Los Angeles, California serves as home base for the concept group called Vitamin String Quartet. The group is made up of studio musicians who are brought together to interpret and record orchestra style covers of music from all types of genres ranging metal, techno, country, pop, rock and hip-hop dance music. While the quartet uses a wide assortment of artists and instruments, one fairly constant member of the group is violinist Tom Tally. Tally has been intimately involved in the composing, arranging and conduction of many songs on approximately 50 of the albums that have been recorded by the group. While the group is referred to as a string quartet, the reality is that more individuals are usually involved, using instruments such as violins, cellos, percussion, brass and woodwinds. The group was originally brought together in 1999 as an experimental project. They wanted to determine the effects of using classical style instruments to create new and different sounds on popular recordings. Early on, the FM broadcast station WWHK in Concord, NH would play the group's music 24 hours a day, every day, for a period of time. The popularity of the group's music has led to the music being featured on TV and in the movies. Credits include So You Think You Can Dance (2008), TV show The Vampire Diaries (2010), the 100th episode of Gossip Girl and the fifth season finale of Modern Family (2014). Throughout the years, the group has been involved in the recording of over 200 different albums. In 2009, the group stepped out of the box a bit and recorded some original material provided by some of the various musicians on the album Per_Versions.

With his adventuresome spirit and vast musical gifts, violinist Tim Fain has emerged as a mesmerizing new presence on the music scene.  The “charismatic young violinist with a matinee idol profile, strong musical instincts, and first rate chops” (Boston Globe) was most recently seen on screen and heard on the soundtrack of the new hit film Black Swan, and heard as the sound of Richard Gere’s violin in Fox Searchlight’s feature film Bee Season. Selected as one of Symphony and Strad magazines’ “Up-and-Coming Musicians,” Fain captured the Avery Fisher Career Grant  and a Young Concert Artists International Award.  As The Washington Post recently raved, “Fain has everything he needs for a first-rate career.”

He electrified audiences at debuts with the Baltimore Symphony with conductor Marin Alsop, at Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival and with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.  He has also appeared with the Mexico City and Oxford (UK) Symphonies, Cincinnati Chamber Symphony, Brooklyn and Hague Philharmonics, and the Curtis Symphony Orchestra in a special performance at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center.  In addition, he was the featured soloist with the Philip Glass Ensemble at Carnegie Hall in a concert version of Einstein on the Beach and continues to tour the US and Europe in a duo-recital program with Phillip Glass.

Fain appeared in recital at the Ravinia Festival, Amsterdam’s venerable Concertgebouw, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Kennedy Center Mexico’s Festival de Musica de Camara in San Miguel de Allende, Carnegie’s Weill Hall, California’s Carmel Mozart Society, University of Georgia, Boston’s Ives and Ringling International Festivals, San Diego Art Institute, University of California at Davis, Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd St Y, and elsewhere across the globe. His multi-media evening Portals premiered to sold-out audiences in New York, Los Angeles and at its midwestern premiere at Omaha’s KANEKO. The centerpiece of the evening is Partita for solo violin, a new work written especially for him by Philip Glass, and also features collaborations with Benjamin Millepied, Leonard Cohen, film maker Kate Hackett, and with radio personality Fred Child and pianist Nicholas Brittel appearing on screen.  

A dynamic and compelling performer in traditional works, he is also a fervent champion of 20th and 21st century composers, with a repertoire ranging widely from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to Aaron Jay Kernis and John Corigliano; as the Los Angeles Times recently noted, his career “is based, in part, on new music and new ways of thinking about classical music.“  His provocative debut CD Arches, music for solo violin, reflects Fain’s inquisitive passion and intellect, combining old and new solo works by J.S. Bach, Fritz Kreisler, Kevin Puts, Mark O’Connor, Daniel Ott, and Randy Woolf. His new disc, River of Light (Naxos), brings the tradition of the virtuosic short piece into the present, with short works by living American composers.

He has collaborated with such luminaries as Pinchas Zukerman, Richard Goode, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Jonathan Biss, has appeared with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Seán Curran Company, and Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and appeared onstage with the New York City Ballet, performing alongside the dancers in the acclaimed premiere of Benjamin Millepied’s “Double Aria." He has also worked with jazz pianists Billy Childs and Ethan Iverson (The Bad Plus), guitarist Rich Robinson (Black Crowes), and appeared at Jazz at Lincoln Center with singer-songwriter Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20). 

A sought-after chamber musician, Fain has performed at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York’s Bargemusic, Chamber Music Northwest, and the Spoleto (Italy), Bridgehampton, Santa Fe, Caramoor, Bard, Lucerne (Switzerland), “Bravo” Vail Valley, Moab, and Martha’s Vineyard Festivals. He has toured nationally with Musicians from Marlboro, and was first violinist of the Rossetti String Quartet. 

A native of Santa Monica, California, Tim Fain is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, in Philadelphia, where he studied with Victor Danchenko, and The Juilliard School, where he worked with Robert Mann.  He performs on a violin made by Franceso Gobetti, Venice 1717, the “Moller,” on extended loan from Clement and Karen Arrison through the generous efforts of the Stradivari Society of Chicago.

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News

✰ March 2013

Joined Flattr the micropayments/donation site
►<a href=https://flattr.com/profile/classic_richard> Classic_Richard @ FLATTR</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;♫ Recent Additions / Uploads ✰ 

►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/watching-the-wheat> Watching the wheat : Classical Harp</a>
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/its-not-the-queen-of-sheba> It's Not the Queen of Sheba : Harpsichord</a>
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/cantilena-revisited> Cantilena Revisited : Woodwind Quartet</a> ஜ
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June 2012:
I have won first prize for a string quartet at the Carmarthen festival, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David. My winning quartet was then played by the Mavron Quartet (Wales' leading string quartet) in the University Chapel at Carmarthen in the evening.

Richard 
June 2012
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Some kind words on…

► <a href=" http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/ardnamurchan-point"> Ardnamurchan Point </a>

❝Fantastic work. All of the stylistic leanings and approaches coalesce into something truly spectacular. Filled with nuance, flight and passion. Just grand. Well done.❞ http://soundcloud.com/bluemurderjazz

❝I love this track. It has so much character. I can imagine sitting in a small hall near Ardnamurchan hearing you play this. You have captured the desolation, the fierce elements and the force 10 gales. Great playing - slightly loose, but that adds to the charm. More like this please... ❞ http://soundcloud.com/guyjacksonmusic

❝Wow!! !I feel anger at the beginning of the song, forgiveness later, then a good mix of despair and joy. Is that what we call true love? Fantastic! ❞ Jon Skarin
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Some kind words on…

► <a href=" http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sonatina-full"> “Sonatina” </a> 

❝If there is paradise, sure it would sound like your music. The harmony is enveloping lightweight and clear. I'm glad I stumbled upon your music.❞ http://soundcloud.com/romanario

❝Very nice performance! I love the static, because it serves as an acknowledgement of the music behind this – especially the Debussy sonata and the Undine sonata by Reinicke… and a reminder of the time that has gone beyond that, too…❞ http://soundcloud.com/hdathome

❝Blown away by that piece, truely a masterpiece! Beautifully played! I especially loved the ending, amazing work! :) ❞ http://soundcloud.com/freemondo88

❝I love the static, it gives such a great atmosphere to the flute and harp. Beautiful piece of work!❞ http://soundcloud.com/leif-jordansson

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&nbsp;&nbsp;♫ Recent Additions / Uploads ✰ 

►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/concertina-toccata> Concertina Toccata (Harder to love) </a>
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/ymwelwyr> Ymwelwyr: Tenor and Harp </a> ஜ
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/carol> Carol : Solo Harp </a> ⌘
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/variation-on-a-carol-some> Variation on a carol : Solo Harp </a>
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/reed-and-strings-full-but-with> Reed and Strings : Clarinet and Concertina </a>
►<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/little-prelude> Little Prelude : Solo Harp </a>
►<a href= http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sonatina-full> Sonitina : Harp and Flute</a>
►<a href= http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/song-tenor-and-harp> Song : Tenor and Harp</a>
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&nbsp;&nbsp;♫ ideas/work-in-progress ✰ 

►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/the-flooding-of-the-lowland/"> The Flooding of the Lowland ✰ New ✰ </a> ✔
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/tannat-serenade/"> Tannat Serenade ✰ New ✰ </a> ✔
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/great-expectations-shadows/"> Great Expectatiions ✰ New ✰ </a> ✔
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/nordic-air-shadows-sketches/"> Nordic Air </a> 
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/canzona/"> Canzona </a> 
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/nocturne/"> Nocturne </a> ✔
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/the-lady-of-the-woods-shadows/"> The Lady of the Woods </a> ☯ 
►<a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sunrise/"> Sunrise </a> ❍

&nbsp;&nbsp;They may be finished or maybe not...
&nbsp;&nbsp;Have a listen and comment.
&nbsp;&nbsp;be harsh! :-)
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★ Composer, Musician and Artist ★ 

Moderator http://soundcloud.com/groups/classical-2 Soundcloud group 
 
Richard Llewellyn Williams was born in Wales at Llanfyllin. He graduated at University College Wales Aberystwyth.

Currently teaching classical violin, viola and guitar he also makes musical instruments. The violin, viola and cello used on Cantilena were his creations. 

[The violin and cello used by the trio were made by Christian Savage from Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion and Eleri Darkins plays a harp by Llanysul maker Allan Shires.]

Richards hobbies include sea kayaking and painting, the CD cover for Cantilena is one of his, it is of Cwm Silio near his home, south of New Quay.

★▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬★

&nbsp;&nbsp;♫ Recent CD ♥

Cantilena 

&nbsp;&nbsp;Susan Brown&nbsp;&nbsp; – Flute
&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris Gillat &nbsp;&nbsp;– Clarinet
&nbsp;&nbsp;Eleri Darkins &nbsp;&nbsp;– Harp
&nbsp;&nbsp;Siôn Owen &nbsp;&nbsp;– Tenor
&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Williams &nbsp;&nbsp;– Violin/Viola
&nbsp;&nbsp;Alisa Hughes &nbsp;&nbsp;– Cello
&nbsp;&nbsp;Delyth Evans - Harp on David of the
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; white rock

The Teifi Piano trio:
&nbsp;&nbsp;Marion Carlise - Piano
&nbsp;&nbsp;Nick Heath - Cello
&nbsp;&nbsp;Richard Williams – Violin/Viola

The CD or MP3 are available to buy/download at www.softhandling.com

or mp3 only on Amazon [<a href=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cantilena/dp/B005QE94VG>Amazon MP3</a>] 

Mixed and mastered by<a href=http://soundcloud.com/branwensomatik> Branwen Munn</a>

★▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬★

❝I hope you will enjoy the music… as there is plenty of variety. Most of the tracks that I have upload here are all samples and excerpts taken from Cantilena.❞

Richard Ll. Williams
September 2011
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CANTILENA - I have used this title for the cd as most of my pieces are in a singing style.

01&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/cantilena-in-full-with-added> Cantilena</a> This is my take on the Italian 'baroque’. I hope you find it an exhilarating piece. It started off as one of nine voluntaries for organ.

02&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/ardnamurchan-point> Ardnamurchan Point</a> The most westerly point on mainland Scotland and not too far from Fingal's Cave. It’s my miniature version of that piece in Victorian style. Depicted are the waves crashing on to the cliff below the Egyptian style lighthouse.

03&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-3-1> Little Prelude</a> has an obvious reference to J.S. Bach (one of the Brandenburg concertos).

04&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-4> Carol</a> The carol is 'Christ was born on Christmas day' - in medieval style - I can't remember if the tune is mine or traditional... a sure sign of old age. ;-)

05&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-5> Variation on a carol</a> These variations got me a prize at the Welsh National Eisteddfod.

06&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-6> David of the white rock</a> is probably the best known Welsh folksong. The dying harper wants one final play on his beloved instrument.

07&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-7> Theme and variations</a> was my first piece which got a performance This was at a college concert at Aberystwyth .

08/09&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-8> Reeds and Strings</a> My concertina pieces were written as a result of being commissioned for a piece by the International Concertina Society to mark the centenary of Wheatstone's invention of the instrument. 

10&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-10> Concertina Toccata</a> This Toccata is a seriously virtuosic piece starting in fairly modern style and then looking back (possibly to Schumann) then ending in the present with a flourish. It’s my favourite piece on the disk.

11&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-11> Ymwelwyr</a> contrasts living in the mining region of South Wales with the joy of a visit to Aberystwyth with it's swooping gulls, rippled sand and historic castle ruins which tell of past history. The poem is by J.R.Jones. [With thanks to Gomer Press for their kind permission to use the poem.]

12&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-12> Poem</a> The poem/song is by James Thompson who is better known for the poem that became 'Rule Britannia'

13&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-13> Sonatina</a> is in a somewhat French style. Since the French invented the modern harp this is not inappropriate.

14&nbsp;<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/suair-gwynt-with-added-static> Suai'r Gwynt</a> is the centrepiece of a Christmas cantata. I have used it again with a connecting central section in the Piano Trio.

[<a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/bbc-radio-wales-adam-walton>You can hear Adam Walton's kind comments on this piece broadcast on BBC Radio Wales</a>] 

Côr ABC / ABC Choir Suai’r Gwynt - Nantlais Côr ABC Arweinydd Angharad Fychan, Cyfeilydd Louise Amery
ABC stands for aelwyd bro Ceredigion - literally translates as home area of Ceredigion, but means a youth club. The choir was formed in 1995 as a youth choir and has kept the name… although they are all a little bit older now. :-) The choir is based at Aberystwyth but gives concerts over a wide area. They won chief prize at Strata Florida folk festival in 2007.

15 - 17&nbsp; <a href=http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/sample-15>Piano trio in A</a> This was written in 2010 and we played it at Cardigan Town Hall where it received a rapturous reception (well no one walked out anyway).

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 &nbsp;&nbsp;✰ String Quartets played by two ✰ 

❝As you may or may not have gathered, tracks 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 are all multi-tracked so that you have string quartets played by two people; I was lucky to find Ailsa who instinctively played just as I wanted.[Alisa Hughes – Cello] It was wonderful finding all my performers virtually on the doorstep and my recording studio too. Many thanks to Branwen for her infinite patience and invaluable musical judgement.❞

Richard 
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&nbsp;&nbsp;♫ Sheet Music For Sale ♪

☆*.♫♪♫♪*.•.♫♫•.♪ ♫ ♩ ♬ ♭ ♮ ♯♪ ♫ ♩ ♬ ♭ ♮ ♯♪ ♫ ♩ ♬*☆

I intend to make the sheet music for all my pieces available to buy via my website, but for now if you are interested in obtaining anything please just send me a message/enquiry here on Soundcloud stating what you would like and I will “price it up” and be in touch - No obligation to buy!. 

⌦ <a href="http://soundcloud.com/messages/new?to=6992058">✰ ✉ Send Me a Message ✉ ✰ </a>

Also see:-
<a href="http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/scoreexchange-profiles-9346"> Score Exchange </a> 
___________________________________

Some kind words on…

► <a href="http://soundcloud.com/richardllwilliams/concertina-toccata"> Concertina Toccata (Harder to love) </a>

░▀█▀░░░▀█▀░▀█▀░▀█▀░░▀█▀▀▀▀█░ ░░█░░░░░█░░░█░▄▀░░░░░█░░░░░░ ░░█░░░░░█░░░█▀▄░░░░░░█▄▄▄░░░ ░░█░░░░░█░░░█░░▀▄░░░░█░░░░░░ ░▄█▄▄█░▄█▄░▄█▄░░▄█▄░▄█▄▄▄▄█░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 
http://soundcloud.com/bighare

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