Zenobia Powell Perry’s ‘Homage’ to William Dawson
Homage (1990) for piano by Zenobia Powell Perry opens with one hand, one line, cantabile. The spiritual “I’ve Been ‘Buked and I’ve Been Scorned” emerges unharmonized, smooth and flowing. Unlike a singer whose breath sustains the tone, the piano notes move from decay to decay to create an illusory, long melodic line. After presenting the tune … Continue reading Zenobia Powell Perry’s ‘Homage’ to William Dawson
Feeling Gezelligheid on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, December 2012
With the exception of maybe Bruce Springsteen, there is no musician I enjoy seeing live more than Andrew Bird, whom I’ve been fortunate enough to see play at least a half-dozen times over the past ten years throughout New York City. Each performance is a real show for the senses— attendees are not only treated … Continue reading Feeling Gezelligheid on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, December 2012
Where There’s a Waltz There’s a Way: Exploring the Secrets of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations
By: Robin Wallace (School of Music, Baylor University) // Ludwig van Beethoven receives a waltz by Anton Diabelli in early 1819, about a year after getting his new Broadwood piano and well into the final decline of his hearing. The piece initially seems unpromising to him, but it feels amazing on this new instrument, whose … Continue reading Where There’s a Waltz There’s a Way: Exploring the Secrets of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations
