Black Swan Pas de Deux with Commentary | Kathryn Morgan
[NEWS] Simon Keenlyside to Get High Honor From Vienna State Opera
Simon Keenlyside is slated to be named a Kammersänger at the Vienna State Opera next Monday.
The title of Kammersänger is given to distinguished singers of opera and classical music and historically, the title was bestowed by princes or kings. The title is given in Germany and in Austria usually on the recommendation of relevant national and local institutions.
Soprano Anna Netrebko was recently given the title of Kammersängerin a few months ago.
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Interview: Nick Strimple, Composer
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
I think a most important thing for young artists is to think critically. In the States, we have a lot of music being composed that is not well thought out and very derivative; its sole purpose is to sell copies. Of course, all composers want their music to sell but people perform these pieces without taking a long hard look at them and analysing them. Performers should think critically especially when it comes to selecting new music to add into their repertoire. To produce good results artists must take time to think critically and objectively concerning what may be the best approach for them. They must not be afraid to ask why things aren’t working and they must not be afraid to change if necessary. Critical thinking moves you forward.
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Can You Record A Full Orchestra With A Single Microphone?
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Interview: Stacey Watton, Double Bassist
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Enthusiasm and love for free feeling… music is what feelings sound like at the end of the day…. technique, rhythm, intonation, all have to be a given and must never get in the way.
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How To Self-Tape Auditions Like A Pro
Follow Instructions carefully.
Act Quick!
It’s Fine to Use A Camera Phone.
Use a Tripod.
Be Off- Book Wherever Possible.
Check your sound and Lighting.
Don’t Film On Location.
Put Thought Into Your Clothes.
Get Your Framing Right.
Ask a Friend To Read The Other Parts.
Prepare and focus.
Don’t Look Directly Into The Camera.
Don’t Read Stage Directions.
Don’t Forget Your Intro.
Re-record as needed.
Send One Take.
Do Not Upload Publicly!
Send it off.
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Is Smiling During Performance a “Provincial Habit”?
Watch this video from TheStrad.com of a masterclass with the cellist Leonard Elschenbroich, where he instructs a group of students performing Beethoven’s trio op. 1 no. 3 “If you’re kind of stone-faced all the time, it’s very difficult to really have the…it just informs the rest of your body… The body believes what the face is doing. You have to convince yourself that this is real, that… the teacher said that it has to be bright, but there is brightness here.” Later, when the students start to play more energetically, Elschenbroich comments “I can hear it when you smile!”
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