What Music DVD Are You Watching?

Richard Thompson from the Celtic Connections , Glasgow. Sky Arts HD.

Awesome!

Good to see you back, Gian.

Chris N

Thanks Chris!

I rarely look in here but good to see someone I thought had left the scene, glad to see you're still around  Gian.

SJB

Still around.

Or still at large?

Thanks SJB!

George Thorogood - Live

Chris N

A documentary, rather than a music DVD, but I enjoyed Cameron Crowe's "20" on the formation and career of Pearl Jam.

Bill Nelson Guitar Legends

Superb covering Be Bop Deluxe, some solo stuff and just a fabulous DVD

Reminder of Twickenham 2003

Hi Doug,

I'd like to see this one, too - there's also a great video of Anderszewski recording the Diabellis, from a few years ago. DG did one for Hélène Grimaud, but unfortunately that turned out to be just an hour-long commercial.

Cheers,

EJ

Hi EJ,

I have the Anderszewski and agree with you.  As for the David Fray, I suppose it would depend on if you like his style or not.  For me, what I hear is just beyond belief and expectations and his touch is magic and creates sublime beauty for me.  After watching this you will understand how apt the title Swing, Sing, & Think is.  I am usually so focused on the playing that I most always have no awareness of anything else.  Although it may turn many people off, David Fray, is quite a strong willed character with a clear vision.  He knows what he wants and he is quite demanding of those he plays with in order to work out even the smallest details.  It is quite funny to watch how his German colleagues have to grit their teeth a little as he tries their patience but in the end it turns out to be a marvellous collaboration, I think.   I enjoyed this aspect as I am quite used to this and maybe even expect it as that is how one has to practice when learning pieces.  I also know from chamber music that differences of opinion can be somewhat tricky to work out before a big split takes place and everyone walks out.  Musicians can be quite passionate about what ever they believe is the way.   Someone has to give in but as with most big musicians it likely is not going to be them.  If you can overlook this you will hear some of the most sublime keyboard playing around.  For me, very inspiring overall.

Doug 

That I have watched this a couple of weeks prior to the New Year will no doubt have a great influence on my resolutions for 2012.  It is a documentary about a group of amateur pianist over 35 years of age who compete in the International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs (and hosted by the Van Cliburn Foundation).  Very inspiring, indeed.  With only 24 hours in a day something has to go to make room...

Thanks to Haim for recommending this video to me.

I have not listened to a Glenn Gould recording for at least 10 years now and more likely 15 years.  Not because I did not want to but simply because I have been busy exploring music and multitudes of other interpretations in every direction.  Before this I was quite familiar with him and his playing.  In starting to watch this series I am reminded yet again to continue to keep an open mind in all things concerning art, music, and intellectual pursuits.  Avoiding the noise of critical commentaries is also wise.

I say this because I cannot honestly understand why the detractors of Glenn Gould focus on the person of Glenn Gould and arbitrarily just write him off.  I do not have to like all of his interpretations or his style, in general but as I watch this I can only be humbled at the shear genius and musical mastery that this man was gifted with.

So far, I am quite enjoying this series and am finding it interesting to understand a little more his viewpoint on Bach, Beethoven and various other composers to the extreme opposite side.

(On Blu-ray)

Perhaps one for the diehard Vedder and Pearl Jam fans only. Still, I'm enjoying it.