, this one was made many years prior and certainly do your research of the original, as my version is rather spontaneous and humble. It is a rare movie but remembered by many with fondness. Did you know it? Highly recommended for those who love fantasy.
I recorded a more Celtic version of the main theme, all in one afternoon and It is not even properly mixed or mastered. My skills at the guitar are limited but I'm sort of proud I could layer it up. I have been considering to record this song again or at least improve the sound, but I honestly did it for fun as a shout-out to one of a fond childhood memory. I am aware the audio quality is not the best, and the reverb too wet but I hope you enjoy the recording all the same. It's me acoustic on guitar, harp, Irish low whistle and recorder. Then I added a few layers of backing vocals. Nothing too pretentious, it doesn't eclipse the original which is absolutely delightful. My take on it is maybe a bit more "ethereal" and folk-ish sounding.
The Last Unicorn (Lyrics)
When the last eagle flies over the last crumbling mountain
And the last lion roars at the last dusty fountain
In the shadow of the forest though she may be old and worn
They will stare unbelieving at the last unicorn
When the first breath of winter through the flowers is icing
And you look to the north and a pale moon is rising
And it seems like all is dying and would leave the world to mourn
In the distance hear the laughter of the last unicorn
I'm alive, I'm alive
When the last moon is cast over the last star of morning
And the future has passed without even a last desperate warning
Then look into the sky where through the clouds a path is torn
Look and see her how she sparkles, it's the last unicorn
I'm alive, I'm alive
Written by Jimmy Web
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Above: Recent pictures of me as an Unicorn in the magical beech wood of Urbasa (Navarre, Spain). The pictures are inspired in this sentence from the lyrics When the first breath of Winter through the flowers is icing they will stare unbelieving at the last Unicorn. These were taken recently.
Unicorn in movies: The Last Unicorn
Theatrical Official poster of the Fantasy animated Movie "The Last Unicorn" (1982) showing The Last Unicorn against the antagonist "The Red Bull". Based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle and produced and directed by Rankin/Bass Productions, an artistic team and company that provided us with wonderful animated jewels like "The Hobbit", "Flight of Dragons" (that I will cover in another blog post) and "The Last Unicorn" among others.
The book that is based upon is even more superior. Written by screenwriter and novelist Peter S. Beagle and published in 1968, it tells the story of "The Last Unicorn" on her quest to find others of her kin. On her journey she is transformed into a beautiful maiden Lady Almathea**** on her journey she discovers friendship, also love and regret. It is a bittersweet story and it has many elements of tragic romance. But I do not want to spoil it writing down in depth details of the plot. Curiously during my life I've been frequently compared to Lady Almathea and Princess Melisande, both NOT Disney's but Rankin Bass animated movies female leads, from The Last Unicorn and Flight of Dragons respectively. I am not going to deny I love the comparison as the geeky fantasy nerd I am.
You can strike your own time, and start the count anywhere. When you understand that — then any time at all will be the right time for you.― Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn
Below: Me cosplaying "Lady Almathea" In the movie she has almost white hair and a lilac gown. Lady Almathea is the last of her kin, an unicorn disguised in "maiden" shape.
Read more info about this movie here The Last Unicorn
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Other Unicorn movies: The Last Unicorn, Legend and Unico
There are movies including these mythical and mystical creatures as key. Always on the hunt and endangered due to the magic powers bestowed upon them. A representation of light, of what is pure.
Another good example of movie featuring Unicorns in its plot is Legend directed by Ridley Scott in 1985 and starring Tom Cruise, Tim Curry and Mia Sarah. Though enchanted and a remarkable example of fantasy cinema, Legend suffered its own ambition and its irregular and at points even tedious. It suffered several edits and even a confusing change of the entire score when re-released (from orchestral soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith to electronic ambient by Tangerine Dream). The result was uneven yet I found fit to mention. Click here to find more info about
Legend
Unicorns make cameos now and then, like in the more recent fantasy movie Stardust (2007) and The Secret of Moonacre (2008).
I will highlight though another remarkable example, the cute manga from the 70s Unico (ユニコ Yuniko) by Osamu Tezuka, that was translated into Anim. Probably the best known out of several adaptations was the movie "The Fantastic Adventures of Unico" (1981). More info about this movie on IMDB here
If you want to share other appearances... please drop them in the comments :)
My favourite books about Unicorns: De Historia et Veritatis Unicornis
Above: my copy of De Historia et veritatis Unicornis and an Unicorn pendant I made myself.
Literally translated from Latin as "On the History and Truth about Unicorns" An irresistible and delicious treat... A book presented in the shape of a XV century manuscript, a Codex Unicornis describing the symbolism, their habits, all lushly illustrated in a way you really believe you are reading to an old document from the Renaissance. The drawings draw inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci. The handwritten plates, the sketches... all the details are taken into account to make it look like a facsimile, something not meant to be shared or found... an occult knowledge, a secret unveiled. In fact we are teased to believe that the artist and illustrator Michael Green only handed the document, previously protected by a secret Brotherhood. There are even conspiracy theories wanting to make this book real
Now a rare find, some editions are really pricey. I bought my copy in the late eighties and it still remains as one of my highlighted reads in my "myths and legends" library and archive.
Besides Peter S. Beagle novel that I mentioned before which I already stated is another one of my childhood fiction favourites... another book I would highlight is "The Book of the Unicorn" illustrated by Linda and Roger Garland.
And that's all...
Weave magic
Drift to that place where Unicorns, mermaids, ghosts are real...
right there... where you can imagine them...
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We are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream.
― Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn
All photographs (c) Priscilla Hernandez
Priscilla Hernandez
singer-songwriter & illustrator
http://yidneth.com
Windband Incantations: What are bull roarers and Wind-Bands? A simple yet haunting music instrument
Hello again, I'm sharing this improvised "Wind incantation" I recorded in Samhain, 1st October 2015. Wind has always been an inspiration and a personal "obsession". I even wrote a song called "The Wind song" in one of my albums. As I mentioned in my introduction post, I love to collect and play rare and folk instruments to layer the sounds in my work, so here is a "Capella" improvisation just with a "wind-band".
What are wind-bands and bull roarers?
Wind bands are in fact instruments inspired in the "bull roarers", an ancient music instrument consisting in a piece of wood attached to a cord that you just spin to make it buzz. There are archaeological evidence of their existence since the Paleolithic period in several continents. From Scandinavia, to Ancient Greece to Australia, it is found in many cultures with different names. It was used to communicate over distance (the low frequency can travel and be heard several miles away) and also in rituals to keep "evil spirits" at bay and summon good forces.
Wind bands are a modern type of "bull roarers" and belong too to the same category of music instruments called "aerophones" as the sounds depend on the vibration caused by air against the surface of the instrument. They are very easy to build and the sound it produces is somehow a mix of the didgeridoo and the classic bull roarer. They are usually constructed of wood with a rubber band resonator. It doesn't require any special technique except twirling it with the handle, depending on the speed it can create a variety of sounds and is tune-able to different pitches.
When you spin it it produces a drone sound, kind of eerie and ghostly, the pitch can be changed adjusting the distance of the "dividing piece", if you place such piece in an angle it can create harmonics too. Some stores sell "double wind bands" to mix two tones. As you can see the building plan is rather simple. I love to bring it with me when I hike and I just improvise along with the drone. I love rare instruments, fantasy, myths, legends and music.
Video:
One of my illustrations win an award
Yay, totally exhausted but happy, back from Mallorca Fantastica Festival (Mallorca, Spain) with the award for Best Fantasy illustration for FRAYING BONDS one of the illustrations featured in my upcoming album THE UNDERLIVING 
that i'm sharing very soon. It was really great to bring back the award, specially cos I'm far more recognized as musician than as illustrator and for a change (despite the fact me and my cello player performed a couple of songs) get an illustration award. Watching it printed huge and hanging in the street with my name on it was a big boost. I've posted a picture of the banner here :
Met several new friends and artists, like Enrique Toribio (photographer) and also writer Salvador Sainz, came back with lots of gifts (the books of Joana Pol and Cristina Puig) and wonderful leaves necklaces from a new friend Marta :) from floripondios.es. Lovely lovely items! I'm in love with them. And above all had a lovely time with my band member and cello player Biel :) who is from the island so we could rehearse a bit for upcoming faeriecon in the states.
Remember I see some of you in a month at FAERIECON (usa) more info at http://faeriecon.com
We are still crowdfunding, so please consider to spread the word about theunderliving.com and make a little contribution, no donation is small, there are people that have donated a single dollar cos it´s what they could and I'm equally grateful.
I feel the UNDERLIVING WORLD is finally rising...rising...
More about Totonika, remembering Kira and news about The Underliving
Well starting with some random things, my first CD Ancient Shadows now is available in Japan through X-REC. If you're in this country you'll find it available here.
Totonika, my hamster remains very sick, she´s fighting but she´s gone on a down and we´re suffering so much for her. Keep updated or show her love at her official site Totonika.com. I love you TOTONIKA you are so brave, you make the decision to live or stay, but as long as you're with me you'll be the most loved hammie on earth. Thank you deep from my heart to all the ones that have left such pretty words in her guestbook and site and specially to Maria aka Yishana for the healing letter and sketch:
I'm re-living all the pain I underwent when my beloved dog Kira got sick and died years ago. I will never forget her and she has a special lullaby called "Good Night Kira" in the album. You can read the lyric/poem at KIRA´S SECTION and here is a drawing I've made to illustrate that song in my forthcoming album The Underliving.
To end this post, thanks very much to all the friends that have already donated for the release of the Underliving, we only have three weeks from now to send it to the factory if we want it to be in time for Faeriecon (USA), It will be out in 2011 for sure but I'd be happier if we can bring it with us to premier it there and thus I thank your support. Faeriecon is 3-4 Nov so that leaves us few weeks of margin.
The cd is READY, It's recorded, the artwork done, all we need is to gather the funds. It has 16 tracks and features some collaborations as Kelly Miller Lopez (harp) and Louisa John Krol (additional vocals) among others. This is a glimpse of the artwork included within:
Excerpt of the drawing for "One last Hope" song included in the forthcoming album
What can you do to help THE UNDERLIVING RELEASE?
-Well you can DONATE. Even 1 Eur can help. There´s a Paypal donation form in THE UNDERLIVING PAGE
-You can BUY "Off the lane" single. For 1 Eur you will have one of the tracks of The Underliving plus the instrumental karaoke that won´t be in the album, and you'll be contributing indirectly to the fundraising. Remember you can watch the videoclip also at theunderliving.com
-You can BUY my first album or any item (original painting, pendant, book or craft) from the store. If you downloaded my first CD illegally... this is time to show your love and support purchasing the original, it will be all derived to pay the manufacturing of the new album. By the way you can preview and listen all the tracks at the link to make sure you migh like it. I'll be listing handmade items and specials during these weeks in the store. All sales will go to the fund.
-If you can´t do anything of the above, you still can help. You can voice out our name, you can spread the crowdfunding link http://theunderliving.com or our official site http://yidneth.com or http://priscillahernandez.com in all your networks. Thanks for being my streat-team. You can also join me in my networks.
I'm thinking of making another online broadcast 10 or 11th of September. Stay tuned.
Working in The Underliving artworks non stop... Friday USTREAM CONCERT
Well, reaching the end of it :), if things going well and working this month at this pace, early September all artworks and final mix of The Underliving should be ready to go to the factory. If we can fund the release (and thanks to all my supporters I'm setting a page for you that will launch soon) the Cd should be ready early August and so far we intend to premier it in Faeriecon (USA) and Hispacon (Spain) both in November. Please consider to spread the link of theunderliving.com in your networks, or share "off the lane" videoclip, or buy the single, or make a contribution, everything helps.!
So remember this drawing?
I decided to make the neck a bit shorter and while painting the eyes a bit less cartoonish, half of the drawings in the cd are more cartoon and the other half more "realistic" style, but I decide while painting to mingle a bit.
So here's a snippet about how the thing is looking at the moment, just a crop of a much bigger picture I should be sharing in a few days.
FRIDAY USTREAM ONLINE MINI CONCERT AND CHAT
20:30 CET
You can enter directly with your twitter or facebook account here
http://priscillahernandez.com/live-broadcast-chat-and-videoblog
I'll be gifting the original pencil sketch shown above among the listeners by the way.
Working in The Underliving artworks non stop... Friday USTREAM CONCERT
Well, reaching the end of it :), if things going well and working this month at this pace, early September all artworks and final mix of The Underliving should be ready to go to the factory. If we can fund the release (and thanks to all my supporters I'm setting a page for you that will launch soon) the Cd should be ready early August and so far we intend to premier it in Faeriecon (USA) and Hispacon (Spain) both in November. Please consider to spread the link of theunderliving.com in your networks, or share "off the lane" videoclip, or buy the single, or make a contribution, everything helps.!
So remember this drawing?
I decided to make the neck a bit shorter and while painting the eyes a bit less cartoonish, half of the drawings in the cd are more cartoon and the other half more "realistic" style, but I decide while painting to mingle a bit.
So here's a snippet about how the thing is looking at the moment, just a crop of a much bigger picture I should be sharing in a few days.
FRIDAY USTREAM ONLINE MINI CONCERT AND CHAT
20:30 CET
You can enter directly with your twitter or facebook account here
http://priscillahernandez.com/live-broadcast-chat-and-videoblog
I'll be gifting the original pencil sketch shown above among the listeners by the way.
