http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/ en Copyright 2010 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:51:59 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss There were a number of people absent from my IRP creative dramatics workshop. Ed Z. Howard, Marsha, and H. however those who came did a noble job. I had been ruminating about whether or not to extend his workshop into the spring semester and I did mention it to the class who were in attendance, but later on I regretted sharing my thoughts because I'm not sure that I want to do it, myself. The reason Howard wasn't there is for the tragic death of his 25-year-old son Cory. It's a very very sad and shocking thing. My heart breaks for Howard because of the obvious reasons having to do with my own son, Timothy, who survived the same kind of circumstances that Cory faced. We just lock that saves Timothy who spent a year homeless on the streets of Baltimore, probably the most dangerous crime and drug ridden city in the country. I'm so sad for Howard and his dear wife. I certainly will go to the memorial service this coming Saturday. I spent remainder of Friday at home, doing chores, med itating, resting, reading, and generally collecting my thoughts. I did go to see Lillian Saturday. Met her at B&N and then add a sandwich at Prete a Manger. Then walked the street fair, and ended up back at her apartment. We went to a new restaurant, French restaurant, that was disappointing, but it was her insistence that we go to this place to try it out. Surprised to see Ted Hoffman in the restaurant with the young lady who had been associated with him in the publishing business. Good to see him though. It was a pretty restless night but there were some good conversations about Buddhism and meditating, and it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable weekend. The team will soon be home from Melanie's in New Jersey. I'm happy that I was able to do some organizing my files and I'm about to plan for my Alzheimer's course tomorrow. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/10/friday_october_1_through_sunda.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/10/friday_october_1_through_sunda.html Sun, 03 Oct 2010 15:51:59 -0500 The creative dramatics class at IRP was most enjoyable. Then at night the play," Mrs. Warren's profession" was a real treat both in costuming, set design, and acting. I thought the young leading man was miscast but the rest of the actors, especially the English ingénue, were excellent. I stayed over at Lillian's. Mondays Alzheimer's class went very well. Too bad that big Al is going in the hospital. I hope he will be okay. The rest of the group seems very satisfied and assures me that they want to do more work. The same goes for the Tuesday workshop. I gave them a good scolding about the fact that there should be more serious about learning their acting projects, but many of them would prefer to do just improv. The Romeo dining group met at Fred Cuba's apartment, then adjourned to a restaurant called Lex. 38 bucks. Noisy as the dickens. I told them that I would need a host on on Tober 26 that's a Tuesday, rather inconvenient for me but I can handle it. Did not go to the men's group on Wednesday, I decided to take a day off, Thursday, that's today. Tomorrow is my group at the IRP. So I'm pretty busy http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/catch-up_friday-thursday_30th.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/catch-up_friday-thursday_30th.html Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:44:15 -0500 Today I once again took took a meditative walk to school to attend my class on Marcel Proust's great work. I once again that misjudged my timing so I got there a bit too early, but I did have coffee, then left the little Café Room and was able to meditate for little while in room 615 before anyone got there. My dear friend that Ted came in and we had a very pleasant interaction, as we always do. I walked back To Union Sq., Park and after getting a light lunch at my usual place I found a table in the park under the trees and had a quiet focused lunch. Then I stopped off at Trader Joe's and pick up a few things for the kitchen. For dinner I made two small hamburgers and a dish of onions and zucchini. It turned out very well I'm looking forward to tomorrow's class at the IRP, and I hope that my carefully thought-out preparation will have a good effect on the class. Tomorrow night I'm going to the theater with Lillian to see Mrs. Warren's profession by Shaw at roundabout Theatre on 42nd St. I am doing a lot of reading in my new interests - mindfulness. Seems to be working for me. I was not so frustrated panicky in putting together Bettina's new lamp. So much for the utility of philosophical studies! http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/thursday_september_23_2010.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/thursday_september_23_2010.html Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:43:10 -0500 This is another one of those glorious vibrant fall days. I went to the gym early this morning around nine o'clock. Awfully glad I did because it was good for my right knee. I just have to make room in my life for going more regularly. I do have to work at that particular joint. I did my meditation walking to the new school. It's amazing how this change in mental and visual orientation can make life seem so wonderful. Just being conscious of the weather and the trees, and the careful attention to one's breath and surroundings can add a lot to our usual tension laden activities. I went to the men's club where there was some discussion about topics that various members bring out for discussion. The obvious matters were talked over and it looks as if the status quo together with some amendments to add to the topic list will contribute to no change whatsoever. I got a lunch at food Emporium - picked my salad, a big one, and went over to a tree shaded table, and ate my lunch with full concentration on the meal rather than reading. I believe this will improve my digestion. Not to do too many things at once, be relaxed and conscious of mastication and the pleasure of tasting the food without trying to cram into the occasion to many other activities that distract. I did catch up on most of my reading of Proust. I am happy to say that I feel fairly confident that I have a go-ahead plan for Friday's improv class at the new school. My only concern now is with the Alzheimer's group on Monday coming up and then Tuesdays drama class. So I'm looking forward to tomorrow's Proust class and to Mrs. Warren's profession at the roundabout Theatre on 42nd St. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/wednesday_september_22_2010.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/wednesday_september_22_2010.html Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:02:54 -0500 What a beautiful day it was Saturday! The only exception was my disappointment in not being able to go-awaited improvisation workshop. I really had a devil of a time getting around on subways Saturday but I finally ended up at Lillian's apartment. I did get the name of a new book at Barnes & Noble, which I ordered from Amazon naturally. I also bought some biscotti at Farmer's market. I slept over Lillian's and the next day which was another wonderful day, we spent some time at the B&N near her apartment. Then we took a long walk. I had planned to go find the mall in the park, strolled past Bethesda fountain, and end up at the boathouse restaurant. However I got too tired and went back to her place and came home. Monday, the Alzheimer's class at Stein senior center when very well. Lots of laughter and congeniality. In the morning I had gone to Trader Joe's where a a lot of stuff to eat. Tuesday, today I spent most of the afternoon at Stein. The program was quite long, but the part that the group and I did to demonstrate improv was highly applauded and appreciated. There was much laughter and enjoyment on the parts of everybody. When I left at 4:35 PM there were still doing exercises, and I couldn't stand to be there any longer. I remembered that I had an appointment with another actor so I left, unfortunately not getting a chance to stuff myself with all the food. I watched some TV and I'm catching up on these entries. I do a lot of preparation work to do for Friday and next Monday and Tuesday. I may not go to the men's club tomorrow. I find I'm pretty tired out lately. I just don't have the stamina I used to have. But after all look how old I am and I'm still able to do all the stuff I enjoy. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/three_day_catch-up.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/three_day_catch-up.html Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:43:41 -0500 The first meeting went very well only two people were absent, Howard Menicoff and Edgar Zingman. Everybody appeared to be happy and satisfied with the class, although I wouldn't be surprised if here and there one or another of the people might've been's smothering disappointment, but I'm not sure that. It was a lot of laughter and everybody was quite cooperative in doing the warm-ups and other exercises. We did pass the clap, singing tag, zips zap zop, they also did machines. We did a number of little improvisational bits. I'm hoping I can keep them interested and challenged. The really pleasant surprise was Monteturo's great talent. Goon River had us hysterically laughing. I did quite a lot of the demonstrating and I hope it was helpful in getting some of the basic ideas across, ideas such as accepting the gifts of clues from your partner, and avoiding such things as blocking, wimping, and waffling.. All in all, I was pleased. I do expect to go to the workshop tomorrow. I hope won't be a waste of time and money. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/first_class_meeting_of_irp_cre.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/first_class_meeting_of_irp_cre.html ACTING WORKSHOP Fri, 17 Sep 2010 19:57:38 -0500 I got to school around 11:00 AM and ensconced myself in the cafeteria, room 509, I mean. I saw the usual old friends there including Ron and some of the ladies who get there early. It soon got so noisy when every seat was taken and people were yelling at each other just to be heard, could no longer stand it and went to room 616 to await the beginning of the Proust class. There I met Fred,Ted Gannon, and we had a nice talk. However I couldn't wait for the class to be over. He began to get tedious, especially since we have so much material to cover. I met howie in the lunch room I gave him the handouts for tomorrow's class. Also spoke with Dolores Rosenthal. She seemed a little harassed and not too happy about her choice of Moby Dick class on Fridays instead of my class. Because it looks so much like rain I amended my plan to go to the bookstore and came right home. I'm glad I did but I wasted much time watching television, catching up on missed programs and I even watched JJ. Something I was sure I would be able to avoid. I have yet to hear from Holly..... Even though I called her again. I think I'll go to that workshop the matter what. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/the_remainder_of_thursday.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/the_remainder_of_thursday.html Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:02:53 -0500 Daily enlightenment-Monday, September 13. This feeling of excitement, or perhaps fear that I have about my teaching of improvisation may perhaps be a very good thing. I should really bask in this feeling and not view it as frightening or damaging my soul. After all one of the things I enjoy the most is performing. Teaching is the ultimate performance vehicle because the teacher has a trapped audience. This is a very egocentric activity. There's no question about it. I sincerely hope that my present deep interest in meditation and Buddhism is not a passing fancy or fad. I certainly am having a great feeling of relaxation and peace from the readings I've been doing. I hope to keep a daily journal of my feelings and experiences in attempting to merge my spiritual life with my teaching activities. The Alzheimer's class went very well. The fact that big Al was not there had very little to do with the outcome. It was a lot of joy and accomplishment in the class which was a result of the fact that I really did nothing more than supply situations for improvisation. It looks as if the easiest way for me is simply to bring in ideas for improvising and let them do it. I had just better forget any therapeutic experimentation. There was applause, and a lot of praise from the rest of the staff. A good time was had by all. I told Lillian that I would not be available next Saturday because of an improvisation workshop. She seemed all right about that because she has other stuff to do also next weekend. I know this completely out of context but it's something for me to think about." Thinking is not awakened understanding. Awakened understanding is quicker than lightning where there is reasoning there is failure." I am looking forward to the Stein Tuesday class. I don't have to much preparation for this. I'm just going to reiterate the ideas I used yesterday with the Alzheimer's group. Also I'll give these people a chance to do some of their scenes and monologues. It looks as if there will be several new people there. What a great opportunity it is for these people in my class to get free teaching of acting for nothing. At least I'm getting paid for my services. Tuesday Sept 14th, 10 Stein went very well. Several absences. Renee very funny in skit in operating theatre. New actor guy, terrifically good. Requests scene work.......also from Menage w/Susan Engels. Got phone call from Holly..........will see! Harbour trip had some plusses. Especially the view of New York Harbor and after sunset when all the city lights begin to go on. Ate a very noisy tapas restaurant at the Seaport. Not bad, decor nice, but noisy as it could be. Probably the noisiest restaurant I ever ate in. Wednesday, September 15. Went to school, dropped off papers to be xeroxed. Talked with MM and said much too much about my relationship with LS. Stepped right off the pathway. It seems as if there is continual struggle to maintain one's progress in meditation. I found the men's luncheon group to be extremely boring today, but it was nice to meet with Harry and my dear friend, Pete. At the present time I have a temptation not to go back to the men's group on Wednesdays. But we'll see how I feel. (Went to mFood Emp on Ave 6. As of 8:34 PM today I have not heard from Holly again. Not to worry - the situation of my attending the workshop on Saturday will work out one way or the other. Took a walk with BGM to the drugstore. She wasn't as good at it as she was in our walk yesterday. I should not be concerned about my creative dramatics workshop on Friday. However the kind of person I am, I'm always worried. So I think I will try and draft a lesson plan that will satisfy me about what I plan to do. I believe that there are no really experienced improvisation folks in the class so so I can start them all off on a very basic level. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/daily_enlightenment-monday_sep.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/daily_enlightenment-monday_sep.html Activities Thu, 16 Sep 2010 08:05:32 -0500 After not having written for over four years, after not having sat down, thought out, and decided subject matter for my blog, here I am again. What shall I write about? To whom shall my musings be addressed? Who in God's name would be interested in my petty, very personal activities and thoughts? I guess I'm the only one! http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/reentry.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2010/09/reentry.html Activities Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:39:59 -0500 THIS IS THE BLOG THAT IS NOT A BLOG BUT MERELY A LIST OF MY ACTIVITIES SO THAT I WILL HAVE SOME RECORD OF WHAT I DO HERE IN NEW YORK CITY. PERHAPS A MIRACLE WILL OCCUR AND THIS BORING RECITAL WILL CHANGE INTO SOME SORT OF LITERARY, POLEMICAL SPOT LIKE A "BLOG" SHOULD BE. BUT FOR NOW IT IS WHAT IT IS. SO................... MONDAY FEBRUARY 5TH I WAS PRIVILEDGED TO SEE AT THE MET, ANNA NETREBKO, THAT BEAUTIFUL AND FINE ARTIST, SING ELVIRA IN "PURITANI." WONDERFUL! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH TOGETHER WITH MY SON, STEPHEN, AT THE MET WE SAW(AND WERE THRILLED TO SEE "JENUFA" WITH THE MAGNIFICENT FINNISH SOPRANO, KARITA MATTILA. THIS WAS ONE OF THE FINEST PRODUCTIONS I HAVE SEEN AT THE MET.........IN OUR GREAT SEATS, FIRST ROW, GRAND CIRCLE! LAST NIGHT, FEBRUARY 22, WAS MY REGULAR SERIES NIGHT AT THE PHILHARMONIC. I WASN'T THRILLED AT THE PROSPECT, BUT I WAS WRONG. THE CONCERT WAS FABULOUS, SOMETHING NOT TO BE MISSED. MAAZEL CONDUCTED THE ORCHESTRA IN THREE WORKS WITH WHICH I WAS NOT FAMILIAR: MOZART CONCERTO IN C MAJOR FOR FLUTE AND HARP...SO LIGHT AND GORGEOUS. SCHUMANN CONCERTSTUCK IN F MAJOR FOR FOUR HORNS AND ORCHESTRA AND OF COURSE ONE CANNOT FIND A BETTER BRASS SECTION THAN IS IN THAT ORCHESTRA. MELINDA WAGNER CONCERTO FOR TROMBONE AND ORCH. NEW COMMISSION-WORLD PREMIERE. GERSHWIN-AN AMERICAN IN PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH,YES,I WAS LISTED IN THE PROGRAMME AS PATRON. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12 I SAW A PRODUCTION GIVEN BY THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY(OF WHICH I AM A MEMBER) CALLED "HISTORY GIRLS" - READINGS OF THE CHARACTERS, CONSTANCE, ELIZABETH, & MARGARET STARRING KATHLEEN CHALFONT AND MARIAN SELDES. GREAT LADIES OF THE AMERICAN THEATRE' WHO DID A WONDERFUL JOB. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2007/02/more_culture.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2007/02/more_culture.html Activities Fri, 23 Feb 2007 14:36:44 -0500 I RECENTLY SAW TWO GOOD GB SHAW READINGS AT THE PLAYERS' CLUB, THE PHILANDERER AND CANDIDA(THE BETTER OF THE TWO.) "SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER" AT THE ROUNDABOUT WITH BLYTHE DANNER AND CARLA GUGINO(GORGEOUS!) WAS A GOOD PLAY- TENNESSEE WILLIAMS DONCHA' KNOW. AT THE MET CAVALLERIA AND PAGLIACCI WHERE LICITRA PLAYED BOTH TENOR ROLES AND WAS EXCELLENT. REMINDS ME OF WHEN I DID THE SAME THING IN IL TRITTRICO, RINUCCIO IN SCHICHI AND LUIGI IN TABARRO. AT CARNEGIE THE PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA -SIR ANDREW DAVIS- BEETHOVEN-CORIOLANUS OVERTURE GUBAIDULINA- FEAST DURING A PLAGUE (NY PREMIERE) BRAHMS-VIOLIN CONCERTO-JOSHUA BELL STRAUSS-TILL EULENSPIEGELS LUSTIGE STREICHE THEN NEXT AT CARNEGIE: BACH'S ST MATTHEW PASSION - ORCHESTRA OPF ST LUKE'S, HELMUTH RILLING, CONDUCTOR AT THE PHILHARMONIC:- DAVID ROBERTSON, CONDUCTOR: DEBUSSY - LE MARTYRE DE SAINTE SEBASTIEN KAIJA SAARIAHO - ADRIANA SONGS FOR MEZZO & ORCHESTRA (PATRICIA BARDON) SIBELIUS- NIGHT RIDE AND SUNRISE DEBUSSY - LE MER THEN AT THE PHILHARMONIC: CARLO MUTI(THE GREATEST!) MARTUCCI- PIANO CONCERTO NO.2 IN B-FLAT MINOR VERDI-BALLET MUSIC FRFOM MACBETH RESPIGHI - FESTE ROMANE (AS EXPECTED TRIUMPHANT, GORGEOUS I KNOW I LEFT SOME ACTIVITIES OUT. BUT IT SERVES ME RIGHT FOR PROCRASTIN ATION http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2007/01/a_missed_blog_month.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2007/01/a_missed_blog_month.html Activities Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:47:00 -0500 THIS IS MY RETURN. IT'S BEEN SEVERAL WEEKS SINCE I MADE AN ENTRY IN THIS BLOG. MAY I MAKE A DEMAND OF ANYONE WHO READS THIS, NO MATTER HIS OR HER AGE? PLEASE DO NOT CLIMB UP ON A KITCHEN CHAIR OR ON AN UNSTEADY LADDER.......OR LIKE ME, YOU MAY WIND UP WITH BROKEN RIBS, TWISTED KNEE AND ALL THE PAINS THAT ACCOMPANY SUCH AN ACCIDENT. SO, I MISSED A NUMBER OF CLASSES, AND SOME CONCERTS. WHAT WITH MY INJURIES AND MY OTHER PHYSICAL PROBLEMS, I HAVE APOINTMENTS WITH FOUR DOCTORS NEXT WEEK. THURSDAY, NOV. 30TH, WAS THE FIRST DAY I WAS ABLE TO GO OUT, AND I DID GET TO SEE A NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC CONCERT, ONE THAT I HAD BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO FOR A LONG TIME, AND IT WAS MARVELOUS, ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE SEEN. MY ORCHESTRA SEAT(NOT MY USUAL ONE,)WAS EXCELLENT. I REALLY WAS "TRANSPORTED." THE PROGRAM: MOZART - PIANO CONCERTO IN A MAJOR - LEON FLEISHER HINDEMUTH - PIANO MUSIC WITH ORCHESTRA OP.29 - LEON FLEISHER ROUSSEL - BACCHUS ET AREIEL SUITE NO. 2 R. STRAUSS - FINAL SCENE FROM SALOME - NANCY GUSTAFSON THIS WAS ONE BEAUTIFULLY PLAYED AND WELL PROGRAMMED CONCERT! COULDN'T HAVE BEEN BETTER. THEN ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1. I HAD A GREAT TIME AT THE ROUNDABOUT THEATRE FOR THE MUSICAL, "THE APPLE TREE" WITH KRISTEN CHENOWETH. LILLIAN AND I HAD A GREAT TIME. I FELT AS IF THIS SHOW, TOO, WAS ONE OF THE BEST REVIVALS OF A FAMOUS B'WAY SHOW THAT I HAD EVER SEEN. LUCKY ME! THIS BLOG WRITING ENDEAVOR WAS STARTED BECAUSE I WANTED TO KEEP A RECORD OF WHAT I DO IN NEW YORK, BUT MY DEAR JENNIFER, DAUGHTER NUMBER THREE SUGGESTED, RIGHTLY, THAT I NEVER MENTION MY FAMILY OR TELL ANY PERSONAL STUFF, AND SHE IS CORRECT BEACAUSE, AS I SAID I STARTED THIS AS A KIND OF MEMORANDUM. BUT I WILL TRY TO INCLUDE A DIFFERENT SORT LOF WRITING IN FUTURE. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/12/pickup_again.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/12/pickup_again.html Activities Mon, 04 Dec 2006 20:15:11 -0500 THE TITLE OF THIS ENTRY IS IN ITS ANTIQUE MEANING - MADNESS. WHEN ONE SCHEDULES TOO MANY ACTIVITIES THAT IS A FORM OF MADNESS. iT SEEMED THAT WAYTHIS WEEK, ALTHOUGH I SEEM TO REMEMBER DOING MORE, BEING BUSIER IN THE PAST, BUT ALAS, I WAS YOUNGER AND STRESS AND MY BODY'S ACHES, PAINS, AND STIFFNESS WERE NOT SO BOTHERSOME AS LATELY THEY HAVE BEEN. MONDAY, I DID NOT TAKE THE RICHARD WILBUR POETRY CLASS........WAITING FOR THE PLUMBER, WHO DID NOT ARRIVE................SURPRISE! BUT I DID GO TO THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY CLASS "SPEAK THE SPEECH" WHERE WE CONTINUED READING HENRY IV, PART 2. HAVING STUDIED THIS PLAY BEFORE, AND HAVING COACHED SOME SCENES FROM IT MADE A RE-VISIT VERY PLEASUREALBLE. TUESDAY NIGHT I COULD HAVE GONE TO LINCOLN CENTER TO HEAR GERGIEV CONDUCT THE KIROV ORCHESTRA IN TWO SHOSTAKOVICH SYMPHONIES, BUT I DECIDED TO REST BECAUSE OF THE REST OF THE WEEK'S ACTIVIITIES. WEDNESDAY, THE MEN''S LUNCHEON GROUP WAS UP TO 17 ATTENDEES, AND THE DISCUSSION WAS TOP DRAWER.THEN THE CLASS IN BRITISH EMPIRE'S RISE. WEDNESDAY NIGHT I SAW RIGOLETTO AT THE MET. AS USUAL, GREAT SETS AND COSTUMES. THE BARITONE, JUAN PONS, I HAD SEEN BEFORE AT THE MET, BUT THE OTHER PRINCIPALS WERE NEW TO ME. THE TENOR WAS O.K. SERVICEABLE AND NOT UNPLEASANT, SANG ALL THE NOTES, BUT THERE WAS SOME LACK OF EXCITEMENT THERE. HOWEVER, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SOPRANO WHO SANG GILDA...................A LOVELY VOICE AND STAGE PRESENCE, A REAL BEAUTY WHOM THE AUDIENCE TOOK TO THEIR HEARTS. I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE SWEPT AWAY. CAST:THE DUKE, JOSEPH CALLEJAH, RIGOLETTO, PONS, GILDA, EKATERINA SIURINA THURSDAY NIGHT'S PHILHARMONIC CONCERT WAS WELL ATTENDED..............EMPPHASIS UPON HUNGARIAN COMPOSERS SANDWICHED IN BETWEEN BEETHOVEN PEICES. VERY CLEVER PROGRAMMING! A GOOD WAY TO KEEP THE AUDIENCE FROM LEAVING DURING THE BARTOK AND LIGETI PIECES BY KEEPING THE BEETHOVEN FIFTH AS THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE CONCERT. AS USUAL, LIGETI'S PALETTE NEEDS SOME GETTING USED TO, BUT IT IS QUITE INTERESTING MUSIC........................STANLEY KUBRICK USED LIGETI'S MUSIC IN MANY OF HIS FILMS. PETER SERKIN, WHOM I HAVE HEARD AT LEAST FIVE TIMES IS A GREAT FAN OF THE SO CALLED "MODERN" COMPOSERS, ALTHOUGH I'VE HEARD HIM DO ALL PERIODS OF MUSIC. WELL, HE PLAYED THE HELL OUT OF THE BARTOK CONCERTO, ECHOING THE PERCUSSION SECTION OF THE ORCHESTRA......THE PIANO IS, AFTER ALL, A PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT. BUT THE BARTOK CONCERTO IS SO DIFFICULT TO PLAY! IT WAS GOOD TO HEAR THE B EETHOVEN FIFTH PLAYED AGAIN BY THIS ORCHESTRA. I ALWAYS SEEM TO HEAR SOMETHING NEW. PEHAPS A COUNTER MELODY THAT I NEWLY DISCOVERED. THE CONDUCTOR, WHOM I HEARD LAST YEAR AND LIKED VERY MUCH, JONATHAN NOTT, IS WELL LIKED BY THE ORCHSTRA, ONE COULD SENSE, AND THE PUBLIC RESPONDS WELL TO HIS YOUTH AND GOOD LOOKS. HIS BATON TECHNIQUE IS EASY TO READ, ALSO. PERHAPS HE WILL BE ON "THE SHORT LIST" SOME DAY FOR THE PHILHARMONIC JOB! PROGRAM: BEETHOVEN-OVERTURE TO KONEG STEPHAN LIGETI -LONTANO, FOR LARGE ORCHESTRA BARTOK- PIANO CONDERTO N O.1 (PETER SERKIN) BEETHOVEN- SYMPHONY NO.5 IN C minor SO TODAY TIRED AND RESTING. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/10/october_folly.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/10/october_folly.html Activities Fri, 27 Oct 2006 20:22:44 -0500 jUST SO I WON'T THINK I DID NOTHIN' THE PAST FEW DAYS, I'M SETTING THIS DOWN IN PRINT! SUNDAY, ANOTHER LOVELY FALL DAY, I SPENT SOME TIME IN BRYAN T PARK--NEW YORK TIMES BOOK FAIR, MANY PEOPLE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO FIND A PLEASANT HIDE-A-WAY FOR READING, WHILE LILLIAN LOOKED, SHOPPED AROUND. MONDAY WAS THE RICHARD WILBUR COURSE AT SCHOOL, AND THE MORE I READ HIM, THE BETTER HE GETS--A REALLY MARVELOUS ARTIST! MONDAY EVENING WAS MY FIRST MEETING OF "SPEAK THE SPEECH" SEMINAR AT THE SHAKESPEARE SOCIETY...............KING HENRY THE FOURTH , WHICH I KNOW PRETTY WELL, AND IT WAS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO DO A LITTLE ACTING. YESTERDAY WAS LOAFING DAY. TODAY, THE 18TH, WAS THE MEN'S LUNCH BUNCH, A VERY GOOD MEETING, THEN THE BRITISH EMPIRE CLASS. AND THAT'S ALL SHE WROTE! (WHAT A BORE, BUT A MEMO TO MYSELF.) http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/10/some_new_some_old_doins.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/10/some_new_some_old_doins.html Activities Wed, 18 Oct 2006 22:34:03 -0500 TODAY WAS ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY, A LITTLE COOL, BRACING, STIMULATING. THIS FRIDAY WAS THE FIRST "FRIDAY'S AT ONE" LECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY, AND ONE I HAD BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO. NICHOLAS BIRNS, A PROFESSOR AT THE NEW SCHOOL GAVE A LECTURE ABOUT ANTHONY POWELL'S 12 NOVELS, TITLED "DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME'' ALL WHICH I READ LAST YEAR AND ENJOYED TREMENDOUSLY. SO THAT PART OF THE DAY EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS. AFTER THE INEVITABLE, UNAVOIDABLE COFFEE HOUR LILLIAN AND I TOOK A LONG WALK IN THE WEST VILLAGE ENDING IN WASHINGTON SQUARE. AFTER A REST WE WENT TO MARIO BATTAGLIA'S "OTTO" AT FIFTH AVE AND NINTH STREET FOR MY FAVORITE THIN CRUST PIZZA AND SOME PROSECCO. I WENT HOME, LILLIAN TO CASA ITALIANA TO SEE "AMARACORD," A FELLINI FILM ABOUT FASCISM-----RELATED TO AN IRP COURSE SHE'S TAKING. WE'LL SEE EACH AT AN 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TOMORROW. http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/10/dance_to_the_music_of_time.html http://www.charlesmay.com/blog/2006/10/dance_to_the_music_of_time.html Activities Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:08:30 -0500