More Fascinating Folk Music: Sutartinės of Lithuania
Posted on Oct 20, 2009
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Filed under: Folk Music, Lithuania, Steve Reich, Stravinsky, Sutartines
Well, now I have Lithuania to add to the list of countries whose folk music to be obsessed with. In a discussion with my teaching colleague Arkadi Serper about what folk music traditions might have influenced Stravinsky’s ear in his youth, I brought up the amazing vocal music of the Caucasus region, particularly Georgian table songs. Arkadi agreed, and...
Read MoreSeán Deibler, 1947-2009
Posted on Oct 12, 2009
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Filed under: Friends, Kodály, Magyar Vonatkozású, Philadelphia, Seán Deibler, Teachers
My college teacher, mentor and great friend ever since then, Seán Deibler passed away on August 19th. Most of what is important enough to me to write about on this blog can, in one way or another, be traced back to my 24-year association with him. He was a conductor, a singer, a clarinetist, a composer, a teacher, a motivational speaker, a clown, a...
Read MoreJust a Miscellaneous Update
Posted on Oct 9, 2009
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Filed under: Current Work, Friends, Kodály, Magyar Vonatkozású, Solfège, Teachers, Teaching
Well, I’ve let this blog languish for so long, I’m not sure I can resuscitate it. In the past I’ve come out of such lulls by throwing together bullet lists of little catch-up items. So, let’s try that… Composing I haven’t done much composing since my string quartet work City Walks was premiered in May, but I’m now...
Read MoreThe Magik of Orchestral Indie Rock
Posted on Aug 6, 2009
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Filed under: indie rock, magik*magik, Popular Music, Video
There’s nothing new about the use of orchestral instruments in rock music, but this is particularly lovely. Founded last year, the Magik*Magik Orchestra‘s elegantly stated mission is to “simplify the collaborative process between independent rock musicians and classical artists.” Here they join indie rock artist John Vanderslice in a...
Read MoreJohn Corigliano Web Site Launched
Posted on Jun 16, 2009
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Filed under: Friends, John Corigliano
Composer John Corigliano has just launched a strikingly beautiful new web site. Check it out of course for it’s complete information on performances and recordings, etc., but stick around for the pictures from his amazing art collection.
Read MoreConrad Susa on "The Blue Hour"
Posted on May 31, 2009
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Filed under: Conrad Susa, Interview, Teachers, Video
I’m thrilled to have just stumbled across this picture montage and interview excerpt of my former S.F. Conservatory composition teacher Conrad Susa discussing his beautiful orchestral work The Blue Hour. It was prepared by music journalist and long-time Conservatory faculty member Scott Foglesong for this article about a concert of music by Conrad and...
Read MoreVideo: "American Standard" for Clarinet and Piano
Posted on May 21, 2009
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Filed under: American Standard, Clarinet, Performance, Video
American Standard was premiered in Shrewsbury, England in 1993, but the U.S. premiere was given the following year as part of the New Music Delaware Festival at the University of Delaware. Last week pianist Julie Nishimura, who participated in that 1994 performance, gave me the honor of including the piece in a concert celebrating her 20 years as faculty...
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