Open House

at the PA Academy of Music, last Tuesday evening. It's a great resource for the midstate! Don't hesitate to contact them if you have a young one that is interested in music!
Kim Kelly demonstrating the Bassoon (above)
violinist Michael Jamanis conducting the string orchestra.

Pictures by John Clare

Coming up

Don't miss alot of tunes and alot of fun tomorrow night in Mechanicsburg, PA. Paul Zavinsky and I are playing at Eckel's Drug Store from 8 to 10pm. Have some coffee or ice cream and maybe even do some dancing!
Eckel's is where some scenes from Girl, Interrupted were filmed back in 1999. No word yet if Angelina or Wynona can make it or not.

As for Saturday, there are a lot of things going on in Central PA. I'll be giving a pre-concert talk at Gretna Music before the Boston Brass play. The talk is at 6:30pm and the concert at 7:30pm. You can also sign up and have dinner beforehand!

In Harrisburg that evening as well is the second concert of the season with Concertante. They'll play Beethoven, Bruckner and Mendelssohn. Should be a great show - tell 'em John sent you!

- - - - - -
In putting the "ewww" in news, have you heard about Rick Soule? Las Vegas readers will no doubt recognize the name, and flautists may as well. So sad.

Cinema Pair-o-dice-o

I saw The Illusionist this weekend - quite awesome - it was in a little arts theater in Philly, very charming and quite comfortable, and not a bad walk from Center City even!
I also recently watched a dvd of Lucky # Slevin and despite the gore, enjoyed the writing and the acting.
So, you think you're a fan of films? Take a look at the poet and obsessive collector Adam's collection online: http://adamsmanymovies.blogspot.com/
He also has a ton of movie posters and soundtracks...

5 Things about the Curtis Symphony Orchestra

And soloist Hilary Hahn, Sunday night at the Kimmel Center:
1. The concert was spectacular with a charming rendition of the Star Spangle Banner - why can't other orchestras bring something this original and thoughtful out, instead of the same old bland version?
2. Overheard at intermission: "Oh I just love this so much more than the Symphony." I knew what they meant (in many ways - but she meant compared to the Philadelphia Orchestra), but I also thought, okay this is a stereotypical program of overture, concerto (with superstar) and symphony - what is so different about that?!
3. *Hilary Hahn was gorgeous in a gold dress and maroon lace.* (Sorry, had to parody the typical classical reviewers and say what she wore!) Seriously, her playing was just like every other performance I've heard her in: perfect. This time, the Curtis Orchestra allowed her lots of freedom and never covered her playing, despite big brass and percussion in the orchestration. From the excitement of her double stops and the brilliance of the high passages, the Britten Concerto made the program well worth the trip to Philly (you could actually get $5 tickets - so I won't say it was well worth the ticket, rather it was a bargain!)
4. Otto Werner Muller kept the pace with the Prokofiev (Symphony #5) and began the second movement almost attaca, maybe a second in between letting the reverberation settle and then onwards! For an eighty-year-old, he kept the students and audience in firm control. I was also reminded how much I adore Prokofiev's writing for the violin, there are passages of this very high harmonies that are similiar to the Romeo & Juliet music in the 3rd movement. The Curtis Orchestra's first violins were excellent.
5. The cynic in me asked what benefits does H.H. signing autographs and selling cds after every performance - in some ways, okay, most ways, it's great...part of me says is this just marketing? I mean does it really impact if people come to a concert? I hope it does - and kudos for her to wait around after performances to do that. Also, how mondo cool for her to play part of an Ysaye sonata (second movement of #2, with a quote of Dies Irae!) as an encore!

Dinner

I so enjoyed eating out, as much as I DO love to cook, this weekend in Philadelphia. I took in everything from philly cheesesteaks to filet mignon. (I know we need some of Copland's Hoedown from Rodeo playing, you know the "Beef, it's what's for dinner!" music playing in the background.)

Five Things about Jennifer Koh's recital

On the first Fresh Ink 2006-2007 concert at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia:
1. There were 5 pieces on the modern program, 2 of them having 5 movements!
2. Delightful talkback or "artist chat" afterwards with the performers and composer Jennifer Higdon. Sweet question from a youngster about how long does Jenny Koh practice (depends but roughly 3 hours a day.)
3. This concert was recorded by WRTI and will hopefully be available for streaming - I'll keep an eye out - if you see something about it, let me know - it deserves another hearing...go see Jennifer in concert and keep an eye out next year for a cd of it!
4. I think Jennifer Higdon's String Poetic is just awesome and was played with great aplomb. I might have had the piano on the short stick for the entire concert, and I might be tempted to rearrange the piece, switching the third and fourth movements so that the contrasts are heard between the lyrical and quick movements. Nonetheless, Higdon writes beautifully for the violin and piano, letting each shine. There is also a great amount of joy, depth and passion to String Poetic - I expect every violinist worth their salt (rosin, hahaha) will be adding it to their repertoire.
5. Koh spoke briefly on stage between pieces and was entirely off the cuff, at least it didn't seem part of a schtick - she made honest music and certainly let her playing speak for itself: top notch!

Sunday update

Quick post from the ING Cafe in Philadelphia...awesome concert last night at the Kimmel Center in their "Fresh Ink" series with violinist Jennifer Koh. The world premiere of Jennifer Higdon's String Poetic was just one of the highlights. Koh is a wonderful artist, and if she plays in your neck of the woods, go hear her. She plays her Strad with grace and taste, and more often than not, it's a modern work. :)
Audiences in Philly still amaze me with their bad manners; needless to say, I have my "SHHHHHHH! Please be quiet" sign in my suitcoat pocket for this evening's concert of the Curtis (or "Girdle" - ask me about it) Orchestra with Hilary Hahn.

Great brunch this morning at Rouge, include dark chocolate ship pancakes, coffee and sage sausage. I was tempted by the open faced scrapple sandwich - maybe another time.

Welcome

Check out a new and informative blog from the musicians of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra: http://orpheusnyc.blogspot.com/
They're one of my favorite groups and if you get a chance to hear them live, check it out, you won't regret it!

Habits

So after I moved in the end of August, I ordered a DVR from comcast. It's easy to use and I soon set up 'series' recordings for Gilmore Girls and Law & Order Criminal Intent. Now I can have the shows saved and easily breeze through the commercials.
In fact, in that first month, I was amused to be able to set up series recordings and laugh at Match Game, and soon got bored, changing now to Sabrina reruns with the ever so charming Melissa Joan Hart.
The other show I adore and watch live is 30 minute meals with Rachael Ray. It's a nice way to spend an hour. This morning though, while catching up reading, I saw in the New Yorker that Nigella Lawson has a new Food Network show - yeay! I've missed the first episode, and will be in Philadelphia this weekend, but with the convenience of the DVR, I'll now not miss another!
So you can now see Nigella again on Food Network, Sundays at 1pm (eastern) on her new show, Nigella Feasts!

Annual Campaign

Tim Lambert, myself and Damon "Beau" Boughamer at the Premier Circle Dinner for WITF - we were the greeters.
How can you become a Premier Circle member? Join us at WITF.

Currently listening

Now playing in my ipod, and in the cd players at work and home:
The new Hilary Hahn concerti disc of Paganini and Spohr

Sting's new Dowland disc

John Adams' latest from Nonesuch

Check them out, they are all amazing!

Congrats!

Congratulations to this year's Deems Taylor Award winners in radio...
The ASCAP Deems Taylor Radio Broadcast Award honors two programs this year. They are The Bob Edwards Show (Bob Edwards, host; Ed McNulty, producer; and Tish Valva, executive producer), which is produced at XM Satellite Radio; and World Cafe (David Dye, host and producer; Kimberly Junod, producer and Bruce Warren, executive producer), which originates from WXPN in Philadelphia and is nationally syndicated.
Read more about it on the ASCAP site: http://www.ascap.com/press/2006/101606_deems_taylor.html

Seen in Union Square

I smiled when I saw this on sale this weekend from a booth in Union Square in NYC, offered in a variety of t-shirts: You can order it here: http://www.westwindworld.com/

5 Things about the Juilliard Concert

Here's a new "deal" (feature) for this blog...instead of reviews (okay, ocassionally I'll wax poetic!) I thought I'd share five things that come about or around concerts that I attend (and believe me there are tons of concerts coming up this season!)
So here goes for the Juilliard String Quartet at the Whitaker Center on Sunday October 15th, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Market Square Concerts and the quartet's 60th Anniversary! The program was Mozart's Dissonant Quartet, Bartok's 3rd Quartet and Schubert's Death and the Maiden.
1. The Schubert really stood out, kudos to violinist Joel Smirnoff who especially played well. The Bartok was well crafted - too bad they didn't do the whole Bartok cycle here.
2. According to the program, Bartok was born in 1811 - whoops! That should be 1881.
3. Talking and coughing were very annoying throughout the first half...I know its the cold season, but it seemed everyone waited for quiet passages to unwrap cough drops and of course during dramatic pauses were the only time someone had to sneeze. As for talking, don't people realize concert halls are designed for sound and therefore whispering is just as annoying as talking out loud? Guess I need to get my "SHHHHH!" sign out for my suit pocket...
4. Overheard in the lobby, "Ugh, that Bartok! Awful music - beautifully played." Ugh, audience members!
and
5. Talking with the quartet afterwards, it seems the construction at Lincoln Center/Juilliard is creating quite a bit of noise AND will demolish the room the Juilliard Quartet has rehearsed many of their 60 years.

Mozartrific!

I'm writing a short entry at Kudo Beans, a great coffee shop on the lower east side (3rd street at 1st Avenue-tell 'em John sent you).
Last night's NY Philharmonic concert did not disappoint, and violinist Gil Shaham continues to prove he is the world's greatest living violinist. Mozart's 2nd Concerto and Stravinsky's Concerto were played with much thought and virtuosity. Shaham continues to astound, bringing new insights to pieces that warrant such attention, especially the Stravinsky. I think we all wanted more with Gil, but after the two concerti (separated by intermission) despite the standing ovation and all the curtain calls he didn't give us an encore (and that's okay.)
The Philharmonic honored Leonard Bernstein on the anniversary of his death (October 14th, 1990) with a crisp reading of his Candide Overture (it wasn't advertised previously and I hadn't looked at my program, so it was a great surprise! I had wondered before the concert why the trombone player and picolo player were practicing Candide, thinking, oh they must be playing it soon, hahahaha, little did I know!) They also did it without a conductor!
Seeing conductor David Robertson was another joy, he is truly on the leading edge of American maestros. Impeccable taste and good music making came through the entire evening. I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the Linz Symphony, but it was a delight - what had sold me was Gil Shaham playing two awesome concerti on the program, but the rest of the program really sparkled. It was certainly interesting to see the Dumbarton Oaks Concerto with one on a part - it captured the essence of Stravinsky! Kudos to Robertson for pairing it down to the essentials. (He also kept it moving along nicely with nary a moment between movements.)
Okay, off to Penn station to get back to Hburg to hear the Juilliard String Quartet. What a life I lead!

Two other entries

Be sure to check out my entries on the New Releases Blog and Composing Thoughts Blog for the celebration of the Juilliard String Quartet 60th anniversary today, and about young composer Jay Greenberg.

Opening Evening

Saturday was a easy one: return from Manhattan after a yummy and healthy breakfast on the upper west side (an organic yogurt and granola parfait) on the train. Then some clothes shopping and dinner in Harrisburg (the specials were amazing at Cafe Fresco.)
I came back for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra concert - and overall I'm glad I did. They played Beethoven's Leonore Overture #3 in good style. Sure there were soem opening night jitters from teh horn section, but overall it was a good reading.
Next was William (Billy) Joel's Symphonic Fantasties for Piano and Orchestra (dubbed his Piano Concerto by many) with soloist Jeffery Biegel. I hadn't heard his playing before, at least not live, and he was quite impressive. The piece however, was not for me at all; in fact, I'd just as soon hear Joel's pop melodies than the arrangements from his classical attempts. But the performance was good if the form and melodies are not. Orchestration attempted some tributes to Brahms and Rachmaninoff, but to compare the work to either composer would be an insult to both Brahms and Rachmaninoff. It is what it is, and just not my cup of tea. I was quite glad that Biegel played an encore, another chance to hear him play. (Afterwards I was at a loss what to say to him, other than I enjoyed his playing - I often don't lack words but in this incident I did...)
The second half was an old friend, Dvorak's Eighth Symphony. I can't tell you how many times I've played or heard this work - enough times to lose count over and over! Saturday night's reading was fresh and full of energy. I shared with Stuart Malina that I heard new things and I did, especially in the inner movements. I left the evening feeling uplifted and satisfied - a great start to the HSO season - kudos!
(you can read my friend Dick's blog about the evening here, and my friend Stuart's impressions here.)

Before the Symphony

In front of the Forum in Harrisburg before hearing Beethoven, Billy Joel and Dvorak.
Self portrait of John Clare with a Dominican cigar.

Front o Forum

Taken after dinner at Cafe Fresco and enjoying a cigar.
Picture of the Forum, downtown Harrisburg by John Clare.

Fantastic Philharmonic

Usually it takes a premiere or something a bit unusual for me to go to a concert based on the programming alone. Sure, I'll go see my favorite violinist play more "normal" repertory just to see and hear them, or take in a concert when I'm giving the pre-concert discussion. But Friday night's concert of the New York Philharmonic was based on the first work on their program: Maurice Ravel's Le Enfant et les Sortileges. Okay, a bit unusual but older. But what a gem! I actually spent most a semester studying the work in a private lessons with a mentor of mine at Wichita State. To say I know every inch of that score would not be inacurrate. And I absolutely adore it. So having a chance to hear it live, and to have Lorin Maazel lead it - whose recording I adored as well!!! - was to say I would go to this concert - a special trip just to do so. The second half was Saint Saens Organ Symphony...which I almost missed - but decided to stay.
As you can see below, I did have fun before and after, having a yummy dinner. I also had a scotch before the program, hey I wasn't going to be driving!
The stellar cast, was just that - each shining well with the parts ocassionally graced with some bit of staging or acting - the cats were into the sensual aspects of their aria - I'll leave it at that. Maazel was at his heighth of his music powers and a great dose of charm too.
The second half (I was there, why not?) was the Symphony No. 3 which I'd heard last in Las Vegas with my friend Paul Hesselinck perform with the LV Phil. Suffice to say, the NY Philharmonic was having fun in the work which hadn't been programmed since 1990 according to the program. And I might add that the brass section gave a convincing performance that clearly makes them the finest brass section on earth - really!
Can you tell I liked this concert? It was just marvy!

Fantastic Fanfare

Over at the New York City Ballet, a brass ensemble playing for the crowds at Lincoln Center.
Photo by John Clare, with a video clip coming soon!

Before the Phil

At Lincoln Center before hearing Ravel and Saint-Saens.
Photo by John Clare, pictured with a Honduran cigar.

Dinner

Not feeling well Friday, I took the day off, but felt a little better after arriving in Manhattan. Picture taken by John Clare on the upperwest side, before ordering a Chicken "Pop" Pie at PopOvers. Yum-o!

Quote

"Good concerts make me jealous, bad concerts bore me." - Paul Boray in Humoresque

Composer and Commission

I'm so excited! This spring I'm planning a violin recital. Yes, of music I adore - all modern pieces. In fact, one work is being written by a friend and colleague: Dick Strawser. Today he posted some musical examples (actually he's posted quite a bit about the process of the work so far! take a look at some of the early posts) and I've finally had a moment to exclaim, so here goes.
WOOHOO!

We played a movement last fall for WITF's Volunteer Appreciation luncheon, a nocturne. I enjoyed it alot and am looking forward to these next pieces.

Take a look at his post here.

Tuesday

Be sure to check out my posting over on Composing Thoughts for Reich's 70th Birthday, it has links to the full interview with Steve Reich!

Great resource now available, NATIVE AMERICAN NEWS!
Follow this link to Native Voice One.

News about Anne-Sophie Mutter!
From MusicalAmerica:
Anne-Sophie Mutter Eyes Retirement
By Frank CadenheadMusicalAmerica.com
October 2, 2006
PARIS – Mega-star Anne-Sophie Mutter announced yesterday that she is quitting the stage. “Yes, yes, I said it. It is my plan to stop when I reach my 45th birthday,” the German-born violin virtuoso declared Sunday evening in an interview with the French-German television channel Arte. Only 43 on June 29, that would mean that her performing career ends in a little more than 20 months. “Nevertheless, it is not the precise date which counts,” she added, giving herself some leeway, “but rather a certain period of time at the end of which I will leave the scene before, behind my back, people dream of my retirement.”The televised segment of her “Mozart Project” with the Salzburg Camerata showed her stunning virtuosity and trademark intensity very much intact, of course. But it’s worth noting that Mutter has been a top-ranking, Grammy-winning soloist now for 30 years, now, despite her relative youth. Additionally, she has had her share of personal difficulties. Her first husband, Detlef Wunderlich, whom she married in 1989, died of cancer in 1995. She had two children by that marriage, Arabella (1990) and Richard (1994). In 2002 she married conductor Sir Andre Previn, 31 years her senior. A divorce was quietly announced last month. Discovered by Herbert von Karajan when she was only 13, Mutter began immediately to appear with the world’s top orchestras and in major recital series, making her American debut with Zubin Mehta and the New York Philharmonic in 1980. She has been awarded major honors from countries around the world and her vast repertory of recordings have routinely won top prizes. Asked what she would do after retiring she remarked: “Good Question. Music will be irreplaceable. It is life that will give me the answer. I did not plan to meet Karajan so early. My children are a gift of God. I had not planned to lose my husband after six years of marriage or live as a widow... I plan some small sonatas and the rest will come. I will try to remain faithful to my artistic ideals. We will see.”

I'm in awe of my coworkers doing such a great job on the school shooting that took place yesterday: WITF News site

Do, a deer...

Pardon the Sound of Music quote! Couldn't resist...Saturday after coming home from the grocery store (my only outing!) I spotted three young deer. I had previously seen them at the end of my street, but this time all three were in my yard as I came home. I didn't get pictures of all three, and it's hard to see them easily, but here goes.

Yes Deer

Deer goes the neighborhood

Oh deer

Citing references

So, today I read a posting by Pliable at On an Overgrown Path...and seeing the title, I knew he'd list Steve Reich - who turns 70 on Tuesday.
However, hear Steve Reich himself on teachers and Milhaud here. [MP3 file] (from an interview in December 2004)
I love Milhaud's music, but that doesn't say anything of his teaching or what he was like as a person...

Hear more from Steve on my post, Celebrating Steve.

On any given Thursday

It's been another busy week: recovering from a cold, practicing violin and also transcribing interviews/writing scripts for Composing Thoughts. (Don't miss Kevin Puts this next episode, and catch some online only sounds over at the site!)
Also talked with my friend Stuart Malina for WITF's Symphony Show. It will air next Thursday evening at 7:05pm on WITF. Something that is pretty cool and we talk about is his new blog and his first podcast. It's excellent, go hear him discuss and play some piano reduction of Beethoven's Leonore Overture #3 (and learn why it's #3...no, it's not really like Rocky VI) at his site.
More soon, including a late posting review of Janine Jansen with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

Celebrating Shostakovich

Today is the 100th anniversary of Shostakovich's birth. Ala Terry Teachout, I thought I'd list an almanac (a bit lengthier and less suave) but here goes for the year 1906...and on this day...

IN 1906

US FACTS
President: Theodore Roosevelt
Vice President: Charles W. Fairbanks
Population: 85,450,000
Federal spending: $0.57 billion
Unemployment: 1.7%
Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.02

WORLD EVENTS
More than 500 people are killed during the San Francisco earthquake and ensuing three-day fire.
President Roosevelt sails to the Panama Canal Zone. It is the first time a U.S. president has travelled outside the country while in office.
Reginald Fessenden invents wireless telephony, a means for radio waves to carry signals a significant distance.
Upton Sinclair exposes the public-health threat of the meat-packing industry in The Jungle.
Roald Amundsen, Norwegian explorer, locates Magnetic North Pole.
Ethiopia declared independent in a tripartite pact; country is divided into British, French, and Italian spheres of influence.
Finland is the first European country to give women the right to vote.

IN SPORTS
World Series
Chicago White Sox d. Chicago Cubs (4-2)
Stanley Cup
Montreal Wanderers
Wimbledon
Women: Dorothea Douglass d. M. Sutton (6-3 9-7)
Men: Laurie Doherty d. F. Riseley (6-4 4-6 6-2 6-3)
Kentucky Derby Champion
Sir Huon
NCAA Football Champions
Princeton (9-0-1)
1906 Olympics – Athens
The Olympic movement returned to Athens for the Intercalated Games of 1906.
The mutual desire of Greece and Baron de Coubertin to recapture the spirit of the 1896 Games led to an understanding that the Greeks would host an interim games every four years between Olympics.
Nearly 900 athletes from 20 countries came to Athens, including, for the first time, an official American team picked by the USOC.
As usual, the U.S. dominated track and field, taking 11 of 21 events, including double wins by Martin Sheridan (shot put and freestyle discus), Ray Ewry (standing high and long jumps) and Paul Pilgrim (400 and 800 meters). The previously unknown Pilgrim had been an 11th-hour addition to the team.
Verner Järvinen, the first Finn to compete in the Olympics, won the Greek-style discus throw and placed second in the freestyle discus. He returned home a national hero and inspired Finland to become a future Olympic power.
The Intercalated Games were cancelled due to political unrest in 1910 and never reappeared. Medals won are considered unofficial by the IOC.


IN SCIENCE
English biochemist Frederick Hopkins concludes that vitamins are essential and that a lack of vitamins causes scurvy and rickets.
British geologist and seismologist Richard Dixon Oldham notes that earthquake waves travel more slowly when they pass through the center of the Earth, and suggests that our planet has a dense core.


Nobel Prizes
Physics - Sir Joseph John Thomson, for investigations on passage of electricity through gases
Chemistry - Henri Moissan , for isolation of fluorine, and introduction of electric furnace
Medicine - Camillo Golgi, Santiago Ramón y Cajal, for work on structure of the nervous system
Literature - Giosuè Carducci
Peace - Theodore Roosevelt


Also on this day…In 1775, Ethan Allen was captured by the British.
In 1789, The first Congress adopted 12 amendments to the Constitution and sent them to the states for ratification. The first ten became the Bill of Rights. In 1890, Wilford Woodruff, president of the Mormon church, renounced the practice of polygamy. This paved the way for Utah's acceptance as a state in 1896. In 1957, Nine black children were escorted to Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, under heavily armed guard, because of racial violence. In 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as the first female justice on the Supreme Court. In 2003, It was reported that more than 14,000 had lost their lives in France in a summer heat wave.

Born on this day, Claude Perrault: architect, scientist, and physician (1613); William Faulkner: American novelist (1897); Mark Rothko: painter (1903); Sir Colin Davis: conductor (1927); Barbara Walters: TV commentator (1931); Glenn Gould: pianist and composer (1932); Michael Douglas: actor (1944); Christopher Reeve: actor, director (1952); Heather Locklear: actress (1961); Catherine Zeta-Jones: actress (1969).

(see lots more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1906)

Also keep an eye out for posts from Dr. Dick for Shostakovich's music. You read about my previous Shostakovich posts here and here.

All the news

that's fit to read. My NY Times daily subscription started today, woohoo. It's the Washington edition, which seems to be cool.
I grew up reading papers, in fact I have really good memories of reading the paper and drinking coffee with my grandfather. Then it the Mexico Ledger in central Missouri. Then in Kansas it was the Wichita Eagle. When I moved to Harrisburg last year I ended up taking a six month subscription for the Patriot News but just wasn't impressed. There were some good local angles now and then, but more often than not I just did the crossword puzzle and off to the recycling bin.
Now that I've moved to the new apartment, I've changed addresses with my magazines I read (EveryDay with Rachael Ray, The New Yorker, and FHM) and decided I should go ahead and get the times at home. I don't always agree with the reviews and sometimes wonder what they are promoting in certain features, but it will be nice company on my mornings.
Of course I listen to NPR for news and browse quite a bit online. I'm a fan of Robin & Company on CNN Headline News. And I receive the email alerts from the Chicago Tribune.

How do you get your news and what do you read?

Jasmine Martini @ Pastis

Dessert at Popovers

The sign behind me says "wet paint"

Everywhere I went Monday, there were wet paint signs...and I realized folks wanted to get things painted outside on the last really warm day of the year (it was in the 80s.) [taken by Jann at Pastis]

Starting out

Guitars in Gardiner

Excellent concert by Ernesto Tamayo last night. I arrived to New Paltz by bus and friends met me. We wound up cooking outside and enjoying ourselves quite a bit, so much so time slipped by - we ended up scoring the last parking space to Unison, a wonderful concert space up on the mountain when we got there.
Ernesto suprised us by playing four different guitars throughout the evening - none of them his own, but by a local, yet world renowned, guitar maker, Thomas Humphrey. Ernesto's program drew from his new cd, Classical Persuasions. The Bach was simply stunning...he dedicated a piece (that he had written) to the owner of LaBella Strings, Richard Coco; and in the second half, dedicated a piece by Leo Brouwer to me! We chatted with the friendly folks afterwards and went over to Thomas and Martha's for some food and drink...and it turns out more music. Ernesto played some more of his pieces and some Weiss. What a evening!
The next morning, Stu and Julia made pancakes with fresh fried apples; then smores! They got me to the bus just on time (by about 10 minutes!) Oddly enough, the bus broke down and there was a 1.5 hour wait while another came to get us. Oh, and a passenger trying to get to the back restroom had me move (I hadn't noticed him as I was trying to get my bag settled) and I ended up ripping my slacks - the only ones I had packed for the trip! yeee. oh well. easy come easy go, right? So I'm now back in the city and looking forward to dinner and seeing friends.

Julia Stu & Ernesto

Ernesto & Richard Coco

Martha's wonderful cooking

At the Humphreys

Picnic before the concert

Stu and Mike with the fire

Stu preparing fire

Da blues

Fun time at Trees in Steelton with friends. I sat in with 3 Trains Comin' - met some new folks and enjoyed a lager or two. I went home and did some packing and organizing - the lion share was done this morning. Now off to NYC and New Paltz.

Libby Live

Last night I interviewed one of the great composers and sweetest people, Libby Larsen, at her publishers (Oxford University) in New York City.
We talked about music, creativity, teaching and opera among other things. It will be featured on Composing Thoughts this fall.

I'll be back in the city this weekend - but it was nice to catch Manhattan midweek and eat some Thai food too! On tap is a recital by guitarist Ernesto Tamayo Saturday, and Monday night is Orpheus Chamber Orchestra with violinist Janine Jansen.

Celebrating Steve

There are more birthdays in 2006 than Mozart and Shostakovich!

On October 3rd, the world honors composer Steve Reich, he'll turn 70 years young.

You can check out his birthday website here.

Reich was also just awarded the music prize in the 18th annual Praemium Imperiale arts awards! (It was just announced, it actually takes place on October 17th...read about it here)

So, I thought you'd enjoy my interview with Steve from December 2004.

Part 1 [mp3 file] talking about technology and his birthday.
(the video Steve references is now here)

Part 2 [mp3 file] talking about composing.

Part 3 [mp3 file] talking about influences and minimalism.

Classical Guitar Interview

This weekend I'm going to hear my friend Ernesto play a recital in New Paltz, NY and he'll release his new cd! Last month he stopped by and did an interview at WITF. Here's the transcript - look for some mp3s of his playing live in the studio to show up soon!

John: It’s good to have you here today.
Ernesto: Thank you, good afternoon.
J: I wanted to start out and ask about this new cd, Classical Persuasions. Where does the title come from?
E: The title was actually a suggestion by Blair Mohn and John Napfliotis. We have worked together as a team. I always try to share with everyone my playing and the classical music I love. I tell people: - you should listen to the classical guitar – trying to persuade them to love the instrument, that’s where the title comes from.
J: Well, you’ve persuaded me with this album! It actually goes back several hundred years of great guitar music: Fernando Sor, Weiss, and one of your teachers, Leo Brouwer. How was it to record his music?
E: Well, Leo Brouwer is one of the dedicatees of this disc, besides three other wonderful guitarists, musicians, and friends. Brouwer was my teacher in Cuba – an oustanding composer, an amazing guitarist and a great friend. He came to the United States before the Cuban Revolution to enhance his musical studies. He’s also probably the most important composer for the classical guitar since the 1950s and still very much alive. While listening to this work on this cd Tress Apuntes “Three Drafts” from 1959, you can really feel the Afro-Cuban influence in the piece. In the first movement you can really hear fire music – its percussive and dramatic influenced by Manuel De Falla, very effective! The second movement is philosophical, at least that is how I feel it. The third one is probably my favorite, it’s very Bulgarian in feeling but has this Afro-Cuban rhythm underneath it, like congas. It’s really interesting and fun to play!
J: You’ve been in touch with Brouwer recently haven’t you?
E: Yes, I talked on the phone with him a while ago when he was in Cuba. He’s doing better after being rather ill. But he’s writing a lot of music and playing the guitar a little bit. Someone that I know for a long time is taking very good care of him.
J: Now this isn’t your first “classical” cd release, there was Bach; a cd of folks songs; and last year we talked about your release “The Cuban Guitarist.” How is it to go back and record a disc with some Cuban influences?
E: Well, it’s interesting. I’ll start with the Bach release in 1996. I was at Peabody studying at that time, and became friends with Stephen Kates, a cellist who passed away a few years ago. I used to take some lessons with him. He encouraged me to record the Bach project. The motivation came from Mr. Kates, no really from the Guitar department at that time. It was a fantastic learning process for me. I went to Bach festivals, I was able to play with orchestras, and a lot of classical guitar events. While playing some of these recitals I met someone from Bacardi. We became very good friends – he encouraged me to prepare some Cuban music arrangements. So I did the arrangements and ended up recording them. I did one of the Cuban pieces at my Carnegie Hall debut, do you remember that evening?
J: Of course, that was a lot of fun!
E: So a lot of folks enjoyed the Cuban pieces and encouraged me to play and record them. After a four year break from recording, then The Cuban Guitarist cd came along. On that release I added some classical selections and Cuban music where I recorded several tracks, I played some percussions instruments, I wrote music for the project, it was a great collaboration between Blair, John, and myself. But still, I didn’t have a recital cd. And I think as a classical guitarist it’s important to have a cd with different composers and different styles, so Classical Persuasions came next combining important works from the classical guitar repertoire. This new disc is 72 minutes long, with some Venezuelan music, arrangements of Antonio Lauro, things that are well known in the classical guitar world. There’s Fernando Sor that you mentioned, the title is “Malborough s’en va-t-en guerre” – ugh, that’s hard to pronounce! *Laughter* It’s a theme and variations. There’s a Weiss work, a Sonata arranged by Michael Lorimer. Michael is a good friend of mine – as I was saying before, the cd is dedicated to four friends and guitarists. Michael is one of them. I’m also playing Albeniz: Cordoba from the Iberia Suite. It’s from a suite of 12 impressions of Spain and this arrangement is by John Williams. After that, I have Joaquin Rodrigo’s Tres Piezas Espanolas, Three Spanish Pieces. I would like to mention the names of other two dedicatees of this recording. They are well-known Cuban guitarists Elias Barreiro who I met after I arrived to the US, and Antonio Alberto Rodrigues (Biki) who was also my guitar teacher back in Cuba. They have also contributed so much to the classical guitar and the musical world.
J: I remember you playing those Rodrigo pieces when we first met in Wichita – you played them at Chamber Music at the Barn.
E: Yes, I can say that this cd is a recollection of repertoire that I have been playing for a while.
J: How is it to return to pieces? Is it a challenge or is it comfortable?
E: It is a challenge. You learn pieces one way and then look at the score later and something might have been missing or you might not have done it the right way. You have to go back and practice the piece – for the recording you have to make sure everything is just right – so yes, I would say it is a challenge. But I would also say it is a lot of fun.
J: I know that you mentioned early John and Blair, your support team – this is something, Classical Persuasions, that you recorded in your own studio. Was that another fun challenge?
E: Oh yes, it was in my own studio. Considering the fact that the music industry is going, and with the technology available today for everyone it is very important for every musician to have their own recording equipment in order to record themselves while practicing or for a project. The original idea for me was just to record my practicing, so I could hear myself. But I ended up getting really top of the line equipment – something Sony studios might have, so why not make my own recording? This way I don’t have to pay high fees to rent a recording studio – I have one myself.
So, Blair and John urge me to create my own company, Virgo Productions. So basically the three of us are producers if you will, from the recording to the repertory. John and Blair aren’t as familiar with guitar repertory, so they’ll do a lot of listening and read all the information I have – it’s quite remarkable what they do – and so talented, they’ve wound up knowing more about composers than you or me! Its fun to work with them and we’ve become very close friends. Another important factor, John, is my guitar. It’s made by David Daily, and I use La Bella Strings. I exclusively use this and it makes a huge difference. They have been fantastic to me – especially with the recording studio. Sometimes you know, there are so many strings, and not all of them work with particular microphones, you just have to keep trying for that just right sound. Richard Cocco really worked with me on what I wanted and I’m very grateful for that. It’s an interesting process! And there’s a lot of support really.
J: It shows in this new disc, definitely. I have a hard question for you. We talked last year when The Cuban Guitarist was released about a car accident, that had you rethink things in your life. With this release, have there been things in your personal life, that affects your professional life?
E: Yes, it does. I have to say the accident was on February 15th, 2005. Before that, I was, well, let’s go back. I’ve been playing the guitar since I was five years old, so therefore I have performed a lot of concerts. When I reached my 30th birthday I took guitar playing for granted. I lost my focus really. God was probably looking at me and saying, “That is not what you should be doing Ernesto.” I truly believe that this accident was a wakeup call. Again, “go back to your roots. Go back to what you are here to do.” So obviously, after the accident, I thought about the cd before – the Cuban folk tunes, and I thought about some new arrangements. So I decided the Cuban Guitarist was a good choice. But in the back of my mind, I had this recital cd and project to do. Plus, the classical guitar market is already established. I mean, it’s nice to have a Cuban cd made and these arrangements, and to provide them for the repertory. My agent is working hard to book me for festivals and concerts in Europe, and this is very important for me to have: a recital cd of standard repertoire. It shows everything you do, and honestly, it is my favorite repertoire to play. As for personal changes, that accident did change me - I came out with no bruises or scratches despite the car rolling over four times – really a wakeup call. I defected from Cuba to enhance my playing and musical skills, and you get wrapped up in life and other things. Different things distract you, that’s the way it is. So I feel I’m back on track.
J: Now you teach at the PA Academy of Music in Lancaster. What do you recommend to kids who are interested in classical music and the guitar specifically? Is there a route to take, listening? Lessons? Masterclasses?
E: Well, the department is very small still at the Academy. We are working on it together to increase it and make a real program. Right now my teaching schedule is only one day a week. We have space for more students, and it’s not a full program yet. Next year, we’ll start repertory classes, group lessons, guitar orchestra and a literature class. That is my goal to have a real program there for the guitar, maybe a festival, will see.
The advice for students is to listen to recordings, and to music in general. Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart – get familiar to great music and devote yourself to your guitar. You can talk to me of course, about lessons! *Laughter* I will be happy to guide them and see where the program lads. The academy is building a new facility in Lancaster rand it will change the course of musical education in the state of Pennsylvania. I have to say you have to give credit to Michael Jamanis and Frances Veri, both wonderful musicians, who have this vision- from 14 years ago, to teach music and it began in their house, now to be in a 20 million dollar new facility! I am very proud to have had students here go on to Yale University and to the Peabody Conservatory and continue their studies in guitar.
J: Very exciting. Ernesto, thanks for stopping by today and congratulations on your new release, “Classical Persuasions”.
E: Thank you John.

FIRST PRIZE WINNER of the 1995 NGWS in New Milford, Connecticut, Ernesto Tamayo has toured extensively throughout North and South America and Europe. He is one of the most accomplished and sought-after guitarists of his generation. Ernesto is often praised for his brilliant technique, artistry, and his exceptionally warm tone and expressive interpretations on the guitar.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Ernesto began studying the guitar with his father when he was five. He made his television debut at the young age of nine. Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Classical of Mexico enabled Ernesto to come to the United States where he received a full scholarship for advanced studies at Peabody Conservatory with well-known guitarist Manuel Barrueco.
Since his arrival in the United States, Ernesto has performed in numerous concert series' and with orchestras in the United States and abroad. In September of 1999, he made his Carnegie Hall debut with a sold-out performance. Past engagements at guitar festivals include appearances at the Fourth International Guitar Festival in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the Sixth International Guitar Festival in Long Island, New York, the "Classical Guitarists of the World" concert series in Fullerton, California and the Connecticut Guitar Summer Workshop. Ernesto has also given solo recitals for the classical guitar societies of Baltimore, Miami, Reno, Cheyenne and Northern Colorado, among others.
Ernesto has recorded three albums, Ernesto Tamayo Plays Bach, Melodias Cubanas, and The Cuban Guitarist. His latest Album The Cuban Guitarist features two world premier recordings, “The Havana Suite” by Cuban guitarist and composer Aldo Rodriguez, and “Five Inspirations” composed by Ernesto himself. His fourth album is scheduled to be released in September of 2006 where he feature works by Silvious Leopold Weiss, Fernando Sor, Leo Brouwer, Isaac Albeniz, and Joaquin Rodrigo.
Ernesto is a recipient of career development grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and the Bossak/Heilbron Foundation. He is sponsored by Bacardi Foundation, Del Mar Foundation, La Bella Strings and performs with a David Daily guitar.

JOHN CLARE is a radio broadcast professional, violinist, and webmaster of ClassicallyHip.com. Winner of ASCAP's Deems Taylor Award in 2005, he is a member of Phi Beta, the American Music Center, and an ordained minister of New Music of Universal Life Church.

Gallery walkin'

Sunday brought a lovely day to be out and about. I was joined by friends to go gallery to gallery in uptown, midtown and downtown Harrisburg. Of course, we opted for plenty of food, drink and fun along the way.

Along the Susquehanna

Watching the artist

Looking out to the street

Bebe at Ceoltas

Denise and John

Kids at the State Museum

Painting is done!

Old Friends, New Sounds

Friday's excursion to Philadelphia was delightful! Yummy Thai/Malaysian food with Jennifer and caught up with her about compositions and life. Definitely check out Aqua if you're in old town Philadelphia - the staff are top notch and the food killer. Oh and its in a comfortable setting and reasonable prices to boot. It was also neat to hear about the new Piano Concerto for Lang Lang - I'm looking forward to next May and the National Philharmonic.
Saturday evening was also a meeting of friends and a world premiere. Concertante opened their tenth season (not much fanfare about being around for ten years, although the start of One plus Five IS exciting) at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center at HACC. I came early and met folks at a reception/funderariser in the rose garden - absolutely wonderful.
Many friends were about and I ended up sitting with Dick Strawser and Stuart & Marti Malina in the back row. Interestingly enough you can read Dick's and Stuart's take on the concert here and here respectively.
On the program was Boccherini, Liebermann and Elgar. I, of course, couldn't help joking about playing some drinking games with chamber music - perhaps sangria with Boccherini, taking a shot when you hear an open harmonic, open c string and all sorts of silly ideas. (Later another friend suggested "spin the viola" and "strip chamber music!") The Boccherini was light and fluffy with dazzling notes from X, the first violinist and Alexis, the first cellist -a great opener.
Lowell Liebermann's Chamber Concerto Number Two is indeed dark. You can hear the composer talk with me about the work here. [mp3 file - 3 minutes long]
It's a strong work after Bartok and Shostakovich, in three broad sections. Liebermann separates low strings (celli & viola 2) with the upper strings (solo violin, violin 2 and viola 1) to very effective use, as well as contrasts of ensemble (tremolo tutti strings and soaring legato lines for the solo violin.) The middle section is tight and taunt, with a return of the main motive and third section. The abrupt ending is somewhat of a suprise - like the rather stark piece itself. It weighs in at a mere 12 minutes, but takes the listener on quite a journey.
The program ended with the Piano Quintet by Sir Edward Elgar. It's not a great piece, nor is it a bad piece - there are reasons that it is not well known: it's just not memorable. It was well played by pianist Anton Nel and Concertante.
Afterwards the audience met the artists out in the garden again, this time with coffee and desserts. It was nice seeing and hearing Concertante at HACC, they'll be back there in May - until then, catch them next time at Whitaker Center - you'll be glad you did!

Friday and friends

Tada! It's Friday, woohoo, and the weekend is upon us! For me, that means dinner with a friend in Philadelphia, catching up on her compositions and life in general.
Tomorrow is Concertante and the world premiere of Lowell Liebermann's Chamber Concerto #2. Look for an interview with Lowell to be posted here soon. [mp3 file]
Sunday is either a Manhattan day trip to see a friend or the Harrisburg annual ArtsWalk. (Probably not both...)
Upcoming trips to the Big Apple are Wednesday to interview Libby Larsen for Composing Thoughts, then all of the following weekend to see friends, concerts and an interview with Janine Jansen.

Oh, if you haven't made it over to New Music Box from the American Music Center, do check out my article on New Music in Central PA.