Oops, blizzard fingers! I guess the fact that in the entire history of show business no one has ever talked like her is what makes her special. But thousands of really happy folks gathered together gets my vote, whether or not I 'get it.' You do your Manhattan thing, Garrison, and others will do theirs. 14-yr-olds -- even if they're 30 -- and 80-yr-olds are all precious and worthy of love.
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.
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!"
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.
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!
Ah, yes, how could I forget the violinist's name, Joshua Bell! He plalyed with the St. Paul MN Chamber Orchestra for several years. Now he plays in NYC and remiains largely unknown there, the most recent event was his performance in the subway. He was recognized by no one there, not even listened to whilst he played on and on. Not a coin or bill at this feet, as reported. .
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
To the best of my knowledge I have never heard a song by or from Taylor Swift and yet I know she is everywhere all the time. Most contemporary music and "music" that I do happen to hear sounds very similar and not memorable. Are there large numbers of people who can sing the songs of, say, Taylor Swift the way that most people could sing, say, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" or "Money for Nothin'" or "Jumpin' Jack Flash" or "Summertime" or "Yellow Submarine" or "House of the Rising Sun" or..... etc. etc.
Same question for contemporary Broadway musicals....
Yes, I was aware as you surmise. However, you make my point: even very old songs, and new ones as well, are memorable and remembered if they grab us in some way(s) that embed themselves in our memories. There are apparently millions of young girls who feel that Taylor Swift speaks to them or for them or some other artery she travels to their state of being, while she's making regular trips to the bank. Meanwhile, great talented artists struggle. It has been ever thus, I reckon. The Oscars "In Memoriam" gave a nanosecond to Angela Lansbury but lingered on Raquel Welch.
To your other point, one that attempted to be more of a personal insult (to associate someone with "old" is to some people supposed to be an insult; it is America, after all, where contempt and hatred for "old" is a sociopolitical bit of dogma) and historical views of The Beatles - or Elvis or you name it - I take your point. I would equate Taylor Swift with other kinds of performers though, maybe the old song "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want" - it is her "party" and she does "cry" a lot, in public, for $$$. Yeah, I read reviews and nothing I've read or seen has caused me to want to listen to her any further. There seems to be nothing original about her except for brilliant marketing and PR.
BUT I admit to happy ignorance about her songs or singing beyond unavoidable snippets.
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...
Oops, blizzard fingers! I guess the fact that in the entire history of show business no one has ever talked like her is what makes her special. But thousands of really happy folks gathered together gets my vote, whether or not I 'get it.' You do your Manhattan thing, Garrison, and others will do theirs. 14-yr-olds -- even if they're 30 -- and 80-yr-olds are all precious and worthy of love.
Thank you for introducing me to this incredible music.
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.
That’s more than enough! Music speaks what tongues cannot. And being moved is often a needed remedy for wellness. Thank you!
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!"
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.
Sounds like music by Krell musicians that Dr. Morbius played for Commander Adams in “Forbidden Planet”.
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!
Ah, yes, how could I forget the violinist's name, Joshua Bell! He plalyed with the St. Paul MN Chamber Orchestra for several years. Now he plays in NYC and remiains largely unknown there, the most recent event was his performance in the subway. He was recognized by no one there, not even listened to whilst he played on and on. Not a coin or bill at this feet, as reported. .
Joshua Bell was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana and had an interesting background en route to becoming the world-famous violinist you noted.
Thanks, Annie. Genius can be found most anywhere. Even in a subway.
https://www.classicfm.com/artists/joshua-bell/violin-busking-washington-subway/
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.
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.
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
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.
The part about Taylor Swift was sooo funny and on point. Another fabulous column. Thank you!
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.
To the best of my knowledge I have never heard a song by or from Taylor Swift and yet I know she is everywhere all the time. Most contemporary music and "music" that I do happen to hear sounds very similar and not memorable. Are there large numbers of people who can sing the songs of, say, Taylor Swift the way that most people could sing, say, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" or "Money for Nothin'" or "Jumpin' Jack Flash" or "Summertime" or "Yellow Submarine" or "House of the Rising Sun" or..... etc. etc.
Same question for contemporary Broadway musicals....
Short answer: lots of people (mostly younger than me) know her songs. I assume you are aware that all the songs you cite are between 40 and 83 old. You kinda sound like this guy, from 49 years ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/10yc8sq/terrible_review_of_the_beatles_when_they_first/
Yes, I was aware as you surmise. However, you make my point: even very old songs, and new ones as well, are memorable and remembered if they grab us in some way(s) that embed themselves in our memories. There are apparently millions of young girls who feel that Taylor Swift speaks to them or for them or some other artery she travels to their state of being, while she's making regular trips to the bank. Meanwhile, great talented artists struggle. It has been ever thus, I reckon. The Oscars "In Memoriam" gave a nanosecond to Angela Lansbury but lingered on Raquel Welch.
To your other point, one that attempted to be more of a personal insult (to associate someone with "old" is to some people supposed to be an insult; it is America, after all, where contempt and hatred for "old" is a sociopolitical bit of dogma) and historical views of The Beatles - or Elvis or you name it - I take your point. I would equate Taylor Swift with other kinds of performers though, maybe the old song "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want" - it is her "party" and she does "cry" a lot, in public, for $$$. Yeah, I read reviews and nothing I've read or seen has caused me to want to listen to her any further. There seems to be nothing original about her except for brilliant marketing and PR.
BUT I admit to happy ignorance about her songs or singing beyond unavoidable snippets.
I apologize for the duplicate. Unruly fingers! I don't see a way to delete, but I wish I could.
Absolutely no insult intended. I have no idea how old you are, but I suspect you are younger than me.
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...
Thank you, Jeanine! That's two of us harmonizing!
Thanks for your defining Taylor Swift. “Taylor Swift, the middle-aged 14-year-old. . .” is perfect.