This has been an issue to me ever since I started observing classical music: Singers tend to ignore a large portion of the repertoire composed for them. While common practice of vocalists seems to be limited to music from a period of some 250 years, most Renaissance, early Baroque, and 20th-century music is neglected. Read my full complaint on the Hello Stage blog.
Infobrief für Musiker:innen
To all Berlin-based musicians and music teachers: Please take notice of an extended article co-authored by Helge Harding and me, published on the website of the Tonkünstlerverband Berlin (DTKV). The essay is concerned with the current state of freelance musicianship and music education in Berlin, pleading for more professionalized activity and engagement. Feel free to read, share, and comment. We’d also appreciate you to get involved yourselves!
Doktorand:innenkolleg in Wien
Who was that fabulous Russian composer-pianist of German ancestry named Nikolaj Metner, and what made him so noteworthy as a creator of piano sonatas? Dear Vienna residents, come and learn more this Thursday, May 19, 2 pm, at Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst’s Fanny Hensel hall. I’ll be presenting part of my PhD work in an one-hour talk on Metner’s Sonata Triad, Op. 11, and G minor Sonata, Op. 22. Would be fantastic to have your company. Entrance to the PhD symposium is free.
Früchte der Semesterferien
The last few weeks have been busy and productive. Wordy Metner analyses are growing, a fresh wind quintet is currently emerging, and more of my granduncle Günther Bitzan’s music will soon be edited and published. Now awaiting a new challenge in teaching music theory at Hanns Eisler School of Music from next week on.
Erstes Konzert des Ensemble Picardie
Palmarum concert this afternoon, 3 pm, with Almut Gatz and Händelchor Berlin at Heilandskirche Sacrow. This is the initial performance of Ensemble Picardie, a vocal quartet with the participation of my dear colleagues Almut, Laura, and Robert, and as the baritone part of which I am happy to serve. Never sung in a church located as idyllic as this one, directly on the Havel riverside. If you happen to be in West Berlin or Potsdam, come along! Entrance is free.