February 10, 2012

The Best Advice I Ever Received

Joshua Kennon right after college

The best advice I ever received came when my parents dropped me off at college.  As they were getting in the car, my dad looked at me and said, "Your mom and I have done everything we could for you.  We fed you, we clothed you and you have a high school education.  From now on, it is your responsibility to make your dreams come true. We can't do it for you, and no one else can either.  If you want it, you have to do it on your own." The message?  The cavalry isn't coming.  Do you … [Read more...]

Chopin Opus 10, Number 1 Done Right by Mei-Ting Sun

This has to be the best interpretation of Chopin's Opus 10 No. 1 on the planet.  The artist is Mei-Ting Sun.  It is unbelievably fluid and fairly flawless (I swear I hear a missed note on the first descent but it's nearly 4 in the morning when I'm writing this).  Personally, I think Mr. Sun kicks the crap out of Ashkenazy.  They aren't even in the same ballpark because Mei-Ting Sun creates music, whereas Ashkenazy hits notes.  The phrasing about 23 seconds into the piece is just stunning.  … [Read more...]