A lovely article by David Dubal about the power and joy of playing the piano: http://www.newcriterion.com/articles.cfm/Let-s-tickle-the-ivories-7274. Some of my favorite quotes: When you commune with Bach or Schubert, you can reach the heights of Mount Parnassus, where the atmosphere is rarified. Playing the piano should be an act without material value. The piano won’t […]
Also tagged writingI just read The Song is You, by Arthur Phillips. Usually I only write here about books concerning pianos and pianists, but this novel about music and art and passion is so good I wanted to make note. The story focuses on Julian, a young middle-aged director of commercials who loves his iPod, and Cait, a […]
Also tagged books, performersHere’s a charming piece in the New York Times about the authenticity of the snips of Beethoven scores that Charles Schultz drew to illustrate Schroeder scenes in “Peanuts”. There were a “soundtrack” to the strip. Fun example: a strip showing Schroeder doing strength and stamina training before going to practice…the Hammerklavier.
Also tagged books, fun, writingLang Lang has as many critics as fans it seems: he is too showy, his technique outstrips his musicianship, etc. The thing I find most wonderful about him, and that all artists can celebrate, is the boundless fun he has and how comfortable he is expressing his feelings. Perhaps this particularly appeals to me because […]
Also tagged fun, online, performers, videoOn 20 Jan 08 I attended a startling — in a wonderful way — concert. Yuja Wang gave a piano recital in magnificent Hill Auditorium. Only 20 years old, Wang has been on a very successful world tour for the past two years, after studying with Gary Graffman at the Curtis Institute. Last year she […]
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