One of the reasons, I believe, that I was interested in the cello from a very young age is the fact that the cello is an ensemble instrument; we play with others. Later, when I wanted to be a professional musician it was because I loved the music so much; it uplifted my spirit, it inspired my imagination, and it was solace to the heart. I have always thought of this first. The fact that I have enjoyed being one of the select, few solo cellists in the last 40 years is certainly a gift. But, that’s a byproduct and not a goal, whether I became “famous” died out in my mind at about age 11.
So when the opportunity comes around to take part in a section, I’m always happy to take advantage. It doesn’t happen as often and under the right circumstances as much as I would like but one recent occasion came around to participate in the LA Opera’s production of the Ring Cycle. I happened to be free and this would offer the chance to play alongside my wife and so many other wonderful colleagues.
Drew McManus
The composer's intentions
One thing that has always irked me whenever I give Master classes at different conservatories and Universities while on tour. And it is starting to concern me more deeply than before. What is that you ask? It’s a seemingly deliberate disregard for how a composer has marked his music. For example, directions and hints to the would-be performer on how to play the piece, what speed to take, what balance, goodness; even what notes are correct.
What we’re talking about here is a basic level of respect for the text but what seems to be more and more common these days is just guessing at the meaning of metronome markings and foreign words. The result is an increasing number of would-be performers feeling more and more entitled to change what has been left by the original creator and to feel as though their flimsy, novel approaches are legitimate simply because they are novel.
A quick note to everyone
I have to apologize for not posting anything sooner but I’m happy to say that I’ll be publishing something later this afternoon and I’ve already written something very special for Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Audio From My WFMT Appearance
On January 8th, I posted a quick note letting everyone know about my guest host appearance at Chicago’s WFMT. I’m very happy to report that they have been kind enough to let me post the entire audio from the three hour segment here at my blog! I had an absolutely wonderful time with host Kerry Frumkin. The entire program has been divided into three sections and you can listen to each one with the audio players below.
[audio:http://www.lynnharrell.com/wp-content/uploads/Lynn-Harrell-WFMT-01-1-8-2010.mp3|titles=Lynn Harrell WFMT 01 1-8-2010]
[audio:http://www.lynnharrell.com/wp-content/uploads/Lynn-Harrell-WFMT-02-1-8-2010.mp3|titles=Lynn Harrell WFMT 02 1-8-2010]
[audio:http://www.lynnharrell.com/wp-content/uploads/Lynn-Harrell-WFMT-03-1-8-2010.mp3|titles=Lynn Harrell WFMT 03 1-8-2010]
A Tribute To Orlando Cole
Today, my great mentor, teacher, and colleague, Orlando Cole died peacefully after saying to his nurse, “Well, I’m ready.” “God will come for you in His time,” said his nurse to whom Landy softly replied, “Well, tell Him to hurry.”
Lucid to the end with family by his side they listened to Schubert’s Cello Quintet. He was, even in the end, an inspiration to us all; as human beings, as musicians, and as vibrant spirits.
In my own life, I never met anyone so understanding, generous, and vitally connected to his love of music, family, friends, and his students. I am deeply indebted to his quality as an artist as well as his awe of the great works that we are privileged to play and hear. He was one of a kind and over the course of his wonderfully long and full life; he witnessed so much change since starting out as a young cellist in the late 1920’s.
A Whirlwind Weekend In Chicago
What fun it was to spend the last few days in Chicago and I wanted to take a quick moment to post some photos from the trip.
WFMT, Guest Host
Friday, 1/8/2010
Appearing today on WFMT at 1:00pm CT
I am so happy to be appearing on WFMT today as a guest host alongside Kerry Frumkin. For those in the Chicago area, you can listen on 98.7FM and for everyone else, you can tune in online or even through your smartphone! WFMT has instructions here. If possible, I’ll see about posting an archived copy …
Why Art Matters
A colleague sent me the “Welcome Address to Freshman Parents” delivered by Karl Paulnack, pianist and director of music division at Boston Conservatory. I found Mr. Paulnack’s words to be quite inspiring and wanted to share them with everyone here.
~ Lynn