by Kenneth Woods | Jun 27, 2008 | A view from the podium
The Complete Robert Schumann Symphonies with the Orchestra of the Swan on Avie Records I voiced concerns here on Wednesday about cycles in general, and mentioned that it felt like the first manifestations of cycle-phobia were appearing in this rehearsal sequence. I...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 24, 2008 | A view from the podium, Haydn
This scene took place on the steps of a festival concert hall in the US one summer, where an orchestra had just been rehearsing Haydn’s Symphony no. 82….. “You know, I’m actually enjoying this piece.” “Yeah, me too. I kind of expected it to be boring ‘cause its Haydn,...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 24, 2008 | A view from the podium
“Cycle,” I mean…. I’ve noticed lately that any kind of cycle of works by a single composer is bound to unleash bellyaching from one direction or another. When they’re well played, I love cycles. I like to experience a composer’s evolution through a series of...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 20, 2008 | A view from the podium, Explore the Score, Nuts and bolts
On my desk today is Schumann’s 2nd Symphony. If you had assembled a panel of experts, including every major composer from 1825 to 1899, at the end of the 19th century to pick the most important symphony after Beethoven, Schumann 2 would probably have been the one,...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 18, 2008 | A view from the podium
In the comments to my post on piano tuning, CB’s comment to the effect of– Have you ever actually tried to tune a piano? I think that would change your mind a bit – if you dont go mad. I spent a great deal of time in HS screwing around on Church pianos...
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