I was so pleased to read an article by Norman Lebrecht reporting the new look Barbican Centre, which apparently has a much improved concert hall and theatre, as well as a more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment. Thanks to a Wikipedia article, I’ve discovered that the original architectural style is known as Brutalist (very apt)! …
It’s been a long time since I added a blog entry- the main reason is that I’m experiencing a lot of inflammation in my arms which makes it hard to type (recurrence of an old condition). We’re also on the edge of an enormous fire in the Sespe wilderness (see my husband’s blog for details). …
I heard a fascinating feature on National Public Radio this afternoon about the discovery of some jewelry made from shells, which dates back some 90,000 years. This led to a discussion on what is apparently known as “The Creative Explosion”- the period when humans first began to produce art in abundance. This art has mainly …
I’m getting more and more of my news online these days and really enjoying the stimulation of being able to read the New York Times, L.A. Times, London Times, BBC headlines and Arts Journal daily. I just signed up last week to receive the London Times (known simply as The Times where I’m from) with …
This week I came across several very passionate discussions of the same topic- and one which rarely hits the headlines- the role of the piano accompanist. In a programme on BBC Radio 4 last week (sadly not archived) entitled “Am I too Soft?”, Susan Tomes, a highly successful British ensemble pianist, bemoaned the standard treatment …
Controversy Over the Role of the Piano Accompanist Read More »
This evening I experienced a different aspect of what it means to be free to create. My husband and I have recently decided to put one evening a week aside for creative pursuits- whether individual or joint- and tonight was the night. I always look forward to these evenings, as I feel I have permission …
On January 24th, our first child, James, was born. He only lived three days. It’s hard to put into words what this has meant to me. For a beautiful tribute to him, please visit my husband’s site www.peakepro.com if you are so inclined.
A professor from one of London’s top music colleges contacted me the other day. This person had been considerably affected by Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and was wondering how to get in touch with other musicians similarly affected. I often receive emails from musicians with RSI as I wrote a dissertation on the subject. What …
I have a secret that I never told anyone, growing up as a classical musician- I hated Beethoven! My rather formal and strict piano teacher had very precise ideas about what constituted great music and Beethoven was her ne plus ultra. I therefore imagined that I had some dreadful flaw which no one must ever …
Last weekend Robert and I drove from L.A. to San Francisco with one specific aim in mind- to hear Martha Argerich in concert at Symphony Hall. The last time I heard her was in London at least five years ago, and I could feel something had been missing from my life.