Dancing with Strings: The Lindsey Stirling Journey
Review of Lindsey Sterling
I would like to introduce you to an amazing American violist and songwriter, Lindsay Stirling who has changed my thoughts on listening to a violin.
Lindsey Stirling has changed the way a classical instrument such as a violin is listened to. When I think of the violin, I immediately think of classical composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Bach, Wolfgang Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven. All of these very famous, influential composers created unbelievable works of art that live on today.
Yet, with Lindsey Stirling, what sets her apart from these very famous composers is her unique style that has redefined the perception of the violin. She has strategically figured out a way to make listening to and playing the violin very engaging and contemporary. By weaving in pop and rock with electrifying tones and a touch of classical music, Lindsay has created a new genre that is both passionate and dramatic. Her music has not only attracted a new audience to classical music but also inspired a generation of young musicians to experiment with their art.
Lindsey Stirling was born on September 21st, 1986, in San Anna, California. She was one of three daughters to a very modest income family that did not have a lot of money to pay for a full violin lesson. However, at the age of five, she began some 15-minute violin lessons.
With her hard work and dedication, Lindsay formed a rock band with some of her classmates called Stomp on Melvin in middle school. During that time, Lindsay won the state title of Arizona Junior Misses for one of the songs she had written and performed.
Lindsay's love of violin extended to her love of dance and performance. She intricately married them together and eventually created beautiful and dynamic performances by using both of her passions.
It was at the age of 23, when Lindsey's talent got noticed by cinematographer Devin Graham when she was performing on America's Got Talent, season 5. The two joined forces on her YouTube channel, skyrocketing her to stardom. Her song, “Crystallize,” viewed over 42,000,000 times, became the eighth most viewed video on YouTube in 2012.
Lindsey Stirling eventually signed a deal with Lady Gaga's manager, Troy Carter, in 2013. From there, Lindsey went on to perform around the world. From TV show appearances to a stint on "Dancing with the Stars" (when I first saw her), her electrifying classical music became a refreshing popular sound.
On January 9th, 2015, Lindsay became recognized by Forbes' list, featured as' 30 under 30, ' a recognized celebrity who had made it by the age of 30.
Lindsey Stirling has collaborated with many renowned musicians, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her performance with John Legend in "All of Me', is a soulful and romantic masterpiece, blending passion with an uplifting rhythm. It's a truly moving piece.
Lindsey Stirling - Masquerade, is just another example of her theatrical and music blended together. She weaves together an intricate, emotional and elegant song that is masterful.
Lindsey's latest song, "Evil Twin," is visually stunning, showcasing her dramatic and intense performance in a hauntingly beautiful piece set against the backdrop of Egypt.
Listening to Lindsey's music is a moving and powerful experience. I am not embarrassed to say that listening to her performance brings tears to my eyes, as it's incredibly moving.
Lindsey is also very well known for her recreations of Christmas music. There is always a theatrical blend to her music that makes it intense and enhances the connection to the songs.
This is one of my favorite Christmas song's of hers. The bold and playful, yet mysterious tune with her violin strings being front and center brings tears to my eyes as I listen to this classic, Carol of the Bells.
Lindsay's philanthropic spirit is as inspiring as her music. In 2020, she founded The Upside Fund, a non-profit charity that supports those affected by Covid-19. She has also performed for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and run auctions for UNICEF in support of Ukraine.
To this day, she is doing live tours around the world, writing and recreating songs. Lindsey Stirling is someone you should follow along on her journey as she has revolutionized the playing of the violin, making it an incredible experience to listen to.
Thank you for reading.
About the Creator
'20/20'
"Do It Again" the track that would ultimately open the Beach Boys final album on Capitol Records which was released on February 10th 1969 had originally been released as a single in August of 1968. The track was the first of many post-Pet Sounds era throwbacks to the early Beach Boys sound which would become continually more cliched and eventually lead the Beach Boys to the level of self-parody they would eventually succumb to in the 1980s while their closest contemporaries The Beatles nearing the end of their run in 1969 would go on to be viewed as the most influential band of all time. However, the song itself is not bad on its surface, and it opens with a futuristic sounding (for 1969) drumbeat captured by then-Beach Boys engineer Stephen Desper using tape delays on the drums performed by Dennis Wilson and John Guerin. The song has been re-recorded numerous times over the years on various Beach Boys-related projects most notably the 2011 re-recording at Capitol studios featuring the five surviving Beach Boys at the time backed instrumentally by various members of both the Brian Wilson Band and Mike Loves touring "Beach Boys" to promote the then upcoming Beach Boys 50th Anniversary reunion tour in 2012. The hammering and power drill sound at the end of the song was an excerpt from a track called "Workshop" that was to be a part of the uncompleted "SMiLE" album.
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Comments (3)
Nice review of this artist! Always liked the sound of violin.
I love her, thanks for putting her clips together in one place, Daphsam, will be listening to them all.
Lindsey Stirling has redefined the violin by blending classical music with modern genres, creating electrifying performances that inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.