Thursday

We've been a little quiet around here lately, mainly because this Thursday is the 09/10 season launch, and we're all frantically getting ready for one of our biggest days of the year! (Come see the fruits of our labour on Thursday at noon, at the Winspear.)

So don't worry - we're still here, and we'll be posting more very soon. By the way, if you are interested in blogging or tweeting (twittering?) an ESO performance on Sunday, April 5 or Thursday, April 16, send us an email: esoblognight@winspearcentre.com.

Thursday

I'm not much of a musician...

nor can i really type. which explains so much...

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16767-music-lessons-provide-a-workout-for-the-brain.html

this article helps confirm what those of us in the classical, and music industry in general, have been saying about the need for early music education in the classroom.

having missed the boat (apparently) on musical proficiency and dexterity, i think i'll stick to this:

I'm not much of a musician...

4 Famous Notes - worth hearing again!

If you missed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony a few weeks ago, you have another chance to hear those 4 famous notes at the ESO's Free Concert and Season Launch on April 2 at 12 noon. Possibly the most famous piece of classical music ever written, it even inspired some classic comedy back in the '50's. And maybe you saw the homage on the Simpsons - although the 4 notes are made by a screaming Homer as Bart turns on hot and cold faucets in the kitchen. I enjoyed this video tremendously, but there's nothing like the real thing - so plan to be at the Winspear for our free lunch hour concert on April 2. And here's an insider's scoop - the Beethoven's fifth (first movement) is the first piece on the program, so come a bit early if you can!



Click here for more details!

4 Famous Notes - worth hearing again!

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

It being that day, I thought I'd mention the Irish composer John Field. Did you know that he invented the Nocturne? That he's buried in the Kremlin?

He sounds like quite the card, judging from this excerpt from his wikipedia entry:

Because Field's faith was unclear -- his parents were nominally Protestant, but he had had a Catholic wedding -- there is a legend that when he was questioned on his deathbed by a priest his friends had procured about which religion he practiced, he said, "I am a pianist" (Je suis claveciste).

Read all about him here.

Incidently, next season Bill Eddins is conducting a "Celtic Kaleidoscope" as part of the Robbins Lighter Classics series, including a John Field Suite - oops, was that a sneak peek? (We announce our 09/10 season at a free noon-hour concert at the Winspear on April 2, 2009 - be there!)

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Sunday came and trashed me out again

If you were at this past Sunday's concert, you'll know that it was a bit unusual. If you can imagine the beginning of Beethoven's 5th:

da da da daaaaaaaah ...

da da da daaaaaaaah ...

*smash*

The smash being the unintended addition of breaking glass from the first balcony.  To read what happened next, I'm going to point you over to Liz Withey's blog.

I was thinking that perhaps we could invite the patron back for our Music of Billy Joel show on Wednesday, and we could recreate the opening of the Glass Houses album.  You may be wrong but you may be right.

Sunday came and trashed me out again

Any chance to say Sackbut and Superbone

Everything you wanted to know about slide (slided? sliding?) instruments is covered in this article from mental_floss.

Which reminds of a joke.  

Q. How does a trombonist play "One Note Samba"?

A.

Any chance to say Sackbut and Superbone

Testing....

I was invited to join the blogging community by Philharmonic a couple of months ago, but it took until today for me to make my first post. I hope this works....

Someone sent me this youtube link yesterday featuring Bill Eddins, Joshua Bell and the New York Phil in Central Park. It strikes me how magnificent a setting Central Park is, set against the backdrop of the New York City skyline.

Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNMNy5CgDzM

Testing....

Singer Fail

Via failblog.org, here's a musical fail:

I like how the pianist confidently keeps going.  I'm also reminded of the classic Mr Bean church sketch:

Alleluia!

Singer Fail