Five Things about Blair McMillen

I caught a recital at the Italian Academy at Columbia University (officially the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America) last night in NYC. The program was part of the "Music for a New Century" - Works composed since 2000, with pianist Blair McMillen.
1. I thought I might see one or two of the composers at the concert - after all, Blair is the pianist for the DaCapo Players, so I wondered. As I was out front enjoying a cigarillo, Joan Tower showed up with friends, and we chatted. Later, inside, Derek Bermel sat behind me and we chatted - he pointed out Anthony Tommasini and Fred Hersh to me.
2. The program showed no intermission, and really didn't need one - the five pieces were diverse but not terribly long. Blair took some time in between, which was just right. The order was delightful too: Steven Stucky, Barbara White, The new Goldberg variations (including the original aria and 4 new variations by Stanley Walden, Fred Hersh, Mischa Zupko, and Derek Bermel), Marco Stroppa and Joan Tower.
3. Listening to piano works by composers you know is certainly interesting, especially when it is their chamber music or orchestral scores you are familiar. I have new respect for many of them now - hmmm, maybe new insight is a better word, I still respect them.
4. This program is one of the finest treats I've had, and it was free. While the 50 or 60 people in the audience were appreciative and didn't make it less appealing, I'm a little suprised that it wasn't better attended. Why is that?
5. Blair included two encores, "In the rain" by Barbara White, again from her "Reliquary" and "Sexy" from Kyle Gann's "Private Dances" - both short and sweet. It was a fitting end to a rockin' recital.
The next concert is May 2nd, 2007 with Kathleen Supove and Jennifer Choi. Email Rick Whitaker or call him at 212 854 1623 for free tickets (and tell him John Clare sent you!)

Five Things about eighth blackbird

Spectacular concert last night at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center with eighth blackbird.

1. eighth blackbird continues to astound and amaze me with their killer ensemble playing and perfect balances in complex music. Saturday night was no exception, with a program to complement their latest cd, strange imaginary animals.

2. Especially striking in both quality and soundscape was Gordon Fitzell's violence, a work from 2001 - which Lisa Kaplan mentioned was one of the group's favorites - it certainly showed!

3. Recently recorded Indigenous Instruments by Steven Mackey was definitely a hit - coming right after intermission and followed a remix by Dennis DeSantis, which Mathew Duvall explained before he left the stage would be played at the end of intermission, and the dance floor would be open. Unfortunately, the beautiful Erin Palmer of the Kimmel Center staff didn't cut a rug with me - maybe next time Erin?

4. It was nice hearing Derek Bermel's Coming Together live, but a bit surprising since Michael Maccaferri started off stage right next to my seat, and had the house lights up on the left side of the hall. I'm scheduled to interview Derek in March, so it was great hearing and seeing his music in the hands of 8th bb. The piece was intense at times (although Michael's suggestion of the Peanuts' grownup sound "wah wahhh" was effective and humorous) and so when Michael said Nicholas' cello had literally exploded that afternoon in rehearsal and he was playing on a borrowed cello (thanks to Network for New Music's cellist), it didn't surprise me somehow! (I'm sure the weather hasn't really helped out things either.)

5. There were quite a few young musicians at the concert - which was great to see, although it wasn't a full house by any means. WRTI recorded it and will be broadcast next Sunday, you can hear it online here. The talkback was fun and entertaining as well.

You can read 8th bb's own blog here. And recall their Pierrot Lunaire in Gettysburg here and here.