Live from Flushing - part 1
Back in August, I wrote about the experience of making my Beethoven recording. As I said then, one of the aspects of recording which I always find challenging - and interesting - is the lack of an audience. Or, at least, the lack of an audience that is palpable while the playing occurs. So, as I’ve often said, my greatest goal for a recording is creating the feeling of a live performance. This has often led to the question, “how do you feel about live recording?”
Well, I’m about to find out. This weekend, I’ll be recording two Mozart Concerti live, with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, at Queens College. The process of preparing for the recording has been extremely fascinating - it has challenged, and in some cases altered, my beliefs on what recordings are for, and how they differ from live performances. It has also forced me to examine, to a greater extent than I ever had before, how I listen to music, and what qualities I consider essential to great music-making.
Big questions, those. I’m going into recording hibernation now - I’ll be back with a full report on the experience next week.
March 12th, 2008 at 7:12 am
just to wish you GOOD LUCK!!
March 14th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I find myself strangely compelled to write you once more, although my last cascade of beautiful verbal virtuosity was probably more than enough (my comments to your previous post). But I really appreciate this blog of yours; it’s very interesting. Like getting a backstage pass
As far as I can understand you are in the process of recording, so I wish you good luck and hope you enjoy and of course, keep us posted.
Jonathan, if you do happen to be on Facebook, will you please look for “Ace Banana” – I think you will find something interesting there.
March 16th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Okay, I’m trying my best not to be a crazy stalker, but I have already demonstrated an ineptitude that borders on the imbecilic. This will be my last comment, I promise
Just wanted to say, yesterday I drove all around Scotland to find your recordings, and I succeeded in getting the Beethoven Sonatas. The rest I guess I will have to get from the Internet. But Jonathan, you’re amazing! I used to love the Russians, omnipotent in their virility as they are, but you have such a soft touch; it reveals depth and passion and emotional intelligence; something the Russians often lack, I think. Thank you for making that recording, can’t wait to hear more from you. Take care.
March 19th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Those are huge questions! Thank you for asking them. I wonder whether an artist ever reaches a point where they are certain about such things, or whether they continuously live these questions through their work. In any case, I hope your recording experience brings further insights, and can’t wait to hear the results.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
[…] « Live from Flushing - part 1 […]
March 27th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Bonjour Jonathan,
Je t’écris car je t’ai découvert de manière surprenante et je me suis dit qu’il fallait que je prenne contact avec toi,
Je suis un ami de Josif du sud de la France, j’étais chez eux lorsqu’un soir tu as appelé, Josif m’a parlé de toi mais sans rien préciser.
Trois jours plus tard, je vais dans un kiosque et j’achète le magazine “pianiste”, en ouvrant les premières pages je vois un article sur “jonathan Biss”. J’appelle Josif, je lui dit “Jonathan, c’est Jonhatan Biss” Yes, he say.
C’était très étrange, J’ai senti qu’il y avait un lien alors me voilà à écrire ce commentaire car je n’ai pas ton mail direct.
Je suis musicien amateur, je serai si ravi de pouvoir te faire écouter certaines de mes compositions, j’habite Grasse, alors si un jour tu fais une escale par Nice je serai ravi de faire ta connaissance.
Je participe également à collecter des fonds pour une organisation humanitaire, et je me suis demandé si tu accepterais…..
bon tu as compris.
Tu peux visiter ma page sur myspace en tapant jcfmusic ou bien sur le site zikinf en tapant galaad, je crois que sur myspace tu es obligé de créer ta page ce qui pose un problème de consultation, dans tous les cas si j’ai ton mail je t’enverrai quelques compos.
Au plaisir de se rencontrer;
Jean Christophe