Lembit Beecher at Copland House (photo credit Karen Ouzounian)
A Year to the Day is a new song cycle, with lyrics and concept by Mark Campbell, composed by Lembit Beecher for tenor Nicholas Phan, violinist Augustin Hadelich, cellist Karen Ouzounian and pianist Orion Weiss. This is an exquisite work, and the performance of the musicians, both singly and in ensemble, are brilliant. But don’t take my word for it: listen!
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I’ve been sorting through stacks of postcards, looking for ones that might suggest a starting point for a collage. One I kept coming back to contained an image of an illustrated manuscript folio entitled “The Concourse of the Birds.” Continue reading
As you can see from the date of the visit, I’m more than a little behind in posting these . . . Continue reading
The musicians of Contemporaneous
Each year I realize yet again how impossible it is to choose among the highlights, let alone write about them with any intelligence. This year is likely to be the last time I make the attempt. Every musical experience is illuminating, above all live performances, but also, particularly with ongoing advances in camerawork and technology, watching and listening online. I’m grateful, too, for the opportunity to be part of communities who love classical music of all stripes and who are generous in sharing their own responses and knowledge. I’ve learned a great deal from so many, and I only hope I’ve been able to give something of value back. Continue reading
Contemporaneous “Living Toys” Concert at Roulette (David Bloom conducting)
I’ve had a particularly memorable “year in music” this year. While I’ve listed a “Prufrock’s Dozen” of CDs, this year-end post isn’t a “best of” list in the usual sense, but rather an opportunity to gather together the “best of” my musical experiences throughout the year. The post is divided into three sections: A “Prufrock’s Dozen” of CDs, Live Performances, and Other Significant Music-Related Activities. Continue reading
Prufrock's Dilemma 