Regina SpektorSinger Song-writer Pianist

A presentation by Emma Panti, Music 1010

OverviewBiographyComposition HistoryListening GuideConclusion

Photo by Tim Agne

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.