Format : Textbook
4 Years at the Metropolitan Opera-This extraordinary collection of photographs and essays chronicles the unparalleled career of Maestro James Levine over four decades at the Metropolitan Opera. Many of opera's leading artists such as Pierre Boulez PlácidoDomingo Renée Fleming Robert Lepage Leontyne Price Teresa Stratas and Franco Zeffirelli provide insight into Levine's remarkable musicianship and singular artistry. Joined with critical essays their colorfulcommentary will be complemented by Levine's own reflections on his work his intense artistic collaborations milestones at the Met and achievements such as building the renowned Met orchestra and expanding the Met repertory. Thebook is richly illustrated with hundreds of photographs of Met performances rehearsals curtain calls and backstage shots. James Levine: Forty Years at the Metropolitan Opera explores the legendary conductor's profoundbody of work over four decades of musical leadership offering an unusual and personal look at one of history's most influential artistic figures at the helm of the world's greatest opera house.
SKU: HL.50601101
ISBN 9781540005540. UPC: 888680711443. 11x14 inches.
Composer note: The idea for a piano concerto for the Boston Symphony was instigated by Robert Levin, the great Mozart scholar and pianist. The idea was evidently embraced by BSO Artistic Administrator Tony Fogg and supported by Music Director James Levine. Much of the concerto was composed during the summer of 2004 at the American Academy in Rome in a secluded studio hidden within the Academy walls. While much of the composing took place far from home, the concerto comes out as a particularly “American” piece, shot through with vernacular elements. As in many of my compositions, simple, familiar musical ideas are the starting point. A shape, a melodic fragment, a rhythm, a chord, a texture, or a sonority may ignite the appetite for exploration. How such simple insignificant things can be altered, elaborated, extended, and combined becomes the exciting challenge of composition. I also want the finished work to breathe in a natural way, to progress spontaneously, organically, moving toward a transformation of the musical substance in ways unimaginable to me when I began the journey. Transformation is the goal, with the intention of achieving an altered state of perception and exposure that I am otherwise unable to achieve. “Chiavi in mano” – the title of the concerto – is the mantra used by automobile salesmen and realtors in Italy: Buy the house or the car and the keys are yours. But the more pertinent reason for the title is the fact that the piano writing is designed to fall “under the hand” and no matter how difficult it may be, it remains physically comfortable and devoid of stress. In other words: “Keys in hand.” –Yehudi Wyner, December 13, 2004.
SKU: GI.G-8356
ISBN 9781579999247. English, Italian.
The epic story of Aida is the backdrop for exploring one of the world’s great art forms. Music! Words! Opera! Featuring Aida includes complete lesson plans, an opera outline, activities, handouts, study questions, assessment tools, a glossary, and a DVD recording of a classic performance from the Metropolitan Opera, conducted by James Levine with a cast including Aprile Millo and Plácido Domingo (in itself a $25 value!). Teachers will also have free access to an online resource bank that offers reprintable downloads and other helpful support materials. The Music! Words! Opera! series, co-published by OPERA America and GIA Publications, Inc., challenges students to experience communication and storytelling through methods beyond the spoken and written word. Opera is a multi-art form that invites students to explore several fundamental means of human communication—through language, music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Opera is an art form to be understood and enjoyed by everyone! By encouraging the basic human instinct for telling stories, students will be introduced to a whole new world of creative expression through opera. Developed by educators and opera professionals, Music! Words! Opera! is designed for upper elementary and middle school music classes.
SKU: PR.114417250
ISBN 9781491110928. UPC: 680160631469. 9x12 inches. Key: F.
Concertino in F for English Horn and OrchestraPreviously known only through a spurious edition in G Major, the authentic Concertino in F was recently discovered in Italy by Pedro Diaz, English Hornist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Diaz prepared this ground-breaking authentic edition through comparison of the multiple historical sources and an intimate knowledge of Donizetti's works. The new edition in F Major is embellished with footnotes regarding sources and ornamentation. The piano reduction and orchestral score and parts (available on rental) were prepared by composer/oboist Mark Biggam in tandem with Diaz's work, and the publication includes extensive historical notes by scholar Michael Finkelman. PEDRO DIAZ joined The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2005 and has performed as solo English Hornist in hundreds of productions. As a sought after teacher, Mr. DÃaz has lectured extensively at top music conservatories including The Juilliard School, The Manhattan School of Music, The Eastman School of Music,The Hartt Music School, and Duquesne University. His international appearances include masterclasses in Panama, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Leipzig, Berlin, and Italy.A native of Puerto Rico, he received his early musical training in the “Escuela Libre de Musica,†an esteemed public school for the performing arts. He has performed as a guest artist with the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and many other leading ensembles. His playing has been hailed by critics as evocative, eloquent and expressive and is considered one of the pre-eminent players of his generation. Mr. DÃaz has performed Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde 24 times under the batons of James Levine, Daniel Barenboim, and Sir Simon Rattle.Pedro DÃaz’s recording of the Donizetti Concertino in F and other concerti is available from Fox Products and online sources, performed with members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. MARK BIGGAM’s compositions have been recognized in various venues throughout the United States, Central America, Asia, and Europe. He has received awards from ASCAP and the Cleveland Foundation. An oboist himself, many of Biggam’s compositions have been performed by notable oboists and English Horn players including John Mack, Joseph Robinson, Pedro DÃaz, Carolyn Hove, and Dwight Parry. Premieres of his works have been featured at events including the International Double Reed Society and John Mack Legacy Camp.Biggam’s choral works have gained recognition, awards, and commissions from organizations including the Moravian Music Foundation, Ohio BoyChoir, and Triad Pride Men’s Chorus. He also has published arrangements and piano reductions of J.S. Bach’s music for Bärenreiter-Verlag. His collaborations with Pedro DÃaz include the Donizetti Concertino in F as well as works of the lesser-known composers Pilotti and Mares, recorded by Mr. Diaz and members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Biggam has alsoprepared arrangements and settings of works for symphonic band, which have been performed by the Piedmont Wind Symphony.
SKU: HL.14041548
12.0x16.5x0.513 inches.
Kaija Saariaho's Notes on Light was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Musical Director James Levine, and given its first performance on 22nd February 2007 at Symphony Hall, Boston, USA, by the cellist Anssi Karttunen,with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Sarastre.
SKU: HL.50606953
ISBN 9798350127188. UPC: 196288212942.
Piano Reduction. Kaija Saariaho's Notes on Light. was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Musical Director James Levine, and given its first performance on 22nd February 2007 at Symphony Hall, Boston, USA, by the cellist Anssi Karttunen,with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jukka-Pekka Sarastre.
SKU: GI.G-317209
ISBN 9781574631746. UPC: 884088572112.
This book is a must-read for anyone interested in acquiring a back-stage tour of symphony life, not included in the price of a box-office ticket! GAIN a behind-the-scenes look at the orchestra as a family, its discipline, artistry, and devotion, the overwhelming audition process, and the good and bad about the orchestra-musicians' profession. LEARN about the love-hate relationship between musicians and conductors as the author shares his experiences performing under conductors Josef Krips, Seiji Ozawa, Edo DeWaart, Herbert Blomsted, Michael Tilson Thomas, Eugene Ormandy, Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, and Arthur Fiedler. DISCOVER conductors' dictatorial control, interpretative powers, and technical skills, as revealed through quotes from James Levine, John Barbariolli, Gustav Mahler, Daniel Barenboim, and Herbert von Karajan. EXAMINE comments from Leonard Bernstein, Arturo Toscanini, Carl Nielsen, and Lou Harrison that bring a unique awareness to avante-garde music in the chapter titled Cruel and Unmusical. UNDERSTAND the difference between conducting talent and composing talent and how rare it is to possess both. Click here for a YouTube video on The Great American Symphony Orchestra.
