Soak up the classical atmosphere in this cool cafe in Tokyo. Coffee and classical music makes for a great chill out combination.
Gee, I guess I “chill out” a lot. 🙂
More from Paul Hanson … plus other instruments (now you just can’t have oboe and bassoon ALL the time, okay?!):
Today I am back to my regular private studio schedule. Tomorrow I begin UCSC. Wednesday I have two Symphony Silicon Valley rehearsals for the weekend’s concerts (which sadly means I miss all of my Wednesday students this week). And so on ….
After some days of no oboing (after Nutcracker we took a short but fun vacation), and then starting up again, I do have my work cut out for me, and today and tomorrow will definitely be spent practicing and working on reeds, along with all the teaching.
Better busy than bored!
On the weekend’s program:
Gioacchino Rossini: Overture to La gazza ladra
Gordon Lee: Young Impressions of the Old City (world premiere)
Nikolais Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
The Rossini shouldn’t be a big deal for second oboe. The Gordon Lee has a lot of notes, and it’s got some moments that I’ll have to work out. I also go from the second oboe book to the English horn, so I have to make sure I have that clearly marked. (It doesn’t need an extra player, but the parts are separate.) Finally, there’s the (not so favorite piece for me) Scheherazade. Sigh. LOTS of notes. Lots of intonation stuff to deal with. And it’s a double, so I’ll be moving to English horn for one movement.
I have posted the following Karen Birch Blundell video before, but here it is again, so you can see that I’m not the only one who 1) isn’t a fan of the work and 2) thinks the doubling bit is a bit of a challenge.
It’s winter. Of course in California that doesn’t mean quite the same thing as it does for my friends who really experience WINTER in all caps (and much lower temperatures). But to “celebrate” winter, how about a bit of Vivaldi’s “Winter” … in a way you may never have heard before:
oh heck, let’s continue …
Trying to resist the urge to purchase an English Horn, weird urge I know
Completely unique pendant handcrafted from an actual OBOE key! With a wild and unusual bend that then drips down off the chain resembling a bead of mercury, this piece is as distinctive as the oboe itself. The beautiful luster inherent in most instrument keys, enhances the lines that draw the eye to this once functional accessory. An innovative yet subtle way to stay connected to your favorite instrument throughout your day. Whether as a gift or a treat for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
