by Kenneth Woods | Aug 2, 2015 | A view from the podium, Piano, pianists and pianism
It was with real sadness that I learned today of the passing of this pianist Ivan Moravec, a man who was widely recognised as one of the greatest pianists of his generation, but who never quite earned the fame or fortune his artistry merited. The many recordings he...
by Kenneth Woods | Jul 17, 2015 | A view from the podium, Not quite the news, Satire
The music industry reacted with wide-eyed amazement this month as the world’s leading orchestra announced they were appointing someone to the prestigious position of Principal Conductor based on his ability to conduct. Across Europe, North America and the Far East,...
by Kenneth Woods | Jul 11, 2015 | A view from the podium
A study on the life arcs of 1980’s-era heavy metal fans has been making the news this week, and its main conclusion is no surprise to me: In fact, researchers find that former metal fans “were significantly happier in their youth, and better adjusted...
by Kenneth Woods | Jul 4, 2015 | A view from the podium, Lists
I gave up a long time ago on trying to find much meaning or substance in music for patriotic occasions. We live an age of such small-minded, parochial jingoism that thinking of any music in terms of nationalist celebrations seems only to cheapen the music. This year I...
by Kenneth Woods | Jun 25, 2015 | A view from the podium
Rehearsals have been going well for this weekend’s performance of my arrangement of the Brahms A major Piano Quartet for orchestra in Guildford. For some reason, the A major has always been the least played of the Brahms Piano Quartets. I’m sure it’s...
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