Most musicians know that classical music and the big screen can be merged with great success; in fact, most great movies have great scores, and many would consider it a requirement!
Say what??!?!
The following video from musicians and comedians extraordinaire Igudesman and Joo demonstrates just how complementary these two art forms are. Without further ado, I give you Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and James Bond…together at last.
Watching these two is a good reminder of just how much fun music can be. Enjoy!
Someone recently called my attention to an address by Karl Paulnack, pianist and director of music at the Boston Conservatory. Since reading it, several thoughts have been bouncing about in my mind, reminding me just how important music is to me, to you, and to everyone.
Firstly, this address was penned and delivered by (pianist) Karl Paulnack, as mentioned above; but it was posted on (cellist) Lynn Harrell’s blog. I’ve never met (or even spoken with) Mr. Harrell, but a dear (cellist) friend of mine has and has nothing but praise for him. Additionally, Mr. Harrell’s article was forwarded to me by another good friend (and fellow trumpeter), Glenn Bengry (thanks, Glenn!). I am frequently amazed at how few “degrees of separation” there really are in the music world, even for those of us who don’t make it our primary career. If you haven’t seen that yet, rest assured, you will.
Secondly, the article itself touches me deeply, and I’m convinced it will do the same for you. There is a great deal of sense in Mr. Paulnack’s speech, and it goes a long way toward confirming, and in some ways explaining, why music reaches our innermost depths and brings order to chaos. Click here to read the full article – you’ll be glad you did.
As you go through your busy day today, take a moment to think about all that art in general, and music in particular, offers us: personal connections, expression, the opportunity to create and transcend, and so much more. It truly is a gift for all.
With the Christmas season quickly approaching and gift-giving on everyone’s mind, here is something you might consider getting for the person on your list who seems to have everything. Thanks to David Carter for passing this along!
Cyber Conductor v1.0
Whatever else they may have, I guarantee you they don’t have one of these! Click on the video below for more information.
Keep playing,
Mark
DISCLAIMER: PartTimeMusician.is not affiliated with Aleksey Igudesman in any way. We just think he’s both talented and funny. Oh that we were also so burdened!
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We all take up music for different reasons, but I’m confident that at the heart of them all is NOT the idea that music is work. How much more could we accomplish if we just allowed ourselves to have some fun?!?
I ran across a video a few days ago that demonstrated beautifully the impact that fun has on us as human beings. We’ve discussed this on several occasions (see Five Secrets to Rapid Improvement in Your Playing for a favorite example) but a picture is worth a thousand words…and moving pictures significantly more. 8-) Check it out!
The best thing about this video from the perspective of a Part-Time Musician (PTM) may be that it holds the key to getting the most from our shared obsession. No one would argue that taking the stairs involves less effort than riding the escalator up to the surface, yet people chose to take the stairs. Why? Because it was fun. Even with more work involved, it was fun!
Studying an instrument takes effort, and there are days we all consider quitting. It takes time, it takes work. Yet it can be an incredible amount of fun if we allow ourselves to make it so. Practice, yes…drill, yes…strive, yes! But don’t forget to have fun with it, too. You may be surprised at the improvements you see.
Fellow trumpeter John Kool turned me onto a video of Tage Larsen, formerly of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and, since 2002, 4th trumpet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. If you haven’t seen this, you need to – regardless of your chosen instrument!
Mr. Larsen is an amazing trumpeter, and by all accounts, a genuinely decent human being. What does this have to do with you as a Part-Time Musician (PTM), you ask? If you really are asking that, you may want to re-watch the video! As Mr. Larsen states so well, playing music teaches you to strive for improvement in whatever you do; it encourages you to reach higher, regardless of what field you study or what instrument you play. Music helps you make yourself better. There are few other enjoyable pursuits that give you so much.
For those who would like to know more about Mr. Larsen, here is an audio interview done by Chicago Public Radio:
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Now, it’s time to go practice. 8-) Until next time!
