Jeremy Denk is a terrific writer, the best I’ve read among contemporary serious pianists. His blog, Think Denk, is erudite and funny, passionate and inspired. He recently published an article in The New Yorker. In it he recounts his experience making a professional recording of Charles Ives’s Concord sonata, with reflections on the frustrations, opportunities […]
Also tagged blogs, performance, performersA 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 inspirationHere’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, inspirationJeremy Denk is a terrific pianist, known to many (including me) through his tours with Joshua Bell. Turns out he is also a terrific writer. His blog is textured, dense, adventuresome (like the music of Brahms he rhapsodizes). And he is a humorist: his “interview with Sarah Palin” about the Hammerklavier is to die for.
Also tagged blogs, performers