Jazz for aficionados

Rok, Levine has had to make adjustments to his conducting because he is confined to a wheel chair. His ability to convey to the players what he wants has not diminished. Aside from actual conducting technique he has an uncanny ability to put into words what he wants and what the player should aim for that adds a certain clarity to the process. Levine conducted the run of "Falstaff" a couple of months ago and is scheduled to conduct Berg's "Wozzeck" beginning next month. You may find these video's interesting; he addresses some of those issues:

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/james-levine-returns-to-met-charlie-rose-10-21-IhodjYjSSh2VrNdXj2rHeg.html

http://www.metoperafamily.org/video/2013-2014/falstaff/watch/james-levine-rehearses-falstaff/2866059273001

The Frogman:

The charlie rose interview is the most informative and interesting I have ever seen. Great stuff! Thanks.

The second clip was basically the Rose interview again, BUT, the short clip of the rehearsal with the singers, was priceless!!

Same with the short clip of the LvB 5th rehearsal. I would rather see the rehearsal than to see the actual performance. Crazy but true.

He mentioned doing 'Flastaff". I have that on LP box set, Vienna / Karajan. One of the most beautiful and captivating LP cover photos ever! Since Levine spoke so highly of it, I will have to get it on DVD now.

He was very open and honest about the help he received along the way. And to have the career he has had, while in constant pain for a large period of that time, just adds to his greatest.

I found his comments about singers, esp females, looking the part, to be very interesting. And sadly true. It never hurts to be beautiful.

Thanks for a really interesting post.

Cheers

Rok, I have "Stardust" on "Jazz Round Round Midnight"; she's accompanied by many of the artists we've already discussed, not a hint of R&B on this CD. It captures the essence of the person; she had a deep longing for something that could never be, her 8 marriages might be an indication of that.

"Honey, if I told you, you'd faint" was one of her responses to the "Three Wishes".
This CD captures the person inside the entertainer more than any other.

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, for my entire life I thought this was Latin American in origin. Music to me is what it convey's;

When they begin
the beguine
it brings back the sound
of music so tender
it brings back a night
of tropical splendor
it brings back a memory of green

I'm with you once more
under the stars
and down by the shore
an orchestras playing
and even the palms
seem to be swaying
when they begin
the beguine

to live it again
is past all endeavor
except when that tune
clutches my heart
and there we are swearing to love forever
and promising never
never to part

a moments divine
what rapture serene
to clouds came along
to disperse the joys we had tasted
and now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted
I know but too well what they mean

so dont let them begin the beguine
let the love that was once a fire
remain an ember
let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
when they begin the beguine

oh yes let them begin the beguine
make them play
til the stars that were there before
return above you
till you whisper to me
once more darling I love you
and we suddenly know what heaven we're in
when they begin
the beguine

These lyrics, plus the music convey Latin America. According to the creole of the Caribbean, especially in Martinique and Guadeloupe, the term "Beguine" applied to a style of music and dance, and in particular a slow, close couples' dance. This combination of French ballroom dance and Latin folk dance became popular in Paris.

Xavier Cougat's version convey's this better than Artie Shaw's version. Technically, you are right because Artie Shaw popularized it. My point beyond determining who's right or wrong, is to establish what music convey's to individuals; this is why music is always "subjective".

Enjoy the music.

Frogman, for my entire life I thought this was Latin American in origin. Music to me is what it convey's;

When they begin
the beguine
it brings back the sound
of music so tender
it brings back a night
of tropical splendor
it brings back a memory of green

I'm with you once more
under the stars
and down by the shore
an orchestras playing
and even the palms
seem to be swaying
when they begin
the beguine

to live it again
is past all endeavor
except when that tune
clutches my heart
and there we are swearing to love forever
and promising never
never to part

a moments divine
what rapture serene
to clouds came along
to disperse the joys we had tasted
and now when I hear people curse the chance that was wasted
I know but too well what they mean

so dont let them begin the beguine
let the love that was once a fire
remain an ember
let it sleep like the dead desire I only remember
when they begin the beguine

oh yes let them begin the beguine
make them play
til the stars that were there before
return above you
till you whisper to me
once more darling I love you
and we suddenly know what heaven we're in
when they begin
the beguine

These lyrics, plus the music convey Latin America. According to the creole of the Caribbean, especially in Martinique and Guadeloupe, the term "Beguine" applied to a style of music and dance, and in particular a slow, close couples' dance. This combination of French ballroom dance and Latin folk dance became popular in Paris.

Xavier Cougat's version convey's this better than Artie Shaw's version. Technically, you are right because Artie Shaw popularized it. My point beyond determining who's right or wrong, is to establish what music convey's to individuals; this is why music is always "subjective".

Enjoy the music.