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 »
I was busy whispering a detailed explanation of Schopenhauer’s Philosophy of the “Will” into the eager ear of a young lady in the backseat of my 56′ Ford when it happened. Believe me, it took quite a jolt to disengage my attention at that exact moment. After all, I was only 18 years old and my red corpuscles were pounding
Django Reinhardt (first encounter) Read More »
I have been listening a lot to Paul Desmond (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld; November 25, 1924 – May 30, 1977) again lately. I have always admired his skill and phrasing as an improvisor. Guitarist Jim Hall said that he could improvise melodies that were better than the tune he was playing on and I think that is true. He also
Heinrich Neuhaus (1888-1964) is a legendary pianist and pedagogue in Russia. Living under Stalin in many ways limited his reputation in the West. He even spent time in prison during World War Two for the crime of having a Germanic last name even though he was a born Russian citizen. The documentary called “Master Heinrich” tells his story. His son
Heinrich and Stanislav Neuhaus Read More »
Since the age of ten I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to some sort of creative work. Unlike the rest of my clan I was ill-suited to work in the “trades.” I have the mechanical skills of a turtle and even less aptitude for that kind of problem solving. My first creative ambition was inspired by the