Shostakovich Part I and II In this two-part series, musicologist Matthew Heck guides us first through an historical context that sheds light on Soviet composer Dmitri Shostakovich’s music - focusing on his string quartets. The second talk will take a closer look at musical and extra-musical stylistic elements through his Third Quartet. Part II: “We …
THURSDAYS: 6:00 - 6:30pm What: This is a 30 minute practice that can be done entirely seated in a chair, or on your yoga mat if you prefer. First we will loosen up our bodies a bit with some simple stretching. Then you will settle into any comfortable position of your choice while we explore …
2020 is famously the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, and musical artists and organizations worldwide have been planning festive and elaborate tributes. Andrea Moore explores the ways that anniversary years are used to commemorate — and, at the same time, promote — some of classical music’s most canonic composers. How does this tradition shape and …
30 minute daily session, exploring Pema Chödrön’s Lojong cards, with violinist Judith Eissenberg and Alexander teacher Deborah Adams. In a very informal and low-key conversational format, we will pick a daily teaching and read Buddhist teacher Pema Chödrön’s commentaries... exploring ways we may apply them to music-making with open-ended discussion. Certified Alexander Technique teacher will …
Like ourselves, string instruments can feel quite different from day to day. Humidity, temperature and barometric pressure all play a part. Start your day warming up yourself and your instrument through this easy scale system led by Rhonda Rider.
Turn musical concerns into curiosity, and explore ways to imaginatively rethink and expand both your practice and rehearsal strategies. Discussion based on participant suggestions! Led by Judith Gordon.
Composer James Praznik shares works and anecdotes from his own multifaceted career as artist, performer, and ensemble director, inviting questions along the way in the hope that listeners find greater and more personal connection to contemporary art and music. “Individuality has become an unavoidable standard of measuring an artist's value to the contemporary zeitgeist. Working …
Ad Hoc Practice Help & Mini-Lesson Sign-Ups Do you have a passage you just can’t solve? Want advice about vibrato, rhythm, practice aids? Sign up for musical triage! With chamber music at the center of their musical endeavors, Judith Eissenberg, Judith Gordon, and Rhonda Rider bring enthusiastic fluency to the full range of the literature …
Music meets Animated Drawing in this exploratory hour with visual artist Katherine Desjardins and pianist Judith Gordon. Can hearing be expanded through responding with other senses? There has been much said regarding the relationship between music and visual art through the centuries. In this time of quarantine and lockdown the nature of how our senses inform …
Facilitators: Ann Gillespie (agillespieart@gmail.com) and Judy Warner (awarner@charter.net) Enjoy the rewarding experience of creating art out-of-doors in the Harvard area this summer! This group will meet weekly for five weeks to paint together in local private and public areas, including some beautiful sites that would not normally be accessible to the general public. While plein …
