…Who needs an aerobic DVD? The clip title is roughly “Maraca Driven Crazy”, but I don’t think that’s the only thing coming unhinged here. Though this was posted around a year ago, I can’t help feeling that somewhere in Italy they’re still running through this phrase, over and over… (The piece rehearsed is Reich, but I’m not sure which piece; help, anyone?) Thanks to my wonderful cellist pal Francesco Dillon for the tip to the clip. [youtube]zejCcymd1Io[/youtube]
Read moreSpeaking of Rzewski (and aren’t we always), he’ll be at Zankel Hall on Thursday night when the Opus 21 Ensemble presents an all-Fred birthday bash, highlighted by the world premiere of Natural Things, a major new work written specifically for Opus 21, co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall, the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, and Opus 21 (with support from the Chamber Music America Commissioning Program). Also on the program are Spots (1986), War Songs (2007-08) – NY Premiere, Attica (1972) and a two-piano performance of Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues (1980) with Stephen Drury manning the other piano. Festivities begin at 7:30; the
Read moreI saw him play three times–twice with Herman and once at some dreary little club downtown whose name I’ve forgotten in front of an audience of me, a friend and the bartender. It didn’t seem to bother him much; he played like he was in front of a full house at Carnegie Hall. Giuffre played sweet tenor, great clarinet, and, of course, he wrote one of the all-time big-band masterpieces–Four Brothers. Doug Ramsey has a splendid writeup and a link to the unusual video below which proves conclusively, one mo’ time, that Giuffre will live on forever everywhere musicians get together for the purpose of swing. [youtube]YsXyKV8ElkM[/youtube]
Read moreSequenza21 blogger Charles Griffin is having the World Premiere of his Concerto for Chamber Orchestra on May 3 by the Westchester Chamber Orchestra. The concert is scheduled to begin at 8 pm at Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium in the Murphy Science Building, corner of Summit and North Avenues, on the campus of Iona College in New Rochelle. There is a short conversation between the composer and WCO Artistic Director Barry Hoffman here. In another part of the forest, Aguavá New Music Studio, run by our amigos conductor Carmen-Helena Téllez, composer Cary Boyce and flutist/producer Alain Barker, are staging a concert called Of
Read more[youtube]ZViZUoJwH-w[/youtube] Not really a religious piece but makes even a good atheist like me tear up. The Protecting Veil is Tavener’s masterpiece but as short pieces go, this one is special. Who has recommendations for other Orthodox Easter listening?
Read moreWilfrido Terrazas, phenomenal flautist and busy-busy beaver in the Mexican new-music scene, just passed along notice about a fantastic series of concerts coming up the start of next month in NYC. 3G: Tres Generaciones Music Festival May 2–7 The International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) hosts a celebration of composer Julio Estrada and three generations of New Music from Mexico. This May 2–7, ICE invites New Yorkers to partake in a trailblazing cultural exchange when it hosts this six-day celebration of avant-garde music from Mexico. The Festival will showcase the work of three generations of Mexican composers: esteemed musical pioneer Julio Estrada; the second
Read moreNo longer so newlywed Molly Sheridan has a new baby…well, actually, it’s a blog, but it’s almost the same thing. Check it out.
Read moreMarvin Rosen has a very special program coming up this Wednesday on his always brilliant radio program. John Psathas, one of New Zealand’s leading composers, will join Marvin live in the WPRB studio on April 23, 2008, from 8:30 am ET until 11:00 am ET during a special extended edition of Classical Discoveries. The entire five hour program starting at 6:00 am ET is titled: “In The Land Of Kiwi” will be totally devoted to music from New Zealand. The program can be listened to on line at www.wprb.com Quick, without looking it up, name 5 New Zealand composers. Here’s a video of
Read moreToday is National Record Store Day. Music sellers throughout the country are celebrating in a variety of ways, from special sales and promotions to instore performances. Given the challenges that have faced “brick and mortar” record stores in recent years – internet retailers, digital downloading, and plummeting CD sales among them – I’m glad there’s a day to celebrate with the people who’ve helped me find many musical treasures. To find out if your local retailer is participating, visit www.recordstoreday.com.
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