I'm not much of a movie-goer. I mean, I'll go and see the new Harry Potter or Star Trek movie, but in general, sitting down for a few hours to watch a movie isn't my idea of a good time. (however, I'll gladly sit down for 7 episodes in a row of Lost, like I just did today. I'm nearly caught up--I just finished season 3.)
This coming week however, I have quite a large amount of spare time on my hands, and I'm going to be checking out a Mahler movie--actually two that come as one, entitled Conducting Mahler/I Have Lost Touch with the World, by filmmaker Frank Sheffer. After I watch it, I'll be sure to let you know what I think.
I'm wondering if any of you, dear readers, have watched any Mahler documentaries. I'll be honest--I have seen a few clips of What the Universe Tells Me about Mahler's 3rd symphony, but that's it. What about you? And what do you think of them? Are there any that you absolutely love, or completely hate? What would you recommend I check out next in my quest for Mahler DVDs?
Personally, I'd love to make my own Mahler movie. I wouldn't mind doing one about how I think Alma was far more responsible for Gustav's death than anyone/anything else. That would be pretty awesome. I've also thought about getting a video camera and taking it with me to concerts and making a little documentary of sorts of my next Mahler tour, but I'm no movie-making genius. (but when has something like that ever stopped me? I'm no Pulitzer Prize winning writer, yet I happily type away on my blog.) We'll see about the little documentary, although the idea of it right now sounds AWESOME, and my brain is all lit up right now, thinking about it and all the possibilities.
Anyway, back to reality for a moment: let me know if you've seen any Mahler movies, and what you think of them. Feel free to comment, or email me at mahlerowesmetenbucks at hotmail dot com.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra blog
I have no idea how I missed this---the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has a blog now. It looks like the first post was June 1st! I never received any information about it, or heard about it, nor have I been to the ISO's website in a while, so that's why I had no idea about it.
There's only a few posts up right now, and I hope they will post entries on a regular basis. I'll wait a while before offering an opinion on the blog....they've just started up, and I'm interesting in seeing how it develops and fleshes itself out before commenting.
There's only a few posts up right now, and I hope they will post entries on a regular basis. I'll wait a while before offering an opinion on the blog....they've just started up, and I'm interesting in seeing how it develops and fleshes itself out before commenting.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Summertime doses of Mahler
Should you need to hear Mahler this summer, and not wait for the fall season to begin, you have some options!
NY Philharmonic - Symph. no. 8, June 24-28.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Ravinia Festival) - Das Lied von der Erde, July 10.
Boston Symphony Orchestra (Tanglewood Festival) - Symph. no. 6, July 17. Oh man. My favorite Mahler symphony, 2 days before my 30th birthday! Oh what I'd give to be there, sigh...
Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Ravinia Festival) - Symph. no. 9, July 19. Hmmm. Perhaps I'll drive up for this as a birthday gift to myself? Hmmm.....
LA Philharmonic - Symph. no 5, July 28.
Grant Park Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no 9, Aug. 7&8.
LA Philharmonic - Blumine, Songs of a Wayfarer, Aug. 20.
Have I missed anything? Know of any other summertime Mahler concerts? Please let me know!
NY Philharmonic - Symph. no. 8, June 24-28.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Ravinia Festival) - Das Lied von der Erde, July 10.
Boston Symphony Orchestra (Tanglewood Festival) - Symph. no. 6, July 17. Oh man. My favorite Mahler symphony, 2 days before my 30th birthday! Oh what I'd give to be there, sigh...
Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Ravinia Festival) - Symph. no. 9, July 19. Hmmm. Perhaps I'll drive up for this as a birthday gift to myself? Hmmm.....
LA Philharmonic - Symph. no 5, July 28.
Grant Park Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no 9, Aug. 7&8.
LA Philharmonic - Blumine, Songs of a Wayfarer, Aug. 20.
Have I missed anything? Know of any other summertime Mahler concerts? Please let me know!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Proof that I have been living under a rock for a while
I blame my lack of checking the classical blogosphere for approximately 2 or so weeks on my move, plus Lost. In fact, I blame everything on those things.
As a result of those two things, I missed out on Alex Ross's list of favorite Mahler recordings. Then Opera Chic also made a list. And then Tim Smith made a list. And after that, Mahler himself came back to life and made a list.
Kidding, kidding.
These lists had me thinking about my favorite recordings, and how I simply don't have favorite recordings of some of his symphonies. Some I can't decide, and some I just haven't found the one that really grabs me. I don't own a million of each symphony, but a few of each, but nowhere near as many as I'd like. I haven't done much comparing and contrasting in quite a while, I'll freely admit. Some symphonies I have, and others not so much. I'll tell you the ones I'm certain of, and you can love/hate/feel indifference towards my choices, and that's fine by me:
Symph. no 6 - Bernstein, Vienna Philharmonic all the way. 100%. What's that you say? You think it goes Andante/Scherzo? Oh. DID YOU KNOW YOU'RE WRONG? Oh, and huh? Bernstein is too whatever-it-is-you-think-he-is-too-much-of? Oh well! I care not. I adore this recording, and listen to it weekly. It also has a kick ass recording of Kindertotenlieder with everyone's favorite dude to be singing Mahler, Thomas Hampson.
Symph. no 9 - Bernstein, Berlin Philharmonic for the win. I remember my first year in college, I'd listen to the last movement, and every single time I did, I would burst in to tears. Every single time, no matter what. Now it's the first movement that makes me do that. Anyway, this recording is powerful and intense. I'm also fond of Bruno Walter's recording of it, but the sound quality unfortunately ain't so hot. But his is also quite wonderful.
I realize that's only two that I've listed, but the others.....I just don't know. I've listened to many that I enjoy, and then there are some where I just haven't found the right recording, I think. I dunno--all I do know is that I feel uncomfortable making a list of the rest.
Do you have a list? Or how about we flip the tables--what are the WORST Mahler recordings, in your opinion? Here, I'll start with just one, and keep in mind this is just my humble little opinion, so if you love this recording, don't get offended: Symph. no 9, Boulez with Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Oh man. This recording....oh man. I listened to it, and afterwards said as strongly as I've ever said this phrase, "That sucked!" Enough of this "Boulez brings out the orchestration" and "Boulez is clean and showcases inner voices" blah blah blah......the recording is BORING. The recording is static, it goes nowhere and says nothing. It's a fine waste of 79 minutes and 46 seconds of your life.
Now, if you agree with me---or say you have another Mahler recording you hate and despise, allow me to give you some suggestions to make your CD more useful to you, since you obviously won't be putting it in the CD player too often.
Coaster--CD cases make GREAT coasters. I'm proudly using this CD as my drink coaster. Thanks Boulez/CSO!
Ice scraper--CDs made EXCELLENT ice scrapers. Imagine, it's a cold, freezing morning, and there's ice all over your car. But where is your usual ice scraper? Can't find it? Never fear! Just grab your most hated Mahler CD, and get started on your car! It'll be ice-free in no time.
Frisbee--do I need to explain?
Window-stopper--Don't you hate it when you have a window that's old and janky and won't stay up when you want it too? Just put your CD case in standing up to hold that window. Problem solved.
Please, please, please share with me your least favorite Mahler recordings. Please insult them give me a good laugh. If you can throw a 'your mama' joke in there, all the better too. Any new suggestions for use of the CD and its case are also more than welcome.
As a result of those two things, I missed out on Alex Ross's list of favorite Mahler recordings. Then Opera Chic also made a list. And then Tim Smith made a list. And after that, Mahler himself came back to life and made a list.
Kidding, kidding.
These lists had me thinking about my favorite recordings, and how I simply don't have favorite recordings of some of his symphonies. Some I can't decide, and some I just haven't found the one that really grabs me. I don't own a million of each symphony, but a few of each, but nowhere near as many as I'd like. I haven't done much comparing and contrasting in quite a while, I'll freely admit. Some symphonies I have, and others not so much. I'll tell you the ones I'm certain of, and you can love/hate/feel indifference towards my choices, and that's fine by me:
Symph. no 6 - Bernstein, Vienna Philharmonic all the way. 100%. What's that you say? You think it goes Andante/Scherzo? Oh. DID YOU KNOW YOU'RE WRONG? Oh, and huh? Bernstein is too whatever-it-is-you-think-he-is-too-much-of? Oh well! I care not. I adore this recording, and listen to it weekly. It also has a kick ass recording of Kindertotenlieder with everyone's favorite dude to be singing Mahler, Thomas Hampson.
Symph. no 9 - Bernstein, Berlin Philharmonic for the win. I remember my first year in college, I'd listen to the last movement, and every single time I did, I would burst in to tears. Every single time, no matter what. Now it's the first movement that makes me do that. Anyway, this recording is powerful and intense. I'm also fond of Bruno Walter's recording of it, but the sound quality unfortunately ain't so hot. But his is also quite wonderful.
I realize that's only two that I've listed, but the others.....I just don't know. I've listened to many that I enjoy, and then there are some where I just haven't found the right recording, I think. I dunno--all I do know is that I feel uncomfortable making a list of the rest.
Do you have a list? Or how about we flip the tables--what are the WORST Mahler recordings, in your opinion? Here, I'll start with just one, and keep in mind this is just my humble little opinion, so if you love this recording, don't get offended: Symph. no 9, Boulez with Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Oh man. This recording....oh man. I listened to it, and afterwards said as strongly as I've ever said this phrase, "That sucked!" Enough of this "Boulez brings out the orchestration" and "Boulez is clean and showcases inner voices" blah blah blah......the recording is BORING. The recording is static, it goes nowhere and says nothing. It's a fine waste of 79 minutes and 46 seconds of your life.
Now, if you agree with me---or say you have another Mahler recording you hate and despise, allow me to give you some suggestions to make your CD more useful to you, since you obviously won't be putting it in the CD player too often.
Coaster--CD cases make GREAT coasters. I'm proudly using this CD as my drink coaster. Thanks Boulez/CSO!
Ice scraper--CDs made EXCELLENT ice scrapers. Imagine, it's a cold, freezing morning, and there's ice all over your car. But where is your usual ice scraper? Can't find it? Never fear! Just grab your most hated Mahler CD, and get started on your car! It'll be ice-free in no time.
Frisbee--do I need to explain?
Window-stopper--Don't you hate it when you have a window that's old and janky and won't stay up when you want it too? Just put your CD case in standing up to hold that window. Problem solved.
Please, please, please share with me your least favorite Mahler recordings. Please insult them give me a good laugh. If you can throw a 'your mama' joke in there, all the better too. Any new suggestions for use of the CD and its case are also more than welcome.
Universal Edition's Mahler blog
Universal Edition has a blog dedicated to all things Mahler. If you call yourself a Mahler fan, check it out.
Bachtrack
Did you like yesterday's list of Mahler concerts around the US? Well, I found a site that kicks my little lists ass. I have no idea what took me so long to find this site---I'm sure everyone and their mother is checking it out, but apparently I have been living under a rock that shields me from finding useful and interesting stuff as of late. I will blame it (yet again) on the move, and watching hours upon hours of Lost.
Anyway, enough of my rambling--this site is called Bachtrack. You can find schedules for orchestras, or a chronological list of who is playing what piece, and where. It's absolutely brilliant, if you ask me. They cover tons of European orchestras as well, but you have the option of searching US-only concerts. It's a great site, and I hope my readers take advantage of it. I know I certainly will!
Anyway, enough of my rambling--this site is called Bachtrack. You can find schedules for orchestras, or a chronological list of who is playing what piece, and where. It's absolutely brilliant, if you ask me. They cover tons of European orchestras as well, but you have the option of searching US-only concerts. It's a great site, and I hope my readers take advantage of it. I know I certainly will!
Contrabass.....french horn
I thought I'd seen it all---I swear I saw a saxophone once with a bell the size of a toilet seat. No joke. But I'd never heard of a contrabass french horn! Thanks to Horndog Blog, I now know about it. Check this oddity out here.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
250th post! Let's celebrate with a listing of Mahler concerts for 09-10!
It's pretty incredible to think I've been rambling enough for 250 posts. If you've read all of them up until now, bless you. You deserve a medal of some sort!
What better way to celebrate this delightful milestone than to talk about all things Mahler? Yes, I think that's a capital idea.
More specifically, who is playing what Mahler, and when? Here we go with a list of major orchestras, which Mahler they are playing, and when. If you see any other Mahler concerts that I have somehow missed, please feel free to comment. Also, if I get something wrong, feel free to point that as well, and please note that you should consult the orchestra's website to confirm all this glorious information below. There, enough disclaimer type stuff. On to the good stuff....
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 3 April 4&6, 2010
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 Nov. 6-8, 2009
Boston Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 2 Feb. 11-13, 2010
Symph. no. 7 April 8-10, 2010
Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 Dec. 3&5, 2009
Symph. no. 5 May 20-22, 2010
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - NONE. ZERO. ZIP. ZILCH. NADA. NOT COOL. I'm almost taking this personally.
Cleveland Orchestra - Adagio from Symph. no 10, Das Knaben Wunderhorn Feb. 11-13, 2010
Dallas Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 1 Sept. 24-26, 2009
Symph. no. 2 May 20-23, 2010
Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 7 Oct 16&18, 2009
Houston Symphony Orchestra - Das Lied von der Erde Nov. 19, 21&22, 2009
Symph. no. 1 Jan. 7, 9&10, 2010
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra - ABOUT DAMN TIME. Symph. no. 2 May 21&22, 2010
Kansas City Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 April 9&10, 2010
Adagio from Symph. no. 10 May 14&15, 2010
LA Philharmonic - Symph. no. 1 Oct. 8-11, 2009 (they are touring with this as well, all over the place) Symph. no. 5 April 1-3, 2010
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 5 Sept. 26&27, 2009
Symph. no. 3 June 4-6, 2010
Minnesota Orchestra - Symph. no. 7 April 30, 2010
Nashville Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 5 April 29-May 1, 2010
National Symphony Orchestra - Das Lied von der Erde Jan. 21-23, 2010
New York Philharmonic - Symph. no. 3 Sept. 16-18&22, 2009
Philadelphia Orchestra - Symph. no. 7 Nov. 18, 20&21, 2009
Adagio from 10 Jan. 14-16, 2010
Symph. no. 3 June 10-12, 2010
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 Jan. 29&31, 2010
Symph. no. 3 June 11&13, 2010
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 5 Sept. 25&26, 2009
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 1 & Ruckert Lieder Sept. 16&17, 19&20, 2009
This next Mahler concert of theirs is fascinating, and it's entitled "Origins and Legacies", with the following works on the program: Songs of a Wayfarer, Piano Quartet, selections from symphonies 2, 3, and 7, early songs for voice and piano, and Scherzo from Hanz Rott's Symphony in E major. To say that this is an interesting program is a massive understatement, and I'm sad I won't be there to see any of it. Sept. 23-26, 2009
Symph. no. 5 Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2009
Symph. no. 2 March 11-14, 2010
I can't help but point out what bums me out the most about this upcoming season: no symph. no. 6 or 9. But there's almost everything else. Still, 6 and 9 are by far (along with 1), my absolute favorites. Oh well. I didn't think I would do a Mahler tour this coming season, but I'm sure I'll find my way to a few concerts. Certainly the ones in Chicago, and I would also hate to miss St. Louis and Nashville, as I am very fond of those orchestras. I'm majorly bummed that Cincinnati isn't doing any Mahler. They've been so good the past 2 seasons to play a few symphonies of his, plus they sound great---I'm sad I won't hear them play any this coming year. I'll still go to some concerts though, for sure.
Which concerts do you plan on seeing? Any complaints about your options? Or are you thrilled that a certain orchestra is playing a certain symphony? Are you jumping with joy like I am about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra finally playing Mahler? I'd like to think I had something to do with that, with my griping for so long, but I doubt it. (one can dream, though)
Feel free to share your thoughts on the upcoming Mahler season in the comments section!
What better way to celebrate this delightful milestone than to talk about all things Mahler? Yes, I think that's a capital idea.
More specifically, who is playing what Mahler, and when? Here we go with a list of major orchestras, which Mahler they are playing, and when. If you see any other Mahler concerts that I have somehow missed, please feel free to comment. Also, if I get something wrong, feel free to point that as well, and please note that you should consult the orchestra's website to confirm all this glorious information below. There, enough disclaimer type stuff. On to the good stuff....
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 3 April 4&6, 2010
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 Nov. 6-8, 2009
Boston Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 2 Feb. 11-13, 2010
Symph. no. 7 April 8-10, 2010
Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 Dec. 3&5, 2009
Symph. no. 5 May 20-22, 2010
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - NONE. ZERO. ZIP. ZILCH. NADA. NOT COOL. I'm almost taking this personally.
Cleveland Orchestra - Adagio from Symph. no 10, Das Knaben Wunderhorn Feb. 11-13, 2010
Dallas Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 1 Sept. 24-26, 2009
Symph. no. 2 May 20-23, 2010
Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 7 Oct 16&18, 2009
Houston Symphony Orchestra - Das Lied von der Erde Nov. 19, 21&22, 2009
Symph. no. 1 Jan. 7, 9&10, 2010
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra - ABOUT DAMN TIME. Symph. no. 2 May 21&22, 2010
Kansas City Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 April 9&10, 2010
Adagio from Symph. no. 10 May 14&15, 2010
LA Philharmonic - Symph. no. 1 Oct. 8-11, 2009 (they are touring with this as well, all over the place) Symph. no. 5 April 1-3, 2010
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 5 Sept. 26&27, 2009
Symph. no. 3 June 4-6, 2010
Minnesota Orchestra - Symph. no. 7 April 30, 2010
Nashville Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 5 April 29-May 1, 2010
National Symphony Orchestra - Das Lied von der Erde Jan. 21-23, 2010
New York Philharmonic - Symph. no. 3 Sept. 16-18&22, 2009
Philadelphia Orchestra - Symph. no. 7 Nov. 18, 20&21, 2009
Adagio from 10 Jan. 14-16, 2010
Symph. no. 3 June 10-12, 2010
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 4 Jan. 29&31, 2010
Symph. no. 3 June 11&13, 2010
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 5 Sept. 25&26, 2009
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra - Symph. no. 1 & Ruckert Lieder Sept. 16&17, 19&20, 2009
This next Mahler concert of theirs is fascinating, and it's entitled "Origins and Legacies", with the following works on the program: Songs of a Wayfarer, Piano Quartet, selections from symphonies 2, 3, and 7, early songs for voice and piano, and Scherzo from Hanz Rott's Symphony in E major. To say that this is an interesting program is a massive understatement, and I'm sad I won't be there to see any of it. Sept. 23-26, 2009
Symph. no. 5 Sept. 30-Oct. 3, 2009
Symph. no. 2 March 11-14, 2010
I can't help but point out what bums me out the most about this upcoming season: no symph. no. 6 or 9. But there's almost everything else. Still, 6 and 9 are by far (along with 1), my absolute favorites. Oh well. I didn't think I would do a Mahler tour this coming season, but I'm sure I'll find my way to a few concerts. Certainly the ones in Chicago, and I would also hate to miss St. Louis and Nashville, as I am very fond of those orchestras. I'm majorly bummed that Cincinnati isn't doing any Mahler. They've been so good the past 2 seasons to play a few symphonies of his, plus they sound great---I'm sad I won't hear them play any this coming year. I'll still go to some concerts though, for sure.
Which concerts do you plan on seeing? Any complaints about your options? Or are you thrilled that a certain orchestra is playing a certain symphony? Are you jumping with joy like I am about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra finally playing Mahler? I'd like to think I had something to do with that, with my griping for so long, but I doubt it. (one can dream, though)
Feel free to share your thoughts on the upcoming Mahler season in the comments section!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Mahler Mondays: Meet Mahler!
You might be scratching your head at the title of this post. Yes, I realize Gustav Mahler is dead. Yes, I realize you've been reading about Mahler in this blog for a long time--why do you need to meet him?
I'm talking about a different Mahler this time. Is it a long lost cousin of Gustav's? Or maybe this is my first nice post about Alma Mahler? (yeah right. She was a skank. I don't write nicely about skanks. You know this by now, right?)
No, this post isn't about a person, but about a cat! Meet Mahler, my new kitty!
Isn't he the most adorable cat you've ever seen? (if you answer 'no' then you are WRONG) Little Mahler was hanging around my condo complex in Indy for a while, and I fed him often, and gave him a soft bed for him to sleep in outside. He kept hanging around, and I wanted to bring him in but wasn't sure about it since I have another cat (who is adorable, but old and grumpy). I was pretty attached to Mahler though, especially because he actually responded when I called him Mahler. I finally took him in, and am thrilled I did. Upon taking him to the vet, I found out that he's about 2 years old, and was already fixed and everything. He's seriously the cutest cat on the face of the planet---several friends can attest to this, and he uses that cuteness to his advantage. He does adorable things like follow me while I'm walking and trying to catch my ankles, to figuring out how to open the container I keep his food in, and jumping in to it and chowing down like he hit the kitty food lottery. Yeah, cute, for sure. He's also very sweet, and loves to be held. He has taken a liking to my roommates two dogs as well, and I'm sure he'll be wrestling with them soon.
I have of course been exposing him to the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, and he has shown great interest in them. During the first movement of the 6th symphony the other day, he grabbed his toy mouse and started to wrestle it to the death. I do believe it was a reaction to the music--it brought out such strong feelings in him, that he took it out on a poor defenseless catnip-filled toy. Soon we'll sit down with the 9th, and talk about life, death, and everything in between. Will Mahler attack the mouse again? Or will he instead try to pounce on one of my socks laying on the floor? Perhaps in lieu of that, he'll just sit on the floor and give himself a bath. One never knows what Mahler (the composer) will do to a person, or cat for that matter. Only time will tell how this adorable kitty reacts to the genius of Gustav Mahler.
I'll probably update you every so often on Mahler's activities and whatnot....afterall, this blog is all about Mahler, right? I never really specified which Mahler....
I'm talking about a different Mahler this time. Is it a long lost cousin of Gustav's? Or maybe this is my first nice post about Alma Mahler? (yeah right. She was a skank. I don't write nicely about skanks. You know this by now, right?)
No, this post isn't about a person, but about a cat! Meet Mahler, my new kitty!
Isn't he the most adorable cat you've ever seen? (if you answer 'no' then you are WRONG) Little Mahler was hanging around my condo complex in Indy for a while, and I fed him often, and gave him a soft bed for him to sleep in outside. He kept hanging around, and I wanted to bring him in but wasn't sure about it since I have another cat (who is adorable, but old and grumpy). I was pretty attached to Mahler though, especially because he actually responded when I called him Mahler. I finally took him in, and am thrilled I did. Upon taking him to the vet, I found out that he's about 2 years old, and was already fixed and everything. He's seriously the cutest cat on the face of the planet---several friends can attest to this, and he uses that cuteness to his advantage. He does adorable things like follow me while I'm walking and trying to catch my ankles, to figuring out how to open the container I keep his food in, and jumping in to it and chowing down like he hit the kitty food lottery. Yeah, cute, for sure. He's also very sweet, and loves to be held. He has taken a liking to my roommates two dogs as well, and I'm sure he'll be wrestling with them soon.
I have of course been exposing him to the symphonies of Gustav Mahler, and he has shown great interest in them. During the first movement of the 6th symphony the other day, he grabbed his toy mouse and started to wrestle it to the death. I do believe it was a reaction to the music--it brought out such strong feelings in him, that he took it out on a poor defenseless catnip-filled toy. Soon we'll sit down with the 9th, and talk about life, death, and everything in between. Will Mahler attack the mouse again? Or will he instead try to pounce on one of my socks laying on the floor? Perhaps in lieu of that, he'll just sit on the floor and give himself a bath. One never knows what Mahler (the composer) will do to a person, or cat for that matter. Only time will tell how this adorable kitty reacts to the genius of Gustav Mahler.
I'll probably update you every so often on Mahler's activities and whatnot....afterall, this blog is all about Mahler, right? I never really specified which Mahler....
Mahler Mondays: Apologies (followed by excuses)
Hello, dear friends! Forgive me for being so skittish in my blog posting. I actually have several valid excuses, I swear.
Recently, as in two weeks ago, I moved. Yep, I packed up and left Indianapolis! It wasn't a major huge move or anything--I simply went 60 miles south or so, to the delightful town of Bloomington, Indiana. So, moving in and getting settled and all that has kept me busy, and that's excuse number one.
Then, I've also been busy with various activities---I've been searching for a job, and since I'm not working, I've made myself useful to many friends here in town (helping with babysitting, I assisted a family with like, 98 kids and another on the way with moving in to their new house, and cleaning rooms for new moms, stuff like that basically). So, that's another reason I've been so busy and haven't been posting.
The third reason is just plain old pathetic: I've finally sat down and watched the tv show "Lost" and realized that it's pure genius, so when I haven't been looking for a job, organizing my place, or helping others, I've been watching Lost. Yes, ridiculous, I know. What can I say though? Those of you that know the show will understand, I'm sure.
OK, enough of the excuses. On to other things!
Being here in Bloomington doesn't mean the blogging will stop, or that the musical adventures will cease to exist. I still plan on many musical adventures this coming season, and this summer here in Bloomington will be some cool concerts to write about and whatnot. So, never fear! Unfortunately, I no longer write for NUVO, which is quite the bummer. I thoroughly enjoyed writing for them, and I also was constantly impressed by their commitment to the arts. They are to be commended!
I'm currently trying to decide about next season, and what concerts I want to attend. I know I said I wouldn't do a Mahler tour since there is so little Mahler going on, but I could still squeeze in a few. I'm currently trying to decide also, on a few other little minor tours of sorts within the season.
All of this, my friends, will be expounded upon this week! This is a new-blog-post-everyday kind of week. Lots of goodies in store, ready for you to feast on. I shan't say anymore about that though--you'll just have to tune in!
Recently, as in two weeks ago, I moved. Yep, I packed up and left Indianapolis! It wasn't a major huge move or anything--I simply went 60 miles south or so, to the delightful town of Bloomington, Indiana. So, moving in and getting settled and all that has kept me busy, and that's excuse number one.
Then, I've also been busy with various activities---I've been searching for a job, and since I'm not working, I've made myself useful to many friends here in town (helping with babysitting, I assisted a family with like, 98 kids and another on the way with moving in to their new house, and cleaning rooms for new moms, stuff like that basically). So, that's another reason I've been so busy and haven't been posting.
The third reason is just plain old pathetic: I've finally sat down and watched the tv show "Lost" and realized that it's pure genius, so when I haven't been looking for a job, organizing my place, or helping others, I've been watching Lost. Yes, ridiculous, I know. What can I say though? Those of you that know the show will understand, I'm sure.
OK, enough of the excuses. On to other things!
Being here in Bloomington doesn't mean the blogging will stop, or that the musical adventures will cease to exist. I still plan on many musical adventures this coming season, and this summer here in Bloomington will be some cool concerts to write about and whatnot. So, never fear! Unfortunately, I no longer write for NUVO, which is quite the bummer. I thoroughly enjoyed writing for them, and I also was constantly impressed by their commitment to the arts. They are to be commended!
I'm currently trying to decide about next season, and what concerts I want to attend. I know I said I wouldn't do a Mahler tour since there is so little Mahler going on, but I could still squeeze in a few. I'm currently trying to decide also, on a few other little minor tours of sorts within the season.
All of this, my friends, will be expounded upon this week! This is a new-blog-post-everyday kind of week. Lots of goodies in store, ready for you to feast on. I shan't say anymore about that though--you'll just have to tune in!
Monday, June 1, 2009
First Monday Music Club
I had a delightful time this past evening at the Hilbert Circle Theater for the First Monday Music Club, a group of enthusiastic classical music lovers and symphony goers that gather on the first Monday of every month to hear from different guests, like musicians or conductors. This evening featured local music critics in town, and I was fortunate enough to be on that panel, along side a few others critics whom I deeply admire and respect.
We had an interesting time talking about what the role of critic is, and how things have changed over the years with blogs popping up everywhere, and of course I mentioned this lovely little blog you are reading right now. I was very happy, when afterwards whilst we were all snacking, that a good amount of people came up to me asking for my blog address. If you were one of those fine people asking that, or were at FMMC, welcome to my blog!
Many people asked me about the title of my blog, and it made me wonder if I've ever approached that subject before on the blog. I don't think I have.
I read many blogs, everyday. They are mainly about classical music, and many of them have very witty, and even sophisticated titles. I like those titles as well, so please don't think I look down on them. I just knew that my blog would be similar to a diary of sorts, and wanted a title that reflected what I believe is my personality---fun, easy going, sometimes ludicrous, and slightly off the wall. I will admit that I didn't come up with this name all by myself---I did have a friend brainstorming with me as well. (another name we came up with was 'Stravinsky Ate My Socks'). I stuck with the Mahler name because I knew I wanted much of my blog to focus on his music, and my travels in search of his music.
So, if this is your first time here, welcome! Browse around, and enjoy yourself! Like I said, much of my blog is about my Mahler trips---last years trips took me from Washington DC to LA, all in one week, and many other places as well. This year I was fortunate enough to go to New York City for a few days, and saw two Mahler concerts on that adventure. This past weekend I was in Cincinnati for some Mahler, so as you can see, I'll travel just about anywhere for Mahler! Sometimes my entries are about my adventures as a double bassist as well, and the concerts I've played in. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is also a major subject of this blog as well, as I am deeply passionate about the ISO. I have been attending ISO concerts since I was 14 (I turn 30 in July, so that's a good portion of my life!) and I enjoy hearing them as often as possible.
I hope you find something interesting here, and please, feel free to drop me a note! You can email me at mahlerowesmetenbucks at hotmail dot com. I look forward to hearing from you, or perhaps seeing you at an ISO concert!
We had an interesting time talking about what the role of critic is, and how things have changed over the years with blogs popping up everywhere, and of course I mentioned this lovely little blog you are reading right now. I was very happy, when afterwards whilst we were all snacking, that a good amount of people came up to me asking for my blog address. If you were one of those fine people asking that, or were at FMMC, welcome to my blog!
Many people asked me about the title of my blog, and it made me wonder if I've ever approached that subject before on the blog. I don't think I have.
I read many blogs, everyday. They are mainly about classical music, and many of them have very witty, and even sophisticated titles. I like those titles as well, so please don't think I look down on them. I just knew that my blog would be similar to a diary of sorts, and wanted a title that reflected what I believe is my personality---fun, easy going, sometimes ludicrous, and slightly off the wall. I will admit that I didn't come up with this name all by myself---I did have a friend brainstorming with me as well. (another name we came up with was 'Stravinsky Ate My Socks'). I stuck with the Mahler name because I knew I wanted much of my blog to focus on his music, and my travels in search of his music.
So, if this is your first time here, welcome! Browse around, and enjoy yourself! Like I said, much of my blog is about my Mahler trips---last years trips took me from Washington DC to LA, all in one week, and many other places as well. This year I was fortunate enough to go to New York City for a few days, and saw two Mahler concerts on that adventure. This past weekend I was in Cincinnati for some Mahler, so as you can see, I'll travel just about anywhere for Mahler! Sometimes my entries are about my adventures as a double bassist as well, and the concerts I've played in. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is also a major subject of this blog as well, as I am deeply passionate about the ISO. I have been attending ISO concerts since I was 14 (I turn 30 in July, so that's a good portion of my life!) and I enjoy hearing them as often as possible.
I hope you find something interesting here, and please, feel free to drop me a note! You can email me at mahlerowesmetenbucks at hotmail dot com. I look forward to hearing from you, or perhaps seeing you at an ISO concert!
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