Mostly Music
quarta-feira, maio 29
This poem is for Meg, who wrote a really nice comment about Mostly Music in Cora's Blog... Thanks a million for the kind words, dear Meg!
I am the Wind
I AM the wind that wavers,
You are the certain land;
I am the shadow that passes
Over the sand.
I am the leaf that quivers,
You, the unshaken tree;
You are the stars that are steadfast,
I am the sea.
You are the light eternal--
Like a torch I shall die.
You are the surge of deep music,
I but a cry!
Zoë Atkins
(1886 - ? )
terça-feira, maio 28
What a serious flutist does in her spare time
This weekend was shopping-folly weekend. So nice! I had 3 clear objectives in mind, when I left home for the hunt:
1- A key holder. Not for my keys, really, but to hang my wrist-watches on. I have a few watches, colorful and fun. But I always end up using the one on my dresser, because I just never know where the other ones are, or they are too hidden, far away, in my drawer. OK, you men, wipe that sarcastic smile from your faces. Any woman will know what I am talking about.
2- A glass "hat" for my side table abat-jour, which broke months ago.
3- A dispenser for scotch-tape.
As a result of the hunt, I brought home the best of spoils. Yes, I did buy the "hat" for the lamp, and the tape-dispenser (small and red, of course). But I also bought some delicious knick-knacks: a fabulous old mirror for my bedroom; a wooden tray for my ceramic fruits; a delicate Orrefors vase, etched with flowers;
and last but not least, a hand painted... ostrich egg! The appex of trinkets, the "cum-laude" of decorative objects, the platonic idea of a "thing" serving no purpose whatsoever. Pure glory! It depicts the sunset in an African plain, red skies, the silhouette of giraffes and elefants in the forefront. Beautiful!
Ah, I also bought a nice, old fashioned skirt (very hippie looking) in my favorite teenage store, Cantão.
As to the key-holder, I could find none that I really liked. So I stole the one in my mother's living room.
A delightful weekend!
Sometimes critics are sooo mean
This CD is not bad.
Heavens, what a terrible opening line! Let me try again: this CD is not devoid of qualities. Not much better, is it? But I am just trying to be honest, without being unfair.
Well, maybe I should start by saying that if my criticism sounds too harsh, it is probably because Ms. Ross faces extremely tough competition.
Her playing is correct, technically clean, with satisfactory intonation. Her sound is quite beautiful. So what is wrong, then?
From the very first track one is struck by an almost stifling stillness. Not the stillness born of the missed heartbeat, of suspended breathing, of the fear of breaking the magic. No, it is rather a lack of impulse, a regularity of rhythm and inflection that weights the music down. Part of this feeling is due to the unchanging articulations (very polite, with no rough edges) and overall even dynamics. This homogeneity of sound ends up by blurring the distinction between ornament and structure, transforming long-winded phrases into fragmented sequences of notes. But the problem goes beyond that. The squareness somehow spills over to the emotional scope of the interpretations. There is no amplitude of gesture here, no daring or drama.
The Largo of BWV 1017, for example, one of Bach’s most heart wrenching moments, goes by at a brisk pace, almost allegro. A fitting background music for a day in the shopping center. The harpsichord accompaniment does not help dispel the impression; it is equally non-plussed and well behaved, with little depth of perspective. One misses the solemn approach of S. Kuijken (notwithstanding Gustav Leonhardt’s metallic-sounding harpsichord), the vital energy of Rachel Podger (reviewed in Fanfare, n.5, pg.136), or even the almost sentimental phrasing of Emlyn Ngai (reviewed in Fanfare, n.).
Some may consider the constant legato, the lack of forward drive and dynamic contrast, the emotional restraint a quality, a sign of serenity, control and balance. To me, it is deeply disturbing. If there is one field of art where Mies van der Rohe motto “Less is more” does not apply, it must be that of music performance. As in the present recording, unfortunately, less is less.
BACH Violin sonatas: in E, BWV 1016; in F, BWV 1022 (arr. Unknown); in c, BWV 1017; in g, BWV 1020 (also attributed to C. P. E. Bach); in A, BWV 1015. Jacqueline Ross (vn); David Ponsford (hpd). ASV 228 (70:12)
Fanfare, March/April 2002
sábado, maio 18
MOVIE TIME
While Tom was seeing Star Wars in Princeton, here in Rio we went to see Le Placard (The Closet) with Daniel Auteuil and Gerard Depardieu. A fabulous little film, with a witty script, marvelous acting, and a first-rate director. Very funny, but still makes one think. I also love the fact that the actors are all normal people, just like you and me. No Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Sharon Stone...Ah, and the final touch (for Cora): two of the cutest cats ever depicted on screen.
segunda-feira, maio 6
SO SORRY!!!!!
I haven't posted in a while. That's because this is the end of a semester here (crazy, isn't it?) . So I have tons of students to evaluate, and classes to attend, and papers to write (for my doctorate) and miles to go before I sleep...
This week I have not been able to practice, even though I have a recital in 2 weeks.
I have not been able to read, even though I have a brand new book waiting for me next to my bed.
I have not been able to be with my daughters, even though Jú's 15th birthday is approaching and she needs my help to plan a big party.
I have not been able to write a single e-mail to my dear friend Elizete, even though her father died yesterday.
I have not been able to call my mother on the phone, even though she is my mother.
So to all of you, my friends, Meg and Vania most specially: my sincere apologies. I will be back soon, I promise. In the meantime, Tom will post for the two of us....
