Warner Bros and Sister 4tet

Caught a wonderful performance of the Jupiter Chamber Players in NYC today.
Alessio Bax, piano was joined by violinist Xiao Dong Wang and my friend Wendy Warner, cello in Suk and Rachmaninoff trios.

As you can see I'm still mastering my new camera!

Composer Tour

or

Dead Composers in NYC 2005!

So while walking around on my most recent trip to New York City I noticed two signs (in different parts of town) but was glad I not only stopped but also had my camera handy.
From west 57th street:

And from the village on 11th Street:

Many moons ago I remember seeing New York residences of Bartok and Copland but it was sweet just to bump into these unexpectedly.

Preview - Inside and Out

Here's where this year's Deems Taylor Awards are being presented.



And a view from the second floor, looking over Columbus Circle and Central Park.


Rose Hall is actually on the fifth floor. More pictures after Thursday!

Quotable

"Music gets its eternal beauty from an ideal balance of emotion and intellect."

- Sir Andrzej Panufnik

Living in perfect Panufnik musical moments

People often look baffled when I reply "Panufnik" when they ask me who is my favorite composer. Depending on the situation, I explain quickly or more in depth, that Andrzej Panufnik is not only my favorite but one of the most talented composers of the 20th Century.

Let's hear some of the last movement of Panufnik's Violin Concerto. This excerpt shows the symetry of Panufnik - the orchestra slows down as the solo violin plays the melody and then returns, speeding up. (listen first to the melody, then go back and listen for the "clicks" (col legno - literally with the wood of the bow) as they slow down, the solo part continues, then the clicks come back in, speeding up.)
MP4 file
A perfect polacca.

Next is the Hommage a Chopin, in his arrangement for Flute and strings. We begin with the second movement and a funny half step passage (which is hidden by them in different octaves - highly original!) and the return of the melody (a folk tune near the village where Chopin was born.)
MP4 file
Original and very thoughtful.

Next the third movement is very quiet and sparse. First the flute takes the melody, then takes on the accompaniment. We'll hear the last phrase of the melody and then the first phrase of the accompaniment.
MP4 file
Lyric and linear.

Finally, Panufnik's brillant Concerto Festivo - written for the London Symphony. This is one of my all time favorite works. You are getting just a sample here, I encourage you to seek out the entire piece (score and recording!)
MP4 file
Brassy and classy!

After the fanfare and joyous music comes a much softer section. This is the most sublime music I know. The strings are linked with percussion to the woodwinds. The effect builds and grows.
MP4 file
Drifting and uplifting.

Amazing Maze of Mays

Enjoy some musical moments from my friend and mentor, Walter Mays.

We begin with his Rhapsody for Bassoon:
Here is a version for Bassoon and piano
MP4 file

Here is the same passage with Bassoon and chamber orchestra
MP4 file
Haunting and mysterious!

Next, the award winning Dreamcatcher, for wind ensemble.
A passage from the end, almost Debussy-ian.
MP4 file
Impressionistic and dreamy.

Finally, two passages from the horn and piano piece, Dialogues.
First an excellent passage of quarter tones.
MP4 file

Finally, a finale that is stunning.
MP4 file
Dramatic and cinematic.

Quotable

"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go
to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius."

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91)
(Soon to be celebrated in January 2006 for his 250th birthday)

Living "Fiddle Faddle" in a moment

Close to my heart is the violin, and so we will visit lots of concerti for my instrument. Here are four examples to check out and cherish. I get excited just writing about them and preparing this. So much for getting anything else done tonight, I'm going to go listen to all of these now!
I hope you too, will look these up.

Felix Mendelssohn wrote a concerto that became a standard in the Romantic repertory, for violinists and composers. Listen to this passage with Yehudi Menuhin and you'll hear why!
MP4 file








Double stops, octaves and schmalz.

Johannes Brahms one up'd ol' Felix. This return to the orchestra at the end of the cadenza is charmingly played by Itzhak Perlman.
MP4 file











Ah, trills and thrills.

Bela Bartok wrote a violin concerto (1938) and had it published. What he didn't tell anyone is that he wrote another one before that (1908) and gave it to the woman, Stefi Geyer, he was in love with, who did not return his love. She kept the score and told no one about it. It was discovered in her belongings after her death. This passage with David Oistrakh happens after a huge moment with the orchestra.
MP4 file










Long, lost and lush!

The best for last? Well for today, Beethoven's Violin Concerto is the granddaddy of romantic concerti and is the GOLD standard. Viktoria Mullova certainly has a lot to say about it in her latest version - in this first movement passage leading up to a wild tutti.
MP4 file












Vivacious Viktoria creates tension up to a joyous outcome.

Living (a lifetime) in a moment 2

Today we have three examples from two pieces.
First, Dawn Upshaw singin' Canteloube - Songs of the Auvergne - Begere
MP4 file
Brillant orchestration and charming singing. Makes me smile every time.

Second, listen especially to the keyboard in Astor Piazzolla's Milonga in re.
MP4 file
Fun, sexy rhythm. For a "sad song" south of the border, this packs lots of passion to say the least.

And another section of the Milonga in re, this time, the violin has the fun part!
MP4 file
Gidon Kremer brings alot to this. And it is a blast to play it.

Living (a lifetime) in a moment

Music is powerful. It is special. And music is always something that I want to share. The beauty of music, as I was reminded from listening recently to an interview I had done with a composer (Eric Ewazen) in live performance, is that the music changes each time. Despite that there are specific written (in concrete? not to be confused with music concrete) notes, musicians interpret them in many ways.

I also have a strong belief and feeling that the moments and memories we cherish can be found in music. From the cheesiness from "Star Trek: Insurrection" (where the lovely alien stops time with Jean-Luc) to an anecdote told to me by a teacher where an old composer/conductor held a particular chord in a performance of a symphony because "he thought it was so beautiful" that he would "never hear it or experience it again", I too, sincerely believe that you can "live" in a moment of music.

So from time to time, I'm going to share with you my ideas of perfect musical moments - and hope you'll embrace them and live with them as I do.
I have three examples today that touch my heart.

The first is from Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony, second movement.
MP4 file
These chords (and the 2 phrases before this) are the essence of romance and sexiness to me.

The other two selections are of chamber music, two string quartets that I hold in very high regard. We'll start (and we will return to other passages in the future!) with Witold Lutoslawski's String Quartet from 1965.
MP4 file
This is a silly section for a serious piece of music.
(we WILL return to it in the future!)

And finally, for today, Harbor Music by Austin-based NY composer Dan Welcher. It is the second string quartet that Dan wrote.
MP4 file
This melodic section speaks well of Dan, and of his gentle soul.
(another 4tet that we will return to, wait til you hear the harbor bells and seagulls!)

Concert Talk

I'm entertaining before the Brass and Organ Spectacular this evening for Gretna Music.
It should be good fun, with audio clips from composers and some musical insights.
The concert features the American Brass Quintet











and organist Timothy Brumfield.










The concert is in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center at Elizabethtown College at 7:30 pm. Concert Talk is one hour before at 6:30 pm.
See you there!

Holiday Selection

Enjoy this from the Las Vegas Brass Band - I recorded them last year:
Baby it's cold outside, Frank Loesser, arranged by Tom Wright; conducted by Chuck Jackson. It features Pete Cooper & Kellie Paul singing, and Tom Wright, trumpet.
Real Audio file (3:51)


Here's an mp3 file as well.

Lyrics by Bing Crosby

I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, what's your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
well Maybe just a half a drink more - Put some music on while I pour

The neighbors might think - Baby, it's bad out there
Say, what's in this drink - No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how - Your eyes are like starlight now
To break this spell - I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no, sir - Mind if I move a little closer
At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense in hurting my pride
I really can't stay - Baby don't hold out
Ahh, but it's cold outside

C'mon baby

I simply must go - Baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no - Ooh baby, it's cold outside
This welcome has been - I'm lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm -- Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious - Man, your lips look so delicious
My brother will be there at the door - Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious - Gosh your lips look delicious
Well maybe just a half a drink more - Never such a blizzard before

I've got to go home - Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there
Say, lend me your comb - It's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand - Your eyes are like starlight now
But don't you see - How can you do this thing to me
There's bound to be talk tomorrow - Making my life long sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied - If you caught pneumonia and died
I really can't stay - Get over that old out
Ahh, but it's cold outside

Baby it's cold outside

Brr its cold….
It's cold out there

More Zounds

Our finale at the Whitaker Center:
Cajun Song
Paul Zavinsky, guitar; John Clare, violin
[miking isn't ideal]

Also, revised audio for DT Awards:
2020 Hearing - Peter Schickele
Theme and talking about Pentangle

Some classical etiquette and tips - from attire to ovations

It’s not a sin to go to a classical concert, but there are some major sins you can commit … Let me rephrase that: Some faux pas can happen that might embarrass you and annoy your fellow audience members. So I’m here to prevent those from ever happening, which is the best approach, because I swear that if one more person talks during a concert, I’m going to go Berlioz on them!
No, "Berlioz" is not an Inuit swear word, but a 19th century composer who often expressed himself at concerts. It wasn’t uncommon for Berlioz to stand up on a chair and yell at the performers. (And worse yet, he was a critic for newspapers in Paris—so his temper would end up in writing too!)
But honestly, if you’re enjoying the performance (and there are many to attend, as you can see by this year’s guide), please share it with your concert companion at intermission or between complete pieces. Nothing is more disrespectful or annoying than to talk (even whispering can be distracting) while the music is playing.
Here’s an interesting fact, though: It was often common to talk during the overture and even ballet music in concerts many centuries ago. Performances were much longer than they are today and could include a symphony, a solo performance, maybe the girlfriend of the conductor would sing a song, and in some cases, a nonmusical act would happen on stage.
One thing that didn’t happen back in the golden age of concerts: cellphones. Please, I know they can be necessary, but when you walk into the building where the concert is taking place, please turn off your phone. Same with digital watches (the alarm does not harmonize with any music, unless it’s a John Cage concert), beepers and any electronics that potentially make you a member of the ensemble.
As for applauding/cheering/clapping/making that "whoop whoop" noise, it’s not too awful to clap between movements, but nowadays it’s preferred to wait until the very end of a piece. I know what you’re thinking, Why? When the Hershey Bears score, I cheer wildly and I don’t wait for the end of a period. Again, it’s just one of those classical etiquette rules.
Looking back again to the past, audiences did give their "barbaric yalp" whenever they heard something they like, and often the performers would respond by playing that movement again! So don’t feel too bad if you clap after a movement; it means you liked it and you are being a bit authentic.
But one small aside: Think about the performance before you give a standing ovation. Did it really make you get up, or are you just wanting to stretch? In all my concert-going days, maybe 10 concerts in about 3,000 have really been so extraordinary. Yet, almost every performance I attend lately ends with a standing O.
So, what should you wear to a concert? Something comfortable. I’ve been wearing tuxes, tails and suits since I was rather young, performing. And I like ties and suits, but they’re just hard to wear here in the summer. Don’t think just because the concertmaster looks like the maitre d’ you just saw at dinner that you need to be dressed up. Then again, if you look spiffy, maybe the harpist might notice you from on stage. My advice is to wear something clean, not wear too much perfume and you’ll fit right in!
Wondering what apertif or icy beverage goes during or after a concert? The Waltz King would have enjoyed champagne, Brahms a good cigar, and pick any Russian composer for a vodka martini. (I might go for all three!) Moderation of course is the key. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss an encore or an autograph chance at the end of the concert.
Stick to these simple standards and you’ll be the angel of the audience, and the perfect patron of the performers, too.

Powerful Premiere

Saturday night was an excellent evening*. Friends and I went to Philadelphia, an easy trip with good discussion, then a yummy Italian dinner. I was able to exchange our extra ticket for a performance in January with Leila Josefowicz playing John Adams' Violin Concerto (also with Shostakovich final symphony!)
Whilst they walked around the Kimmel Center, I caught an after dinner cigar - one of the latest stoogies from CAO. We caught the pre-concert talk, with Jennifer Higdon and the timpanist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Don Liuzzi. Also attending the talk was composer Christopher Theofanidis. (He was amazed and amused we spotted him.) A good discussion followed, and I was glad to hear curious listeners ask the composer questions. An usher towards the end, thanked Jennifer for her excellent piece, stating he usually does NOT like modern music, but her piece was definitely riveting (and humorous as we all thought he was going to say "Times up, you must leave for the concert...) A quick hello to Jennifer (she was pleased to see us!) and we were off to our seats. The third tier is an excellent view, and sound was lovely. At least on the end we could lean over to be able to peer over the balcony handrail - although also being on the end means everyone else passes by. (Also it was cool that a lady sat right next to me - who had bought our extra ticket - I had placed my coat there thinking the seat would probably be empty - I do think she moved for the Beethoven on the second half as it was empty for Eroica [honest, I wore deodorant!] or perhaps left.)
Then Maestro Eschenbach and Colin Currie came out, said a few words, so did Jennifer. The piece started. Higdon's Percussion Concerto is of an amazing high quality and beautiful. Her sounds are original and in a word perfect. (Afterwards I was discussing that ability, who I believe is also in the music of Augusta Read Thomas) to be not only intellectually satisfying but emotionally moving - in equal parts. Working within the past framework but making it your own. They are both gifted composers, who I think will be played centuries from now.
The concerto is 25 minutes long (I'm told that, it certainly didn't seem that!) and is in one movement. There were 3 stations of solo percussion (mallets, miscellaneous percussion, and drums) that Colin went to and fro - sometimes having to cross in front of the very skinny Eschenbach (Higdon mentioned in the concert talk advising Colin not to get hit with the baton) - but mostly was in the mallet area (a request of the soloist who really likes Marimba).
As for the orchestra parts, it was again, just right. Most striking (so to speak) was the percussion section, who were a great compliment and addition to the solo part. This is quite genius I believe, and for one rehearsal (again, the concert talk was VERY informative!) and one performance (the very first was Friday evening, this was the second "birth" in the words of Eschenbach - calling Higdon the mother...best possible meaning of course) I was astounded by the concerto. I actually really want to hear it again and hope it is recorded in the near future. Dallas and Indianapolis audiences will be treated to it soon, and the Philadelphia Orchestra is touring with it in the next few weeks to DC and NYC. If you are in these areas or are going to travel there, definitely catch it.
A standing ovation was definitely in order - I rarely say that or take part in standing o's - they are overused to a point of not meaning anything! but it was nice to see two curtain calls for Currie and Higdon.
At intermission we congratulated Jennifer again, and will see her in NYC for an eighth blackbird performance this next month.
The other work on the program Beethoven's Eroica Symphony. Unfortunately the cut offs of the first two chords were butchered by the strings. (BTW, I counted, the famous 100 strings of the Philadelphia Orchestra are now 86.) This did not bode well for me - I take Beethoven as the Shakespeare of music - one that is revered and of all time - the master. I expected great, great, great things from the Philadelphia Orchestra - they had just astounded me with the premiere minutes before. Now, that being said, everyone has off nights, maybe rehearsal was spent only on Jennifer's piece, etc etc. And there were gorgeous, moving portions of the Beethoven. But the trio of the Scherzo was shaggy - the horns were off by miles! The finale is charming and funny - gets me everytime. So, I love Beethoven, especially with a great orchestra - and look forward to more performances with them - hopefully more "on" than "off." At least they shone in the new work (who knows, maybe they were off there too - I'd never heard it before!) - I would have been furious had they coldly presented the Higdon and then played their hearts out of Beethoven.
All in all, one of the most enjoyable nights I've had in classical music. And I can't express enough how wonderful it is to be at a world premiere of such high quality.

*Note: You may also read about this event from the delightful and knowledgeable Dr. Dick Strawser.

Music selections

First, from 20/20 Hearing, and the aforementioned 90 second clip for the upcoming Deems Taylor Awards ceremony.
Here is part of Peter Schickele's episode, speaking about Pentangle:
MP4 file of the example.
Peter's whole show is a hoot, but I thought this was representative of 20/20 Hearing in general.

Secondly, here are some more songs from my recent foray into folk music with Paul Zavinsky...mind you usually folk music is Bartok or Haydn to me. So this was a start and is from the live performance, no fancy schmancy mixing here...just what the stage guys gave us. (I'm happy they did record it and we can tweak things later...it gives you a flavor. [hey that rhymes!])

MP4 file of "What more can I do?"
MP4 file of "Mr. Ditty Wah Ditty"
MP4 file of "Distant Thunder"
MP4 file of "Pancho & Lefty"

Contact me if you can't play the Mp4...I can arrange for a Real Audio file or cd.

Yearning - A book review of Deems Taylor - a Biography by Pegolotti

After I had heard about this year's awards, I started looking more into Deems Taylor. I also contacted lots of friends and teachers about receiving the award. One of my mentors (from NPR), Andy Trudeau mentioned the recent Taylor biography when he responded to my email- in fact he had recently been traveling near Edna St Vincent Millay's home in New York - and said how much he had enjoyed the bio - that I should look it up. As much as I respect Andy for his radio work and writing, I put it on my short list (I had already started a book, so I ordered it). Andy taught me lots about writing! (not usually shown very well here in the blog - my apologies!)
Besides buying Deems Taylor - a Biography by James Pegolotti, I also grabbed copies of Taylor's own Of Music and Men and Music to My Ears. (I'll report on those after getting through them!)















Starting off, I sorta approached reading about Taylor as an assignment - find out more about this gentleman - and it turned out I was very moved reading about him...and I could relate in many ways...my curiosity turned to passion. (Obsession?!) I couldn't put the book down.
"Smeed" would have been very proud to have read James Pegolotti's biography. In reading it, one does not only wish to have hung out with Taylor, but to hear his music as well. Just since reading this biography, I've come out of it feeling (and my imagination does run wild sometimes!) that I did know Deems (despite being born four years after his death!)
Indeed, Taylor was a huge figure of the 20th Century and this book really does him justice. I hope that it will help others (like myself) to elevate him in his place in history...and even more importantly, hopefully conductors and musicians will perform and record more of his music. I can definitely recommend the Seattle Symphony's recording of Through the Looking Glass suite.















And also the Fanfare for Russia that Taylor wrote in World War Two (part of the same commission that brought about Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man!)
Since 2006 will be the 40th Anniversary of Taylor's death, maybe some opera companies can revive his operas, or orchestras program his music - since we're a society that has to link programming to dates...






The bottom line here is, take a listen(!) and do check out writings by, and about Deems Taylor.

CD Gift choices for kids (of all ages)

(Compiled for WITF & Central PA Magazine)
Classical Music Choices for Children by John Clare
[including brand new and not-so-new releases on compact disc]

1. Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons"
Janine Jansen & Friends - just released in the US - a violinist to watch!
Decca


2. "Classical Graffiti"
The Planets - group of young people playing new interpretations of classical works (including electric guitar)
EMI Classics


3. "Essential Mozart"
Various Performers - a great 2 cd set of the basics!
Decca #468517


4. "Bach: Well Tempered Clavier, Book I"
David Korevaar, piano - one of my favorite recordings of all time
Msr Classics #82198


5. "Anthem" - amazing mix of cello music
Matt Haimovitz, cello
Oxingale Records


6. "American Music Sampler"- A $1.98 Sampler with 16 tracks including Barber’s Adagio, a Sousa March and Phillip Glass
Naxos #8559118


7. "Children’s Games"
Narnia & Dolly Suite – real gem is the Pied Piper by Walter Mourant
Various Performers - ASV label


8. Stephen Barlow - "The Rainbow Bear"
Prokofiev - "Peter & the Wolf"
Narrated by Joanna Lumley - She's Absolutely fabulous as a narrator - it's a new release
English Northern Philharmonia - New on ASV


9. Dan Welcher - NY composer in Texas - very original and fun
Harbor Music, Cavani Quartet
Gasparo Records #314


10. "East Meets East"
Nigel Kennedy with Kroke - out for a while but the charm never ends!
EMI Classics

Thankful

Things I am thankful for...in no order whatsoever!
A lovely work environment
My parents
Latest photos of Anne-Sophie Mutter (and her fashion sense!)
Racheal Ray (and her recipes!)
Cuban cigars
Manhattan
The Susquehanna River
All of my friends
Music of Panufnik
Hilary Hahn's perfect and moving playing
Talent, humor and wit of Penn & Teller (especially Teller)
Special features on DVDs

Well, that's a good start!

Entertainment choices

So I'm seriously contemplating what to watch this weekend. Last night I started my trek of all the Star Wars movies, so far I'm in the middle of Episode 2, since I had to work today. I had thought since I was going to see and hear the world premiere of Jennifer Higdon's Percussion concerto in Philly that I couldn't get through all of the Star Wars movies, and was going to settle on the LOTR trilogy...and of course, thanks to Spike TV they have a Bond Marathon all weekend.
So what is an Eskimo bachelor to do?
I decided last night to go ahead and start the Star Wars, and I've wathed a bit of Bond today. Maybe I'll do the LOTR over Christmas?