Part I: Critical First Steps Why is self-planning both rewarding and difficult for musicians?- During most of my career I have had many opportunities to perform solos and chamber music outside my regular playing position. Usually, I was invited to…
The Daily Northwestern – Chamber music to be synchronized to Adler Planetarium. Now this I would really pay to see. Messiaen’s music is a great choice to convey the mystery of the stars. (If anyone goes, please tell me how…
In an ongoing discussion whether classical music should encourage the more “communal” feeling and culture achieved by pop, which started on this post, Marc suggests: Although I still go to classical concerts (usually the rehearsal the day of the concert…
From elsewhere in the classical music blog world comes these thoughts: Interchanging Idioms: The Sound Grapes make when they’re Sour. People say pop music won’t last, but we still remember “Blue Swede Shoes”, “Tuxedo Junction” and “The Entertainer” which are…
The Associated Press: Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras dies at 84. I had the enviable opportunity to work as a soloist with Sir Charles in 1990. He guest conducted the Columbus Symphony during the week I had been engaged to play…
David Garrett’s goal: Pull rock fans into the classical world – USATODAY.com. This guy is a pretty darn good violinist. And some of the arrangements are kind of fun, reminding me of Wendy Carlos’ Switched on Bach, playful, even silly,…