Last Week of Class, Spring 2010
Seeing as I teach a laboratory class, this week has been the last week of class for my students.
This week was William's birthday, and we went to Thai Cuisine with his family and Mom and Dad for dinner. Thursday morning Marissa and the children and I walked to the public library. We saw the art work made by some of the children in the corridor on the way to the children's room.
We had fun reading books, and Beata demonstrated how she has been doing self-checkout. Friday I met up with William, Marissa, and the children by the art tent, and watched buggy races. They each made a miniature wooden buggy. I also lectored at Friday's morning Mass, with Fr. Kim celebrating, John serving, and Don providing the music ministry from the loft. <40>
It was set-up time for doing the practical Friday, C's last time! We will miss her---I will miss her. I brought home Plant 1--Coleus, but not before taking care of some administrative tasks.
Friday night Maureen and I spotted tickets from my neighbors, J & T, for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. We had a Scottish snack on the way there, and visiting conductor Juraj Valcuha conducted the PSO in Zemlinsky's Die Seejungfrau, the Mermaid. Intermission was spent enjoying Andes candies, and Yefim Bronfman joined the orchestra on piano for Beethoven's Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37. He was absolutely brilliant, noticeable in those solo passages. A standing ovation ensued, and he played an encore solo piece.
Maureen and I had a lovely evening, and we plan on another adventure this morning after my laundry is through.
Labels: art, Birthday, Carnegie, dining, lector, library, PSO, school, sports, work
This Week, March 2010
So, I haven't written because at the beginning of the week I had acute pain in my wrist and thumb. (There was no injury or trauma, just a gradual pain). I've been taking Tylenol and resting it. I was in so much pain Monday night/ Tuesday morning that I couldn't sleep mid-evening after awakening (for four hours)!
Tuesday after work I went to my primary care physician, who recommended X rays and nerve studies for me. I made appointments for those later this month.
Wednesday, I taught and then had office hours, during which I administered a quiz and I also discussed a scholarhip with a student who is asking for a letter of recommendation. There was a cameo appearance of my supervisor in office hours.
Thursday in the morning I worked on necessary paperwork, and then went to choir practice. Nancy, Regina, and I chatted over snacks by Karen. We celebrated Judi's birthday.
Today I was the lector for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Bill D. celebrated, John served, and Ryan provided the music ministry. There were two readings before the Gospel. I saw Joe, Tina, and JoAnn walking with Gloria and joined them, thanking Joe for our tickets he provided for tonight.
I dropped off papers for my students at work, dropped off papers at an office near Marissa and William's home, and joined Marissa and the children for lunch and half the afternoon at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum (which had free admissions in honor of Mr. Rogers' birthday). We dined next to the Foucault pendulum (which Beatrice explained to me), visited exhibits, enjoyed gelato 
and (I brought mine to the theater, which had) a performance by a string quartet formed from members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. I captured a video of Beatrice and Solomon dancing. We enjoyed doing artwork, and took some photos in the galleries, as well.
I took a nap and had a snack before Maureen and I went to McDonald's near downtown (I for a decaf hazelnut iced coffee and McDouble sandwich) before we enjoyed the Pittsburgh Symphony performance tonight. The program was
The Planets
with Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting
Randolph Kelly on viola
and women of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh
They performed first Harold in Italy by Berlioz (commissioned by Nicolo Paganini), inspired by the composer's travels in the Abruzzi region, the Adriatic. Mr. Kelly starred as soloist for this piece.
The Planets by Holst is a dramatic portrait of the deities associated with all planets in our solar system save our own. The Mercury and Jupiter movements held familiar themes, and the choir sang during the last movement, Neptune.
Labels: art, biology, Birthday, Choir, dine, dining, health, Mass, niece and nephew, photos, PSO, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, student, work
Spring Forward (Ahead of Time)
I awoke about an hour ago to work on personal paperwork on the computer.
Yesterday after lunch dropped the car off for inspection, repairs, etc. New brakes, brake sensors, windshield washer pump, and lightbulbs for the dashboard were done. Then I picked up the car at about 16.00, picking up William from work for a late lunch/early dinner. We drove to the fish fry uptown next to the Civic Arena (soon to be gone for a newer arena). We enjoyed a fish dinner and mac & cheese, and he brought an order of pierogies for Marissa and the children.
I dropped him off at home, proceeded to TJ's for groceries, then went home to change before heading off to the symphony with Maureen and Karina (meeting Nancy there). We were all in good spirits, and the program was
Classic Tales
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
Benjamin Hochman, piano
The PSO played
G. Rossini La Cenerentola, Overture
W. A. Mozart Concerto No. 19 in F Major for Piano and Orchestra, K. 459
(with Mr. Hochman)
~Intermission~
P.I. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 "Polish"
Mr. Noseda literally danced when conducting: Predominantly lyrical dancing, with some "popping"-type moves occasionally. He was a joy to watch.
Mr. Hochman was light and delightful with the Mozart piece. A standing ovation ensued, and he played a solo encore. Andres Cardenes joined the PSO for the last piece, Tchaikovsky's only symphony written in a major key.
We all retired to the Greek restaurant across from the Renaissance Hotel and Byham. Nancy and I each enjoyed a plate of Greek food and salad, my main dish being the phyllo-enrobed lamb, exohito. Maureen and Karina both enjoyed desserts.
~~~
About the heading on this post:
Yesterday I set my clocks in my bedroom ahead, so that I can practice "Spring Forward" daylight savings time a day ahead. Thus, "springing forwards ahead." That does not, of course, preclude the fact that I'm slightly tired right now....
Labels: automobile, dining, fish fry, international culture, music, organizing, Pittsburgh, PSO, repair, shopping
Yesterday
Yesterday, I picked up tickets for the symphony tonight (Friday), had breakfast, and then took my prophylactic antibiotics to prepare for my teeth cleaning. Because the dental hygienist is on maternity leave, the dentist himself cleaned my teeth after my regular (digital) X rays. I was happy to find no cavities with my teeth, as per usual.
A trip to the large grocery store for some milk ensued, and then lunch with Mom and Dad. Soon after Dad and I dropped my car off at the repair shop for inspection, etc. We walked home, and I took a nap.
Maureen and I went for coffee smoothies at our favorite smoothie location, chatted, and received a call from Nancy, who agreed to join us and Karina for the symphony tomorrow night, my other two friends being otherwise engaged with a cold and a deadline.
Dinner and then choir practice followed, which was Regina's first practice, in addition to a bass and a (visiting) bass, Craig and Di's son. Snackes were provided by Judi, Ken was back from Paris, France, and I introduced Regina to some fellow choristers. Chatted with Don and Judi afterwards.
Two days ago I attended a particularly productive pastoral council meeting. We were all pleased with the outcome.
Labels: accessibility, automobile, Choir, dine, health, pastoral council, PSO, shopping, singing, St. Paul Cathedral, teeth, visitor
Druckenbrod on Bell
Andrew Druckenbrod comments on Joshua Bell's performance Tuesday night. He makes the real point that Joshua Bell is a master of dramatics, useful for his pieces later in the program.
Labels: Bell, PSO
Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk
After a morning teaching with laryngitis, I've taken a grand nap. I spoke with Nancy and Maureen. Nancy and Tom cannot make the symphony tonight, so that I am going with Maureen to hear Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk, who keeps an ever-enchanting web blog.
Joshua Bell I've heard at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra several times before, with Nancy present each time. "Remember Anjali when you go [to the symphony tonight]," Nancy intoned. Anjali introduced us to the music of Joshua Bell.
Here's the line-up for tonight:
Johann Sebastian Bach: Violin Sonata No. 4 in C minor
Edvard Grieg: Sonata No. 3 for Violin and Piano in C minor, Op. 45
Robert Schumann: Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A minor, Op. 105
Maurice Ravel: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1927)
What a treat tonight will be!
~~~~~
23.30
The program recital of Joshua Bell and Jeremy Denk was fabulous; spanning time, musical periods, emotivity, and music theory.
The program is listed below:
J.S. Bach, Violin Sonata No. 4 in C minor
E. Grieg, Sonata No. 3 for Vl and Piano in C minor, Opus 45
R. Schumann, Sonata No. 1 For Vl and Piano in A minor, Opus 105
M. Ravel, Sonata for Vl and Piano (1927)
The difference in musical periods was evident, as was the emotion in the pieces (even from the first two pieces). The dissonance in the Schumann piece was evident, and the bluesy sound of the final piece was heard. They played to an audience that gave them standing ovations, and provided an encore with a Kreissler piece after Dvorak, "Slavonic Fantasy."
It was a treat to listen and hear them, as they played like jazz with and to each other: It was as if they were breathing the music together, playing off each other.
Maureen and I saw my neighbor Ann there, we also met a former VP from Maureen's former workplace, and we met Ernest, who is a pianist. In line to meet the artist we met 5-year-old violinist Caillie (sp?) and her mom, and a family who brought a picture of their son meeting Mr. Bell for an autograph. I told the mother that her son is very fortunate to have parents like [them]. She was appreciative.
Labels: Bell, music, PSO, school, sleep, teaching, voice, work
Snowbound
As a foot and a half (half a meter) of snow fell and stuck last night, there were a number of comments about it:
"I am from Austria, the Alps, so, ... the snow." --Manfred Honeck addressing the Pitt crowd.
"If you have to get off the bus, be careful." --Annabelle Clippinger addressing our bus of students as we discovered that we were snow- gridlocked at Forbes just east of Craft Avenue.
"Snow! It's snowing! It's so beautiful." --me, exclaiming with delight at the outset of our evening.
"It's still snowing out there." --me at intermission at the PSO.
Labels: cold, PSO, school, seasons, weather
Anne-Sophie Mutter at the Pittsburgh Symphony
Maureen and I braved the snow to go to the Pittsburgh Symphony tonight. We met up at the Student Union to get our tickets and to board the buses to Heinz Hall. Anne-Sophie Mutter accompanied the PSO in Brahms's Concerto in D for violin and orchestra. Manfred Honeck conducted, with Andres Cardenes as concertmaster. Maureen and I recognized the theme in the third (last) movement. Absolutely wonderful, Ms. Mutter's chords were played clearly. A rousing standing ovation ensued, which welcomed her back for a solo encore.
The second half of the evening featured the PSO in Mahler's Symphony No.1 in D major. There was a movement reminiscent of "Where is Thumbkin" or "Frere Jacques." The PSO will take the Mahler Symphony on tour to Carnegie Hall in New York, and further afield. We were pleased to be the hometown audience, and the whooping for the standing ovation showed it.
A post-concert dessert and brief talk by Manfred Honeck (Well, if you have no questions to raise, then, it is time for cake) who asked a very young musician,
Do you play an instrument? Violin, perhaps?
(quietly and shyly) Piano
We rode the buses to Forbes and Craft Avenues, and we all disembarked after asking Annabelle if we could ("If you walk, go carefully.") I was glad that I had my cane, and took photos the whole way home.
Labels: cold, Honeck, music, photography, photos, PSO
Sa Chen at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
This afternoon Mom and I went shopping across the Highland Park Bridge and had dinner at Taco Bell.
Tonight was Jeff M's first jaunt to a Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performance. And what a night to go! Manfred Honeck directed a program with twenty-nine-year-old Sa Chen at the piano, playing Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1---Ms. Chen was stunningly brilliant in her interpretation, as evident from the first movement forward. 
After she played an encore, I met the featured artist at intermission, being within the first ten people to meet with her. Jeff, meanwhile, chatted with Matt H. and Lisa on the sidelines. I joined them and met Lisa.
The second half of the program was predominantly Strauss Family waltzes and polkas. I recognized those *ed pieces below:
*Fruhlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring)
Frauenherz (A Woman's Heart)
*Tritsch-Tratsch (Chit-Chat) Polka
*Annen-Polka
Wein, Weib, und Gesang (Wine, Women, and Song) Waltz
Eljen a Magyar! (Hail, Hungary!)
Pizzicato-Polka Op. 464
Agyptischer Marsch (Egyptian March)
Unter Donner und Blitz (Thunder and Lightning) Polka
The PSO played three encores, including a recursive/repetitive piece, the Anvil chorus (with accompanying humorous visuals), and the Radetsky march.
Labels: photos, PSO
Itzhak Perlman at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Itzhak Perlman performed tonight with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Need I say more?
Oh, okay: He was GREETED with a rousing standing ovation.
~~~
Friday 11 September 2009, 8.45
I met Lauretta outside the concert hall, and we chatted.
The night started out with my seatmates Ieva and Elizabeth and I discussing our place in the "university seating" arrangements, and how we lucked out with our seats. I took a pre-announcement, pre-concert photo of some of the musicians on stage: It was Gala Night, so most of the women musicians wore brightly colored ball gowns. Elizabeth and I were rather surprised with placement of some of the string section, as well as pleasantly surprised to see Andres, too.
Manfred Honeck and the Symphony played:
Overture to Der Freischutz (Carl Maria von Weber),
The Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88 (Antonin Dvorak),
they were joined by Mr. Perlman for:
Concerto No. 3 in G Major for Violin and Orchestra, K. 216 (W.A. Mozart),
and all finished the night with
Liebesfreud (Fritz Kreisler).
We were all delighted, and I met Peggy on the bus. A rather enjoyable night out, featuring the talents of Mr. Perlman and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Labels: Honeck, Pittsburgh, PSO, school, teaching
End of the First Week at Work, Fall 2009
This Wednesday I had an early morning physical therapy appointment, and a late Pastoral Council meeting. Carmella brought pizzas and homemade cake. Prayers were prepared and said by myself and Matt.
Thursday was my first office hours set. I had a student discuss the next lab assignment. Maureen picked me up and we met up with Nancy for the pre-season concert of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Lawrence Loh conducted, Ellen Chen-Livingson was solo violin on the Brahms piece (she was great with child), and Larry Richert of radio fame was the host.
They performed:
"Hoe-Down" from Rodeo (A. Copland)
Selection (II. Allegretto) from the Symphony No.5 in D minor, Op. 47 (Shostakovich)
Eljen a Magyar!, Op. 332 (J. Strauss, Jr.)
the (II.) Adagio from the Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra (J. Brahms)
the (IV.) Presto from the Symphony No. 30 in D Major, K. 1866 [202] (W.A. Mozart)
Mars from The Planets (G. Holst)
Intermission brought the PSO President, Lawrence Tamburri, to our row...we had 2 subscriptions from our little group alone!
The second half of the evening brought:
The opening theme from Also Sprach Zarathustra (R. Strauss)
Part I of theh Concerto for Orchestra, "Zoroastrian Riddles" ( R. Danielpour)
III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace from the Symphony No 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 5, "Eroica" (L. van Beethoven)
I. Bedachtig, night eilen from the Symphony No 4 in G Major (G. Mahler)
An American in Paris (G. Gershwin)
IV. Allegro Giocoso from the Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major, Op. 100 (S. Prokofiev)
We enjoyed chatting afterwards (even though we hadn't a chance at chatting with Manfred Honeck in the Garden after the concert).
Friday I lectored at one of the early Masses. Fr. Breier celebrated the Mass, John was the altar server, and Ken provided the music ministry. It was the first Mass during which I walked out with the others on the altar (since before my operation). Ken and I spoke about the Advent/Christmas CD for the choir before Mass. I also had a lab meeting at work, Jen and I discussed G-20 Summit scheduling, and Maureen, Karina, and I went to Penneys and Borders to shop; we found out our favorite Thai restaurant closes at ~10pm, and we ended up eating at Victor's restaurant for a late dinner/snack.
Labels: Choir, dining, exercise, Honeck, Mass, meeting, music, pastoral council, Pittsburgh, PSO, shopping, student, water exercise
First Two Days at Work, Fall 2009
Yesterday was my first day back at work. I taught in the morning, took a nap in the afternoon, and went for a walk with Karina to our favorite burger shop (also the President's favorite burger shop). We met up with her former coworker and her daughter there.
Headed home, and had dinner at Mom and Dad's.
Today, I had another morning class. I took an afternoon nap, made spaghetti with Mom, and we ate before William, the children, and Marissa arrived. Mom and I departed for Heinz Hall and a free concert previewing the coming season for the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops. The program was:
Music Man: Symphonic Impressions (Meredith Wilson) as conducted by Marvin Hamlisch
Steel City Blend, a barbershop quartet,
Beatles Medley
Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson)
"This is the Moment" from Jekyll and Hyde (Bricusse & Wildhorn) as performed with Gary Mauer
"Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber) as performed with Gary Mauer
~Intermission~
Musical Highlights from Rocky (Bill Conti, Arr. Lowden)
"Rent-A-Composer" (Marvin Hamlisch)
"Sabre Dance" from Gayane (Aram Khachaturian)
(American Salute--Morton Gould) and a Symphonic Portrait (I. Berlin) as performed with Gary Mauer ("God Bless America")
Mom greatly appreciated the evening, and we drove home to Dad.
Labels: dining, family, music, niece and nephew, PSO, teaching, walking, work
Magnificent Evening!
I received a cell phone call from Mom on the way home from the symphony: "We won the Stanley Cup. Be careful around South Side and Oakland."
By the by, the afternoon at the Three Rivers Arts Festival with Nancy was fun...we got a chocolate & fresh strawberry crepe with whipped cream. The chef was totally into the process of making it! (And we were into the process of eating it!)
Mahler's Resurrection Symphony (No. 2 in C minor) was nothing short of magnificent. Manfred Honeck conducted after introductory words by the outgoing concertmaster, Andres Cardenes. Elizabeth duShong (Mezzo-soprano) and Katy Shackleton Williams (soprano---a last-minute substitute) accompanied the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh (directed by Betsy Burleigh). The piece vacillated between piano movements which exploded into fortissimo movements. The fourth and fifth movements were sung by the women and the choir, respectively. The fourth movement was entitled Urlicht (Primeval Light), and the fifth movement included pieces "Aufersteh'n"/"Resurrection" and "O Glaube, Mein Herz"/"O Believe, My Heart." An immediate standing ovation greeted the artists, with several repeat calls.
Due to sudden street closures we ended up on the West End Bridge to the Hot Metal Bridge and in Oakland, where we heard whoops of joy. We were thinking of going to Victor's for a snack when Mom telephoned, and we had second thoughts.
Nancy handed me a puzzle/mystery, library book, and well wishes before we see each othe tomorrow.
Labels: art, dine, dining, games, Honeck, Mahler, music, Pittsburgh, Point, PSO, rivers, sports
Resting Pre-Op(erative)
I've been resting pre-operative. Today I crawled in bed to rest, and spoke with Mom, Nancy, and the pre-operative nurse. It's been a slow day. My R shoulder and L hip are bothering me...just a little pain in my L thumb, too.
Nancy and I will go to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra this evening to hear Manfred Honeck conduct.
Labels: family, friends, health, Honeck, pain, PSO, sleep, surgery
Sunny Sunday Afternoon
I'm typing while listening to a Tchaikovsky piece on the radio from Balanchine's Jewels ("String Serenade" Serenade for strings [or piano, 4 hands] in C major, Op. 48). The late afternoon summer sun is streaming into the west-facing window. After a three-hour-long nap, this typing with a slight delay in appearance on the computer screen is fine---a slow, sleepy end-of-day.
Chatting with Christoph about his research is enlightening and makes me realize how common across the sciences and health sciences research issues are.
~~~
Dinner follows, and a sit in front of Mom & Dad's television set...a movie with Debra Messing and the beginning of Titanic...a check of my email, with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra playing "Pictures at an Exhibition" by Mussorgsky as orchestrated by Ravel, conducted by Leonard Slatkin.
Labels: blogs, Choir, dance, friends, music, phone, PSO, Ravel, research, Tchaikovsky, TV, writing
Friday in the Octave of Easter 2009
Today I administered my last/final practical final examination for the semester. On my walk home Marissa called me and invited me to join her, Solomon, and Beatrice at midway at Carnival at Carnegie Mellon University. After having lunch, I headed to the midway.
I took pictures of Beatrice "driving" in the car (leaning left and right whilst holding the steering wheel), riding with Lauren in the lady bugs/granny bug, and Marissa took a picture of her before/after one pass in the roller coaster (a little too much for her now). Solomon slept peacefully throughout. Lauren and her daddy rode in the ferris wheel while Marissa, Beatrice, and I rode in another cab of the ferris wheel. Lauren returned for another ride (this time with her mom), and Beatrice and I rode on the carousel (she rode on the zebra).
Marissa told me how Beatrice had bumped her head earlier, and the people in the emergency trailer examined her, then told Marissa to watch her for changes. Well, Beatrice was extremely quiet...unusually so.
"Beatrice," Marissa asked her, "can you talk?"
"I can't talk," Beatrice replied.
"Why not?"
"Because everyone is talking So Loud, I can't talk."
["And so we knew she was okay," Marissa stated.]
I scoped out the location of the concert next week in the College of Fine Arts, shopped at the sidewalk sale by the University Center, and walked home to take a nap. Nancy and I spoke about our evening plans tonight, I checked my email, had a snack of pita and butter, Otap and capucchino, and decided to grade a little before heading out for the evening. I will meet up with Nancy, Karina, and Maureen at the Newman Center and then it's off to the symphony for Nancy and me...for some Rachmaninoff.
~~~
21:45 Friday
No Rachmaninoff: Girls Dine Out
Met up with Karina and Nancy at the Newman Center---we went for sushi for dinner on Oakland St. We chatted about job hunting and volunteer work. It was great fun, enlightenment for some of us. We decided feeding our souls is important. I am listening to a piano symphony on WQED currently, Piano Concerto #3 (Finale) by Rachmaninoff, with Denis Matsuev on piano and Leonard Slatkin conducting.
I need to grade, do laundry, clean house, and grocery shop before Monday. I can't believe how I have procrastinated before S.'s arrival!
22:00
Mr. Matsuev is playing an encore---from Hall of the Mountain King(, a Rachmaninov version of the Grieg piece, according to WQED).
Labels: Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, Church, cleaning, excited, Faith, international culture, laundry, music, organizing, Pittsburgh, PSO, Rachmaninoff, school, shopping, student, work
Noseda and Znaider at the PSO
Tonight Nancy and I went to hear the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Noseda conducted for the evening, and Znaider played the violin for the Korngold piece. We were particularly moved by the dramatic Korngold piece, which reminded me of a foxhunt. The final piece of the evening after intermission was Schubert's "Great," during which Noseda hunkered down for the pianissimo movements, dramatically danced with his whole body, and was expansive in his movements during the fortissimo movements.
During intermission, Nancy and I were first in line to meet Nikolaj Znaider. He signed my CD and program booklet, and Nancy took a photograph, after asking his permission. We chatted with Chris R. (formerly of choir, and an organist and trumpet player) soon afterwards.
We went for a snack after the performance 'round the corner...Nancy picked up her lunch for tomorrow.
Labels: dance, dining, friends, PSO
Bracelet Watches with Nancy; Choir Practice; Newman Center; Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday after work Nancy and I went to the Northland Public Library for a jewelry-making class. Both of us chose to make a bracelet watch. I used some of my own beads, and Marie L. helped us considerably during the findings process. Both of us were pleased with the outcome of our watches. We went for Mexican food at Qdoba afterwards, and listened to a recent cover of the old Judi Collins classic, "From Both Sides Now." (Before the class we stopped at Target for soap (on sale) and lightbulbs. We also stopped at Borders, where I purchased a CD for Friday night's concert. Then, I borrowed the paperback book Wicked after checking my email at the library.)
On Thursday, choir practice with Don and Ken rolled right along, preparing us for Easter and Holy Week. We had two new choir members, Ed and .
Tonight, we will go to the Newman Center (Nancy, Maureen, Karina, Christina, and I) for Friday fellowship. Nancy and I will go to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (to hear Brahms and the CD music) tonight.
~~~
Labels: Brahms, Choir, dining, jewelry, music, PSO, shopping, St. Paul Cathedral
PSO Music Director's Talk, 19 February 2009
I went to a talk by the PSO music director today after physical therapy. Some various concepts Honeck presented during his talk:
[It takes] courage [to be faithful],
"I choose to be either hot or cold [in my faith life]....I like hot soups, so.."
He stated that he is fortunate in his position at the PSO, as he has the opportunity to pray for ~20 minutes before a performance with other musicians.
Sacraments are important to him and his family: Penance, and especially the Eucharist..."you can pray and sing in your home, but you cannot receive the Eucharist: [That is a good reason to go to Church.]"
He has a healthy respect for Maria.
He cannot imagine a "life without belief---no."
In response to questions:
Even if you spend one minute per day in prayer in Church, or in Eucharistic Adoration, [it is still a regular meeting with God], it is still a step-by-step process [as opposed to a sudden event to build one's faith].
Even "Mother Teresa had a forty-year darkness."
"Trust God will do things for me...will take care of me."
"One gets dressed [in an outwardly fashion] for [the concert]...in tuxedo, tails, shoes, etc. [Why not] get dressed for God [in an inner way]?"
"Put God in the middle of your life, then you will have everything."
Has he experienced persecution due to his faith?
Those with different, opposing views "don't accept [my views], but in [their] inner heart, they accept it."
He spoke of John Paul II meeting Kissinger.
He addressed a scientific study on music that heals better [Bach and Mozart]...and pondered whether there is a music that "doesn't heal, [as] many young people are depressed."
When asked about pieces he likes, he mentioned that it is difficult to answer that question, but that Mozart, Mahler's 2nd, Strauss Valses, and Bach and Mozart [were moving].
In short, a fascinating program.
Don and I chatted before and after the program, and we saw Fabiola, Karina, and Kristen there, too.
Labels: Church, Faith, Honeck, international culture, Mahler, Mozart, music, philosophical, PSO
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra--Gabriela Montero
Earlier this evening, Maureen and I went to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Andrés Cárdenes, concertmaster, conducted tonight. The program consisted of:
Symphony No. 1, Op. 9 in one movement (Samuel Barber)
Rhapsody in Blue, with Gabriela Montero at pianoforte (George Gershwin)
Improvisation on an audience-supplied theme, by Ms. Montero
INTERMISSION
"Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero, Andrés Cárdenes, Associate Principal Cello David Premo, and Principal Clarinet Michael Rusinek (by special permission of John Williams)
Symphony No. 5 in D major, Op. 107, "Reformation" (Felix Mendelssohn)
~~~~~
The first piece was rather emotive and dramatic.
The Gershwin piece had imaginative, moving phrasing as provided by Ms. Montero on the pianoforte. The crowd responded with an appreciative standing ovation.
The improvisation on the Steelers' chant "Way to Go, Steelers, Way to Go" was nothing short of inspired, ending in a Latin beat (cha cha?). She is a wonderful, beautiful natural talent---and the audience erupted with an immediate standing ovation.
We saw Fabiola and Jose on the landing at the Dress Circle level at intermission. We exchanged greetings, as we were on our way to the Grand Lobby to greet the artist at intermission. The elevator was inoperable, so we waited in line patiently. Gabriela Montero signed my CD and program, and we chatted ever-so briefly.
The next piece was a pleasant surprise---the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra received permission to perform "Air and Simple Gifts," with Ms. Montero and the PSO musicians this weekend. "Air and Simple Gifts" was the musical piece commissioned for Barack Obama's Inauguration Ceremony. For the last curtain call, Ms. Montero in her black-with-gold-hemmed dress sported a Terrible Towel 'round her neck.
The Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony provided a suitable anchor to the evening's program.
As I exited, I ran into Richard Teaster and showed my appreciation for the music on the 9th of this month at the Cathedral. "A well-performed program that included diverse pieces," I said. "The Friday before Palm Sunday we will be in Synod Hall," he indicated, inviting. "Thanks," I said.
~~~~~~~~~~
Maureen and I headed to Crazy Mocha in Bloomfield for cups of hot cocoa and a Devil's food-cream cheese muffin. I spotted a doggie under the table next door..."Pippa" is her name, as her owner mumbled her name so that she would not think he were calling her.
Labels: American history, Broadway, celebration, Choir, citizenship, dining, games, Montero, music, Pittsburgh, politics, PSO, seasons, sports, Superbowl, surprise
