In Search of Lost Sounds

This is a well-written article about the difference in playing on contemporary vs. the instruments the composers wrote for:
http://www.slate.com/id/2245891/pagenum/all/

There are audio files there so you can compare.

Another weekend of great music

On Sunday 30 May, Shuann Chai gave an astounding performance to a packed house (well ,a packed church). Chopin, Schumman (both R. and C.), and a little known Henselt piece. Her comments were witty and astute and greatly appreciated. I love being able to see artists of this caliber in an area most people would refer to as rural. It is a real treat to hear these compositions performed on pianos similar to those on which they were written. There is a huge difference in the texture of the music, and therefore deeper understanding, when it is played on the exact instrument for which it was composed.
http://www.frederickcollection.org

On Friday 28 May Hiro Honshuku's group gave an energetic performance at the Acton Jazz cafe. Violin, vibes, flute, percussion and bass. They really tore it up and those of us who made the effort to get there had quite the treat. You who did not attend missed a fantastic journey through sound. This is jazz that brought to mind JL Ponty, Weather Report, 1970s canadian jazz fusion such as Contrevent. Hiro's compositions were lovely.
http://anonemusic.com

More later as I have time to write.