Beethoven on Deck

Where are we on transporter technology? Because not only would I live elsewhere (like near a beach/water) and not have to worry about my commute, and be closer to the nieces and nephews, I would be able to attend the activities my extended circle of "honorary" nieces and nephews.

Today in St. Chuck, Kari's Krew is performing Beethoven on the Deck as the Catalpa Trio of chamber musicians.

I am BUMMED I can't be there. Those girlies are so lucky -- for a variety of reasons.

I came to chamber music at the end of my formal training. Things were different when I taking lessons. It was more about solo tracks, and not what is now known formally as "Collaborative Piano" - chamber music, training on how to be a equal chamber music partner, and even training on how to be a 'real' chorus, ballet, or rehearsal pianist for theatricals. I picked up a lot on the "job" at church and high schoo chorus/pitl, but there was a lot I didn't know. I know for a fact that some orchestral directors had negative things to say about my playing when I worked with instrumentalists, but they didn't know that *I* didn't know what to do. I was working with what I knew - and the fact that I was highly uncomfortable? (Well, that's another story.) When I played for vocal auditions at UCONN for some regional competitions or auditions, some of those adjudicators and coaches were kind enough to give me some feedback, in the middle of the singers' auditions. (Sorry!) It wasn't until I got to college when I REALLY got chamber instructions - and I have to thank my fellow TRIO NON SACRA* cohorts, Jane and Kristin, for putting up with me -- and Dr. B, Dr. C, and Dr. LaM.

TRIO NON SACRA 4EVAH!

Thanks to social media, I can get glimpses of what the girlies are up to as part of their youth symphony orchestra and in rehearsal. (Not to mention have actual SM interactions with them and now play I spy with parental units. (BECAUSE I MISS THEM. NOT IN A CREEPER WAY!)

My parents are like a @timbuk2 ad! #swag pic.twitter.com/ePSgWYm9Gl

— Stella (@StellaChilds) July 3, 2015

Representing #EYSO last day of Swedish Days! #stringworks http://t.co/HEk60MGPl4 thanks for hosting The Catalpa Trio. pic.twitter.com/EQZfa889sQ

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) June 28, 2015

@EYSO Fall Camp volunteers. pic.twitter.com/otseFzGx5P

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) August 29, 2015

@kristins4kids last week @gpmf so grown up! pic.twitter.com/LzOvo2I55k

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) July 13, 2015

Thanks to WQXR's swag from Opening Night -- Beethoven's Ode to Joy - I sent along my love and a semi-permanent reminder that I am there in spirit, if not body.

Break a leg, girlies! Have FUN!

Beethoven on the deck with the #catalpatrio pic.twitter.com/WzMF3DIEPI

— Kari Childs (@karimamasaywhat) August 22, 2015

Catalpa Trio play Beethoven on the deck at 3pm #obeythoven pic.twitter.com/vJ91LxNUHH

— noel childs (@noelchilds) August 22, 2015

*Unholy Trio

Retroblogging: Caramoor Summer Sunday July 2013

Even now - after 6+ years since I "left," I'm still one of Caramoor's biggest fans.

When other "alumni" decide to visit, it's a ye olde fun-time reunion. One summer Sunday, a bunch of us enjoyed a beautiful afternoon in the country and Orchestra of St. Luke's concert. There were also lots of pre-concert hugs, greetings of old friends in concert rows, wanderings of the grounds, and after-concert meals in various places around the property - including the aforementioned salads and desserts.

 

 A little birdie says ... breathe.

Such a great day with friends - who are like family - and who let me be the crazy Auntie.

SUCH a lovely lovely place.

The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra

The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra

Per NPR, this is "the trailer for an upcoming documentary called Landfill Harmonic, which focuses on one remarkable group in Paraguay: an orchestra that plays instruments created out of literal trash, made lovingly for them by their community."

If you can't view it here, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_popout&v=UJrSUHK9Luw#action=share

More from NPR: http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2012/12/19/167539764/the-landfill-harmonic-an-orchestra-built-from-trash

YouTube Tuesday: Criminally Excellent Cello Duet

Via the Huffington Post on Jan. 25, 2011:

"Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic- two very talented musicians- have turned a pop classic into an epic and beautiful classical duet with a hard core twist. The harmonies between the cellos are passionate and lively; Hauser and Sulic have created a conversation with their instruments, doing more than justice to Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal.'"

Photo of the Day - Dancing's in the Blood

Family Cemetery, North Carolina, May 2010

presented with some comments:

I've been in and out of this cemetery a number of times, but never really noticed this footstone until the last time through.

A few years back, Grandmary asked for tickets to see Mama Mia! on Broadway, because she said that she always loved the music of ABBA and was a big fan. Now, I was there in the '70s when ABBA was big, and I have NO recollection of ABBA being much more than a passing part of my childhood. Easy listening music** yes, but hello? My mother? A huge fan of ABBA?

It's little things like that that shift your perception of your parents as ... well, just your parents, and remind you that they are people, with identities separate from their relationship to you-- that they are people with their own distinct preferences in musical styles.

Okay. Well then.

Grandmary likes ABBA.

Grandmary really liked Mama Mia! She was dancing in her seat and trying to sing along with the Broadway musicians. (not at all embarrassing)

Seeing this headstone clarified that WHOLE episode for me.

Grandmary likes ABBA because ... it's in the blood.

**"The Lite FM?"

"It's my kryptonite. I'd wage many persons born in the mid to late nineteen sevenites share the same affliction. Like, whatever radio waves were wafting through the air at the moment of your conception inexorably bonded themselves to your disposition. Ergo: my parents were really into Lionel Richie and the Commodores." .... "C'mon. Everyone has a musical weakness. Even you."

This Must be the Place by Kate Racculia on page 185

Bach from the Dead - Action Figure Fascination

Hey there, The Shushing Librarian here.

Auntie Nettie's on a blogging break, so I thought I'd guest post for a day or two.

I saw this as I was browsing the Web for information. I now have a huge crush on this Bach Action Figure. So talented .. but keep that guy away from me. Do you know how many kids he had? His poor poor wives. (seriously ... those poor, poor women!)

According to the cnn.com ireport page, this is a stop motion music video by Ryan Gruzen. Bach from the Dead features an original music track, hundreds of still pictures, and hours in Adobe After Effects and Photoshop, and was inspired by all kinds of films and other artists. For more information, visit here.

Stay tuned for more posts from me, The Shushing Librarian -- who is definitely NOT as talented as this Bach or Ryan person.

Musical Interlude

And now, in the immortal words of Monty Python,

It's time for something completely different!

We present: Pagagnini

Thanks to J for sending me the link. Who says classical music is boring?

On Beeing Star Struck

We interrupt these regularly scheduled blog posts, to bring you an update on one of the coolest things that has happened to me in a very long time.

Less than 18 hours ago, I was ....

20 feet from STING!

Yes. Auntie Nettie has a fan girl crush. Yes. She realizes how silly that seems, but 20 is the number of years that I have been crushing on Mr. Sting, so somehow it seems appropriate that I was that many feet away from him. (Plus, it's closer than a restraining order specifies ...)

Thanks to a friend in production who knows of this silliness, I got an e-mail entitled "Jealousy" yesterday afternoon:

I stopped by your desk, but you were gone. I just wanted to say that I was sorry for stealing your boyfriend this afternoon and tomorrow……..I’ll be hanging out next door in the penthouse with Sting in a few minutes. He’s on the Joshua Bell Live from Lincoln Center gig tomorrow night! Luckily, I got called to work the gig too! I’ll tell him you said hi!

Needless to say, I called her back and said some things that sound like puck (sorry about that Cynthia -- you know I was being facetious, right?) ... and one thing led to another and she sneaked me into the tech rehearsal for about 45 minutes. As I carefully walked around cameras, over cables, sauntering by crew with headphones, I got to watch the lighting rigs get minutely adjusted, musicians refining their entrances and intonations, and lots of producer types lurking about. I ran an errand or two for Cynthia to earn my keep and missed Sting's appearance, but I got to sit there during his rehearsal.

Usually when I get to see Sting he's either on a flat screen or inches high -- because I can only afford the nose bleed seats and he's so far away. This time, there were about 4 empty rows of chairs between me and the stage. You know, rushing distance. Plus there wasn't arena security. Luckily for all involved, I'm not the rushing type. I may have looked like I was a jaded New Yorker but deep inside me there was a not-so-little fan girl jumping up and down screaming:

STING! THAT'S STING!! OMG(oodness), OMG! THAT'S STING AND I'M RIGHT HERE AND HE'S RIGHT THERE!!!!! STTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNGGGG! I LOVE YOU! ROXANNE! Dream of the Blue Turtles! SOUL CAGES! FRAGILE!

All I could think of was "Don't geek out. Don't geek out. Be cooooooooooool, Auntie Nettie. Don't embarrass yourself OR Cynthia." DEEP BREATHS!

I wish I could have taken a picture, but that would have been uber tacky, especially given the circumstances. A flash in the dark would have certainly given away my position and called attention to the fact that I wasn't supposed to be there in the first place. Plus, I didn't want to appear gauche.

Thankfully Sting has shaved off the hoary hairy beard that he's been sporting recently, but I'm pleased to report that he's lean and lithe. So, he's looking older? Who isn't? Josh is also starting to show his age, does it really matter? They are both talented musicians and it was wonderful to see the shorthand that they have developed from working with each other in the past.

I've always enjoyed watching the behind-the-scenes stuff more than performances, mostly because I know how much hard work goes into rehearsing, scheduling, publicizing, and funding events. Backstage crews, tech crews, productions crews, and other administrative support NEVER get their props -- so here's mine. You guys ROCK!

Between seeing Sting, Joshua Bell, and Chris Botti, the gorgeous flower arrangements, the awesome views of the sun going down over the Hudson, and the very cool set and lights, I have to say it was a very very good night. Thanks Cynthia. What a way to liven up a Wednesday night.

Want to see the glossy, rehearsed, and outfitted version of what I got a glimpse of, watch Live from Lincoln Center's Joshua Bell with Friends @ the Penthouse tonight, January 21, 2009 on PBS or check your local listings. Click here for more details. Guess what I'll be watching tonight?

PBS ROCKS TOO!

Quote of the Day

Now, what is music? This question occupied me for hours before I fell asleep last night. Music is a strange thing. I would almost say it is a miracle. For it stands halfway between thought and phenomenon, between spirit and matter, a sort of nebulous mediator, like and unlike each of the things it mediates, spirit that requires manifestation in time and matter that can do without space.

We do not know what music is.

~ Heinrich Heine (1797-1856, German poet)
Letters on the French Stage
Quoted in Opera in America, by John Dizikes, Yale University Press, 1993.

Retroblog November 15, 1985

The United States Air Force Symphony Orchestra

Friday, 15 November, 1985 - 8:00 p.m.

Albert N. Jorgensen Auditorium, UCONN - Storrs

Haydn Sinfonia No. 86

Davidov Konzert No. 1 in B Minor, for cello and orchestra, Op. 5

Foote Four Character Pieces after the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, Op. 48

Still Afro-American Symphony

This must have quite the impression, because I kept the program for all these years. Perhaps it was even my first symphony concert. Looking at it now, this is quite an evening of music. I'll have to find some audio clips to re-live the evening.

We were fortunate enough to live 15 minutes from the UCONN campus and my dad's office was in the basement beneath Jorgensen (near the shark -- not kidding!). As the cultural center of Eastern Connecticut, Jorgensen did, and still does, program a wide variety of events and presentations and I'm very fortunate that my parents recognized the importance of supplementing my exposure to the arts. It set me on the path I'm still wandering down.

Nettie's Nocturne

Overture

Now that the fall season is underway, I’ve been taking advantage of the rich diversity of performing arts options that take place at the Big J and in the City. Last week I attended an organ recital, featuring six rarely heard Bach Trio Sonatas.

Organ, Auntie Nettie? Really? Yes. Organ … More precisely, the Pipe Organ.

Exposition

You see, once upon a time, not only did I used to be a pianist, I was also an organist. Well, almost; I played the manuals—the two to three keyboards that came standard on our (LDS/Mormon) Church electronic instruments. I used the various deep, rich, pre-sets to make it sound like I was using the foot pedals, though occasionally I did manage to use a few of them as a special effect.

As the ward organist for my congregation, I got to sit up, or rather hide, behind the instrument during Sunday services. I would play the preludes, the two to four hymns (we’re a singing people) in the main meeting, and then do a short postlude to usher the congregation out and on to their next meetings. My technique was amateurish at best, especially since piano technique and organ technique are very different. On top of that, my classical training had been a bit “corrupted” once I started playing for the musicals in high school. I would get some interesting looks from my parents as our hymn tempos got a bit faster than normal, or a rockin’ syncopated backbeat would sneak in—not to mention the raised eyebrows I would get when I would improv riffs on the traditional Christmas carols. (Hey, I think Handel would have enjoyed a bit of swing in his songs.)

Typical Mormon congregational chapels are fairly small and their electronic instruments modest, compared to Catholic/Episcopalian cathedrals hosting larger pipe organs. The only two instruments that we have to compare would be the two housed at the conference centers in Salt Lake City, with the most famous “Mormon” pipe organ the one that usually accompanies the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

There’s no really comparison in the sounds. When you hear a pipe organ in full voice, it can’t compare to all the electronic organs most people have at home or at church. It really needs the proper setting to appreciate it. One of my biggest thrills as a musician was when I got to play on a pipe organ at a cathedral in Middletown, CT with my high school madrigal choir. The cathedral’s organist was kind enough to acquiesce to our requests to use the instrument at least once in rehearsals. Upon determining that I knew enough about what I was doing, he actually agreed to let us use it during the competition/concert. He sat alongside me, working the presets/stops, so I could play the registers and work the pedals. Learning how to pick up conductor’s cues while seated far from the choir, and to learn how to gauge reverb, echo distortions, and balance with the size of the vestry was invaluable to me as a musician.

I always meant to try and take lessons on how to play correctly. My undergraduate college offered lessons and had a large instrument and chapel where I could have practiced. My four-year prospectus/business plan outlined how and where I could later use these skills. However, as the years went on, fitting in the requirements for my major and double minor, plus other life demands conflicted with classes. I eventually even stopped taking piano lessons since there just wasn’t enough time to do everything.

Development

To this day, I’ve always been intrigued by what a trained and talented organist can do. As I sat at this concert, surrounded by a standing-room-only crowd of other organ aficionados, I watched in awe as the musician made it look so effortless. Prodigy and genius are two overused terms, but in this case they were both appropriate. Not only was it a feat of technical mastery (you do see why there are few overweight organists), it was a feat of memorization. Bach counterpoint is notoriously tricky, and the Trio Sonatas created a musical “dance” between both hands maintaining separate lines on separate keyboards, with both feet flying as a continuo on the pedals. At times the interweaving of the melody lines almost seemed “modern” to me, like the techno or electronica that I enjoy.

At the organist’s suggestion, I closed my eyes, so as to not be distracted by the blur of his hands and feet. The music was transporting. I sat there, letting the music wash over me, while the various melodies wove their various ways in and around and through each other.

Suddenly, their melodic mysteries helped me to solve one of mine, one that I’ve been pondering for more than 20 years. It was a wondrous moment, and proved to me that you never know the place, time, or means in which you will receive your personal revelations.

Cultural Escapades

There are some really great things about living and working in one of the cultural capitals of the world. Within a span of a month (or even a day for some people) you can see a serious play, attend free concerts, learn about little known international instruments, and then see a sneak peak of a new film.

A few weeks ago I got to catch up with my dear friend Poopeh and see the Theatre for a New Audience production of Hamlet at the Duke Theater on 42nd Street that everyone was raving about. Our schedules are always so busy that sometimes it takes six months to synch up, so it was great that this get-together got organized relatively quickly. Four of the leads were Big J alumni from various decades, so it was wonderful to see how the School's Drama Department has contacts everywhere. I also had a wonderfully unexpected reunion with some friends from my Caramoor days during the first intermission ... one of those only in New York moments when someone in the crowd passes you by and you go, I KNOW that lady. I turned around and looked up into the seating risers and decided for once not to be my normally shy and retiring self, but go and say hello. Even after more than two years the couple was so lovely and gracious and gave me a big warm hug and kiss. It's good to know that you are missed and that you made an impression at a job -- though after 12 years one would hope so.

The next week I had a double dose of culture, with a lunch-time recital of harps and guitars (much like last year's, but with no fun lyrics) followed by an after-work musical presentation by my lovely colleague T***. As previously mentioned, T*** is a very accomplished domestic goddess, who has an interest in shakuhachi flute. She was recently awarded the jin-shi-han license (to teach shakuhachi) as well as her own Japanese name, and was asked by the Big J's international relations department to do a presentation for the students and interested faculty and staff members about this little-known instrument. Between the q&a, her fun anecdotes, and the very zen music, I felt very educated by the end of the day. These kinds of presentations are a great way to learn about the other side of your colleagues. I knew T*** rocked ... I'm glad that other people got to find out too.

T*** Yuuraka M*******d

Finally, last week I volunteered to help at a membership event for some of the Big J donors, where they were cordially invited to attend an exclusive pre-opening screening of The Soloist, a new film starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., based on the book by Steve Lopez.

The event was at the Paramount Screening Room in mid-town, near the MTV studios and Shubert Alley/Theater District. I usually avoid mid-town at all costs because it is crazy with tourists to the point where you cannot walk down the street. This time I had no choice.

[A word of advice to out-of-towners! People, please do not do the following or one of these days I PROMISE I will knock you over and swear at you like the commuter I am! Do not text and walk -- you have no idea how slow you are walking. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot do two things at one time. The same holds true for cellphones. Do not talk on your cellphone and wander aimlessly down the street, or stop abruptly, OR stop in the middle of the subway stairs to finish up your call and/or text. If you are on the stairs or the escalator, STAY TO THE RIGHT! Also, if you MUST take a picture with a camera or a phone, GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE SIDEWALK! COME ON ALREADY! Sorry. Mini-rant finished, for now.]

Before the guests arrived, I totally acted like the blogger that I am and took pictures to prove I was there.

The room was on the third floor of this building and the elevator banks opened into this little lobby. The walls were covered with floor to ceiling pictures from some Paramount films, along with this bench at the end of the hall. It took me all night to finally go over and realize that it wasn't a just a place to sit to wait for the elevator, but there for a reason.

That plaque .... read it closely.
It's the bench from Forrest freaking Gump!

Matt's a good sport. I got him to pose for me,

and take another picture.
(Yes, I'm a geek!)

I am also such a theater dork that I was taking pictures out the window of the screening room to the area next door, which happened to actually be Shubert Alley. How strange is it that I first noticed the architecture, then I noticed the marquee.
I have to get tickets to this play. I loved the film as a teenager, so I can't wait to see what this production is like. I can't understand why Broadway has to be so expensive though!

All in all, it's been a great month for the cultural outings. It does make for some late night though.

Let's just put it this way, when Grand Central look like this ...

and you can almost see the tumbleweeds rolling by ...

and the clock looks like this ...

meaning you've missed the "early" train and you have to wait for another 30-60 minutes ... it's no wonder that even The Shushing Librarian passes out on the train!
The End.

Roll Credits

Grateful List 2/21-2/27

This last week I was very grateful that I was not stuck in the elevator, though it would have been a great way to meet the neighbors, not to mention all the local fire rescue people.

Now that I think about it, knowing those rescue folk would have been nice. I took a slip on the New York City streets, but thankfully didn't seriously hurt myself. Although bruised and scrapped, I'm grateful that people did stop to make sure that I was only embarrassed. Grace, for the short term, has left the building.

"She" instead, was gratefully indulging in a free lunchtime concert over at the newly reopened
Alice Tully Hall. Taking an hour break to go and listen to classical music, in this case Schubert, with colleagues, in a standing-room-only-concert hall, is something that I need to do more often. Thankfully, I'm at a place that encourages this kind of lunch break.

Finally, I'm grateful to friends who sneakily force me to be social, (like former bosses who "rescued" me and then came to work just blocks away and other friends who decide to celebrate their birthdays in exciting "girlfriend" weekends), and family who are flexible enought to rearrange their plans so I can go and play with the girls.

Much riches.

I didn't know ...

MacGyver played an instrument ...

I shouldn't be surprised though.

Auntie Nettie's Kitchen

I had a very Flax Hill Garden-esque weekend. Along with sleeping in, leisurely reading of the newspapers, and watching of more Jane Austen, it was a wonderful time. I mostly stayed in my kitchen and whipped up all kinds of things. I cranked up the CD player, and listened to an eclectic range of music, from the Twilight soundtrack, to the Elgar Cello Concerto played by Jacqueline Du Pre, to KT Tunstall, and Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. (Have you ever really listened to the second movement or his Edgemont Overture? Glorious!)

With the warm weather this weekend, I had the window open wide to let in the smells of spring and was able to taunt my neighbors with the aromas.

There’s something very cathartic about cooking, especially when you do it from scratch. I don’t use a food processor or a mixer, so everything is chopped, shredded, beaten, and mixed by hand. I have about 2 square feet of counter space, the world’s smallest sink, and a very narrow range top, but some how it all works. Who needs a gourmet kitchen?

I made loaves of Apple Bread, a batch of Fudge, a pan of Mint Chocolate Brownies, a pot of hearty Chicken stew, and a whole Broccoli Chicken Lasagna. If Jane can share recipes and photos, so can I.

Apple Bread aka the Zucchini bread recipe
from the Better Homes and Garden cookbook
covered generously with demerara sugar crystals

Grandma's Brownies from
the original 1996 edition of Help! My Apartment has a Kitchen cookbook,
(modified to include a center layer of Andes Mints)

Broccoli Chicken Lasagna

1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 can (14.5 oz.) chicken broth
1 3/4 cups milk
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package (16 oz.) frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 1/3 cup julienned fully cooked ham, divided
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms and onion in butter until tender.
Stir in the four, salt, pepper and nutmeg until blended.
Gradually stir in broth and milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and broccoli, heat through.
Spread ½ cup broccoli mixture in a greased 13 in. x 9 in. x 2 in. baking dish.
Layer with three noodles, a third of the remaining broccoli mixture, 1 cup ham and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
Top with three noodles, a third of the broccoli mixture, all of the chicken and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese. Top with remaining noodles, broccoli mixture and ham.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.

Yields 12 servings

NOTE: I excluded the mushrooms and substituted a variety of other things. I used cooked turkey for the ham. I used cooked egg noodles in lieu of the lasagna noodles. (About 5 handfuls of dry egg noodles). I also used jalapeno Jack cheese and added crumbed bacon and chives to the broccoli mixture. I also used a LOT more pepper and Parmesan cheese. Since the egg noodles are bulkier than lasagna noodles, you'll have to press down on the layers to get it all to fit in the casserole dish.

Really good reheated for the next few days.

Enjoy! I know I am!