The Many Roads To Devotion
This episode originally aired August 20, 2011
Saturday, January 28, 2012
-
Simone Dinnerstein (Lisa-Marie Mazzuco)
Though frequently used to express a level of commitment, the word devotion has stronger connotations than some might realize. While some individuals might associate devotion with religious implications, others might be reminded of commitment and loyalty to someone or something. This week on All Ears, Terrance McKnight connects the concept of devotion that artists express through their music.
To set the stage, baritone Rene Pape performs Zueignung (Dedication) by Richard Strauss. Speaking of dedication, we hear the brilliant Simone Dinnerstein performing Bach's French Suite No. 5 in D Major. Through her commitment to the music of Bach, Dinnerstein has rapidly established herself as a respected artist. But that's not the only thing she's committed to. Simone directs "Neighborhood Classics," a concert series at P.S. 142 and P.S. 321 in New York that serves students and families.
The road to devotion often isn’t a cakewalk, as Bessie Smith tells us in "Hard Drivin' Papa," a tale of an oppressed wife and her insolent husband. Beethoven's dedication to his art was so unyielding, that through his mental and physical ailments, he continued to strive for artistic excellence. We hear his musical telling of unrequited love in Adelaide Op. 46.
Also up this week: music by Jacques Loussier, Philip Glass, Gabriel Faure and much more.
Weigh in: Is there someone or something in your life that you’re devoted to?
Playlist:
Zueignung, Op. 10/1 (Devotion)
Richard Strauss
Rene Pape, bass
Brian Zeger, piano
WNYC Archives
French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816
Johann Sebastian Bach
Simone Dinnerstein, piano
Telarc
Hard Driving Papa
George Brooks
Bessie Smith, vocalist
Classics Records
Two Pages
Philip Glass
Dominic Frasca, guitar
Cantaloupe
Adelaide, Op. 46
Ludwig van Beethoven
Jussi Bjoerling, tenor
Harry Ebert, piano
Angel/EMI
Beast of Burden
Donald Byrd
Coleridge Perkinson, choir director
Donald Byrd, trumpet
Hank Mobley, tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock, pino
Butch Warren, guitar
Kenny Burrell, guitar
Lex Humphries, drums
Blue Note
Hocket
Mary Ellen Childs
Cornelius Dufallo, violin
Ralph Farris, viola
Dorothy Lawson, cello
Mary Rowll, violin
Innova
Hold to God's Unchanging Hand
Traditional
Robinella Contreras, vocals, acoustic guitar
CC Stringband
Columbia
Violin Sonata No. 3
Charlies Ives
Gregory Fulkerson, violin
Robert Shannon, piano
Bridge
Nocturne No. 13, Op. 119
Gabriel Faure
Kathryn Stott, piano
Chandos
Nocturne No. 1 in b-flat minor, Op. 9/1
Frederic Chopin/Jacques Loussier
Jacques Loussier, piano
Telarc
Comments [3]
af,
The playlist is posted the Monday after the show airs. It should be up shortly.
Very sorry to say last evenings music was less than inspiring. Tuning in to listen to classical music I was greeted with something that I assume was considered music by the programers but in reality was nothing more ostinato patterns. After what ten minutes I finally gave up and turned the station off.
Where, when, how do we see a playlist?
Some of the music played on this program is quite interesting, but it's very irritating that you make it so difficult for the listener to know what's playing!
Yes, Mr. McKnight gives a long list, after he has played quite a number of pieces, but what makes you think we can remember enough to put together that information with the piece of music we heard? Two pieces run together the way Mr. McKnight likes to run pieces together is enough!
And why can't there be a playlist of pieces as there if for every other program. I wonder now many potential listeners are turned away from this program by these difficulties.
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.