Positively Puzzled

The latest Musica della sera show is now up on the Internet to listen to on demand; see below for locating the link. This show was dedicated to the solo piano works of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. Artwork by Paul Brent And what is piano music without pianists? You'll hear Glenn Gould, John O'Conor, Alfred Brendel, Albert Ferber, Andras Schiff, Evgeny Kissin, and even scratchy recordings of Sergei Rachmaninoff himself, and his famous HOUS! (Hands of Unusual Size). You can see exactly what was played and who performed it by referring to the playlist (originally broadcast 2/5/2009). Hands of Russian Piano Virtuoso Sergei Rachmaninoff, with Wedding Ring on Right Hand My wife, Meera Collier-Mitchell , and I take turns hosting the classical radio program Musica della sera on Thursday evenings, 7-9:30 (PT). This week I hosted. KUSP Radio is now offering On Demand downloads of its music programs. Peruse the calendar listing, with audio link...

Gregorian Day of Wrath , originally uploaded by I, Puzzled . A couple of weeks ago an old friend of mine, Andy, whom I hadn't seen in years, was in town visiting family and friends. He now lives in West Java with his Indonesian wife and their two young girls. While we were figuring out a time, during his short stay, when we might be able to get together, he mentioned a group of men in the community who gather on Sunday mornings to sing Gregorian chant. Andy was planning to attend, and he invited me to come along. I learned of this group more than 20 years ago, and had been intrigued ever since. I was delighted that they were still chanting, and still more delighted that I had been invited to participate, and penetrate this inner sanctum of sorts. As far back as I can remember I have admired the sublime ability of Gregorian chant to invoke calm serenity. When I was in high school I procured a 4-LP Murray Hill* box set of Gregorian chant by mail order. What pure heaven, how sooth...