nach Deutschland usw.
I head out to Germany tomorrow to conduct the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, in, among other things, Grieg’s Symphony in C minor.
Don’t know it? How is it, you ask?
Well … um …. s’alright.
Kind of like watered-down Schumann with some catchy tunes. I consider it a challenge. There is something that can be done with this piece. If we play it really really really well, with style, it will work.
In other news, I saw some wonderful shows in Kitchener this weekend. Friday night was Dancetheatre David Earle, sadly without live music from the Penderecki String Quartet (they had to fly away after the first night). The dancing itself was wonderful, deeply felt and world-class. Saturday was a concert by Quilapayun, an exiled Chilean folk group of the people. Their leader was one of the first people killed when Pinochet took over, and the concert was beautiful and emotional. I haven’t heard some good Songs of Brotherhood for the Workers in a long time.
In other news, The Standing Room reports that MUJI will be opening a store in SOHO. This is huge news for me. Where else can a conductor get cool Japanese boxes for his colored pencils WITHOUT Hello Kitty on them? But wait, that’s just the beginning. There is also MUJI food, MUJI clothes (I own a jacket), it’s a way of life, really. Do I sound a bit obsessed? I know it’s the Target of Japan, but you will love this store. Well, at least a few of you.
Speaking of NYC my brother got to hear Múm last night at Wordless Music and said they were rad. They even opened with his favorite song, “Slow Bicycle.” That’s one great song title (and song). So jealous.