The Joys of Great Music

Well, you might be wondering what I've been up to recently! Lots of things in process, of course. But I've also had a few nice diversions, including 2nd row tickets last night to see this fine group of gentlemen: The Canadian Brass. If you like virtuosity, these guys are for you!

Fortunately, I found an NPR Tiny Desk concert with the current cast. I think you'll agree that this is fabulous.

Chuck Daellenbach and his fresh-faced players, each with red-striped sneakers and matching outfits, strolled into the NPR Music offices, took their places behind Bob Boilen's desk and started blowing as if they'd played this peculiar gig a hundred times. Set List: J.S.

The saying goes that to master something, you've got to put in your "10,000 hours." These gentlemen have put in way more than that.

This afternoon I had the privilege of taking my girls to their piano lessons, and was delighted that my eldest is now going to learn J.S. Bach's Prelude No.1 from the Well-Tempered Clavier, a mere "trifle" for Bach (literally written as an arpeggio exercise for students), but one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. I look forward to its sound filling our home for awhile.

And, with the glories of YouTube, I've found my favorite rendition. The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet playing their version. I want you to notice well what these virtuosos are doing: Andrew, John, Scott, and Bill are each playing a single note. A round-robin that is, frankly, sick. The results, I think you'll agree, are musically transcendent.

PRIMO PRELUDIO PER IL BEL CLAVICEMBALO BEN TEMPERATO