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I actually have one in mind… I’ve based it off of his windows from the Oak Park era. I’ll try to sketch it up!
Carl– Have you ever thought of designing a harp in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright? How cool would that be?
David, that makes the most sense in this entire post and would potentially please everyone. 🙂 Ever consider running for president?
Hey, thanks for the instructions on how to post a photo. I don’t know how to add text, so here it is. This album by Grandjany is all Spanish composers and is incredible. Here is a link that has all the info.http://digital-library.csun.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2FIGRAdiscography&CISOPTR=1503&DMSCALE=50.00000&DMWIDTH=600&DMHEIGHT=600&DMMODE=viewer&DMFULL=0&DMOLDSCALE=12.28501&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=&DMTHUMB=1&REC=16&DMROTATE=0&x=70&y=45
This post is really getting me thinking… When I was 12 (this is absolutely true) some goofy buddies and I composed “The Diarrhea Concerto: A Tone Poem in 5 ‘Movements'” for piano with inter-movement narration. It was a sensation in middle school–perhaps I should submit it to the WHC? it would transcribe beautifully to the harp. After all, one of the movements is entitled “The Runs”. I can hear it now! A series of anharmonic aeolian fluxes in descending discomfort. I never thought of it as true art, but what the heck; if Jacob can do it, so can I!
Victor Roman in north Florida is fantastic. victor@romanharp.com or http://www.romanharp.com
Carl, you are absolutely right. The wisest thing I ever heard was actually from an art teacher: “Discipline is Freedom.” We as musicians could change it to “Technique is Freedom.” Effortless playing is only the result of effortful (is that a word?) practicing.
Your story is exactly like a pianist I knew in college. She was on a full scholarship, but during the previous summer she got sick like you (I can’t remember what it was). She lost all of her musical cognition — there was no connection between her hands and her mind as far as playing went. I remember her absolute frustration and devastation as she said how she had been playing Chopin and the like but now she couldn’t even handle goofy little choral accompaniments — part of her scholarship was to play for various groups. The faculty of the school was less than understanding and gave her massive guilt trips because she wouldn’t surrender the money. I don’t know the exact end as I left the school, but I know she was a fighter and was determined to win. You will figure out a way to succeed, too, but don’t allow ANY negativity creep into your life. When those feelings of frustration start, treat yourself like a five year old and say “I am not going to let you talk to yourself this way!” and take a break. Good luck!
International Harp Museum http://www.internationalharpmuseum.org/
(I never got there… Mickey won out.)
You might be a harp addict if you ask the kids to skip a day at Disney World to visit the International Harp Museum.
Saul, I have to admit I am an old record freak. I have learned so much from listening to old recordings of Mildred Dilling, Salzedo, Grandjany, Osian Ellis (did you know he sang also?), and Gene Bianco (The king of elegant jazz and pops “Music to Make Your Heart Sing” is his best). I have this computer program (Poulderbits) that I can take an LP and turn it into a CD, so I can listen to them while I drive to gigs. It’s a lot of work, but these are albums that will never be picked up by mainstream labels. Since we got a Mac I just use Garage Band. It also lets you add a touch of reverb to the tracks. Yes- EBay is my main source–you can find excellent quality LPs for a very low price.
Carl, you are the man! Who else can find such amazing harps AND RESTORE THEM THEMSELVES??? Your house must be like a harp museum! Was the soundboard extended or did you add that?
Guys– It’s great to see so many of us continuing the “male harpist” tradition. It just seems that no other musical instrument can give the opportunities that playing the harp can. You have the freedom to play as a soloist in every style- jazz, folk, classical– but still work with ensembles.You’ll find yourself performing in amazing and interesting venues. The freedom of musical self-expression is limitless. You can also bring a sense of peace and beauty that the world needs now more than ever. Another benefit that we guys have is that harp is so technical and mathematical– things we’re just wired to be good at– it’s so cool to figure out new pedal combinations. And to address our friend who used such colorful language a few posts back– don’t ever feel that you have to become “over-butch” to compensate for your musical gift. Aspire to be as noble a person as the glorious music you create.
