Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Who wears that Tuxedo better? Vladimir Horowitz or Leonard Bernstein

The Horowitz "style" is what I think of in terms of a piano virtuoso. The urgency of Chopin came through when I gave it close attention. It gave me pause to hear the applause of a live audience. The studio recording is what I have become accustomed to and it caught me off guard.

I think I will look for more live performance recordings with some historical significance. Any suggestions are most welcome.

Also, I loved this New York Times article about the Omnibus TV performances of Leonard Bernstein. Anyone have a copy for me? Are these available to view online anywhere?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Roadtrip - Playlist and invitation for suggestions?


I have an 8 hour road trip today to go meet my nephew! I think we will start with:

Vladimir Horowitz Plays Chopin

Then I am thinking Beethoven Piano Concertos and Sonatas


Any other suggestions from the peanut gallery of classical music to drive to?

Monday, February 8, 2010

I Only Have Eyes For You


We were driving home on Saturday night from Montclair, NJ, from a show that our friend Danny had curated, and turned on the radio. WNYC's New Sounds with John Schaefer was on, and the theme was The Flamingo's 1959 hit I Only Have Eyes For You, actually written in 1934 by Al Dublin and Harry Warren for the Busby Berkeley movie Dames. I have always loved the Flamingo's dissonant, narcotic version, so it was a pleasure to hear alternate takes of this creepy song by Phil Kline, Lester Bowie and Coleman Hawkins among others. I recommend the podcast.

Cross-posted to A Jeremiad.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Fred Hersch














 This article in the NY Times Sunday Magazine about Fred Hersch was phenomenal. I highly recommend the article and the music.