piano

What Was Old Is New Again With Beethoven's Sonata No. 30

Randy Anderson — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:46:24 +0000

After his mighty "Hammerklavier Sonata," Ludwig van Beethoven continued with writing sonatas, but on a smaller and more intimate scale.

The "Sonata No. 30 in E" is a rare combination of nostalgia, youthful vigor and an antiquarian's love of baroque musical forms.

In the first movement, the music swims out of the void into being and the composer weaves passages that simultaneously project them forward and fall back into reminiscence.

Parker Makes Stravinsky Ballets One Man Band

John Clare — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:53:23 +0000

Igor Stravinsky made an original piano version of his ballet "Petrushka," so why would someone else make one?

"Well, I played it as a student, and I remember thinking, you know, I would actually trill this octave, not that one," says Jon "Jackie" Kimura Parker.

Parker has made a solo piano version of the entire ballet, not just a few scenes.

Beethoven Gets Payback For His "Raise" With 'A Therese' Sonata

Randy Anderson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:00:22 +0000

What a difference there was between Mozart and Beethoven. Where the former was often forced to wear livery and eat with the servants, Beethoven hobnobbed with nobility and taught some of them music and piano.

When he didn't feel he was getting what he deserved, the composer, in 1808, put out the rumor that he was considering a position with a Napoleon brother and would leave for Westphalia.

"Night" Is A Bold And Beautiful New Recording

John Clare — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:52:23 +0000

Mixing genres in music can be easily compared to cooking, or baking. But none of them are easy tasks. While Simone Dinnerstein and Tift Merritt make it sound (and even look) effortless, their journey together wasn't easy. Night, their collaboration out now on Sony Classical, is delicious.

Beethoven's Mock-Serious Mood On Full Display In Opus 31's Third Sonata

Randy Anderson — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:10:02 +0000

Ludwig van Beethoven's Opus 31 is an amazing collection of inspirations.

Break The Piano With Beethoven's "Tempest Sonata" On KPAC

Randy Anderson — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:08:23 +0000

Pop music is (usually) in English and is easy to understand, but Classical works are often in another language, and even when they are in English the operatic vibrato clouds the message.

Absolute music like a symphony or sonata has no words, but sometimes the work has a helpful title.

We've been presenting Beethoven's piano sonatas in order weekday mornings and one sonata that is very important in understanding the composer is being broadcast April 10 in the 6 a.m. hour.

David Chesky's 'The New York Rags,' Faster Than A New York Minute

Randy Anderson — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:22:33 +0000

Visiting New York City is exhilarating. The hassle of air travel, the expense of the cabs and buses falls away and suddenly you are there, surrounded by familiar buildings, that great skyline beckoning, and people!

Award-Winning Steinway Artist Jeff Biegel Performs Saturday

Randy Anderson — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:24:28 +0000

Jeffrey Biegel talks about his upcoming recital at the First Unitarian Universalist Church this Saturday. While the topics all had something to do with great music, some are a little off topic. Biegel first talks about his new passion, tweeting; @tprclassical subscribes to his tweets and he certainly has a lot to say - as do those that follow his remarks.

A singular honor

Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Performing In Seguin

Randy Anderson — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:24:55 +0000

Haochen Zhang, gold medal-winning pianist in the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will be performing at Ayers Hall at Texas Lutheran University on Monday, March 25 at 7 p.m.

KPAC's Randy Anderson spoke to Mr. Zhang about his experiences in Fort Worth, touring, and the music on next Monday's program.

"The competition meant a lot to me. [Now] I get to spend so much time touring, and it’s a very maturing experience for me, mentally and spiritually." -- Haochen Zhang

Two Sides Of Mozart With Pianist Alessio Bax's New CD

John Clare — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:14:33 +0000

Two concerti plus variations make up this new Signum Classics disc

Pianist Alessio Bax is one of the most exciting young pianists today. His accolades include first prizes in the Leeds and Hamamatsu international piano competitions, as well as an Avery Fisher Career Grant. Alessio has just been named the 2013 recipient of the Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award.