David Griggs-Janower tells of a special experience at the Philadelphia ACDA: Lisa, who is tall and thin and beautiful, has long and incredibly graceful arms that she uses to wonderful musical effect. While she doesn’t eschew the conducting patterns that we use as shorthand to communicate beats, she is not hampered by them, and when […]
Others
The Drone
I’m using the chant “Spiritus domini” against a drone to open my ACDA performance in Memphis, TN. I’ve always wanted to do it and the chant sets up my second piece with a seamsess transition. (the entire program is here, if you are interested) I found this little essay about drones today (scroll down for […]
Singing with Accents
I was listening to an absolutely excellent interview with Veronica Lee of the UK’s Guardian on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio show “Q”, with host Jian Ghomeshi. (The podcast for this interview is available here – search for the 2010-02-09 episode “Julie Powell” – Veronica Lee was the first interview on the program – […]
Stillness – yeah – i need it
From Zen Habits – a way to still yourself as the semester begins to get crazy: 1. Start your day in stillness. Whether it’s sitting with a cup of coffee as the world awakes, or sitting on a pillow and focusing on your breath, stillness is a powerful way to start your day. It sets […]
Happy Valentines Day: There Goes My Heart Again
The Real Group:
Eric Whitacre talks about Lux and When David Heard
Suite 101 interviews Eric Whitacre . . . and I discover the interesting story behind “Lux Aurumque” and the heartwrenching facts surrounding “When David Heard.” A preview: . . . . he said he wanted to commission a piece from me in memory of his father, who had just passed away. He wrote […]