Sunday, January 16, 2011

Quicklink 2

I haven't given you a real post since before Christmas, and all I have to offer today is a couple of fun links.  My apologies.  I'm working on a couple of posts, but they're taking more research to complete than I expected.  I haven't been feeling particularly inspired to write about simpler topics.  See, I have this other writing project that has to take priority for some reason....

So today, here is a cartoon that proves I'm not alone in a sentiment to which I've twice referred before.

Second is a lovely video of the winner of an online competition for young musicians.  She'll get to perform in Carnegie Hall and feature in NPR's "From The Top" program which features pre-collegiate musicians from around the country.  I share this in part because of a joke I recently heard: What do you call a person who hangs around musicians?  A percussionist.  That's what's so great about this.  How often does anyone, let alone a kid, get to demonstrate this level of proficiency in a percussion instrument?  How many professional female percussionists do you ever see in orchestras or as soloists?  (I can only think of Evelyn Glennie who also happens to be deaf.)  And how often does anyone look at a percussionist alongside a slew of violinists, pianists, cellists, etc. and decide that the percussionist is more talented?  Brava!

Keep this young lady in mind as we'll be considering her in my next post.  I'll try to get it up in the next week or two.  But really, I need to be making better progress on my other endeavor....

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, folks.  Something something auld lang syne.  This blog is still young and impressionable, so maybe this is a good time to tweak its direction.  Anything you'd like to see more or less of?  Do I link too many YouTube videos?  Do you even watch them?  I aim to please.  You know what would please me?  If you come up with illustrations, examples, or counter-examples of the things I mention here, especially from music that's not classical, share them with me!  I would love more dialogue.

In parting, here's a tune to bid farewell to the old year: Chopin Piano Sonata No. 2