Comments for Debra Lew Harder Music http://www.debralewhardermusic.com Debra Lew Harder Music Thu, 02 May 2013 14:41:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Sacred Gifts by Adriana Lecuona http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/04/26/sacred-gifts/comment-page-1/#comment-5361 Adriana Lecuona Thu, 02 May 2013 14:41:32 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=1035#comment-5361 If "necessity is the mother of invention," I wonder if poverty and isolation/marginalization are but some of the components that drive the need for personal & cultural expression as exemplified so beautifully here in Debra's essay regarding the Spirituals. I would love to know more about this musical genre--thanks for the tantalizing info, Debra! If “necessity is the mother of invention,” I wonder if poverty and isolation/marginalization are but some of the components that drive the need for personal & cultural expression as exemplified so beautifully here in Debra’s essay regarding the Spirituals.

I would love to know more about this musical genre–thanks for the tantalizing info, Debra!

]]> Comment on Sacred Gifts by Debbie Fox http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/04/26/sacred-gifts/comment-page-1/#comment-5170 Debbie Fox Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:10 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=1035#comment-5170 I felt uplifted when I read this post. It is so true that creativity doesn't discriminate. Do you think that it is possible that adversity, in fact, is a fertile breeding ground for artistry, even more so than prosperity? Think of all the artists whose best work came when they were poor and starving, and then they lost their footing when they became famous. I'd be curious what you and others think about this. I felt uplifted when I read this post. It is so true that creativity doesn’t discriminate. Do you think that it is possible that adversity, in fact, is a fertile breeding ground for artistry, even more so than prosperity? Think of all the artists whose best work came when they were poor and starving, and then they lost their footing when they became famous. I’d be curious what you and others think about this.

]]> Comment on Charles Rosen, why didn’t I think of saying it like that? by Debra http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/03/21/charles-rosen-why-didnt-i-think-of-saying-it-that-way/comment-page-1/#comment-3102 Debra Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:40:05 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=1019#comment-3102 Thanks for commenting on this post, Debra and Adriana. Just two days ago, I attended a piano recital in which the pianist (I heard first-hand from his friend) had struggled mightily with the instrument. The ideal of course would be to travel with one's piano, like Kuerti or Horowitz. Back to Charles Rosen: a reader sent me an e-mail saying that 55 years ago she had worked for a concert agency in Paris, and recalls Charles Rosen as an attractive young man coming to the agency to look for bookings. Even he had to put himself out there, to make a start! Thanks for commenting on this post, Debra and Adriana. Just two days ago, I attended a piano recital in which the pianist (I heard first-hand from his friend) had struggled mightily with the instrument. The ideal of course would be to travel with one’s piano, like Kuerti or Horowitz.
Back to Charles Rosen: a reader sent me an e-mail saying that 55 years ago she had worked for a concert agency in Paris, and recalls Charles Rosen as an attractive young man coming to the agency to look for bookings. Even he had to put himself out there, to make a start!

]]> Comment on Charles Rosen, why didn’t I think of saying it like that? by Adriana Lecuona http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/03/21/charles-rosen-why-didnt-i-think-of-saying-it-that-way/comment-page-1/#comment-3017 Adriana Lecuona Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:27:34 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=1019#comment-3017 There was so much in this posting that made me want to learn more about the "artificial situations" of contests and about the condition of pianos in concert venues. Most of all, I was intrigued by the quote, "Pianists should, in the best of all possible worlds, play only the music they love and — this should carry equal weight — to which they think they can bring an interpretation that is deeply personal.” From what I've witnessed of your performances, you must select pieces that resonate deeply yet I wondered if this is exhausting, too. As always with your postings, I'm left feeling that there is so much more to music, musicians and performances than I ever expected. There was so much in this posting that made me want to learn more about the “artificial situations” of contests and about the condition of pianos in concert venues. Most of all, I was intrigued by the quote, “Pianists should, in the best of all possible worlds, play only the music they love and — this should carry equal weight — to which they think they can bring an interpretation that is deeply personal.” From what I’ve witnessed of your performances, you must select pieces that resonate deeply yet I wondered if this is exhausting, too. As always with your postings, I’m left feeling that there is so much more to music, musicians and performances than I ever expected.

]]> Comment on Charles Rosen, why didn’t I think of saying it like that? by Debra Fox http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/03/21/charles-rosen-why-didnt-i-think-of-saying-it-that-way/comment-page-1/#comment-2827 Debra Fox Sat, 23 Mar 2013 06:14:28 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=1019#comment-2827 As a lay person, I had no idea in what ways a piano could be out of joint, so to speak, and thus deliver a sub par performance. Whenever I have the pleasure of learning about a subject in greater depth, it helps me appreciate it all the more. As a great admirer of your performances, I would find it fascinating if you would demonstrate these issues so that I could endeavor to hear what you are talking about, that is, if my untrained ear could discern such a thing. You can be sure the next time I listen to a concert, I will be thinking about this post. Thanks for educating a novice such as me! As a lay person, I had no idea in what ways a piano could be out of joint, so to speak, and thus deliver a sub par performance. Whenever I have the pleasure of learning about a subject in greater depth, it helps me appreciate it all the more. As a great admirer of your performances, I would find it fascinating if you would demonstrate these issues so that I could endeavor to hear what you are talking about, that is, if my untrained ear could discern such a thing. You can be sure the next time I listen to a concert, I will be thinking about this post. Thanks for educating a novice such as me!

]]> Comment on Chopin’s Budget, Our Gain by Debbie Fox http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/02/04/chopins-budget-our-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-2145 Debbie Fox Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:35:20 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=999#comment-2145 I am glad you believe that knowing a composer's life story enhances one's understanding and appreciation of his/her work. That's what makes your concerts so satisfying. Not only do we get to listen to your beautiful interpretation of a composer's music, but we hear the context in which the music was written. In my opinion, that only deepens the audience's concert experience, and still allows them to connect to the music, on their own terms. I am glad you believe that knowing a composer’s life story enhances one’s understanding and appreciation of his/her work. That’s what makes your concerts so satisfying. Not only do we get to listen to your beautiful interpretation of a composer’s music, but we hear the context in which the music was written. In my opinion, that only deepens the audience’s concert experience, and still allows them to connect to the music, on their own terms.

]]> Comment on Chopin’s Budget, Our Gain by Debra http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/02/04/chopins-budget-our-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-2144 Debra Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:40:44 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=999#comment-2144 I'll paraphrase another great pianist and teacher, Artur Schnabel, who was a great Beethoven interpreter (and the teacher of my teacher Tung Kwong-Kwong): Schnabel believed that a pianist should have a 3-fold career -- performing, teaching, and composing original work of some kind. Teaching teaches me, the teacher, new and surprising things, always. So it can be highly creative. As the writer Robin Black mentioned in her talk at Bryn Mawr College last night, she will never stop teaching, because she learns a great deal about writing from teaching. Thanks for the question and dialogue! I’ll paraphrase another great pianist and teacher, Artur Schnabel, who was a great Beethoven interpreter (and the teacher of my teacher Tung Kwong-Kwong): Schnabel believed that a pianist should have a 3-fold career — performing, teaching, and composing original work of some kind. Teaching teaches me, the teacher, new and surprising things, always. So it can be highly creative. As the writer Robin Black mentioned in her talk at Bryn Mawr College last night, she will never stop teaching, because she learns a great deal about writing from teaching. Thanks for the question and dialogue!

]]> Comment on Chopin’s Budget, Our Gain by Adriana Lecuona http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/02/04/chopins-budget-our-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-2143 Adriana Lecuona Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:47:55 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=999#comment-2143 Dear Deb, What a great post! How interesting that we have greater information and insight into Chopin's musicality as a result of his teaching. So many professionals, across many fields, regard teaching as a financial necessity but a distraction and a diversion (however grateful they are to have the income.) In light of Chopin's experiences, how do you regard teaching piano to your students? Dear Deb,
What a great post! How interesting that we have greater information and insight into Chopin’s musicality as a result of his teaching. So many professionals, across many fields, regard teaching as a financial necessity but a distraction and a diversion (however grateful they are to have the income.) In light of Chopin’s experiences, how do you regard teaching piano to your students?

]]> Comment on Chopin’s Budget, Our Gain by Debra http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/02/04/chopins-budget-our-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-2142 Debra Wed, 06 Feb 2013 02:48:06 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=999#comment-2142 Dear Debbie, I'm glad this post brought back memories of your own childhood and learning Chopin. Some musicologists don't believe that biography should influence a reading of the music itself, but I disagree. Music might transcend real life, but real life and practical needs often compels the production of the beautiful! Thanks for reading and for commenting! Dear Debbie, I’m glad this post brought back memories of your own childhood and learning Chopin. Some musicologists don’t believe that biography should influence a reading of the music itself, but I disagree. Music might transcend real life, but real life and practical needs often compels the production of the beautiful!
Thanks for reading and for commenting!

]]> Comment on Chopin’s Budget, Our Gain by Debbie Fox http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2013/02/04/chopins-budget-our-gain/comment-page-1/#comment-2140 Debbie Fox Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:19:04 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=999#comment-2140 Dear Deb, Once again, you've written an intriguing post about something I knew nothing about, yet now I am glad I do. As a younger person, I learned many a Chopin composition, but I never knew what kind of teacher he was, or that he had financial difficulties. It just goes to show you that people with enormous talent are not always rewarded in conventional ways. Many thanks for keeping your blog going. I am a devoted follower, Debbie Dear Deb,

Once again, you’ve written an intriguing post about something I knew nothing about, yet now I am glad I do. As a younger person, I learned many a Chopin composition, but I never knew what kind of teacher he was, or that he had financial difficulties. It just goes to show you that people with enormous talent are not always rewarded in conventional ways.

Many thanks for keeping your blog going. I am a devoted follower,

Debbie

]]> Comment on The Tempest, Imagined and Real by Adriana Lecuona http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/11/10/the-tempest-imagined-and-real/comment-page-1/#comment-2033 Adriana Lecuona Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:56:47 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=974#comment-2033 I can't comment without wishing you happy 27th anniversary! I chewed happily on the following sentence, "It is angular and dissonant, with propulsive, square rhythms and no particularly hummable melody," imagining such a score. What a beautifully captured experience. Glad that you made it out of NY in time! I can’t comment without wishing you happy 27th anniversary! I chewed happily on the following sentence, “It is angular and dissonant, with propulsive, square rhythms and no particularly hummable melody,” imagining such a score. What a beautifully captured experience. Glad that you made it out of NY in time!

]]> Comment on Music for the Memory of a Cherished Friend by Kristena Derrick http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/10/11/music-for-the-memory-of-a-cherished-friend/comment-page-1/#comment-1995 Kristena Derrick Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:14:17 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=958#comment-1995 You do great honor to my Grama's memory. Your music and brief words were such an important part of her service that I fear it would have felt quite empty had you not been there. I'm so glad she had a friend like you--mutual inspiration seems the theme of your long-standing friendship. You do great honor to my Grama’s memory. Your music and brief words were such an important part of her service that I fear it would have felt quite empty had you not been there. I’m so glad she had a friend like you–mutual inspiration seems the theme of your long-standing friendship.

]]> Comment on Music for the Memory of a Cherished Friend by Patricia Holle http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/10/11/music-for-the-memory-of-a-cherished-friend/comment-page-1/#comment-1990 Patricia Holle Sat, 13 Oct 2012 19:32:27 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=958#comment-1990 What an honor to meet you and an amazing tribute to our friend, Ginny. Although I only knew her in the last couple of years in her life, I could hear her in your writings. Sometimes when you do something with pure intentions, you get much in return. That's how I feel today after hearing you play. Thank you for your wonderful gift. What an honor to meet you and an amazing tribute to our friend, Ginny. Although I only knew her in the last couple of years in her life, I could hear her in your writings. Sometimes when you do something with pure intentions, you get much in return. That’s how I feel today after hearing you play. Thank you for your wonderful gift.

]]> Comment on Music for the Memory of a Cherished Friend by Debbie Fox http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/10/11/music-for-the-memory-of-a-cherished-friend/comment-page-1/#comment-1988 Debbie Fox Fri, 12 Oct 2012 18:50:48 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=958#comment-1988 This is such a beautifully written post about your dear friend Ginny. I am sure she would have been touched by the thought that went into making the selections of music you will play at her funeral. Also, it is nice to think you are carrying on a tradition that stretches back generations in your family and across oceans. We should all be so lucky as Ginny to have a friend like you. This is such a beautifully written post about your dear friend Ginny. I am sure she would have been touched by the thought that went into making the selections of music you will play at her funeral. Also, it is nice to think you are carrying on a tradition that stretches back generations in your family and across oceans. We should all be so lucky as Ginny to have a friend like you.

]]> Comment on Music for the Memory of a Cherished Friend by Tim Cleary http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/10/11/music-for-the-memory-of-a-cherished-friend/comment-page-1/#comment-1987 Tim Cleary Fri, 12 Oct 2012 03:24:12 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=958#comment-1987 Loretta and I met Ginny at one of your performances. To be able to give beauty to, and for, a friend is wonderful. And your playing is beauty. Peace, Tim Cleary Loretta and I met Ginny at one of your performances. To be able to give beauty to, and for, a friend is wonderful. And your playing is beauty.
Peace,
Tim Cleary

]]> Comment on A precious key to the past — Marston Records by Mary Beth Hughes http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/09/11/a-precious-key-to-the-past-marston-records/comment-page-1/#comment-1928 Mary Beth Hughes Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:17:22 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=943#comment-1928 How wonderful. You've made me very curious about these recordings and I hope you'll keep us posted in case Mr. Marston should be playing anywhere nearby in the future. How wonderful. You’ve made me very curious about these recordings and I hope you’ll keep us posted in case Mr. Marston should be playing anywhere nearby in the future.

]]> Comment on A precious key to the past — Marston Records by Adriana Lecuona http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/09/11/a-precious-key-to-the-past-marston-records/comment-page-1/#comment-1922 Adriana Lecuona Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:50:31 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=943#comment-1922 I hope that a future posting will be as a follow-up to this one in which you have received many wonderful insights into Chopin. It amazes me that there could be such a close link to Chopin's techniques by way of Koczalski . . . and, of course, Marston! I hope that a future posting will be as a follow-up to this one in which you have received many wonderful insights into Chopin. It amazes me that there could be such a close link to Chopin’s techniques by way of Koczalski . . . and, of course, Marston!

]]> Comment on A precious key to the past — Marston Records by susie http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/09/11/a-precious-key-to-the-past-marston-records/comment-page-1/#comment-1921 susie Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:23:09 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=943#comment-1921 What a lovely serendipitous thing to happen! Life is full of wonderful surprises. Don't you love that? xx. What a lovely serendipitous thing to happen! Life is full of wonderful surprises. Don’t you love that? xx.

]]> Comment on Not BB King, but Imperial Just the Same by Adriana Lecuona http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/08/17/not-bb-king-but-imperial-just-the-same/comment-page-1/#comment-1899 Adriana Lecuona Tue, 28 Aug 2012 02:41:39 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=929#comment-1899 I so enjoy the details that you provide us and how you describe them, such as "wild, loose-wristed strumming," "fast finger-picking solos," "masters of programming," that gave insight in the character of musicians & setting as well as your experience. The next time I attend a musical performance I'm sure that I'll try to see with your eyes (and ears.) I so enjoy the details that you provide us and how you describe them, such as “wild, loose-wristed strumming,” “fast finger-picking solos,” “masters of programming,” that gave insight in the character of musicians & setting as well as your experience. The next time I attend a musical performance I’m sure that I’ll try to see with your eyes (and ears.)

]]> Comment on Not BB King, but Imperial Just the Same by Debbie Fox http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/blog/2012/08/17/not-bb-king-but-imperial-just-the-same/comment-page-1/#comment-1892 Debbie Fox Fri, 17 Aug 2012 18:54:41 +0000 http://www.debralewhardermusic.com/?p=929#comment-1892 It is good to be reminded every now and then that classical virtuosos like yourself are probably best suited to appreciate other forms of music, probably even more so, than mere amateurs like me. Your descriptions of the technical skills of the musicians, as well as the atmosphere of the Reggatabar made me want to hop a train to Boston and experience it for myself! It is good to be reminded every now and then that classical virtuosos like yourself are probably best suited to appreciate other forms of music, probably even more so, than mere amateurs like me. Your descriptions of the technical skills of the musicians, as well as the atmosphere of the Reggatabar made me want to hop a train to Boston and experience it for myself!

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