This is the central question I have pondered my entire life. It is (in my opinion) the central theme behind all theology, science and physics as well. Brevity and concision (my main two rules of musical construction) also derive from my drilling down on this essential and existential question. I am certain that my life’s vocation as a musician and […]
I have stated previously that Maurice Ravel is my favorite composer. On March 7 of this year it will be 151 years since his birth. Ravel was born in 1875 and passed in 1937. In my opinion Ravel was the “Mozart” of the early 20th century. For those who have not sampled Ravel’s music I would suggest “Valses nobles et
Maurice Ravel (151 years) Read More »
Russian composer and pianist Sergei Prokofiev is one of my favorite musicians of all time. The first music of his I heard (many years ago in my teens) was the Third Piano Concerto. I immediately loved this work. Most of his music really connects with me especially his piano driven music. It must be my Slavic blood that gets stirred
Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) Read More »
Bulgarian pianist Alexis Weissenberg is one of my favorite pianists of all time. His readings of Rachmaninoff, in particular the “Preludes”, are fantastic. Also check out the 1965 film recording of Stravinsky’s “Three Movements from Petrushka” (directed by Ake Falck). It is stunning and available for viewing on You Tube. It is a great performance and interesting film.
Alexis Weissenberg (1929-2012) Read More »
Mr. Turner By far the best film I have seen in years is the 2014 British film Mr. Turner. Character actor Timothy Spall is spectacular in the title role of British painter J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Turner was, in many ways, a revolutionary artist. Of course he was an eccentric and an irascible but lovable character much like Beethoven, who was
As much as musicians like Django, Monk, Joe Pass and Ravel have influenced my music, it may surprise some that Chopin has also been influential. At first, when I was quite young, the attraction to Chopin was only due to the fact that he was Polish and I too have that heritage. In fact, it was a language my grandparents
Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) Read More »