30 Comments
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Thank you for introducing me to this incredible music.

Expand full comment

I’m going to take a BIG risk here. A South Korean K-Pop band called BTS do not appreciate the fact that they have achieved unprecedented global success because people (all KINDS of people) have come to adore them. Their music, whether you like it or not, has addressed overcoming self hate, depression and an inclination to end one’s own life. Their songs and unrivaled talent evoke all kinds of emotions in all kinds of people. They were invited to the White House for their stand on anti-Asian hate and have made massive contributions to organizations that protect children and young people. Their beginnings are humble and some of them have overcome tremendous hardships and in spite of that pain, they have managed to love the people who love them. “Use us to love yourself and be happy.” They tell stadiums filled with people who need to.hear it. They came from nothing and yet they remained grounded. It may not be piece you speak of which transformed you, but they accomplish that globally every day. They have transformed me from suicidal tendencies and deep depression. And I don’t even speak Korean. Still, their message brings relief to billions. And that moves me deeply.

Expand full comment

Perfectly put. "Music as a means of detecting a heart". I attended a live show of Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas in Austin the other day. Nathan said, "If the music ain't movin' ya, call the undertaker. 'Cause you dead!"

Expand full comment

Wonderful to see you saying this after your recent pre-concert comments on Messiaen. I figured if you like Mahler you'd like this too. You're right about NYC as well. Not many places in the world where there's so much talent and culture at hand.

Expand full comment

Sounds like music by Krell musicians that Dr. Morbius played for Commander Adams in “Forbidden Planet”.

Expand full comment

To each whatever moves us. Discord doesn’t do it for me, even though it may be harmony for another. Bach could be good, but just can’t stop to take a breath. Being older by a bit more than Mr. Keillor, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” is more to my liking and the velvet fog makes me like it. But all in all, to each their own. Extol it as you will, but don’t expect others to applaud with palms that redden like yours. New Orleans Jazz did it for me and so did those pianists at the Savoy when we came for the NY Open. The music differed of course. One jumpstarted me and the other slowed my RPM’s. What a world! And then there’s a NY violinist who wanders alone in Manhattan. Names I’ve forgotten, but the music is not. And you still have your own. Amen!

Expand full comment
founding

And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

Expand full comment

I am grateful every day that I’ve had the privilege of being a musician these last 65 years. Even though the beauty I’ve been able to create is not extraordinary. And the phone is ringing less and less all the time. But yesterday I did get a call. And a gig. Joy of joys. My heart can keep beating.

Expand full comment
Mar 25, 2023·edited Mar 25, 2023

I read the articles in the NYT about that concert you attended and was intrigued by it. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope a recording of it will show up somewhere in the media soon. I have been a fan of Jean-Yves for years and have seen him perform several times at Tanglewood, including twice from the center of Row B in the Shed, only about 6-8 feet away from the piano. (I have pictures.) It's always fun to see what he is wearing! About 10 years ago we went to a recital he gave in Jordan Hall in Boston and I brought one of his CDs in case he was giving autographs. He was, and we were last in line and were able to talk to him for quite a while. He was very friendly and nice and seemed to appreciate that we stayed late to see him even though we live 50 miles to the south.

My husband and I enjoy most types of orchestral, choral, chamber and operatic music, from pre-Baroque to contemporary. We had a real treat today – we went to a BSO concert* and saw Danielle De Niese perform live for the first time and saw Thomas Adès conduct some of his own music. If anyone reading this is interested, the same concert will be broadcast live Sat. night (March 25) at 8 on www.classicalwcrb.org. I use a HDMI cable to connect my computer to a surround-sound receiver with 11 speakers – very effective.

*Thomas Adès conducts Adès (Inferno Suite and Paradiso Suite from "Dante") and and Stravinsky (Perséphone) with Danielle de Niese, narrator, Edgaras Montvidas, tenor and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, James Burton, conductor

Expand full comment

I discovered my favorite piece of his music during the 1980's, with the Quartet for the End of Time. Apocalyptic & mesmerizing, & a c.d. still in my library. He composed the piece while a prisoner of war, as I recall.

Expand full comment

The part about Taylor Swift was sooo funny and on point. Another fabulous column. Thank you!

Expand full comment

I’m not particularly a Taylor Swift fan, but why the vitriol? How does her touchy-freely approach harm anyone? “Elvis was Elvis”? Indeed. And how did he wind up? Alone, morbidly obese, and dead on the toilet from an overdose at age 42. I think Ms. Swift’s way of handling fame sounds a lot healthier.

Expand full comment

Noisey restaurants... where's the fun in shouting to converse? Does anyone remember when it was considered normal and polite to lower your voice so that the restaurant remained a quiet, peaceful repose? Mother said, "When you stir your tea, no one should hear the spoon touching the side of your teacup. It should be silent." It reminds me of that Star Trek episode on that overcrowded planet that was wall-to-wall people watching your every move. If I had my druthers, I'd be picnicking on a flowered quilt, breathing in the country-sweet fresh air. Maybe some honeysuckle. Afterwards, I would crawl around the ground until I found something with which to pull myself up to a standing position. I can still get down but getting back up...

Expand full comment

Thank you, Jeanine! That's two of us harmonizing!

Expand full comment

Thanks for your defining Taylor Swift. “Taylor Swift, the middle-aged 14-year-old. . .” is perfect.

Expand full comment