Monday, July 8, 2019
Friday, May 31, 2019
“Because”... Celebrating Shirley VERRETT-LOMANCO’s Birthday
“Because”...
During the first of two (2) early 1960s wedding reception events for Soprano Shirley VERRETT and Artist Louis LOMONACO at the Griffith Park VERRETT family home in Los Angeles; a voice from the throng of guests rang out, “Shirley, sing ‘Because’”! She smiled and promptly agreed. Surprisingly, another voice shouted, “Ask Carol to accompany you on the piano”! I looked up and said, “What?” As the sheet music for the requested piece was presented and place on the piano for me to play, Shirley sang to her husband, Louis. Needless to say, there wasn’t a “dry eye” in the house...
Because there is no film at my fingertips recording this happy event, I present instead Enrico CARUSO’s 1912 rendition of “Because” (French: “Parce que”) with English lyrics below:
— For Francesca & her family
Monday, January 28, 2019
"Framers" - The Piano Accompanist
As with a frame in the Art World which enhances the works of Artists...
The human equivalent, also unknown and often overlooked without recognition or accolades, are Piano Accompanists.
Far from “second class” Musicians/performers, the emotional character preparations are hereby applauded. These are those found unobtrusively working in various places: Dance studios, Solo competitions, Choirs, Voice/Instrument classes, Churches, and the like.
There are many occasions where one is obligated to play on an “out of tune” instrument; whether it be a Grand Piano, Upright, Small Spinet, or fewer than an “88 keyed”
Electronic Instrument...
The character attributes an Accompanist demonstrates are self-effacing, yet of utmost importance. They are gifted with the innate ability to keep the “timing’ required or often
demanded, without regard to the age of the performer or group; a steady hand and enhanced hearing, which provides for modulating and transposing when necessary; and
an abundance of perseverance and patient quietness, remembering that their role is not the work of Art itself, but the frame with which the work is supported, promoted and illuminated...
Conclusion
Therefore, in appreciation of Piano Accompanists as “Framers”, my January 2019 “tierce de Picardie” Award goes to those who are often seen as “minor” in a performance. Yet, once the final chord is struck during the cadence of the piece, said “Framers” transform into “major” players, performers, and/or voices in our Musical society today; bringing a myriad of colours, intensities, and overtones of a musical palette to the forefront.
Illustration: Jacob GROSSMAN, Bucket Elevator, In: The Elements of Chemical Engineering, 1906. Public Domain via Wikimedia
Commons.
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N. B.: The continuation of this post may be found by clicking the link provided below:
"'Framers' II - The Accompanist"
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