Do you have to understand the lyrics of a vocal piece to truly enjoy it?
One can argue that music can still reach us in a personal way even if lyrics are vague and mysterious. A good composer can always convey the spirit of his intentions even if certain details are not easily discernible. This week, Terrance McKnight explores pieces translating these very feelings.
To that end, Simon Mashoko kicks off this weekend's episode with a traditional song from Zimbabwe played on the mbira called Kumakudo. The mbira is the national instrument of Zimbabwe, and it's been used by the Shona people for thousands of years during religious and social gatherings. This piece signifies their rhythm of purpose.
Anne Sofie von Otter sings Clara Schumann's Er ist gekommen in Sturm und Regen, which roughly translates to "he came in storm and rain." And we also hear a Humoresque composed by Dvorak, performed by Art Tatum who was a champion of stride piano, intentionally skipping around his target theme on the keys.
Other highlights include two works that reflect composers' lifelong fascination with birds. Messiaen's Black Bird is followed by Duke Ellington's The Bluebird. Both evoke the mysteries of these unconscious, planned and inherent journeys.
Music on this Program:
Traditional: Kumakado (Shona Mbira Music)
Simon Mashoko, mbira & vocals
Nonesuch
Kumakudo
Clara Schumann: Er is gekommen in Sturm und Regen, Op. 12/2 Warum willst du andere fragen Op. 12/11
Anne Sofie von Otter, mezzo; Helene Grimaud, piano
Deutsche Grammophon
Op. 12/11
Bryan Johanson: The Secret Guitar
Bryan Johanson, guitar; Yoshi Nakao, clarinet; Joel Bluestone, percussion; Hamilton Cheifitz, cello
Gagliano
The Secret Guitar
Olivier Messiaen-Le Merle Noir
Phillipe Bernold, flute; Alexandre Tharaud, piano
Harmonia Mundi
Le Merle Noir
Edward K. (Duke) Ellington: Bluebird of Delhi (alternate take)
Duke Ellington Orchestra
Bluebird
Bluebird of Delhi
Antonin Dvorak: Humoresque in G-Flat, Op.101/7, “Spring Song”
London Symphony Orchestra; Andrew Litton, conductor, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, violin
Nonesuch
Spring song
Antonin Dvorak: Humoresque
Art Tatum, piano
Best of Jazz
Humoresque
Johannes Brahms: Four Songs, Op. 17
Richard Hickox, conductor; Frank Lloyd, horn; Stephen Stirling, French horn; Rachel Masters, harp
Virgin
Four Songs, Op. 17
Ronn McFarlane: Blue Norther
Ronn McFarlane, flute
Dorian
Blue Norther
Giya Kancheli: Night Prayers
Kronos Quartet; Jan Garbarek, saxophone; Vasiko Tevdorashvili
Nonesuch
Night Prayers
Bobby McFerrin: Mass
Bobby McFerrin, vocalist; Cyro Baptista, percussion
Blue Note
Mass
Arvo Part: In Principio
Tallinn Chamber Orchestra; Tonu Kalijuste, conductor; Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir
ECM
In Principio
Follow WQXR
About All Ears with Terrance McKnight
All Ears with Terrance McKnight is a weekly show about musical discovery. Covering a wide range of styles, genres and periods, the show celebrates the diverse musical passions of its host, Terrance McKnight, as well as occasional guests -- including performers, composers, choreographers, critics and others. As music and ideas are experienced side by side, the power of music to transform is revealed and celebrated.
Hosted by Terrance McKnight
Comments [3]
Of course you must go in October, Senior McKnight. I am Phyllis McClelland Sharpe, and probably at 78, the elder in this conversation, so when I say you should go, you should listen.
Vaya con Dios!
Phyllis
Linda, so glad you're getting to experience Mr. Part up close. You'll have to let me know all about it. Thank you for your note.
Thank you for your wonderful program which I hear through Internet here in the mountains of Mexico. When you just mentioned that the brilliant Arvo Pärt had never been to the USA but hopefully next year...well, I had to write to tell you he'll be here in Guanajuato at the International Cervantino Festival in October - the 21st, to be precise - participating in a concert dedicated to him. Am I excited, or not? How about joining the crowd, Sr. McKnight?
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.