• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Site Map
  • Event Calendar
  • Press Room
  • Video

Home / Musicality

Category Archive for: ‘Musicality’

Why Gotterdammerung? 3

One of the reasons, I believe, that I was interested in the cello from a very young age is the fact that the cello is an ensemble instrument; we play with others. Later, when I wanted to be a professional musician it was because I loved the music so much; it uplifted my spirit, it inspired my imagination, and it was solace to the heart. I have always thought of this first. The fact that I have enjoyed being one of the select, few solo cellists in the last 40 years is certainly a gift. But, that’s a byproduct and not a goal, whether I became “famous” died out in my mind at about age 11.

So when the opportunity comes around to take part in a section, I’m always happy to take advantage. It doesn’t happen as often and under the right circumstances as much as I would like but one recent occasion came around to participate in the LA Opera’s production of the Ring Cycle. I happened to be free and this would offer the chance to play alongside my wife and so many other wonderful colleagues.

Read More
Posted on: 04-8-2010
Posted in: Blog, Career Development, Concert Events, Musicality

The composer’s intentions 5

One thing that has always irked me whenever I give Master classes at different conservatories and Universities while on tour. And it is starting to concern me more deeply than before. What is that you ask? It’s a seemingly deliberate disregard for how a composer has marked his music. For example, directions and hints to the would-be performer on how to play the piece, what speed to take, what balance, goodness; even what notes are correct.

What we’re talking about here is a basic level of respect for the text but what seems to be more and more common these days is just guessing at the meaning of metronome markings and foreign words. The result is an increasing number of would-be performers feeling more and more entitled to change what has been left by the original creator and to feel as though their flimsy, novel approaches are legitimate simply because they are novel.

Read More
Posted on: 03-28-2010
Posted in: Blog, Musicality

There’s Always Room For Cello

Welcome to my blog. I am a 67 year old solo cellist who has been touring the world for the last 40 years playing almost everywhere of note in the classical music scene alongside many of the greatest musicians. Over all these years, I have accumulated many stories, opinions, and insights, and gifts of the spirit as well as objects. It has been and still is incredibly inspiring work and even though I consider myself “techno-challenged” I wanted to have an outlet to share everything.

Popular Posts

  • Songs My Father Taught Me
    06-19-2011
  • The additional photos I promised
    03-4-2011
  • New HEARTbeats videos
    10-11-2011

Recent Comments

  • Shelah Leader on Songs My Father Taught Me
  • Northwestern’s Winter Chamber Music Festival » Revu.ExportPro on About
  • Carrick Patterson on New HEARTbeats videos
  • Atsuko on New HEARTbeats videos
  • Mark hazelbaker on New HEARTbeats videos

Donate now…

…to my HEARTbeats Foundation and make a difference in a child’s life today!

click to donate

Visit the HEARTbeats website.

Lynn uses…

 

Archives

Upcoming Events
  • Thu, Feb 16:Miro String Quartet
« Previous     Next »
Recent Posts
  • WFMT Artist Of The Year
  • New HEARTbeats videos
  • Not one, but TWO terrific things happened today!
Additional Info
  • Contact webmaster
  • Blog Policy
  • Representation Contact
  • Website designed and maintained by Drew McManus LLC
© 2011 Harrell-Nightengale LLC. All Rights Reserved