The Slipped Disc daily comfort zone (306): Listed
mainThis Dutch performance of the theme from Schindler’s List has been watched 36 million times.
Mostly for the cor anglais. Davida Scheffers, who suffers from a painful neuromuscular condition, was able to return to the orchestra.
John Williams is 89 today.
Nice video which I first saw 2 years ago. On the other end of the spectrum, there are musicians – like Heifetz – who remain stonefaced and visibly unmoved by the music they’re playing.
Heifetz tears could cure cancer. Too bad he never cried.
When Got said “let there be light”, Heifetz said “I will play if you say please”.
Heifetz could dribble a bowling ball. With the little finger of his left hand.
Heifetz never blinked in his entire life. Never.
Former students of Heifetz swear that the average living room contained hundreds of objects, small and large, with which Heifetz could create marvellous music whenever he so desired. That included the room itself.
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Heifetz could play the violin. With a piano.
Depends whether you prefer to listen to or watch music
Interesting comment about the musicians who “remain stonefaced and visibly unmoved by the music they’re playing.” When he was performing, he was known for his stoic demeanor while playing — but known even more for the intensity and high energy of his playing — that is, for how he sounded. Apparently back then people could differentiate between the two. (Also there was no YouTube etc, so lots of people heard performers, even famous ones, without ever seeing them.)
Now, performers who don’t make faces and throw themselves all over the stage are criticized for being uninvolved, while those who do are criticized for being phony, or at least distracting.
I cannot stand musicians who emote too much… like Joshua Bell, Lang Lang, and those of their ilk.
Say what?
Our very own Ennio Morricone
I would cry too if I had to play that – the film deserved much better, as Spielberg acknowledged, however, as he said rather insightfully “all the best composers are dead”.
Hmmmm, I think I detect the nauseating smell of musical snobbery here. And do tell us musical jo, what are your accomplishments in the field of film music, or indeed music in general?
By the way could you direct me to the source of the comment you suggest that Spielberg made about “dead composers” as I would be interested to read exactly what Mr Spielberg actually said..
The version I heard, in an interview with John Williams as part of the Schindler’s List DVD, was that Spielberg outlined the film’s story to Williams, who told Spielberg “You’re going to need a better composer.” Spielberg’s reply, “I know, but they’re all dead.”
Cheer up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD63VlIscGM&fmt=22
I refuse to be force-fed sad feelings right down the throat like a French goose. Pass.